Fonterra launches new whey protein ingredient for sports nutrition

NZMP, Fonterra’s dairy ingredients business, has introduced a protein ingredient it says delivers at least 10% more protein than standard whey protein products.

The company is hoping the new product, which has been designed for sports drinks and energy bars, will make an impact in the $10bn sports nutrition market.

NZMP says the new ingredient has already been ordered by one of the US’ biggest producers of sports nutrition drinks.

Fonterra lead technologist, Neil Fraser, says some protein ingredients have traditionally been formulated from cheese whey whereas, in what the company believes is a world first, NZMP has used lactic casein whey to make this protein ingredient, which forms part of its SureProtein range.

“The NZMP protein has been developed and introduced to market in less than a year through the collaboration of Fonterra’s Research and Development Centre and Operations teams,” Fraser said.

“It is a good example of getting more value out of our farmers’ milk by producing higher-value products.”