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What It Takes to Formulate a Successful High-Protein Beverage

What It Takes to Formulate a Successful High-Protein Beverage

High-protein beverages are no longer just for athletes. From functional nutrition to everyday wellness, consumers are actively seeking protein drinks that taste great, digest easily, and fit seamlessly into their lifestyles. But formulating a high-protein beverage that checks all the boxes is harder than it looks.

That’s where Siena comes in.

The Challenge of High-Protein Beverages

Protein brings a unique set of formulation hurdles, especially in ready-to-drink formats. Brands often struggle with:

  • Off-flavors or chalky mouthfeel
  • Sedimentation or instability over shelf life
  • Poor solubility at high protein loads
  • Balancing nutrition with clean-label demands
  • Maintaining texture across temperature and storage conditions

Solving one problem often creates another. Successful products require a holistic approach to formulation, not just a single ingredient swap.

Siena’s Approach to High-Protein Formulation

Siena partners with brands early in the development process to design protein beverages that perform in the real world — from manufacturing to the consumer’s last sip.

Here’s how Siena helps:

1. Protein System Optimization

Not all proteins behave the same. Siena helps identify and optimize the right protein system — whether dairy-based, plant-based, or hybrid — based on your nutritional goals, processing conditions, and target consumer. The result is improved solubility, smoother texture, and better stability.

2. Texture and Mouthfeel Engineering

High protein doesn’t have to mean thick, gritty, or unpleasant. Siena applies functional ingredients and formulation techniques to deliver a clean, smooth mouthfeel that aligns with your brand positioning — whether that’s indulgent, refreshing, or lightweight.

3. Flavor Compatibility and Masking

Protein can amplify bitterness or astringency. Siena works to ensure flavor systems hold up in high-protein environments, minimizing off-notes and enhancing overall drinkability without relying on excessive sweeteners.

4. Stability and Shelf-Life Support

From UHT processing to cold-fill applications, Siena helps ensure your beverage remains stable, visually appealing, and consistent throughout its intended shelf life.

5. Scalable, Market-Ready Solutions

Great prototypes don’t always survive scale-up. Siena formulates with commercialization in mind, helping brands move efficiently from bench-top development to full production.

Meeting Consumer Expectations

Today’s consumers expect more than just protein counts on a label. They want beverages that are:

  • Convenient and great-tasting
  • Aligned with health and wellness goals
  • Made with thoughtfully selected ingredients
  • Consistent from first sip to last

Siena helps brands deliver on all of these expectations without compromising functionality or efficiency.

Bringing Your High-Protein Beverage to Life

Whether you’re launching a new protein drink or reformulating an existing one, Siena provides the technical expertise and collaborative approach needed to bring your concept to market with confidence.

High-protein beverages don’t have to be complicated — with the right partner, they can be delicious, stable, and scalable.

https://www.businessinsider.com/best-protein-drinks-shakes-ranked-review

https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/98783-silk-introduces-high-protein-beverage

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