Imbibe will be closed on October 3, 4, 17, 18, 25, and 26. Please expect delays in responses during this time.

Top 5 Tips for Developing Beverages Fortified with Protein

Protein Beverage Development

Earlier this year, I attended an Imbibe seminar on developing protein beverages. The speaker, Senior Beverage Scientist Justin Cline, presented some of the challenges and tactical solutions that developers face when formulating with protein.

Advancements in protein research, blends, alternative sources and flavor maskers have allowed beverages that include upwards of 40 g of protein to be more palatable than ever before. Although I am not a scientist, and admittedly have a limited technical background, I was still able to learn some fundamental principles of developing protein beverages. I am sharing some of my biggest takeaways with you in the hope that these recommendations will help you avoid, or at least overcome, obstacles during your next protein beverage project.

  1. Work backwards. Or rather, understand the plant processing capabilities BEFORE starting development. Developing a product on the bench, only to discover that the processing capabilities of the production facility can’t be replicated in the way that you would expect, will result in wasted time and money.

Read entire article on Natural Products Insider.

Keep Reading:

How Are Shoppers Using AI to Choose Functional Beverages?

More shoppers now ask AI about their health before they reach the shelf. Here’s what that means for functional beverage brands, and how to earn trial when AI weighs in first.
READ MORE

Imbibe-Developed Beauty Hydration Slushie Featured in Food Ingredients First’s SupplySide Global 2026 Recap

Frozen formats add another layer of complexity to functional products, because cold serving temperatures can mute flavor and sweetness perception. A concept that tastes balanced at room temperature may fall flat once frozen.
READ MORE

Clear Protein Is Booming. Is Your Portfolio Keeping Up?

Considerations like format, processing, shelf life, and label constraints all influence how a solution performs in the final product. What works in one system may not translate directly to another.
READ MORE

Notice: Holiday Closure

Imbibe will be closed April 2, 3, 8, and 9. Please expect some delays in our response during these dates.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.