FDBusiness.com

Earlier this year sports nutrition earned its fifth EU-approved health claim related to carbohydrate and recovery of normal muscle function after high intensity exercise, opening a completely new market for whey permeate, a natural complex of milk sugar, minerals and peptides, obtained after whey protein is extracted.

Suzane Leser, Volac’s Head of Nutrition, describes whey permeate as the new natural alternative to traditional sports drinks: “Milk today is recognised in sports for its potential to provide all of the nutrients needed for recovery, and lactose is the natural sugar in milk that replaces muscle energy stores. Whey permeate, naturally rich in lactose, becomes one attractive alternative to added sugar in water-based sports drinks.”

Despite increased marketing of lactose-free dairy products, Volac indicates that the movement is driven by self-diagnosed cases of lactose intolerance and it may downtrend as reports show that over 95% of people digest lactose normally.

Suzane Leser, Volac’s Head of Nutrition.

Leser adds: “As the good vs. bad sugars debate evolves, lactose increasingly stands out due to its low glycaemic index, as well as its levels of sweetness. Also, dental health is one major concern around the use of sugars in sports drinks, and lactose is the least cariogenic carbohydrate available.”

“A typical sports drink made with whey permeate would also replace electrolytes; it’s a natural source of phosphorous, potassium and chloride, as well as sodium, the main electrolyte lost through sweat. And permeate is not entirely free of protein. It contains a small amount of whey peptides, which could carry additional health benefits” adds Leser.

Natural Appeal

Whey permeate is already used across Europe in beverages with a natural appeal, in similar ways to coconut water. For example, Latella, which is a fruity whey beverage, has been on the Austrian market for more than 30 years.

“What is quite unique is that the use of whey waters dates as far back as the 17th century, as historical records report of the widespread use of whey for its health properties,” comments Leser.

Michael Hiron, Volac’s Head of Dairy and Lifestyle Ingredients.

Michael Hiron, Volac’s Head of Dairy and Lifestyle Ingredients, suggests that whey permeate is one solution that could help recover the downtrend recently seen in the soft drinks market: “The most affected category by the war on sugar appears to be health drinks. In fact, recent Mintel research show that brands need to identify and engage with prospective consumers, and drinks made from natural ingredients show increasing potential.”

Innovation

“The first example of innovation in the European sports nutrition market is already out there, with Iso-Charge™ isotonic drink from The Protein Works, launched last summer. It is made with a dual carbohydrate blend of Volactose® whey permeate and coconut water,” adds Hiron.

Volac will be presenting a range of concept products incorporating their Volactive® and Volactose® ingredients for visitors to sample at this year’s FI Europe exhibition.