Sports nutrition products continue their momentum as more mainstream consumers buy into the category. In the last five years (2011-2016), global sports nutrition product launches had a 10.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).¹ As more products enter the market, U.S. dairy proteins are helping manufacturers differentiate their products from others in the sports nutrition category.

In this four-part series, we will explore the unique dairy prototypes being served by USDEC at the Institute of Food Technologies (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo 2017. First up is the Frozen Matcha Dairy Bar, which includes a matcha-flavored yogurt filling between two crispy oat wafers. Sound good? Come try it during IFT17 — USDEC will have samples to try at Booth 2270. If you’re not attending, you can read more about it in the formula sheet available to download at the end of this post.

Summer is right around the corner, meaning more daylight hours and no school, resulting in more time for fitness and fun. Research shows that exercise patterns are seasonal, and activity in the winter and autumn months is half of the amount of activity seen in the summer.¹ Because of this, now is a good time to prepare for an approaching influx in activity and U.S. dairy ingredients have the functionalities to provide a convenient, refreshing and nutritious workout-enhancing beverage.

With each new year comes a wave of articles telling consumers the best way to conquer their resolutions. Of course, one of the most prominent resolution-related topics is weight management, and articles like this one from Women’s Health reach the masses with callouts for the best and worst diets. These types of conversations influence consumer perceptions and new product launches every year. In looking at diet trends for 2017, U.S. dairy ingredients can help deliver products that meet the latest consumer demands.

Emotional responses will drive a majority of food and beverage purchase decisions in 2017, according to the recently unveiled Top 10 Trends of 2017 by Innova Market Insights. Consumers are taking control of their diets and choosing products that are personalized to their lifestyle, hobbies, health and experiences. U.S. dairy ingredients support a majority of these trends with their mild flavor, nutrition benefits and familiarity.