In a fast-growing, diverse and crowded sports nutrition market, it’s important to anticipate influential consumer drivers and quickly develop products that respond to them, according to FrieslandCampina Ingredients, which has introduced a high concentration protein gel concept designed for sports nutrition applications.
 
Formulated with the company’s Nutri Whey Isolate Clear, the application provides up to 15% protein content in a small, convenient portion, and enables flexibility in the end product’s format—from squeezable pouches to spoonable pots.
 
The concept aligns with many trends dominating the sports nutrition market, including single-serve and snackification, consumption on the go, and compacting; one serving offers the same amount of protein as a 500-ml RTD beverage, the company said.
 
“This is a really exciting development,” said Vicky Davies, global marketing director, performance and active nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients. “With the mainstreaming of performance nutrition, demand is growing for high protein supplements and snacks that fit within a busy lifestyle—so with little or no preparation and designed for fast consumption. This ‘conveniently nutritious’ trend was clearly visible in our recent global research with FMCG Gurus into the evolving sports nutrition sector.”
 
The transparency of the new formulation, its adaptable viscosity and neutral taste profile mean manufacturers have flexibility to extend their portfolios in terms of format, flavor and nutritional density, the company said.