World Nutrition Day is a powerful reminder of the vital role nutrition plays in shaping our health and overall quality of life. Around the world, consumers are increasingly recognising the positive impact of nutrition on well-being. Nearly half of them prioritise functional benefits over reduction strategies in their healthy eating approach, underscoring how central nutrition has become in guiding dietary choices (Innova Market Insights, 2025).
Protein Powers the Global Nutrition Trend
Protein continues to stand out as a highly sought-after nutrient, consistently ranking as the top functional claim across all regions. From North America to Europe and Asia, “high/source of protein” appears as the number one claim in food and beverages launches. The global protein market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.31% in the next five years, fuelled by health-conscious consumers, active lifestyles, fitness trends, and the demand for convenient nutrition.
However, protein isn’t just for active individuals aiming to build muscle. From athletes to aging populations, protein plays a vital role in health, serving as a key structural component of the body’s cells and tissues. Globally, 42% of consumers consider protein the most important ingredient in their diet, with top motivations including energy and stamina, weight management, and healthy aging choices (Innova Market Insights, 2025).
Why Do We Need Protein?
- Supports growth and development – Essential for building and developing body tissues throughout all life stages.
- Repairs and replaces cells – Helps restore damaged or worn-out body cells and tissues.
- Produces vital enzymes – Plays a key role in forming metabolic and digestive enzymes necessary for body function.
- Maintains muscle mass and strength – Crucial for preserving muscle health, especially as we age.
Beverages and Gels: The Next Wave of Protein Innovation
Beverages remain the leading format for protein innovations because they offer unmatched convenience, align with on-the-go lifestyles, and meet growing consumer demand for functional nutrition. While the U.S. and Europe are seeing strong innovation in protein beverages, markets in Asia and the Middle East & Africa are rapidly growing, driven by more health-conscious consumers, active lifestyles, and the expanding influence of fitness trends. Besides beverages, protein gels are emerging as complementary format, particularly appealing to active consumers seeking instant energy boost (Innova Market Insights, 2025).
Overcoming Protein Formulation Hurdles
While protein offers clear nutritional benefits, incorporating protein into formulations poses several challenges. From solubility and texture issues to off-flavours and stability during processing, brands must balance both nutrition and functionality.
At IMCD, our ingredient solutions and technical expertise can help you to overcome any formulation challenges, enabling you to incorporate protein seamlessly into your product without compromising on quality.
| Challenges | Solutions |
|---|---|
|
Protein Clarity and Stability Whey proteins tend to create turbidity or haze in water-based applications, especially at high concentrations. |
Use of special whey protein isolate that is specifically designed for high clarity and solubility in acidic pH environments. |
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Mouthfeel and Texture Clear protein waters can feel astringent, resulting in dryness on the palate which reduces consumer appeal. |
Incorporate specialised texture-modifying agents or blend with small amounts of other functional ingredients to enhance body without affecting clarity. |
|
Flavour Whey proteins, especially hydrolysed ones, can have bitter or off-flavours. |
Apply flavour-masking technology along high-quality fruit flavour to neutralise bitterness and improve taste perception. |
|
Protein Stability Protein precipitation or sedimentation can occur over time |
Use of stable protein systems combined with optimised processing parameters (pH control, gentle pasteurisation) to maintain long-term clarity and homogeneity. |
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Formulation Compatibility Formulation with proteins in acidic beverages (pH 3.5) like fruit-flavoured waters is difficult due to instability. |
Use of special whey protein isolate that is designed for low pH environments, preventing aggregation and maintaining solubility. |
|
Label Requirements Label requirements or claims such as plant-based, vegan, dairy-free, non-GMO or organic can make protein selection challenging. |
Select from a dynamic portfolio of plant-based protein alternatives including pea, soy, rice, fava, chickpea and etc. |
IMCD Concepts: Low-Sugar, Refreshing Clear Protein Drink
Our low-sugar, refreshing clear protein drink combines the functional benefits of protein with the appeal of sugar-free beverages, offering a lighter alternative to the conventional protein dairy beverage.
Concept Highlights:
- Unique visual performance and clear drink functionality vs. conventional protein milk drink
- Clarity is maintained across a broad pH range, minimising astringency and delivering a smoother mouthfeel.
- Neutral taste profile which allows for a broad range of flavour possibilities, supporting versatile product development.
Key Ingredients:
- Whey Protein Isolate (90%): High purity protein with less than 3% lactose, delivering a clean taste.
- Erythritol and Stevia: Natural, zero-calorie sweeteners to support a healthier lifestyle without compromising on taste.
- Glucono Delta-Lacton: Contributes Mild acidity for flavour balance.
- Natural Fruit Concentrate: Offers a convenient, clean-label way to deliver authentic fruit flavour and colour
IMCD Concepts: Insta-Nourish Pudding Shake Mix
A deliciously indulgent plant-based powder mix that is packed with protein and fibre. Perfect as a guilt-free treat you can enjoy as a pudding or blend it into a protein-rich shake.
Concept Highlights:
- Plant Based Protein enriched – 10g protein per serving
- Fibre fortified – 5g of fibre per serving
- 0g of sugar per 28g
- Source of Beta-glucan
IMCD Concepts: Pineapple Blackcurrant Clear Protein Gel
Our Pineapple Blackcurrant Clear Protein Gel is tailored for health-conscious consumers and sports enthusiasts, offering an innovative alternative which merges high-performance nutrition with on-the-go convenience.
Concept Highlights:
- Clarity is maintained across a broad pH range, minimising astringency and delivering a smoother mouthfeel.
- Neutral taste profile which allows for a broad range of flavour possibilities, supporting versatile product development.
Key Ingredients:
- Whey Protein Isolate (90%): High purity protein with less than 3% lactose, delivering a clean taste.
- Glucono Delta-Lacton: Contributes Mild acidity for flavour balance.
- Natural Fruit Concentrate: Offers a convenient, clean-label way to deliver authentic fruit flavour and colour
- Soluble Fibre: Supports gel formation and improve texture while delivering gut and heart health benefits.
Formulating great tasting protein products doesn’t have to be complicated. With IMCD Food & Nutrition specialised ingredient solutions and technical expertise, we can help you overcome formulation challenges and accelerate product development. Whether you’re looking to improve mouthfeel, or expand flavour possibilities, we are here to support your innovation journey.
Get in touch with our technical experts today to explore how we can help with your next nutrition development.