FrieslandCampina Ingredients to launch protein-forward concepts at Expo West 2026
FrieslandCampina Ingredients is presenting a range of high-protein, taste-led food and beverage concepts at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California (4–6 March 2026), with formulations targeting the gut-muscle axis and GLP-1 medication users.
At the event the Dutch ingredient supplier, a specialist in whey proteins, caseinates and prebiotics, will demonstrate how manufacturers can combine functional protein delivery with consumer-preferred flavours and textures.
Combining sensory appeal with protein efficacy
The company’s showcase addresses a recognised formulation challenge: achieving clinically meaningful protein levels without compromising mouthfeel, flavour or palatability. According to the International Food Information Council’s 2024 Food & Health Survey, 85% of US consumers cite taste as the primary driver of food choice – ahead of price (76%) and health (65%).
Concept applications on display include a Dubai chocolate-inspired crispy protein bar, a key lime pie protein bar, chocolate chip cookie dough protein bites, and a high-protein vanilla café latte. Each concept draws on Nutri Whey™ whey proteins, which support rapid muscle protein synthesis, alongside Excellion® caseinates, which provide a slower, sustained release of amino acids. Excellion Textpro, a caseinate-based ingredient, is featured as a primary functional component across several formats, contributing both texture and protein density.
“Healthier snacks can be irresistible,” said Auke Zeilstra, Managing Director, North America at FrieslandCampina Ingredients. “Our applications demonstrate how high-quality proteins can be combined with consumer-preferred flavours and satisfying textures, enabling brands to create products that not only meet health needs like muscle support, but also excite and satisfy.”
Targeting the gut-muscle axis
A second strand of the exhibition focuses on multi-benefit formulations incorporating both protein and prebiotic ingredients. Data from Spins (2025) indicates that half of Gen Z and Millennial consumers following high-protein diets are actively seeking products with added fibre or prebiotic content.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients is presenting blueberry-lemon fermented whey protein bites and ‘FermentiPop’ functional sodas in citrus punch and peaches-and-cream variants. These concepts feature Biotis® Fermentis, a co-fermented ingredient combining whey protein, prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and probiotic cultures, specifically designed to target the gut-muscle axis. The formulations are positioned to support both active adults and GLP-1 medication users, who may require assistance maintaining muscle mass and managing gastrointestinal side effects.
“Consumers want nutrition with a plus,” said Floor van der Horst, Global Marketing Director, Performance and Active Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients. “It takes careful formulation to balance ingredients to create tasty snacks and drinks that also deliver high protein content and digestive support.”
FrieslandCampina Ingredients reported combined sales of €1.45 billion in 2024 and operates across Early Life Nutrition, Active, Performance, Medical and Cell Nutrition segments. The company is a subsidiary of Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., which recorded annual turnover of €12.9 billion in 2024 and is owned by a cooperative of 14,183 dairy farmers across the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
- For more information, visit: frieslandcampinaingredients.com
