Arla Foods Ingredients to bolster protein bar innovation at SupplySide Global

Arla Foods Ingredients is launching a concept that demonstrates how protein bar manufacturers can improve their nutritional profiles without compromising taste or texture. Making its debut at SupplySide Global in Las Vegas, US, later this month, Easy Bite is a bite-sized protein snack created using the company’s customized whey protein solution, Lacprodan EasyBar.

The ingredient delivers up to 40% high-quality protein in a convenient 18 g serving. It contains eight ingredients and is also high in fiber, with no added sugar, fat, or maltitol.

All these features meet a growing market need. According to Arla Foods Ingredients, 90% of global consumers now consider snacking an essential part of their daily routine, with health increasingly influencing their choices.

Taste and texture remain king

The company says its concept avoids the textural deterioration that can affect protein bars, maintaining stable softness over a two-year shelf life without the need for additional fat or water-binding ingredients like collagen.

Peter Schouw Andersen, senior director of performance nutrition at Arla Foods Ingredients, says the company developed this concept to respond to the biggest trends in the protein bar market.

“Taste and texture are still king but health considerations are increasingly important — for younger consumers in particular. Easy Bite meets all these needs, offering a high-protein, low-fat, fiber-rich option that retains its softness without the need for a long ingredients list. We hope it will create exciting new opportunities for protein bar innovation.”

Additionally, the company will showcase two other concepts at SupplySide Global, including its Protein Soda that responds to the “better-for-you” soft drinks trend. Featuring specialty whey protein ingredient Lacprodan BLG-100, it contains 10 g of high-quality protein and no sugar.

The company will also exhibit “Refreshed in Seconds,” a concept that demonstrates the benefits of Lacprodan ISO. RefreshShake — the latest addition to Arla Foods Ingredients’ portfolio of high-quality whey protein isolates for clear shakes. It delivers 20 g of protein per 300 ml serving and offers quick foam breakdown as well as a refreshing taste.