FrieslandCampina Ingredients returns to Natural Products Expo West to showcase leading on-the-go protein and prebiotic concepts

FrieslandCampina Ingredients will showcase its new Plantaris™ plant protein chocolate RTD concept, as well as on-trend prebiotic supplements powered by its new Biotis^® GOS-OP High Purity at this year’s show.

Plantaris™: healthy indulgence for busy consumers

Busy lifestyles are re-shaping how U.S. consumers eat; as many as 73% of Americans are ditching the traditional ‘three square meals’ for regular snacks throughout the day.[1] And snacks not only serve as meal replacements for busy consumers, they also provide regular moments of enjoyment –

85% of people snack at least once a day to indulge themselves.[2] But the type of snacks consumers want are changing, as health-conscious consumers seek ‘better-for-you’ versions of their favorite treats. In fact, 85% of consumers believe a balanced diet can include indulgence,[3] while 22% say they expect to snack on healthier items in the coming months.[4] As part of this shift, protein is particularly sought after; over 50% of people seeking healthier snacks choose high-protein alternatives for healthy indulgence.[5]

To help brands in North America capitalize on the market opportunity for healthy indulgence, FrieslandCampina Ingredients will be showcasing its newest plant protein concept – a tasty chocolate ready-to-drink (RTD) – at Natural Products Expo West 2023. Designed to meet consumer expectations on taste, texture and nutrition, this RTD is powered by FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ innovative Plantaris™ Pea Isolate 85 A. Specially designed to help manufacturers overcome common challenges in plant-based formulation, Plantaris™ Pea Isolate 85 A delivers a neutral taste, enhanced powder handling, improved dispersibility, solubility and stability. Together, these characteristics result in premium plant-based applications that with enhanced mouthfeel and taste, all while delivering 10% high-quality protein per serving.

Nutri Whey™ Isolate Clear: on-the-go protein fortification

Also on display at FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ booth is the company’s latest fortified clear protein water concept. Built using Nutri Whey™ Isolate Clear, this concept has been designed to help manufacturers tap into consumer demand for healthy-on-the-go products. Available in a variety of flavors, including grapefruit and pomegranate or cucumber and lime, this low-sugar, low-calorie protein water delivers essential hydration and 16.5g of high quality whey protein isolate in a convenient and naturally appealing format.

Biotis^®: inspiring convenient gut health innovation

As consumers seek easy ways to support their health, interest convenient and appealing supplement formats, such as gummies, is rising. The global market for functional gummies is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2020 to 2028, with the U.S. leading in terms of revenue share.[6] To inspire innovative supplement NPD, FrieslandCampina Ingredients will also be showcasing its ‘Good to Gut’ prebiotic gummies concept at Natural Products Expo West 2023. Historically, the creation of prebiotic gummies has been hampered by formulation challenges. FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Biotis® GOS-OP High Purity has been specially designed to support innovation in prebiotic supplements by delivering a higher concentration of available GOS – typically around 94% – than other prebiotics available on the market. Research has also substantiated the efficacy of Biotis^® GOS-OP High Purity at doses as low as 2 grams.[7] As a result, this novel ingredient creates opportunities for brands to create smaller and more convenient gut health supplements.

Sophie Zillinger Molenaar, the Global Marketing Lead for Biotis^® at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, will be available at booth #4489 to discuss the benefits and applications of GOS-OP High Purity.

‘Good for people and planet’

Speaking on the concepts to be showcased at Natural Products Expo West 2023, Auke Zeilstra, Managing Director for North America at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, said, “Today’s consumers are exceedingly busy. Whether they’re at work, the gym, looking after their families, or running their homes, there’s always something that demands people’s attention. And when people are busy, it can be hard to find the time to prioritize diet and nutrition. Convenient formats like gummies and RTDs are therefore excellent ways to supplement consumers’ diets and provide a healthy nutrition boost, anywhere, anytime. At this years’ Natural Products Expo West, we’re highlighting the very latest in protein and prebiotic innovation to show how brands can tap into these popular formats and meet a wide range of holistic health needs, from muscle support to gut health.

“What’s more, we’ll also have our team of experts on hand to open conversations about how the industry can support consumers’ health goals while also prioritizing sustainability. Despite growing consumer health-consciousness, for the second year in a row, consumers have identified health of the planet as their number one concern over health of the population.[8] We’ll also be sharing expert insights on how our new climate-neutral portfolio can help manufacturers create formulations that are good for people as well as planet.”

Visitors to Natural Products Expo West can find out more about FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ range of plant and dairy ingredients by registering here and visiting booth #4489.

[1] NielsenIQ, ‘The state of snacking in the U.S’, 2022

[2] Mondelēz International, ‘Global Consumer Snacking Trends Study’, 2021

[3] Mondelēz International, ‘Global Consumer Snacking Trends Study’, 2021

[4] Technomic Snacking Consumer Trend Report, February 2022

[5] FMCG Gurus, ‘Snacking Survey Series’, 2021

[6] Grand View Research, ‘Gummy Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Omega Fatty Acids, Vitamins), By End User (Adults, Kids), By Distribution Channel (Store-, Non-store-based), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 – 2028’, 2022

[7] FrieslandCampina Ingredients Consumer Concept Study, 2022

[8] Innova Lifestyles and Attitudes Survey, 2022