NotCo AI: “Protein Demand Is Growing Faster Than the Supply of Whey”

Alisia Heath, Vice President of R&D at NotCo, discusses the whey protein squeeze that has halved inventories since 2023, highlighting the cyclical and structural factors contributing to the shortage. She emphasizes the importance of functionality when swapping whey for plant protein, as different properties like solubility and stability can cause reformulation failures. NotCo focuses on optimizing protein systems rather than single-ingredient replacements, tailoring blends for specific products like beverages and bars to meet nutritional, taste, and texture requirements.

Heath also shares the results of a human study comparing a soy and pea protein blend to whey for muscle and strength gains in individuals undergoing resistance training. The study found that both groups experienced similar improvements in muscle mass and strength, suggesting that the plant-based blend can be as effective as whey in supporting muscle adaptations. This challenges the historical perception of whey's superiority, highlighting the potential of plant-based proteins in meeting protein demands amid the whey shortage.