Collagen’s star is rising fast—but is it just a passing trend? Not according to industry experts, who say that the protein is set to become a major force in the health ingredients category.

Prepared Foods showcases new functional beverages and superfood gummies.

Rritual Superfoods Inc. announced that the company's product innovation and research team has completed testing on the first of its new superfood mushroom latte blend formulations, incorporating plant-based collagen enhancers as a key market differentiator.

In an environment where “anti-aging” has become the norm, Great Lakes Wellness is championing a unique viewpoint on getting older by embracing all the positives that come with it.

Obvi teamed up with Entenmann's®, a quintessential brand in baked goods, to bring consumers a collagen-boosting solution inspired by a classic treat. Obvi and Entenmann's® launched a collaborative flavor of Obvi's cult-favorite collagen protein powder, Entenmann's® x Obvi Super Collagen Protein Powder | Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Ascent announced a new line of organic plant-based protein powders, created to support muscle health and athletic performance. Ascent's Plant Protein helps to expand their line of products that support "clean-eating, hard-working athletes dedicated to their nutritional goals."

Kyäni Origin features a premium plant-based protein blend made from fava beans, peas, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds to support strong muscles, help fuel metabolism, help maintain a healthy weight, and support healthy blood sugar levels. 

Today’s consumers are rarely satisfied with just a thirst-quenching drink when they crave a beverage. They’re seeking healthful extras that target everything from immunity to mood issues, from energy to meal replacement. And of course, they want plenty of flavor with few calories.

New options in 100% Whey Protein include Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream and Chocolate Chip Cookie with real chocolate chip inclusions, as well as Cocoa Mint with real marshmallow inclusions. 

Altering the wellness space with products that not only taste good but offer functional, healthy benefits, the new flavor joins NuTrail’s lineup of high quality, low-carb and low-sugar products. 

Atlas Bar®, a protein bar developed to support both physical and mental wellness, added three plant-based flavors to its offering of zero-added-sugar, keto-friendly protein bars made of clean, high-quality real-food ingredients.

Rowdy, known for its premium bars and collagen protein powders that are made with superfood prebiotic Yacon Root, announced its new flavors of collagen + prebiotic protein powders, Vanilla Bean and Chocolate.

Like all ZENB Pasta, ZENB Ramen features a single-ingredient noodle made from 100% whole yellow peas that maintains a chewy and springy texture which is key to an elevated, restaurant-quality ramen experience.

Featuring enhanced flavor and a meatier texture, the new Beyond Sausage has been reformulated to advance taste and nutrition as part of Beyond Meat’s ongoing mission to deliver plant-based proteins that offer nutritional and environmental benefits.

"We want to provide plant-forward options that appeal to all the various reasons why diners are eating more plants. This includes plant-based alternatives such as Molly’s Kitchen Plant-Based Smashed Patty," said Stacey Kinkaid, vice president of product development & innovation, US Foods. "This also includes chef-inspired, vegan options such as our Chef’s Line Tempura Brussels Sprouts and vegetarian options such as Molly’s Kitchen Mexican-Style Cheese Stuffed Cigars."

A look at new plant based meat alternatives and snacks continuing to drive growth in the plant based space.

Since its inception, Armored Fresh has been committed to breaking the stereotype that plant-based cheese is a bland, unsatisfactory solution made only for vegans. 

Traditionally, proteins such as glutenin and gliadin have been favored in baking for their role in dough texture and structure. However, as consumer awareness of health, nutrition, and sustainability has grown, the focus has shifted to incorporating a broader range of protein sources into baking.

Sweet proteins are plant proteins that taste up to 5,000 times sweeter than sugar and can replace 70-90% of sugar in most food and beverage products. 

The center will engage partners from academia and industry to research, create, and commercialize new technologies, provide training for the emerging industry workforce, and gauge consumers' protein preferences.

Prepared Foods highlights a few examples of how the evolution in protein applications is extending across food and beverage categories.

The innovation enhances the quality and functionality of clean-label foods, while reducing production costs, making healthier food options more accessible to consumers.

The competition invited university students across the United States to develop unique snack products highlighting the nutritional and functional benefits of eggs, aligning with today’s consumer preferences for new and exciting snack options. 

Created with daily empowerment in mind, REBBL's 20g Protein beverages are 100% organic, non-GMO, and crafted with a triple adaptogen blend, including Maca, Ashwagandha, and Reishi.

Sightgard Discovery II Safety Glasses are lightweight and flexible and feature a soft rubber nose bridge for non-slip support.

Fibersol products come with strong technical and scientific expertise and are backed by reliable service and supply. They are available in a variety of formats—including dry, liquid, an agglomerated powder and non-GMO—to meet the needs of any application.

The appetite management properties of Amarasate are backed by science. Developed by New Zealand's Plant & Food Research institute over a six-year project, the extract was found to be the most effective compound (out of more than 900 plants screened) to trigger 'the bitter brake' – an evolutionary response whereby bitter compounds trigger a 'stop eating' signal in the brain.

The inclusion of polydextrose in the newly expanded list of isolated or synthetic non-digestible carbohydrates in the classification of dietary fiber provides formulators with an economical, highly functional ingredient that qualifies for label claims.

The Lean Body® Ready-to-Drink Protein Shake comes in 17-ounce resealable environmentally-friendly Tetra Pak cartons that "Protect What's Good.™"

Upshoot's Phytopúr products are made of wholesome fruits and vegetables from trusted farms, and are supported by sound science, patented technology, and rigorous quality standards.

A recently published scientific study has shown that BENEO’s slow release and low glycemic carbohydrate Palatinose™ supports additional loss of body weight and fat mass in overweight and obese adults, when replacing sucrose in a weight loss diet. Findings from a recently published scientific study are linked to the advantage of Palatinose™ in steering the metabolism towards fat burning and highlight that carbohydrate choice matters in a weight loss diet, beyond calorie counting.

Where the focus in developing foods and beverages for better weight management once was on sweeteners and calorie cutting, today's weight-management products reflect the protein trend, especially the emphasis on plant proteins.

AIDP, Inc. announced that it has acquired the core technology and related intellectual property of Olygose SAS (France). This includes the transfer of patents, manufacturing technology, trademarks, but also pre-clinical and clinical studies, regulatory certificates, and other intellectual know-how.

ADM was named a winner in the 2021 BIG Innovation Awards presented by the Business Intelligence Group, which recognizes organizations and people bringing new ideas to life. ADM Biopolis’ groundbreaking probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium lactis (BPL1), was featured among the 2021 winning products in the Food and Beverage category.

In development for two years, Eat Me Guilt Free's new and improved formula has less sugar, is non-GMO and uses modified atmosphere packaging to exclude unnecessary preservatives.

With the launch of the new line, WTRMLN®  doubles down on its unique positioning as the authority on watermelon and all its hydrating benefits.

GoGo squeeZ® continues the spirit of its 'FUN-damentals' campaign off-screen with a partnership with B-Girl and World Champion athlete, Logan 'Logistx' Edra, to encourage more people to give breaking, the "it" sport of summer, a try. 

The new 5-hour ENERGY® Inspired Energizing BBQ Sauce, provides pros and newbies alike a shot to take grilling season to the next level. The new sauce contains a sweet and tangy Peach Mango flavor along with a caffeinated kick.

With an advanced blend of electrolytes from watermelon juice, sea salt, sodium citrate and potassium salt, Gatorade Hydration Booster is backed by the Gatorade Sports Science Institute for all-day hydration. 

A candy lover's dream come true, the C4 x Hershey collaboration will infuse the flavors of some of Hershey's well-known products including Jolly Rancher Candy, Bubble Yum Bubble Gum, Reese's Peanut Butter, and Hershey's Milk Chocolate into a C4 product lineup formulated to fuel fitness performance. 

Loverboy, the pioneer and innovation leader in premium sparkling hard teas, spritzes and canned cocktails, is ringing in 2024 with non-alcoholic versions of two of its original, top-rated sparking tea flavors.

Crafted with a splash of coconut water, Revl Fruits' 100% juice range is meant to be enjoyed morning, noon, and night, served chilled, or included in your a blended refreshment. 

Crafted for consumers looking for a smoothie with fewer sugars, the new Naked Lower Sugar Smoothies offer 50% lower sugar in an array of flavors including Berrylicious, Glorious Greens and Tropical Sunrise.

Sweegen will be debuting Tastecode™ Natural Flavor Technologies, taste tools that allow brands to unlock the code to delicious tastes consumers love by addressing specific taste challenges and optimizing the sensory experience at the molecular level.

Focusing on the beverage industry, Batory will highlight its wide-ranging natural sweeteners and specialty ingredients, while also demonstrating its advanced custom blending capabilities.

Over the years, bars increasingly focused on health, meal replacement, weight management, and energy. But indulgent branding and product formulations are on the rise again. This turn toward the more extravagant can pave a lucrative path for innovative bar makers.

The formula has effectively relieved brain fog, helped combat daily fatigue and muscle weakness, and with 100% transparent full ingredient labeling, including how much to take.

AIDP, Inc. is pleased to announce the clinical study publication “A Magtein®, Magnesium L-Threonate, Based Formula Improves Brain Cognitive Functions in Healthy Chinese Adults”, in Nutrients on Dec. 8, 2022.

CognatiQ® is derived from coffee fruit and has been clinically shown to increase levels of neuroprotein (BDNF), a key neuroprotein involved in overall brain health and vital to learning, memory, and higher thinking. 

Kemin Human Nutrition & Health offers a portfolio of functional ingredients sourced from around the world to deliver a wide range of science-backed health solutions. From immunity to cognition, sleep, vision, gut health and more, Kemin offers many innovative solutions to elevate your next formulation.