Nearly 900 attendees from around the world traveled to Chicago in late March for the American College of Sports Medicine’s International Health & Fitness Summit, where they worked to bridge the gap between science and practice to help consumers reach their health and fitness goals.

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.

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.

U.S. dairy proteins have a reputation as a key ingredient for sports nutrition products. Now, consumers are finding that dairy proteins can go beyond sports nutrition with a whole set of benefits that pertain to all ages and lifestyles. Susan Larson explains how the appeal of dairy proteins is expanding to offer benefits in several key trend areas in the latest Dairy Detective column from Dairy Foods magazine.

The number of consumers older than 64 is increasing at a high rate, causing food and beverage brands to reconsider their target audiences. By 2060, the population is predicted to contain 98 million seniors, which is more than twice the number in 2014.¹ This growth, and the longing for greater independence late in life, makes addressing the health and wellness needs of seniors a factor for new, successful innovations.