Arla Foods Ingredients launched a new ready-to-stir beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) solution for medical nutrition applications.

Motivating patients with reduced appetites to consume enough protein is a challenge in healthcare environments, the company noted, citing surveys that suggest half of hospital patients fail to comply with their medical nutrition plans due to challenges like taste and texture.

The medical nutrition market is dominated by milky ready-to-drink and powder proteins, which are typically formulated with neutral pH ingredients that patients can find heavy and unrefreshing, while clear, juice-flavored options are limited to ready-to-drink formats.

Arla Foods Ingredients’ new Lacprodan BLG-100 Acidic whey protein is suitable for ready-to-stir applications, providing 10 grams of protein per 100 ml serving, and can be either shaken or mixed with a spoon. It has no bitterness, low astringency, and low viscosity without gelling, dissolving in 30 seconds in warm or cold applications, the company noted.

It is high in all nine essential amino acids and rich in leucine, which is particularly important for muscle protein synthesis. This makes it ideal for patients with reduced appetites and those at increased risk of losing muscle mass.

“Too many hospital patients lack the nutrition to support their recovery from illness,” said Mads Dyrvig, head of sales development for specialized nutrition at Arla Foods Ingredients. “Yet the conventional milky taste and heavy texture of many medical nutrition products can inhibit compliance, with patients often looking for a wider variety of formats. Lacprodan BLG-100 Acidic creates new opportunities for appealing foods and beverages for special medical purposes, enabling nourishing, varied, and convenient options for reduced appetites. Delivering pleasant taste and mouthfeel, it offers exceptional functionality and versatility, enabling higher-quality protein and more variety for patients.”

To showcase the potential of the protein ingredient, the company created two ready-to-stir product concepts, including a nutritionally incomplete, ready-to-stir juice-style medical drink, as well as a complete, milky ready-to-drink beverage that serves as a refreshing alternative to existing options.