Arla Foods launches medical nutrition ingredient combines high-protein 

Peptide-based products are also known for an unappealing bitter taste

Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a new whey protein hydrolysate with a better taste profile than comparable ingredients for peptide-based medical nutrition.

The highly hydrolysed whey protein ingredient Lacprodan DI-3092 allows 10g of high-quality single-source protein to be packed into 100 ml – significantly higher than the market standard of 6-7g per 100 ml. Additionally, it is designed to taste great with minimal bitterness, helping overcome a key challenge in medical nutrition.

Whey protein hydrolysates are produced through an enzymatic process where protein is broken down into peptides. Sometimes described as “pre-digested”, they are a valuable solution for the nutritional needs of patients with impaired gastrointestinal function or nutrient absorption.

However, peptide-based products are also known for an unappealing bitter taste. This is a serious problem given the impact of taste and texture on compliance with medical nutrition. Many patients report that medical drinks have an unpleasant texture and taste, and in a recent study, half of those recommended medical nutrition plans did not complete them or did not take the full dosage.