Arla Foods Ingredients has unveiled a whey-based solution that enables the creation of clear and protein-enriched fermented drinks. 

Due to the high demand for ready-to-drink beverages, Arla’s new ingredient is said to offer new ways to give fermented beverages a twist.

The solution uses 100% whey-based hydrolysates Lacprodan Hydro.365 and Nutrilac FO-8571. And because it significantly minimises cloudiness and sedimentation, the formulation “can be used to create high-protein fermented beverages that are just as clear as alternatives without protein,” said Arla.

According to the company, beverage manufacturers can also use the formula with thermophilic cultures for fermented drinks or mesophilic cultures for kombucha-style beverages, both of which contain a high level of probiotics and are lactose-free. The solution can also be produced on a yogurt processing line.

Barbara Jensen, sales development manager at Arla, said: “The market for healthy beverages is incredibly dynamic, with categories like kombucha enjoying phenomenal success. Our goal is always to help our customers lead innovation, and now we’re giving them opportunities to offer consumers a new twist on fermented protein beverages – a category that’s already very exciting. With this new solution, they can create on-trend beverages that are not only high in both protein and probiotics but also stand out from the pack because of their clear, refreshing appearance.”