Booth 4450

FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a specialist in protein and probiotics, will return to Natural Products Expo West with a new lineup of flavor-forward high-protein product concepts. The samples are designed to inspire the creation of next-generation functional foods and beverages.

Citing the International Food Information Council (IFIC), FrieslandCampina reported that 85% of U.S. consumers cite taste as the number-one factor in food choices, above both price (76%) and health (65%). As consumers continue expecting more from the products they choose, and the use of GLP-1 medications continues to grow, new opportunities are emerging for products that bridge healthy positioning with indulgence. Brands are encouraged to deliver high amounts of quality protein to support satiety, muscle mass, and overall wellness, while preserving flavor, mouthfeel, and convenient consumption.

Demos at the show will include a Dubai chocolate-inspired crispy indulgent protein bar, a limited-edition key lime pie protein bar, chocolate chip cookie dough protein bites, and a high-protein vanilla café latte.

The concepts combine Nutri Whey whey proteins to support muscle protein synthesis, and Excellion caseinates for a slower sustained release of amino acids while also contributing to sensory appeal. Excellion Textpro, in particular, delivers on enhanced texture and sensory performance.

“Healthier snacks can be irresistible,” said Auke Zeilstra, managing director for North America at FrieslandCampina Ingredients. “That’s why we’re showing what’s possible at Natural Products Expo West. Our applications demonstrate how high-quality proteins can be combined with consumer-preferred flavors and satisfying textures, enabling brands to create products that not only meet health needs like muscle support, but also excite and satisfy.”

Other on-trend product concepts available to sample at the show include blueberry-lemon fermented whey protein bites, and FermentiPop functional sodas in citrus punch and peaches-and-cream flavors. Each of these concepts uses the company’s Biotis Fermentis ingredient, which combines whey protein with prebiotic GOS and probiotic cultures, fermenting them together to target the gut-muscle axis. Together, each concept showcases how protein formulations can deliver enhanced wellness benefits without sacrificing on flavor or enjoyment. They’re also well-suited for GLP-1 receptor agonist users that need support with maintaining muscle mass while reducing digestive side effects.

“Consumers want nutrition with a plus,” said Floor van der Horst, global marketing director for performance and active nutrition. “But creating foods and beverages that support an active lifestyle and combine multiple benefits like muscle support with gut health is no small feat – especially when taste and texture are critical factors. It takes careful formulation to balance ingredients to create tasty snacks and drinks that also deliver high protein content and digestive support. Our Excellion Caseinates portfolio delivers high protein content and long-lasting amino acid release to help either increase or preserve muscle mass and enhance satiety while our Biotis GOS prebiotic helps support a healthy gut microbiome.”