Because of their name we can associate them with the most commercial proteins or proteins that we can obtain from different foods, however, functional proteins are those that provide the body with the essential properties for its proper functioning in a purer and more direct way; these functional proteins are the favorites of athletes, patients with cardiovascular diseases or eye diseases and many brands in the hair and skin care industry include them in their products to provide better quality to their consumers.

Functional proteins are obtained from different sources, but through various chemical processes they are isolated and reproduced to preserve them in their purest form so that they can provide benefits with better results. These proteins are present in food supplements in a variety of presentations, such as tablets, beverages, capsules, powders for preparation, syrups, gummies, among others.

Increasing Factors

The incidence of health problems is increasing and increasing, but with it, knowledge of good eating habits, an interest in improving fitness and health awareness. All this contributes to the growth of the functional protein market. Currently, the value of the functional protein market ranges between $4.62 billion and is estimated to increase by 5.7% more each year until 2028 which comprises the forecast period for these proteins.

Fortunately consumers are more aware of their nutritional intake, the benefits of physical activity and the use of food supplements to meet the body's nutritional needs, this is also driving the sale of functional proteins, but this is only part of it.

The establishment of health clubs and trends that encourage consumers to focus on health have increased the sale of dietary supplements. In addition, new gyms, in conjunction with advertising and marketing activities and motivated by monetary benefits, offer consumers attractive subscription plans to increase the sale of weight loss supplements and weight management supplements. So, we can anticipate that this market will have growth and position well into the next decade (or until another nutritional trend comes along and does its thing).

On the other hand, North America is the country that currently consumes more of these types of supplements, because within its nutritional culture is the tendency to seek and measure their diet, in addition to balancing it with exercise. Not to mention that the elderly segment continues to increase and also the diseases that affect the quality of life.

But...

Not everything is so fascinating, because unfortunately the COVID-19 outbreak disrupted the supply chain worldwide.

Prices increased due to the blockades, and limited human capital in companies severely affects the protein market and the development of these products. Many countries have regulated the movement of people and goods, leading to decreased deliveries, roadblocks and other logistical problems. Still, the protein market is expected to grow after the pandemic and attract investment and research initiatives to increase protein applications.

Functional proteins with the highest demand

Proteins are classified differently according to their intended function: we find casein, to support sports performance, hydrolyzed so that the body can assimilate it in an ideal way and added with amino acids and other nutrients that participate in the proper functioning of the immune system. We also find them on animal origin, such as whey protein, and vegetable origin, such as soy protein. These functional proteins have become more popular during the last few years due to the growing trends in fitness and to the fact that animal care and veganism are on the rise.

In reference to hydrolyzed proteins, they have been in great demand for the last five years. This type of functional proteins are obtained by heating purified protein sources with acid or by adding proteolytic enzymes, followed by various purification procedures. These proteins, in addition to being responsible for improving insulin production in the body, increase the plasma concentration of amino acids and facilitate protein digestion.

Powdered, gummies, ready-to-drink & more.

Because of their practicality at the time of consumption, ready-to-drink beverages or juices are the preferred format of consumers, which is why they have become the focus of brands developing this type of supplements. On the other hand, it is well known that the sports segment is attracted to powder formats because of the freedom to dose the amount of product to be consumed. Either way, the flavors added to the products are always attractive and there is a huge variety for consumers to choose from.