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.

Dairy-infused beverages are a good nutrition source, ideal for the season. For example, during the summer, high protein smoothies can aid in recovery following physical activity and provide refreshment in the heat. A base of low-fat milk, yogurt or whey protein also provides an extra nutritional punch to a fruit and vegetable smoothie.

Formulating workout-enhancing beverages

The sports nutrition category grew 21.2% in 2015, with sports/recovery as the leading claim for sports drinks, featured on 79% of product launches in the second half of the year.² On top of the growing popularity of sports drinks, protein beverages are a favorite of consumers, meeting their needs for muscle recovery after exercise and desire for convenience. Protein can easily be added to a variety of beverage applications, including smoothies.

Dairy proteins, whey and milk, are high-quality complete proteins that contain all of the essential amino acids the body needs. Compared with other proteins, whey protein is the best source for branched-chain amino acids, which bypass the liver and go straight to the muscle. The result is a faster rate of absorption for recovery, maintenance, growth and reduced soreness.

Whey protein includes whey protein concentrates (protein range of 34 to 89%) and whey protein isolates (minimum of 90% protein). Milk protein contains 80% casein, a “slower acting” protein, and 20% whey, a “faster acting” protein with similar protein ranges as whey. Fast proteins break down quickly, allowing for quicker absorption of nutrients, while slow proteins take longer to digest. The combination of the two is optimal for lean body mass gains.

Download this guide for information on formulation benefits and this one for technical directions on incorporating dairy ingredients into beverages.

The importance of on-the-go nutrition year-round

To maximize the benefits of U.S. dairy protein beverages, consumers must consume the proper amount. It’s recommended that, on average, a person consume 20 to 30 grams of high-quality protein per meal. On-the-go beverages offer an easy solution to help consumers reach this amount, while delivering on the previously-mentioned demand for convenience – needed no matter what season it is.

Protein beverages are not just for avid gym-goers. They have expanded to consumers who struggle to find room in their schedules to exercise, and to consumers who are looking to add more protein to their daily lives. ThinkUSAdairy.org has a variety of formulas that provide direction on adding dairy proteins to a variety of foods, including beverages. For example, this peach mango smoothie uses whey protein to attain around 10 grams of protein per 8 ounce serving, in a flavorful mixture.

Help consumers reach their fitness goals this summer with high-protein smoothie options. For additional examples of smoothie formulas using U.S. dairy products and ingredients, visit ThinkUSAdairy.org.

¹Steven Parker. Physical Fitness and Exercise: The Facts. HeathGuidance. http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/6299/1/Physical-Fitness-and-Exercise-The-Facts.html
²Sports Drinks RTD. Innova Market Insights. http://www.innovaanalysis.com