Nestlé is leveraging its expertise in protein innovation to deliver differentiating nutritional solutions for consumers focused on weight management, including GLP-1 weight loss medication users. This is a strategic focus area for the company’s innovation efforts.
To address specific consumer health needs related to weight management, scientists at Nestlé have developed a proprietary protein technology. It is designed to enable the development of protein-rich beverages that provide convenient, on-the-go nutritional solutions for managing blood sugar levels and appetite.
The Nestlé whey protein microgel technology is backed by 11 different patents and is part of more than 100 patents that the company has filed in the last 10 years for whey protein-related innovations.
A clinical study conducted by Nestlé scientists in collaboration with external partners has substantiated the efficacy of this technology. The study, which involved participants with type-2 diabetes, showed that a pre-meal drink containing 10 grams of the whey protein microgels lowers glucose response and increases the release of GLP-1, the gut hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels, slow digestion and increase satiety. The results of the study were recently published in the journal Metabolites.
Christophe Schmitt, Senior Expert Protein Science & Technology at Nestlé Research: “Whey protein is known for its high nutritional quality but can clump together when heated as a concentrated liquid, an essential step for making shelf-stable ready-to-drink beverages. This can result in increased thickness of the liquid and off flavors. Our novel technology enables us to develop beverages with high concentrations of whey protein, while ensuring great taste and texture for the consumer. This can lead to breakthrough innovations that support weight management.”
