Vinegar-based functional beverages have been around for centuries. This traditional ingredient is resurfacing in beverages through switchels reappearing on shelves. Thanks to dairy’s nutrition, our take on the Switchel has high-quality protein produced by dedicated U.S. farmers who are focused on animal care and environmental stewardship.

In a four-part series, we are showcasing each prototype being served at the Institute of Food Technologies (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo 2017, Booth 2270. This week, meet the Whey Protein Cherry Switchel.

What is the Dairy Protein Cherry Switchel?

Ready-to-drink with a list of benefits, the Whey Protein Cherry Switchel prototype contains 120 calories and 11 grams of protein per 8 oz. With eight simple ingredients (filtered water, tart cherry juice, apple cider vinegar, granulated white cane sugar, whey protein isolate, malic acid powder, ginger flavor and cherry flavor powder), this beverage carries a clean label status and a sweet cherry flavor.  

Why does it matter to consumers?

Many consumers are looking for healthy, value-added beverage options that include simple ingredients — 37% of U.S. consumers want to know the ingredients on food labels and 91% think products with recognizable ingredients are healthier.¹ Consumer needs have expanded and on top of clean labels, many want products that match their health and wellness goals.

Striving for benefits beyond nutrition: Antioxidants, digestive health, muscle recovery and weight management are benefits resonating with consumers today. They look for such claims on products they consume to power them throughout the day. As calculated by Google, “Best foods for” searches have grown 10 times since 2005, which are often followed by terms, such as ‘skin,’ ‘energy,’ ‘acid reflux,’ ‘your brain,’ and ‘gym workout’.² Vinegar-based drinks paired with nutritious, clean dairy proteins check the box of a desirable on-the-go beverage for the average go-getter.

Maintaining independence throughout the golden years: High-quality dairy proteins offer many benefits on buyers’ radars. Its ability to boost muscle protein synthesis and help consumers with weight management is an attractive quality. In fact, consuming as little as 10 grams of whey protein each day can help speed up the muscle repair process, improve muscle strength, reduce soreness and increase lean muscle.³ This is important for adults and especially seniors, as sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle and function, can cause a 3 to 8% reduction in lean muscle mass per decade after the age of 30.⁴

What can this prototype do for you?

The dairy ingredient in the Whey Protein Cherry Switchel — whey protein isolate — is a high-quality, complete protein that is naturally found in milk. Its neutral dairy flavor complements the foods it is added to, limiting the need for masking agents, letting the dairy and vinegar tastes thrive. It also provides functional properties, such as good solubility, heat stability and clarity in a high acid beverages for a reliable, high-quality and functional protein source.

To learn more about the Dairy Protein Cherry Switchel, download the formula sheet or visit USDEC at IFT 2017, Booth 2270, for more information. Check back next week to learn about the Milk & Honey Bedtime Beverage.

¹2017 Food Trends: Keep It Lean and Clean. Food Engineering website. Updated March 28, 2017. Accessed May 17, 2017.
²2016 Food Trends. Think with Google website. Accessed May 17, 2017.
³Beverage Trends 2017. Food Business News website. Updated Jan. 17, 2017. Accessed May 17, 2017.
⁴Volpi E, Nazemi R, Fujita S. Muscle tissue changes with aging. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2004;7(4):405-410. Accessed May 17, 2017.