The data doesn't lie: a recent Innova study found that 42% of consumers select protein as one of the “most important ingredients” in their food/beverage.
There's no denying it — demand for plant-based protein beverages is skyrocketing as consumers seek out nutritious and sustainable alternatives to traditional dairy and animal-based products. However, formulating protein-rich beverages that deliver on taste, texture, and functionality can be a challenge for many beverage manufacturers. That's where functional ingredients like PURIS pea protein come into play.
Protein beverages typically contain key functional ingredients, such as:
They may also include the following to enhance nutritional value, taste, texture, stability, and shelf life:
While traditional protein sources like whey, casein, and soy have been widely used in beverages, they also present a range of limitations that have prompted interest in alternative proteins such as pea. Solubility issues can lead to grittiness and sedimentation, while off-flavors and undesirable textures can leave the sensory experience lacking.
Additionally, allergen concerns arise with dairy and soy-based proteins, limiting their appeal to certain consumer segments.
We aren't just blowing smoke — PURIS pea protein offers a versatile solution for beverage applications, addressing many of the challenges associated with traditional protein sources. Derived from yellow peas, this plant-based protein boasts exceptional functional properties, making it an ideal choice for various beverage formulations. We have a solution for High Acid and Low Acid Beverages, so you don’t need to compromise on your offerings.
PURIS pea protein can also help you develop products that boast some high-demand claims, including:
A recent Innova study found that 27% of consumers seek out products with high protein content or protein sources in their sports or functional nutrition products. As functional beverages gain more traction, we'll continue to see more competition and more beverages that miss the mark in the following ways.
Solubility and Dispersibility: If you're tired of proteins giving your final product a gritty, sandy mouthfeel, PURIS pea proteins ensure a smooth and homogeneous texture in beverages without grittiness or sedimentation.
Our VIP pea protein P2.0 gives whey protein a run for its money by delivering on creaminess and taste. Get your sample here.
Emulsification and Stability: You don't want your product to separate after mixing, much less while it's sitting on the shelf. Pea protein's emulsifying properties contribute to the stability of beverage emulsions, preventing phase separation and extending shelf life.
Cleanest Pea Protein on Market: If you think peas have a bitter, grassy taste, think again. PURIS has mastered the taste profile of pea protein to achieve a smooth, neutral mouthfeel, making it a perfect foundation for your products. With 28% of consumers stating they are willing to pay 20–30% more for a better-tasting protein product, now's the time to nail your taste profile.
Product Viscosity: You need the flexibility to manage product viscosity by choosing the right protein. We offer proteins across viscosity ranges to give you control over designing the right product.
Light Color Profile: You want your pea protein to be a neutral base for your beverage's color profile. Pea protein comes as a light tan powder that mixes easily and doesn't impact the color of your final product.
If you're not sure which ingredient is right for you, contact our team so we can help you choose the best option.
28% of U.S. sports and functional nutrition consumers have increased their consumption, while 64% have maintained their consumption.
PURIS pea protein helps overcome typical challenges like grittiness and sedimentation in protein shakes and nutritional drinks. Its excellent solubility and dispersibility ensure a smooth and consistent texture, while its neutral flavor profile allows for incorporating a wide range of flavors without interference.
PURIS pea protein's emulsifying properties make it an excellent choice for formulating dairy alternative beverages, such as plant-based milks. It contributes to the stability of the emulsion, preventing separation and replicating the desired taste and mouthfeel of dairy milk.
Traditional pea protein offerings have been focused on fortifying beverages in the low-acid segment, leaving a huge market opportunity for high-acid beverages untapped. PURIS HiLo (for high acid, low pH applications) provides 60-70% solubility < pH 4.5, making it the ideal choice for fruit-forward flavors.
For functional beverages like energy drinks and juices (high acid), HiLo provides an easy way to boost protein content without compromising taste or texture. Its neutral flavor profile and excellent solubility ensure seamless integration into these beverage formulations, enhancing their nutritional value while maintaining a desirable mouthfeel.
When formulating beverages with PURIS pea protein, it's important to keep in mind that pea protein requires a few special considerations that differ from other common types of protein, including:
Maybe you've had a bad taste in your mouth after your last pea protein experience. We get it.
But PURIS isn't like other pea protein manufacturers. We've spent decades working with peas, and our commitment to sustainable, North American-grown crops — and our oversight of all pea protein manufacturing — has solidified a system that brings you only the best, most trustworthy, and cleanest-tasting pea protein available.
As consumer demand for plant-based and sustainable protein sources continues to grow, now's the time to give pea protein another shot. And ongoing research and innovation in this field will likely uncover new applications and formulation techniques, further expanding the boundaries of what's possible with this versatile ingredient.