SupplySide West 2024 was a bustling hub of innovation, industry insights, and noteworthy trends. PURIS was on the ground, engaging with partners, suppliers, and key industry players, and we walked away with a wealth of insights about the future of functional foods, sports nutrition, and pea protein. Here’s a breakdown of what we saw trending at this year’s event.
- Demand for High-Quality Protein: Ingredient Innovation
The demand for plant-based protein continues to grow, with an impressive spotlight on pea protein:
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- Clear Pea Protein: This was one of the hottest topics, with significant industry interest. Clear protein is currently trending as the number one pea protein topic on TikTok, and PURIS is eager to get in the mix. Contact us if you’re interested in learning more as we work on innovating our own clear pea protein SKU!
- Gummy Supplements and Gel Blocks: Interest in incorporating protein into gummies and gel blocks is growing, and we expect this trend to expand in the functional snacks category. PURIS HiLo pea protein can be seamlessly added into acidic products like these – request a sample here.
- Protein in Unique Formats: Novel uses for protein are on the rise. From experimenting with protein frostings to protein pudding, brands are eager to make protein accessible in new, exciting forms.
- Functional Foods and Beverages: Smaller, Convenient Formats
As convenience continues to drive consumer demand, we saw brands pushing for smaller and more portable options:
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- Energy + Protein: Shots, gels, and even sparkling drinks are emerging as popular formats to deliver functional ingredients, aligning with a broader shift we saw towards easily consumable, on-the-go nutrition. Request samples of PURIS HiLo, check out our PURIS HiLo Ingredient Report, and download the recipe for our Protein Energy Gel, which we debuted at SSW 2024.
- Big Brands with Even Bigger Ideas: Major beverage brands expressed interest in developing innovative plant-based products with PURIS P2.0, showing that even industry giants are drawn to high-quality plant-based ingredients.
- Product Differentiation: Amid a sea of beverage and gummy formats, our unique protein-infused donut was a standout, capturing attention and underscoring the importance of offering innovative formats that resonate with attendees. Download the recipe here.
- Bioavailability and Gut Health: The Power of Functional Ingredients
The gut health trend is evolving with a focus on enhanced protein absorption and bioavailability:
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- Pre/Pro/Postbiotics: Companies are increasingly exploring how protein products can be formulated with pre-, pro-, and postbiotic ingredients to support digestive health. This focus on these functional ingredients not only promotes overall gut health but also aligns with growing consumer interest in microbiome support. This is why, at SSW 2024, we partnered with COMET on their Snickerdoodle Protein Shake featuring PURIS P2.0 and COMET’s Prebiotic Arrabina Fiber!
- Enhanced Absorption with Enzymes & Probiotics: The inclusion of enzyme and probiotic blends specifically designed to enhance protein absorption is trending. This approach aims to increase protein bioavailability and reduce digestive discomfort sometimes associated with protein supplements. Companies like Biohm and Digestiva are setting the stage for improving the consumer experience through microbiome health.
- Clinical Claims and Studies: Many brands are prioritizing research-backed products, emphasizing the importance of clinical claims around gut health and nutrient absorption. PURIS is excited to participate in clinical research in the next year that explores the intersection of gut health and pea protein bioavailability.
Final Thoughts
SupplySide West 2024 highlighted the excitement surrounding pea protein, functional foods, and new delivery formats. With the industry moving toward greater convenience, innovation, and a focus on gut health, PURIS is well-positioned to drive the next wave of plant-based protein solutions. We’re looking forward to taking these insights forward and shaping the future of functional foods with our partners.
But Wait, There's More!
We participated in Ingredient Idol at SupplySide West this year, showcasing our PURIS HiLo acid-stable pea protein. Check out our ingredient pitch below! Request samples and learn more about PURIS HiLo here.