(NAFB.com) – Consumer demand for food and beverages with high protein levels continues to surge as a growing percentage of Americans focus on increasing their dietary protein. The sharp rise in demand is shifting buying habits and could transform the retail grocery space. A new report from CoBank said the strong consumer demand for protein bodes well for the U.S. dairy industry, given the high protein levels and nutritional qualities in traditional dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese. “Dairy products have a unique advantage because they contain all nine essential amino acids required in a human diet, making it a complete protein source,” said Cory Geiger, lead economist for CoBank. “We expect more food and beverage manufacturers will take a cue from formulators that have already incorporated dairy-based ingredients into protein-centric product areas outside the retail dairy case.” More studies show that almost all consumers now associate protein with expanded health benefits.
