Experts have highlighted the need to balance functionality and taste to move healthy beverages into the mainstream in APAC, with some consensus that personalised nutrition, gut health, and mental wellness are set to become emerging growth areas.
Taste remains paramount if consumers are going to be tempted to try and repeatedly purchase healthier and more functional products, claims ingredient giant Symrise.
Taste and mouthfeel challenges are the biggest hurdles to overcome when formulating clear protein beverages for the sports nutrition and functional foods markets, according to Arla Foods Ingredients.
Taste, price and consumer understanding are the driving forces behind the booming sales of protein powder in China, according to leading industry players.