Dairy products and ingredients—such as U.S. whey and milk proteins—are a delicious way to enjoy the wonderful nutrition naturally found in cow’s milk.

While protein is naturally found in a variety of animal and plant foods, there is a wide variance in protein quality. U.S. dairy proteins stand out as a high quality, complete source of protein containing all the essential amino acids. Whey protein is also the leading source of the amino acid leucine, which is important for healthy aging by playing a central role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis.

Dairy proteins’ unique ability to help improve body composition during weight loss, increase muscle mass when combined with resistance training and aid in muscle recovery after endurance exercise is well-established. People often envision these as being reserved for young, competitive athletes, but new research has shown dairy proteins have great benefits for women—without adding the bulk—as well as older individuals.

Nearly 150 participants from health and wellness-focused food and beverage companies in Japan attended a USDEC innovation seminar held in Tokyo May 17, 2018, where they learned how U.S. dairy proteins offer value in products targeting a variety of Japanese consumers, from the fitness-conscious to seniors.

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.

Health professionals are just one of the sources for consumer information on the benefits of protein. Fitness, nutrition and culinary influencers promoting a high-protein diet have a large impact on the lifestyle decisions of their loyal followers, and as the influencers’ followers amass, so does the need for protein fortified products. U.S. dairy proteins have the ability to boost high-quality protein in products to help consumers meet the recommended 20 to 30 grams at each meal.