The growth of the sports nutrition market heavily relies on ingredient suppliers. Consumers seek specific ingredients in these beverages perhaps more so than any other dairy product.

Let’s first look at the No. 1 thing athletes look for in dairy-based sports nutrition beverages: protein. Is it always going to be what consumers desire the most?

“Consumers are seeking more protein (specifically plant-based) and added functionality of energy, clean label and ‘better-for-you,” responds Jennifer Tesch, chief marketing officer for Healthy Food Ingredients, Fargo, N.D.

Ingredient suppliers are introducing new products to meet changing consumer demands.

Healthy Food Ingredients launched milled chia, as an expansion of its current ingredient portfolio, which also includes whole chia, whole and milled flax, sorghum flour, quinoa flour and millet flour, notes Tesch.

There’s no question that as consumers continue to focus on their health and exercise, dairy-based sports nutrition beverages will remain incredibly important. Healthy Food Ingredients’ Tesch expects to see a “continued focus on functionality and innovation for better-for-you, on-the-go nutrition options.”

Read full article from Dairy Foods here.