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Beyond the key criteria of being tasty, healthy and natural, several key aspects must be taken into consideration when formulating the ideal functional beverage, particularly when targeting different age groups. Ingredient solubility is paramount. Texture and mouthfeel are also critical. And, finally, as the main purpose of a functional beverage is to provide the consumer with a health benefit, it is particularly important for product developers to use proven, simple-to-use ingredients with documented effects. Consumer expectations are higher than ever, and it’s not easy to incorporate extra health into a drink in a delicious and sensory pleasing way. However, GELITA’s Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP^®s) offer a convenient solution.

Quickly and recently, collagen peptides have become one of the most sought-after products in the health and wellness aisle. Growth in the collagen sector is attributed to the increasing awareness of the vital role that collagen-rich tissues play in the adaptation to training and protection against injuries. Adding to this, there is the unique appeal of collagen’s ability to reduce the age-related concept of whole-body decline.

Thomas Röhler, 27 years old, is a professional javelin thrower who competes at the very highest level. As a former Olympic (2016) and European champion (2018), his personal best measures a world-class distance of 93.90 m. Now, with his sights set on competing at the World Championships (2019) and Olympia (2020), he’s looking to optimize his training plan and focus on achieving even more.

Beverages are a convenient delivery system for important nutrients. Bioactive Collagen Peptides^® from GELITA enable drinks manufacturers to create versatile beverage concepts that are capable of meeting the most diverse consumer requirements, while being effective and easy to process, and having no impact on the sensory profile of the final product.

Findings from cell experiments and in vivo studies in rodents have enhanced our knowledge about how collagen peptides may contribute to a normal bone formation and an increase in bone mineral density if there is a lack in bone mass. First, it has been shown that collagen peptides are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, collagen peptides are largely absorbed in peptide form and may act as signaling molecules, thereby positively influencing anabolic processes. For connective tissue, in particular, this stimulating effect has previously been demonstrated. Therefore it may be assumed that the stimulation of collagen formation in bone could also be mediated via signaling proteins derived from collagen peptides.

Driven by the increasing demand for vegetarian and vegan-friendly alternatives to culinary classics, GELITA, the market leading producer of gelatin and collagen peptides, has expanded its gelling agent portfolio by delivering a world-first: agar-agar sheets.