The company said it is responding to consumers as they look for simple recipes made from a few ingredients that are natural, healthy, and minimally processed with more transparency and traceability.
Lecithin is added to whey protein powder to help the powder become instant when mixing and clump-free, which the company said is ideal for shakes.
Lactalis said the ever-increasing demand for natural products coupled with the fact that soy lecithin is starting to be stigmatized is increasing the demand for sunflower lecithin.
This can be linked to allergen problems caused by soy, the company said. Sunflower lecithin is hypoallergenic, sustainable, and does not need to be declared as an allergen. Unlike soy, it is naturally guaranteed GMO-free because no genetically modified sunflower plants have been grown commercially anywhere in the world.
It added the trend can also be found in many other sectors such as bakery and confectionery, indicating a global move towards the use of sunflower lecithin.
Lactalis Ingredients’ new instant whey protein range with sunflower lecithin is produced at its plant in Retiers, France.
Available for the native whey protein Pronativ and whey protein Laktein WPC80/WPI, Lactalis said the new product has good solubility, neutral taste, 79 to 95% protein on dry matter and low lactose reference.