The global market for functional foods and beverages is expected to reach $218 billion in 2026. Using high-quality protein in your formulations will be key to competing successfully.

Consumers want products that can help fill nutritional gaps and improve their health and well-being, according to Global Industry Analysts, a market research firm. Functional food is growing in demand, and especially items for daily consumption, according to their recent study, “Functional Foods and Beverages: Trajectory and analysis of the global market.”

Accelerated, annual growth is expected for food and beverage products that contain protein, probiotics, omegas, vitamins and minerals. Trends also call for a reduction in sugar, sodium and fat in processed food and beverage formulations.

“Protein-rich beverages that promote digestive health or contain antioxidants represent another growth driver,” the study states.

Functional foods and beverages need more protein

Protein ranks high as the number one most important ingredient among Millennials and Generation Z, according to Innova Market Insights. Around the world, high-quality, complete protein is in high demand as an ingredient for functional food and beverage formulations.

ISO Chill 8000 from Agropur stands out in this range of products. It’s manufactured from premium whey and concentrated into a powder containing 80% protein.

Its manufacturer, Agropur, offers it in three versions:

• 8000 (whey protein concentrate at 80% protein)

• 8010 (instant solubility and dispersibility)  

• 8000 HS (thermostable to potentiate ready-to-drink beverages)  

These ingredients are of special interest to the functional food and beverage market due to their functional properties as well as their high nutritional value. ISO Chill is a clean-label emulsifier, offering benefits to soups, dressings and sauces. It also offers excellent foaming and egg replacement capabilities for baking.   

Consumers are looking for functional foods

Markets expected to achieve the greatest potential for functional foods include infant and child products as well as beverages with premium ingredients and multiple health benefits. An example would be a beverage that combines digestive benefits with enhanced vitamins, complete protein and antioxidants.

Download Agropur’s product portfolio to learn how ISO Chill whey proteins and other innovative, high-quality dairy ingredients can strengthen your formulations.