To the average consumer, the mention of whey protein might conjure images of tubs filled with protein powder and a scoop. But food scientists know that there’s more than one kind of whey ingredient and that they can be used in a wide range of food applications.
Even some food formulators, however, are surprised to learn just how versatile the various forms of whey protein ingredients can be. We gathered six examples of very different everyday food products and paired them with the ideal whey ingredient to demonstrate their diverse functionalities. We also explain why Grande Custom Ingredients Group’s whey ingredient products outshine the rest.
1. Cream of Mushroom Soup
With a change in seasons, indulgent, creamy soups are a popular choice. Whey protein concentrate (WPC) can be an ideal replacement for fresh cream or powdered dairy in creamy soups. Replacing heavy cream not only minimizes spoilage but can also optimize costs and improve nutrition.
Unlike commodity WPC, clean-label functional whey ingredient, Grande Bravo®, builds the viscosity of creamy applications without the need for texture modifiers or artificial thickeners. Grande Bravo also controls syneresis and is freeze-thaw stable. Its clean flavor also means it won’t require masking agents. In an independent consumer panel, 78% of participants preferred the flavor and texture of an application made with Grande Bravo vs. the control.
Featured Product: Grande Bravo
Additional Applications: Alfredo sauce, veggie dips, salad dressings, cream cheese spread, etc.
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Whey protein concentrate (WPC) can replace nonfat dairy milk (NFDM) and other powdered dairy in cookies to extend freshness for products made in in-store bakeries at grocery or convenience stores.
Consumers prefer bendy, chewy cookies, which is easy to achieve right out of the oven. An issue with fresh-baked cookies is maintaining that moist, chewy texture throughout their intended shelf life. Often, cookies get hard and crumbly after a couple of days. Replacing up to 100% of the powdered dairy with our functional whey ingredient, Grande DuratoTM, helps retain moisture for a more indulgent texture that can last days longer. It also results in a higher rise and less spread when cookies are baked, improving visual appeal.
Featured Product: Grande Durato
Additional Applications: Muffins, pastries, brownies, cakes, sweet baked goods, etc.
3. Macaroni and Cheese
Reduced Lactose Whey can replace a portion of fresh or powdered cheese in macaroni and cheese applications to improve texture and mouthfeel. Unlike non-fat dairy milk (NFDM) powder, functional whey ingredients can help improve creamy textures while also delivering nutritional benefits.
Grande Gusto®’s proprietary formula performs differently than commodity products. It holds water in suspension. This is critical for minimizing absorption into the pasta in a prepared macaroni and cheese entree kept on a steam table. Not only does the sauce stay creamier over time without getting gummy, but the noodles also maintain their structure and don’t get mushy. In addition to superior texture, Grande Gusto imparts authentic cheesy flavor due to its high mineral content while reducing sodium.
Featured Product: Grande Gusto
Additional Applications: Nacho cheese sauce, Queso dip, cheesy broccoli soup, cheesy pretzel dip, cheesy rice, etc.
4. Crunchy Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Whey Protein Crisps are a great addition to nutritional bars to increase protein levels and add crunchy textures that appeal to consumers.
An issue with some crisps, including soy or plant-based products, is that they typically introduce off flavors that require masking agents. Others are either too hard or too soft. Grande WPCrisp® is a proprietary ingredient that is a superior form of protein and has a just-right crispy texture that maintains its structure throughout the production process. Its clean, complementary flavor allows intended flavors like peanut butter or others to be the star. Or, if you want to amp up the chocolate flavor of your application, it is available in cocoa flavor.
Featured Product: Grande WPCrisp
Additional Applications: Cereal, snack bars, protein clusters, breakfast bars, etc.
5. Clear Sports Drinks
High-protein sports drinks are now marketed as everyday beverages for hydration, and Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) is the gold standard for protein. Retail sales of sports drinks grew 9% in 2023 and are expected to continue growing, proving they’re not just consumed by fitness enthusiasts.
Sports beverages come in a wide range of flavor profiles that appeal to young and old, and Grande Ultra®’s clean flavor allows the intended flavors to shine through while delivering the highest quality protein available. A major formulation challenge with high-protein beverages, however, is maintaining clarity. Most high-protein WPIs result in unappealing turbidity or sediment. Grande Custom Ingredients Group has perfected Grande Ultra to be highly soluble and remain in suspension for ultimate clarity.
Featured Product: Grande Ultra
Additional Applications: Smoothies, nutritional supplements, juice drinks, flavored water, etc.
6. Meatloaf
Hydrolyzed Whey Protein is an innovative addition to ground meat applications like meatloaf and provides unique functionalities to help retain moist textures after baking.
The addition of Grande FestoTM not only delivers moist, juicy textures in meatloaf applications but can increase quality, flavor and yield. Its naturally occurring high mineral content enhances the meat’s natural umami flavors and its moisture-retentive properties help reduce evaporation during cooking, resulting in up to 15% higher yield.
Featured Product: Grande Festo
Additional Applications: Burgers, hotdogs, breakfast sausage, meatballs, patties, spice blends, etc.
The versatility of whey ingredients really is quite remarkable, and its benefits go far beyond simply improving nutrition or optimizing costs. This is especially true when you choose ingredients that deliver functionalities you might not expect.
Learn more in our resource below, 10 Reasons to Use Whey Protein. Then, let us prove to you just how unique our whey protein ingredients are from others by requesting samples and speaking with one of our food scientists.
