At booth #4450, the company will spotlight protein-forward, taste-led concepts in convenient formats, including GLP-1-aligned companion solutions.
FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a global leader in protein and prebiotics, returns to Natural Products Expo West (March 4–6, 2026) to showcase an innovative lineup of new taste-forward applications. At booth #4450, visitors can explore a variety of protein-first formats designed to inspire the creation of next-generation functional foods and beverages that deliver both performance and enjoyment.
Innovation that tastes as good as it performs
With 85% of U.S. consumers citing taste as the number one factor in their food choices – above both price (76%) and health (65%) – taste and enjoyment remain key considerations for successful functional food and beverage innovation.[i] But as consumers expect more from the products they choose, and the growing use of GLP‑1 medications reshapes eating habits, new opportunities are emerging for products that bridge healthy positionings with indulgent sensory appeal. At the same time, achieving appropriate and efficacious protein levels is becoming increasingly critical. Brands must deliver meaningful levels of high-quality protein that support satiety, muscle health and overall wellness, while preserving flavor, mouthfeel and convenient consumption.
To help manufacturers meet this need, FrieslandCampina Ingredients will showcase on-trend concepts that combine taste, texture and nutrition. These include a Dubai chocolate-inspired crispy indulgent protein bar, a limited-edition key lime pie protein bar, chocolate chip cookie dough protein bites and a high-protein vanilla café latte. These concepts uniquely combine the benefits of Nutri Whey™ whey proteins – for rapid muscle protein synthesis – and Excellion® caseinates – for a slower, sustained release of amino acids, while also giving bars, snacks and drinks a desirable sensory experience. Featured as a hero ingredient in several of these concepts, Excellion® Textpro delivers the elevated texture and standout sensory experience that defines next‑generation high‑protein snacking.
“Healthier snacks can be irresistible,” said Auke Zeilstra, Managing Director, North America at FrieslandCampina Ingredients. “That’s why we’re showing what’s possible at Natural Products Expo West. Our applications demonstrate how high-quality proteins can be combined with consumer-preferred flavors and satisfying textures, enabling brands to create products that not only meet health needs like muscle support, but also excite and satisfy.”
Protein with a plus
Protein remains a cornerstone of the functional food market, but now consumers are increasingly seeking products that deliver more than a single benefit. In fact, half of Gen Z and Millennials following high-protein diets are actively seeking functional foods and drinks that also contain added value ingredients like fibers and prebiotics.[ii]
FrieslandCampina Ingredients is showing how brands can address this opportunity with tasty applications that combine muscle and gut-supporting benefits. On stand, visitors can discover blueberry-lemon fermented whey protein bites and ‘FermentiPop’ functional sodas in citrus punch and peaches-and-cream. Each of these application inspirations feature the company’s unique Biotis® Fermentis ingredient that combines the benefits of whey protein, prebiotic GOS and probiotic cultures, fermenting them together to target the gut-muscle axis.
By infusing on-trend foods and beverages with protein and gut-friendly ingredients, these concepts show how nutrition can deliver multiple wellness benefits – without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. They’re also uniquely positioned to help support active adults interested in boosting their gut health, as well as GLP‑1 users that may need support to maintain muscle mass[iii] and reduce potential digestive side effects.[iv]
“Consumers want nutrition with a plus,” comments Floor van der Horst, Global Marketing Director, Performance and Active Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients. “But creating foods and beverages that support an active lifestyle and combine multiple benefits like muscle support with gut health is no small feat – especially when taste and texture are critical factors. It takes careful formulation to balance ingredients to create tasty snacks and drinks that also deliver high protein content and digestive support. Our Excellion® Caseinates portfolio delivers high protein content and long-lasting amino acid release to help either increase or preserve muscle mass and enhance satiety while our Biotis® GOS prebiotic helps support a healthy gut microbiome.”
Find out more about FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ range of protein and prebiotic ingredients at Natural Products Expo West 2026 by registering here and visiting booth #4450.
Innovations in Food (& Beverage) Technology is a quarterly magazine distributed globally both in Print and Digital formats. www.innovationsfood.com. Twitter: @Innovfoodtech. Instagram: @innovationsinfoodtechnology. Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/terry-prior52
