Solar Foods unveils Solein Shake as high-protein alternative for active lifestyles

Solar Foods has launched a new product concept called Solein Shake, aimed at showcasing the potential of its proprietary protein ingredient, Solein, in the health and performance nutrition market. The Salty Caramel-flavored, ready-to-mix powder contains 10g of protein per 16g serving and is designed to meet daily protein needs for consumers with active lifestyles.

The Solein Shake follows the company’s earlier concept, Solein Protein Bites – Nut Mix Edition, and reflects Solar Foods’ strategy of developing versatile applications to demonstrate the adaptability of Solein in consumer goods. According to the company, Solein is nutritionally complete, offering all essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with iron and vitamin B12, nutrients that are often absent or added separately in plant-based proteins.

“Solein is especially well-suited to be used in different kinds of ready-to-mix protein powders, as it blends well with liquid, bringing richness and indulgent, creamy consistency without dairy,” said Juan Manuel Benitez-Garcia, Chief Commercial Officer at Solar Foods. “Solein Shake is one example of such a protein powder, ready for consumers as it is or to be adjusted to different consumer needs from healthy snacking to fulfilling even demanding protein needs. By increasing the amount of Solein, the shake is also ideal for boosting performance as well as muscle growth and maintenance. These kinds of products could be aimed at athletes and gym goers.”

The Solein Shake contains no added sugar, is free from gluten, and does not include any major food allergens, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary requirements. It is also non-GMO and entirely animal-free.

Solar Foods is positioning Solein as a viable alternative to whey protein, particularly in the USA, where the health and performance nutrition market consumes around 500 kilotons of protein powder annually. This market segment is currently valued at approximately US$10 billion. The company sees its product entering the space at a time when the dairy protein sector is facing supply limitations and pricing challenges.

“Ready-to-mix protein powders are usually made with dairy-based whey protein, as it has been the top choice in taste, bringing fresh flavor to products without the off notes typical to plant-based proteins,” Benitez-Garcia said. “Thanks to Solein’s mild taste, it matches the freshness of whey, also bringing the upsides of sustainability as well as price and quality stability. Solein also contains vitamin B12 and iron, without the need to add them to the final product.”

He added that the current demand for high-quality whey protein is outpacing supply. “When you’re a health and performance nutrition brand with a big part of your business based on whey but struggling to see where future supply will come from, you’re actively looking for better options,” Benitez-Garcia said.

Nutritionally, Solein contains 78% protein by dry weight, with 10% dietary fiber, 6% fats, 2% carbohydrates, and 4% essential minerals. The protein includes 1.1 grams of iron and 50 micrograms of vitamin B12 per kilogram. Solar Foods describes Solein as combining the advantages of both animal- and plant-based proteins without cholesterol or saturated fat.

The sustainability credentials of Solein are also central to Solar Foods’ pitch. Produced through a proprietary fermentation process using air and renewable electricity, Solein does not depend on land use, weather, or irrigation. This production method significantly reduces environmental impact compared to conventional animal and plant protein sources.

With its expanding portfolio of product concepts, Solar Foods aims to demonstrate that Solein is not only environmentally sustainable but also practical and appealing for everyday nutritional use.