There is a recent surge in the number of energy drinks available on the shelf today. Many beverage manufacturers are beginning to realize the importance of whey proteins in drinks formulated to provide quick and prolonged energy. Another area of interest is the use of non-caloric sweeteners and exotic flavors in these beverage formulations. Although these beverages provide the required long-lasting energy, they are also empty in nutritional nourishment. Is the trend of non-nourishing energy drinks here to stay or do we foresee future reformulations of these beverages to enhance their nutritional value?
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9 comments:
Emerging trends will see to it that recent energy drinks would be formulated with ingredients that offer more nutritious and healthful options to the consumer. Although whey proteins contain amino-acids which are nutritious and beneficial to health and wellness, other functional ingredients (e.g. "super-fruits") would make an appearance in energy drinks in the near future.
I agree that energy drinks are here to stay. It is up to the food and beverage industries to provide more healthy options. Consumers are always attracted by health and wellness trends.
The idea of energy drinks as we know it is highly unstable. In the past, formulators used high amounts of caffeine and sugar to develop energy drinks. Recently, more healthy options are making an appearance on the shelves. I reckon there will be more nutritious options for energy drinks in the near future.
The use of whey proteins in sports drink is a process that benefits both the health conscious consumer and the beverage manufacturer as well. Whey proteins work in a variety of beverages due their solubility over a wide pH range. This means they are easy to incorporate into a variety of beverages sports, nutrition, and meal replacement beverages.
Whey protein is a source of high-quality protein that contains all the amino-acids in proportions required by the body. Whey proteins also have high biological value in comparison to other proteins (whey protein-104; egg-100; soy protein-74; wheat protein-54).
Unless food formulators can come-up with another ingredient that has a better functionality and higher quality than whey, it appears whey proteins would always be the winning ingredient for healthy beverage formulations.
More recent trends I have noticed in the formulation of energy drinks is the use of nutraceuticals that help to soothe achy joints. E.g. Glucoseamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane, and hyaluronic acid. Because glucoseamine and chondroitin are natural substances found around the cells of the cartillage, their use in beverages might help repair and maintain the joints of consumers.
Research has shown that glucoseamine inhibits inflammation and stimulates cartillage cell growth, while chondroitin provides cartillage with strength and resilience.
I agree. Methyl sulfonyl methane has been shown to help releive pain and stiffness and to alleviate pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.
Other ingredients that may have benefits for joint health include: Cod liver oil, pomegranate extract, Sulphoraphane, Conjugated linoloeic acid, and Rose Hip extract.
There is no doubt that these ingredients would soon be making an appearance in energy drinks.
Already several new ingredients that benefit joint health are available on the market for use in formulation of sports and energy beverages. Some very recent ones are Biocell Collagen II, CSB, OptiMSM, OptaFlex, Microlactin, UC-II, Cynatine FLX, and SeiraSil. I am not sure what company makes which, but they can be easily traced on MINTEL.
We are looking form someone to develop an energy drink formula for us. If you know of someone feel free to contact me at Ross@NextGenerationBeverage.com
Thanks
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