With a scoop (or a few), high-quality protein can be added to food and beverage formulations without interfering with intended tastes. Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, a sports nutritionist, developed an overnight oats recipe to demonstrate the ease and benefits of using U.S. whey protein to enhance the level of high-quality protein in applications.

In his video, Mohr explains the value whey protein adds to this formulation and a variety of other foods and beverages. “Whey protein is a complete protein that is naturally found in milk,” Mohr said. “A lot of times my clients and consumers think of whey protein just in their post-workout smoothies, but it is a value-added ingredient that adds a lot of bang for your buck.”

Unflavored whey protein was chosen for the overnight oats to prevent altering the flavor of the finished product. Dairy proteins have a mild taste, so they can better complement the other flavors in a recipe. Dairy proteins are complete, high-quality proteins that deliver added nutritional value to recipes made at home, in addition to consumer packaged goods. Like Mohr, manufacturers can incorporate whey or milk proteins into their products to promote satiety and muscle maintenance for consumer appeal.

Applications that could benefit from higher-levels of proteins include soups, dips, beverages, yogurt, snacks and more. As seen in the below recipe, a scoop of U.S. whey protein adds 15g of protein to this quick preparation breakfast item: 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1 scoop of unflavored whey protein
• 1 cup of frozen blueberries
• 2 cups of milk

Instructions:

• Gently mix the whey protein and rolled oats in a bowl
• Add blueberries and milk to the mixture
• Cover bowl and place in the fridge overnight

Nutritional Information:

• 250 calories
• 39g carbohydrates
• 15g protein
• 5g fiber