23 Jun 2017 --- Carbonated protein soda, meat snack bars, ready to drink meals (RTD) and ingredients designed to mask the flavor of protein were the winners of Bridge2Food’s this year’s Sports & Active Nutrition Awards showcasing innovation, the use of natural, functional ingredients and the continued trend to adapt mainstream products for the active nutrition market.

The FORI Meat Snack Bar was the winner of Best Sports & Active Nutrition Product – a natural, long life, high-protein meat snack, developed in Wales by Carl Austin with tempting flavors such as Moroccan Apricot & Date.

Judge Claire Nuttall, founder of Brand Incubator, says, “These meat snacks were natural tasting, convenient and very simply so much more ‘foodie’ and appetizing than many meat snacking options out on the market. They brought something different and more aspirational to the category. Adding chia seeds and other innovative healthy ingredients makes all the difference to making a good product.”

“Winning the award is a huge honor for us. Our real snack revolution has only just begun. Hopefully, recognition from such a prestigious judging panel will help spread the word to active people that you can snack without compromise,” Fori founder Carl Austin says.

Star Nutrition Protein Soda from Gymgrossisten was awarded Best New Category Development. A new carbonated protein drink in four flavors – Cola, Orange, Lemon & Lime and Exotic – containing 10 grams of protein per serving with a delicious taste and texture. An “on-the-go” protein product, designed for both mainstream retail consumers and established gym user as an alternative to sugar filled “fizzy pop” and as a stand-alone post workout drink.

Colinda Hoegee, MD, Holland & Barrett Benelux, says, “The judges felt that Protein Soda represented a creative innovation in the active nutrition beverage category. This reflects the increasing trend to adapt mainstream products to target active consumers as well as sports enthusiasts, looking for functional, tasty products.”

“These are exciting times in the sports & active nutrition industry with the increasing trend toward targeting active mainstream consumers. Our awards recognize and showcase the entrepreneurs and companies that are leading the way and the winners suggest that the future is very bright for our industry,” Gerard Klein Essink of Bridge2Food says.

Saturo Foods RTD was awarded Best Sports & Active Nutrition Beverage – one 500ml bottle contains a complete, balanced meal including carbohydrates, protein, lipids, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Saturo can be consumed straight from the bottle, is available in a range of flavors has a low glycemic index and is totally vegan.

Firmenich Ltd was awarded Most Novel Ingredient for its range of “Protein Shield Flavors” designed to mask the bitter and astringent notes of protein while enhancing the desirable sensory characteristics of flavor. The natural, dairy free range was developed using Firmenich’s “captive protein masking technology” delivers a smooth and clean taste profile and effectively masks the undesirable flavor notes of functional ingredients.

“The judges felt that Firmenich’s range of Protein Shield Flavors developed with extensive sensory testing, represents a key innovation, and significant market opportunity. As the demand for alternative protein products increases, the ability to not only mask the taste and texture of protein but to enhance its taste is a real breakthrough,” Hoegee says.