Nearly two thirds of consumers worldwide who exercise regularly and are aware of whey protein hydrolysates believe they are superior to normal whey proteins for sports nutrition, according to a new survey.

Researchers from Lindberg International, commissioned by Arla Foods Ingredients, questioned 2,649 consumers who exercise for more than three hours a week about their use of, and knowledge about, whey protein. The survey of 2,649 male and female included consumers who exercise three hours or more per week with 660 in the U.S.; 518 in Brazil; 507 in Japan; 489 in the UK;  and 475 in Germany. Research was conducted online by Lindberg International in May 2017.

Nearly half of them (48%) said they had heard of whey protein hydrolysates and, within this group, 60% said they believed them to be better than standard whey proteins. Meanwhile, 29% didn’t know whether or not they were better, and only 11% thought they were no better.

The results showed that, on average, those who had heard of whey protein hydrolysates consume them eight times per month. Most respondents (81%) said they consume them at least once a month, and nearly a quarter (22%) said they consume them 11 or more times per month.

The findings from the survey are presented in a new report published by Arla Foods Ingredients: “Awareness and perceptions of whey protein hydrolysates among active populations in the U.S., UK, Brazil, Germany and Japan.”

Researchers also asked those respondents who were aware of whey protein hydrolysates to pick a benefit associated with them. A third (34%) said “muscle building,” 29% cited “faster absorption into the muscles,” 24% selected “muscle recovery” and 13% said “increased performance.” 

Troels Laursen, director of health & performance nutrition at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “This survey demonstrates that, globally, among consumers who take their exercise seriously, there is a generally positive perception of whey protein hydrolysates and good awareness of their benefits. These findings are consistent with what we are seeing in the sports nutrition market. According to the Innova Database, the number of launches worldwide of sports nutrition products containing whey protein hydrolysates increased 26% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2010 to 2016. The survey results, plus this market data, demonstrate that hydrolysates are gaining traction in the sports nutrition space. This means there is an excellent opportunity for sports nutrition companies to develop products with whey protein hydrolysates, which are at the vanguard of the industry.”

Whey protein hydrolysates are premium proteins that have been finely chopped—or ‘pre-digested’— so they are absorbed more quickly by the body than standard proteins. This ensures they get to work faster on helping the muscles recover after exercise. In particular, they offer a range of benefits that will appeal directly to serious users of sports nutrition. These include easy digestion, fast absorption, rapid delivery of the key amino acids for muscle building and increased fat burn for improved body composition.

For sport nutrition manufacturers, whey protein hydrolysates offer a wide range of functional benefits, providing a key ingredient for producing truly crystal clear protein drinks, for adding protein into sports gels, and for increasing the softness and shelf life of protein bars.