According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than one out of every three adults1 in the United States is obese. It’s officially being labeled an epidemic by many health experts, and the consequences can be devastating. Some of the leading causes of preventable death are directly linked to being overweight, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
One scientifically proven weight loss method involves increased protein intake. And, when it comes to the type of protein, whey protein reigns supreme and promotes greater weight loss benefits than soy or casein. Whey protein has also been shown to help with high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, osteoporosis and even depression.
Food manufacturers can leverage the proven benefits of whey protein in their formulations to label and market their products as containing the best sources of protein and promote weight-loss benefits to consumers.
1. Improve Satiety
Many experts are suggesting that the food pyramid should be turned upside down to increase protein and reduce carbohydrates. Those wishing to suppress their appetites are far better served with a high-protein diet rather than loading up on carbs, as is evidenced by one study where people who consumed 30% of their calories in the form of protein ate 441 fewer calories per day. That reduction in caloric intake can result in significant weight loss.
2. Boost Metabolism
Higher protein diets are associated with increased thermogenesis which can promote weight loss because it increases the body's ability to burn calories. Metabolism can be boosted by 80 to 100 calories per day when more protein is added. In a study comparing meals containing whey, soy and casein protein, whey resulted in the highest increase in energy expenditure and higher fat oxidation.
3. Build Muscle
For years, bodybuilders and those wishing to increase lean muscle mass have used whey protein as part of their fitness routines to improve performance. Whey protein, when replacing other sources of calories, stimulates a rise in muscle protein synthesis and can cause weight loss. The results are attributed in part to the essential amino acids found in whey protein.
Choosing the Right Whey Protein for Your Application
Food manufacturers wishing to incorporate more whey protein into their formulations need to know the various forms available and how each will work in their applications.
Whey Protein Isolate
Nutritional sports drinks are replacing sugar-laden soft drinks, and protein-rich beverages are seeing a significant increase in market share. A challenge for many food manufacturers, however, is creating clear sports drinks without turbidity. Grande Ultra®, when compared against other leading whey protein isolates (WPIs) in the industry, maintains great flavor and clarity in sports beverage applications, fruit and juice drinks, flavored waters, nutritional supplements and more.
Whey Protein Crisps
Protein-rich snack mixes, cereals and various toppings continue to gain popularity in the market. Grande WPCrisp® Whey Protein Crisp provides food formulators with protein levels ranging from 50–70% and results in an appealing crunchy texture with a clean, neutral flavor when used in a multitude of applications.
Functional Whey Protein
The high fat and calories in many foods, such as sauces, dressings, desserts, soups, baked goods and more, is often attributed to butter, cream, eggs, milk and other costly ingredients. Grande Bravo® functional whey protein allows for the reduction or full replacement of these high-fat ingredients without any negative impact on your products’ intended taste or texture - allowing for improved nutritional labels that support healthy eating trends.
There are a large variety of applications where whey protein can be formulated to improve protein content and overall nutrition. Food manufacturers that want to offer consumer products that aid in weight loss and aren’t just a passing fad should incorporate whey protein into their applications. Reach out to the food scientists at Grande Custom Ingredients Group to explore the unlimited possibilities for making your foods and beverages more attractive to consumers. Meanwhile, check out our eBook below outlining more benefits of whey protein, its production process and how it can help you reduce artificial ingredients.
