Glanbia Nutritionals Ireland has been granted an US patent for acidified whey protein, which is attracting increasing interest from health-conscious consumers, athletes and body builders, as well as those looking to stay active in later life. The patent refers to acidified whey protein with desirable organoleptic and functional characteristics, including significantly improved flavor, odor, tartness and sweetness compared to conventionally processed acidified whey protein.
Eric Bastian PhD, Vice President - Research & Development, Glanbia Nutritionals, Idaho, comments: “With a high nutritive value and balanced array of amino acids, whey proteins have long been recognized as an important protein source for health conscious consumers, athletes and body builders. This latest patent not only signifies our commitment to technical advancements for our customers, but also broadens the opportunities for everyday protein supplementation by consumers.
“Traditional dry-blended acidified whey proteins tend to have undesirable taste profiles, for example being too tart, too astringent or exhibiting other off flavors that decrease palatability and consumer acceptance. Our patented process creates a high quality protein ingredient with a pH of between 2.8 and 5.6, which crucially hits the taste and flavor buttons with consumers while allowing the delivery of increased protein levels.”
As a world-leading supplier of value-added protein and next generation grains to the food and beverage industry, Glanbia Nutritionals has been at the forefront of whey protein, milk protein and peptide innovation for more than two decades, as demonstrated by several patents. The company continues to dedicate internal resources and significant investment to developing and bringing new functional and nutritional ingredients to the market. Glanbia Nutritionals further supports its technological advancements with industry-leading food and beverage formulation and technical expertise.
The company is a division of Glanbia plc, an innovator in the expert delivery of science-led ingredients for a broad range of industries including fortified foods and beverages, sports nutrition and health & wellness.
Recent activity from the company has included the expansion into the sports nutrition market through the acquisition of Nutramino, a Danish supplier of products such as energy drinks and protein shakes, for up to €20million.
This transaction gives Glanbia, which has shifted away from its core dairy business in recent years, a significant presence in Scandinavian markets.
Meanwhile, earlier this month Glanbia also expressed its desire to grow the business more outside of Ireland in order to have a greater global presence.
“What we are about is maximizing the inputs we get from our supplier base, both in Ireland and the US, and ultimately meeting the need of the consumer who at the end of the day is looking for a high-quality, sustainable, good value food product and this is it,” said group managing director, Siobhan Talbot.
“We are very excited about the opportunities,” she said. “Like any road, it will not be without its challenges, but I believe Glanbia as an organization, as a team, is well placed with all our stakeholders to drive this forward.”
