Market Trends of Indonesia Whey Protein Industry
Rising Demand For Protein-Based Functional Food & Beverage
- With widespread attention that whey protein gained due to its functional benefits, it has become the choice of fitness-oriented Indonesian consumers, creating a demand for products containing whey. This has led to the demand for whey protein in the functional foods segment, as it is highly nutritional and makes the body healthier. This increased fitness enthusiasts in the growing middle-class population have increased the consumption rate of functional foods. In the confectionery industry, lactose and lactose derivatives are important whey-derived functional ingredients. It offers a cost-effective alternative to formulate caramels with excellent processability and the good eating quality.
- Whey protein is frequently employed to enhance biological value, produce superior physical, textural, and other food functional aspects, enhance sensory qualities, and develop high-protein and low-lactose products. Also, efforts to find novel uses, such as creating edible films, will help the sector expand.
- Food packaging made of biodegradable or edible materials is a practical solution to increase food quality and shelf life while lowering the environmental pollution. Over the projection period, this is anticipated to increase product demand.
- Additionally, whey protein contains WPCs (Whey Protein Concentrates) that continue soluble in the whey after casein precipitates at pH 4.6 and 20 °C. These concentrates are a heterogeneous mixture of several proteins containing lipids, lactose, and minerals. Moreover, WPC is a low-cost caramel blending substitute with greater flavor and processability.
- WPCs are used in several processes, including producing yogurt, drinks, and dairy desserts. These concentrates also provide protein to food products for infant nutrition. WPC exhibits a gelling property when heated and dissolved in water, which is useful in meat and nutrition applications. It is anticipated that these properties will support segment expansion.
- Therefore, the increasing health awareness among people in Indonesia is driving the market for Protein-Based Functional Food & Beverages, as most are involved in health and fitness regimes. For instance, according to a Snapcart survey, In Indonesia in 2021, a poll on digital health apps revealed that 86% of participants had heard of such apps. About half of those who had yet to use such services believed they still needed them.
- Therefore, the statistics indicate that people in Indonesia are inclined towards health awareness since Smartphone-compatible internet applications called "health tech apps" allow users to read health articles such as essential nutrients required to maintain a healthy body, etc. Hence, the increased health awareness among the people drives the market for Indonesia Whey Protein market.
Whey Protein Isolates Drive the Indonesia Whey Protein Market
- The escalated demand for protein from nutritional industries, such as medical & clinical nutrition, infant nutrition, and sports nutrition and goods markets, drives the whey protein isolates market. Also, other factors such as higher purity of whey isolate, with fewer carbs, lactose, and fat, and lower cost compared to the other whey protein types, thus intensifying the whey protein isolate market. Thus, it is a common choice for people who need to maintain low body fat without affecting their body muscles.
- This form of whey protein is popular among athletes, sportspersons, and people who are lactose intolerant. Due to their high protein purity and solution clarity, whey protein isolates are commonly used in dietary supplements, sports and health drinks, and beverages with additional protein.
- According to Ascent Protein website articles, whey protein isolate is the more protein-rich of the two whey protein types. Therefore, further processing removes most of the lactose and fat from whey protein isolate. Whey protein isolate typically contains at least 90% protein in most cases, which is why consumers prefer them.
- Whey protein isolates are used as dietary supplements because they have several health benefits. Since according to the Dairy Council, whey protein isolate (WPI) contains 90-95% protein concentration, 0.5-1% lactose, 0.5-1% fat and, therefore, widely used in protein supplementation products, protein bars, protein beverages, and other nutritional food products. Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate contains> 90% protein concentration, 0.5-1% lactose, and 0.5-1% Fat. It has easy-to-digest peptides in a highly digestible form that lower allergic reaction risk in vulnerable people. It is usually used in newborn formulae and products, including sports nourishment. Therefore, these factors are majorly driving the market in this region.