Glanbia Nutritionals is focused on the research and development of better nutritional solutions for a variety of food and beverage applications including protein fortification, sports and performance, weight management, and general health and wellness. To better serve you, our team of R&D experts is on-hand to answer any questions you may have on our products and their applications. We welcome you to submit a question to our R&D panel. All questions will be answered via email, and select questions and answers will be posted on our site.
- Question: What makes dairy proteins a good choice for nutrition bars?
Answer: Nutrition bars come in all shapes and sizes, with a wide variety of ingredients and nutritional profiles. Protein is a common ingredient among the majority of nutrition bars. Whether it's a granola bar with just a few grams of protein, a specialized bar packed with protein for the elite athlete, or something in between, they all include protein of some type. From a product development standpoint there are many choices for protein fortification. Dairy proteins provide high-quality nutrition with a superior protein quality including high levels of branched chain amino acids.
Dairy proteins are easy to incorporate into a formulation, with bland flavor profiles and a wide variety of texture-producing qualities that help to achieve the desired texture throughout shelf life. For example, incorporating a whey protein with a small amount of hydrolysis can extend the shelf life of a nutrition bar without impacting the flavor profile. Also, a small amount of an insoluble milk protein can create a shorter texture with a faster chew that is sometimes desired. Overall, dairy proteins are extremely versatile, providing functionality and nutrition in all types of bars.
Starla Paulsen, Ph.D., Applications Manager
- Question: How does Glanbia's TruCal® differ from other calcium sources?
Answer: Other calcium sources are derived either synthetically or from certain types of rock (limestone in the case of calcium carbonate). These calcium sources include calcium lactate, calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate, calcium phosphate, calcium citrate, calcium citrate-malate, and calcium pantothenate. These types of calcium are not natural, and are not derived from food sources. TruCal® is the mineral found in milk and, as such, is all natural. Glanbia extracts it in pure form from milk; it has no added chemicals nor is it ground up from deposits in the earth.
Though calcium carbonate contains 40% calcium, it does not deliver any of the other minerals that are necessary for good human health. TruCal contains 24% calcium and 12% phosphorus-maintaining the dietary recommendation of a 2:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio such as is found in milk. TruCal also contains magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper and selenium in ratios that are appropriate and recommended for maintaining a good mineral balance in the diet and also for optimal bone health. The other calcium sources do not deliver any other minerals besides calcium, thus setting up the potential for imbalanced dietary minerals. Such imbalances, may, in fact, be detrimental to bone and human health.
TruCal is manufactured in a dairy plant that meets the 3A sanitary requirements, the highest level of sanitation for any food product. Other sources of calcium are not processed under such high standards of sanitation and hygiene. TruCal can be incorporated into virtually any food or supplement product. Glanbia Nutritionals has developed a long line of applications for incorporating TruCal into foods and supplements, from basic tablets and capsules to fresh dairy and beverages-even bakery and confectionary applications.
Eric Bastian, Ph.D., Vice President of Research & Development
