The ‘Lacprodan HYDRO.Clear’ is a fat and sugar-free whey protein hydrolysate, a form of protein that is more quickly absorbed in the gut than other whey isolates or concentrates. Arla says it is lactose-free, low in energy, low in salt and easy to flavor.
It can be used to produce sparkling water products from sports drinks manufacturers for sparkling, high-protein RTD beverages, according to factory trials from Arla.
Joe Katterfield, health and performance nutrition development manager at Arla, said, "With Lacprodan HYDRO.Clear it is possible to produce a great-tasting, high-protein sparkling water."
“This means that sports nutrition brands can launch, for example, a standard 330ml can containing 20g of whey protein per serving, making it perfect for sports nutrition users. The concept is also ideal for lifestyle and soft drink brands, as it allows them to offer a great source of protein in convenient and refreshing on-the-go format that will appeal to all ages.”
Arla’s portfolio of whey protein hydrolysates includes five other ingredients. They are designed for use in powders, milks, clear drinks, sports beverages and more.
“Whey protein hydrolysates provide the superior benefits of whey in a more easily absorbed form. Our whey proteins are hydrolysed, or ‘pre-digested’, to produce smaller peptides that are quickly absorbed, so they get to muscles faster. This ensures better performance and functionality,” Arla says.
Katterfield thinks the market conditions are ‘ideal’ for new sparkling protein waters specifically for sports nutrition users, because they tend toward products with high levels of whey protein in convenient formats.
“However, for technical reasons – primarily related to issues around taste and bitterness – there are currently no sparkling protein waters on the market made exclusively with whey. In this respect, Lacprodan HYDRO.Clear is a game-changer, enabling manufacturers to incorporate 100% whey protein hydrolysate into crystal clear carbonated beverages,” Katterfield said.
