In-market Brand Update

Westpro reintroduced versatile sodium caseinate product, Westpro SoluNate, to its protein portfolio in 2023 to add even more strength to our high-value protein portfolio.

The move has paid immediate dividends, with Westpro’s caseinate sales doubling in 2024 compared to 2023, buoyed by customers seeking a versatile ingredient option that delivers on functionality, nutrition, and product stability. 

The new product joins our MPC70/85, Acid Casein, and WPC80 offerings which continue to drive sales.

In 2024, our team managed to double MPC85 sales compared to the previous year, our high-value skim milk powder mix increased by 72 percent, and we introduced an infant grade skim line at Oceania Dairy.

Sodium caseinate is derived from casein, the major protein component in milk, and is valued for its high-quality, slow-digestible amino acids.

It is produced by neutralising acid casein curd with sodium hydroxide, then spray-dried to form a soluble functional ingredient. 

From a market perspective, it meets consumer demand for high-protein snacking, protein-enriched products without compromising on texture. In plant-based hybrids it improves mouthfeel. Its clean label offers a recognisable, high-quality dairy ingredient that consumers trust. 

Westpro SoluNate Caseinate differs from other products in the market in that it is made directly from fresh, wet acid casein curd, resulting in a cleaner, fresher flavour profile compared to that manufactured from rehydrated powders. 

The product delivers excellent opacity and foam structure in creamers, and its bland, milky flavour makes it ideal for flavour-sensitive formulations and high-protein beverages. It’s indispensable for a number of reasons including its solubility, dissolving to form stable solutions essential for beverages and other functional ingredients.

Continued market growth is expected in medical and sports nutrition where slow digestibility and texture are paramount. Emerging markets for the product include Ready-to-Drink beverages and several functional foods. 

Applications across food categories for Westpro SoluNate Caseinate include:

• Coffee creamers: it delivers the critical ‘whitening’ effect and a stable foam head. 

• Bakery and confectionery: Essential for creating stable whipped toppings and frostings. 

• Meat products: It provides superior water-binding for improved texture and yield in processed meats. 

• Sports nutrition: Good for fortified protein bars and shakes, offering high protein density without grittiness. 

• Dairy alternatives: It adds essential creaminess and stability to plant-based hybrid formulations. 

• Cream liqueurs: Offers superior ethanol stability, preventing curdling in high-alcohol formulations.