Articles by Sharon Gerdes

Emerging plant proteins include pea, rice, canola, flaxseed and chia. Then there are the insect proteins. Dairy’s best strategy may be to complement these emerging sources.

Grassland Dairy Products was one of the U.S. companies that exhibited Food Ingredients Asia. The region is just getting started in the higher-protein sports nutrition and meal replacement markets, said a sales manager for the dairy processor.

Low microbial diversity in the gut is associated with disease and poor health. One way to bolster the diversity of the gut is to consume fermented foods, including dairy foods that contain probiotics.

Many infant formula brands are adding prebiotics to their lines to help with babies’ digestive health, while other dairy manufacturers still have work to do.

Many ready-to-drink beverages containing dairy protein are shelf-stable. The heat treatment (up to 253 degrees) puts dairy proteins to the test. Keep in mind that the heat stability of caseins and whey proteins are very different.

 Americans are on the go. There is an opportunity for processors to develop dairy-protein-fortified snacks and beverages that can be eaten away from the dining room table.