Wholesale Protein

The Protein Market

As manufacturers of a growing number of wholesale protein blends we see trends developing and emerging months before others see the fashionable changes come to market.

Complementing our capsule and tablet manufacturing capabilities with a purpose-built, state of the art, powder blending facility was a logical step.

If you already have a protein blend and you want a new supplier that brings you innovation, or you are thinking of adding to your range with a wholesale protein offering. You should read the text below and discover more about the fastest growing and most famous ingredient in the supplement world.

Drinking protein has become fashionable as a healthy living boom continues to surge.

The Benefits of Protein

When it comes to building and preserving muscle mass, protein is the most important nutrient in the world. Regular consumption of protein, particularly in the ‘anabolic window’ that immediately follows exercise, contributes to the significant growth and repair of muscle fibres.

Protein is not gender-specific, meaning that its benefits can extend to men and women of all ages, body types and fitness levels.

The average person requires approx. 0.8g of protein per kg of body weight every day. However, this requirement is larger for those who regularly take part in endurance training (approx. 1.2g/kg) or strength training (approx. 2g/kg).

Weight Training

Protein carries the following EFSA-approved health claims:

Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass
Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones

Milk Proteins

Whey protein is one of the most popular, most effective and most widely used sports supplements. A natural by-product of the cheese-making process, whey protein is the liquid that is left behind once the milk has been curdled and strained. This liquid is then microfiltered and dried to form a powder, which is commonly known as whey protein concentrate (WPC). WPC is the most common type of whey protein on the market, with a protein content of anywhere between 30-80%.

While WPC may be the most common type of whey protein, it is whey protein isolate (WPI) that represents the highest quality and purity. This is because WPI has been filtered even further than WPC to remove more of the fats and lactose, resulting in protein content of at least 90%.

Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) is a WPC or WPI powder that has been enzymatically hydrolysed (partially pre-digested) into smaller peptides. WPH is easier and faster to digest and absorb, making it desirable for those looking for rapid recovery after exercise.

In addition to whey protein, there is also another type of protein found in milk – casein. Casein is a slow-digesting form of protein that releases amino acids over a more prolonged period of time. This makes it perfect for those needing a slow-release protein to take before bed.

Andersen et al., 2005

This study compared the effects of 14 weeks of resistance training combined with timed ingestion of protein on muscle fibre hypotrophy and mechanical muscle performance. Supplementation was administered before and immediately after each training bout and, in addition, in the morning on non-training days. After 14 weeks of resistance training, the protein group experienced a growth of both type 1 (18%) and type 2 (26%) muscle fibres, whereas no change occurred in the placebo group.

Vegan Proteins

With veganism well and truly on the rise in the UK (up by 360% over the past decade), consumers are now actively seeking plant-based protein sources.

The most common of these is soy protein as it most closely resembles the amino acid profile of milk-based proteins. Soy protein is considered a complete protein as it provides all of the essential amino acids and can contain as much as 90% protein.

Other plant-based protein powders include pea, rice, hemp and quinoa – all of which have their own unique flavour, texture, amino acid profile and price tag. While providing a vegan-friendly option, most plant proteins from single sources are typically incomplete proteins. However, some of these plants can be blended together to ensure that the finished product is classed as ‘complete’.

Specialty Wholesale Protein

In addition to vegan-friendly options, there are now many more protein sources available that can help brands to differentiate themselves and establish a point of difference against the competition.

These include pumpkin seed, watermelon and even edible mealworms and crickets!