Unexpected flavors. Value added benefits. Options to fit into any part of the day. These are the qualities consumers are looking for most when choosing snacks. With the change from less meals to more snacks, consumers are expecting better quality. The rise in snack popularity is also causing a rise in snack complexity. U.S. dairy ingredients can help make this less daunting. 

Whey protein usage continues to expand beyond its sports nutrition roots and body building persona, becoming a standout contributor to the broader expansion of mainstream protein health and wellness product offerings.

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.

Susan Larson, the U.S. Dairy Export Council’s Dairy Detective columnist, explained in a recent article how U.S. permeate is a cost effective solution to reducing sodium in certain foods applications. Specifically, it doesn’t sacrifice the salty taste that is often desired by the consumer palate.