Nutricia, part of Danone, has introduced Fortimel PlantBased Energy, its first plant-based, ready to drink nutritional supplement formulated to meet the needs of people who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition due to illness.

The product blends plant protein made from pea and soy sources and is suitable for vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian diets, as well as for patients with an allergy to cow’s milk protein.

The launch comes as the number of people opting for a plant-based diet is growing. One third of Europeans have chosen a flexitarian diet, according to a 2021 survey.

Supporting Science

A study conducted in the UK among a group of patients living in the community with or at risk of malnutrition, demonstrated Fortimel PlantBased Energy significantly improved protein and energy intake, and was well tolerated over a 4-week period. Adherence to the nutritional intervention over the course of the study was 94%. The research was presented at the ESPEN Congress in 2022.

“We believe everyone should feel empowered to follow their dietary preferences especially in moments when they need specific medical nutritional support,” said Manuela Borella, vice president, global plant based strategy & business acceleration for Danone. “And with the growing number of adults embracing a plant-based diet we are delighted to pioneer our first plant-based medical nutrition drink meeting the needs of patients with malnutrition and a plant-based lifestyle.”

Availability

Fortimel PlantBased Energy comes in two flavors: a blend of mango and passion fruit flavors; and mocha, a blend of coffee and chocolate flavors.

The new product is available in The Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and the Czech Republic as a Food for Special Medical Purposes for the dietary management of disease related malnutrition. It must be used under medical supervision. Nutricia said it will be available in other European countries later in 2023.