Rising populations and interest in health and wellness are converging to rapidly expand the sports nutrition market across the Asia Pacific region (APAC). Sports protein products have shown impressive annual expansion, with compounded annual growth rates (CAGR) of over 10% in the past 7 years, demonstrating the high interest in healthy lifestyles.^[1] Consumers aren’t only looking for functional protein products, but they must also provide great taste profiles and additional nutritional benefits. Concurrently, food and beverage manufacturers need high quality, stable ingredients that can meet growing consumer demand.

Natural milk protein ingredients, such as Excellion^® Calcium Caseinate from FrieslandCampina Ingredients, are ideally positioned to meet both the performance needs of APAC consumers while also addressing manufacturers’ pain points. Excellion^® checks all the boxes that consumers are looking for with a neutral taste profile, high protein content and science-backed benefits. And with excellent heat stability and strict microbiological specifications, it constitutes an efficient, easy-to-use ingredient. In this article, we’ll explore how Excellion^® can support manufacturers to create the future of sports nutrition products that will power growth in the APAC region.

Higher protein, great taste

As more consumers want to increase their protein intake, taste remains a top priority. Research shows that 62% of consumers seek more protein in their diet, a demand driven by a convergence of health and wellness trends.^[2] Functional dairy-based ingredients like Excellion^® Calcium Caseinates, with a high protein content, can be readily incorporated into easy-to-consume protein shakes, an efficient format for health-conscious consumers looking to meet macronutrient goals.

Protein shakes are popular, with 49% of APAC consumers seeking functional and fortified drinks to enhance their health.^[3] Most protein shakes are dairy based and 84% of consumers worldwide say dairy products must taste good as well as deliver functional benefits.^[4] But honing taste in protein products is notoriously difficult. Excellion^® Calcium Caseinate is well placed to respond to the challenge as it has a neutral taste profile that scores better in taste tests than competitive ingredients.^[5] Excellion^® thereby empowers manufacturers to meet the growing demand for high-protein, great-tasting functional beverages and foods.
 

Supporting healthy ageing with natural ingredients

As populations age across Asia Pacific, healthy ageing and disease prevention are rising up the agenda for many.^[6] Research shows 54% of adults in the region now turn to functional foods to help boost their health, with 59% wanting both natural ingredients and scientifically proven health claims.^[7]

Excellion^® Calcium Caseinate meets both these requirements as a high protein source of natural origin. In addition, when compared to plant-based protein supplements, it provides higher levels of leucine and essential amino acids needed to construct and preserve muscle tissue.^[8] Animal proteins provide specific amino acids that are associated with longer life spans and reduced frailty, making them particularly attractive to ageing consumers.^[9] Furthermore, Excellion^® boasts excellent digestibility for ageing digestive systems, allowing for maximal absorption of its amino acids and associated functional benefits.^[10]

Excellion®: for consumer satisfaction and manufacturer success

Excellion^® meets the requirements of consumers across Asia Pacific for great-tasting protein products which also have proven health benefits. Meanwhile, its reliability, excellent heat stability and strict microbiological specifications give manufacturers a high-quality ingredient to drive production efficiency. In an evolving landscape, Excellion^® powers both consumer satisfaction and manufacturer success. Beyond quality proteins, FrieslandCampina Ingredients also provide unmatched support like technical assistance, scientific substantiation and application development, plus reliable on-time deliveries, to empower market growth and innovation.

To learn more about Excellion^® Calcium Caseinate, visit the website or request a sample.