As for the United Nations (UN) estimates, the world population is increasing rapidly to reach 9.5 billion by the end of 2050. Along with the increase in population and globalization, the world demand for food products is increasing significantly. The world is experiencing various socioeconomic changes, such as rising disposable income, aging population, and urbanization. Consumers are increasingly aware of the health and contribution of high-protein foods to a healthy life, which is causing a transition in dietary patterns at the individual level. The growing need to add protein to a healthy diet is driving demand for protein ingredients globally.

Proteins: building blocks of muscle tissues

Proteins are organic compounds that are mainly made up of 20 different types of amino acids. Amino acids play many critical roles in supporting almost every metabolic process in the human body. Since the body cannot produce some types of amino acids, it is important to introduce protein-rich foods into the diet to avoid protein deficiencies. Consuming an adequate amount of protein is necessary to build muscle and repair body tissues. Proteins act as a great source of energy for the human body and enhance immunity to fight off antigens such as viruses and bacteria. Subsequently, the growing awareness of the importance of its consumption in the diet is driving the growth of the protein ingredients market.

Types of Proteins Based on Their Original Source

Food products that contain all types of amino acids are called complete proteins. Complete proteins are generally derived from food products of animal origin. On the other hand, proteins derived from plant-based foods, which are called complementary proteins, are not considered complete proteins. Plant-based foods should be eaten in combination with animal-based foods to add complete protein to a diet.

Since the human body cannot store protein, plant and animal foods are the only sources to provide protein to the body. Foods that contain animal protein include fish, meat, eggs, dairy products, and poultry, and foods that contain plant protein primarily include nuts, lentils, and beans. Proteins derived from plants and animals are distinguished according to the different types of amino acids contained in foods of plant and animal origin. Animal-based protein ingredients contain a wide range of essential amino acids, while some plant-based proteins contain relatively fewer amino acids. Although some types of vitamins and nutrients are high in animal protein, the consumption of certain types of meat can cause illness.

Consumers are becoming more aware of their dietary intake and are making critical decisions when adding protein ingredients to their diet. Protein ingredient manufacturers around the world are closely monitoring the factors that influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. Consumer insights are expected to have a significant impact on the manufacturing and marketing strategies of protein ingredient manufacturers worldwide.

Product innovation will be a popular trend among protein ingredient manufacturers

Arla Foods, a Denmark-based manufacturer of dairy products, recently launched a new range of complementary feeding products containing high-quality whey protein. The new range of products supports the dietary transition of babies from breast milk or infant formula to solid foods. The company also stated that the Complementary Feeding range contains whey protein extracted from cow’s milk as its main ingredient, which provides various health benefits such as allergy control, gut health and bone development in babies.

FrieslandCampina DMV BV, a global player in the protein ingredients market, introduced a new product ‘Nutri Whey Native’, which is a natural and pure source of whey protein. The company incorporated advanced technologies such as ceramic microfiltration technology to guarantee the naturalness of the product. It addresses the growing needs of consumers for natural and healthy products, adding a high nutritional value to the product. More than 14% of the leucine content in ‘Nutri Whey Native’ makes it easy to achieve adequate levels of leucine for excellent muscle protein synthesis.

Cargill Inc., one of the world’s largest food manufacturers, is currently focusing more on recognizing the exact demands of consumers and introducing innovative protein ingredients. Cargill Inc. surveyed more than 1,000 Americans in December 2017 for its Feed4Thought survey, according to which about 62% of millennials showed an interest in protein ingredients with natural supplements. In the conclusion of the survey, the company mentioned that consumers prefer protein ingredients derived from animals fed with natural feed additives. After identifying the growing demand for protein and the increase in meat consumption in the US, Cargill Inc. invested more than $850 million in its animal protein business. The company is taking advantage of the latest advances in meat science, supply chain and food trends to ensure long-term growth in the industry.

As consumers become more health conscious and willing to change their dietary patterns with the inclusion of protein, global demand for protein ingredients is rapidly increasing. In addition to adopting innovative manufacturing technologies, market players are incorporating unique marketing strategies to attract more consumers. Collaborating with leading athletes to promote premium protein ingredients for sports nutrition may continue to be a popular trend among established food companies in the market. For example, Brazilian Adriano Bastos, winner of eight marathons, and Danish Maja Alm, gold medalist in orienteering and cross-country running, signed on as ‘Lacprodan® HYDRO.365’ ambassadors. ‘Lacprodan® HYDRO.365’ is the premium quality whey protein hydrolyzate manufactured by Arla Foods.