The rise of high-protein diets and consumers’ perceptions that they need more protein is backed by science, with many studies indicating that a high-protein diet that contains branched chain amino acids can play a major role in weight loss and metabolic health.

It’s easier than ever for food and beverage manufacturers to leverage the power of branched chain amino acids in their formulations to appeal to those embracing the clean label movement, fitness enthusiasts and others who are concerned with promoting health.

For years, health experts have claimed that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Now, studies back this up, especially for those with chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes. The research shows that a high protein breakfast has been proven to reduce obesity and diabetes.

The food industry — not pharmaceuticals — could hold the key to reducing the occurrence of diabetes and its strain on the healthcare system, as well as its financial strain on those with the disease.

In the last four decades, the number of people living with diabetes has nearly quadrupled, according to the World Health Organization. The American Diabetes Association reports that nearly 10% of the U.S. population has the disease, accounting for more than 30 million people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than one out of every three adults 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.

The move toward clean eating is gaining momentum as consumers become better educated and more conscious about the impact of artificial additives and other “bad-for-you” ingredients on their health and overall wellness. Some have noticed their trips to the grocery store and restaurants are taking just a bit longer as they scrutinize labels on products and interrogate servers about the ingredients used to prepare food.

It’s no secret that today’s consumers are on the hunt for healthier foods. As consumers actively seek out options that are better for them, there’s never been more pressure to make sure your products will stand out among the competition on grocery store shelves. Food manufacturers must find ways to address consumer demands for better-for-you options that don’t compromise the quality of taste or texture.

Here it is, the second in our series of blog posts that answer common questions we get about our products and services. This post highlights the questions we’re asked about Grande Bravo and Grande Ultra and its uses. If you’ve been considering Grande Bravo to improve the texture of your products, or Grande Ultra to add protein to beverages, read on!

Let’s face it: there’s no one size fits all solution to being healthy. It takes a balanced diet, weekly exercise, and even smart sleeping habits to live a truly healthy lifestyle. That being said, as part of a healthy diet, there are certain foods and ingredients that provide extraordinary health benefits for consumers, and whey protein is one of those ingredients. 

Once you’ve been in the food ingredient business awhile, you get the feeling you’ve seen it all. Imagine my surprise, then, when I read a story about the benefits of cockroach milk. Yes, you read that correctly: cockroach milk.

Ask anyone what the most important meal of the day is, and they’ll all say breakfast. However, less than half of consumers are eating it regularly, and 12% say they rarely eat it at all! This begs the question: if breakfast is so important, why aren’t more people eating it?