Arla Foods introduces BLG protein for flexible medical nutrition applications

Arla Foods Ingredients has introduced a new ready-to-stir beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) ingredient designed to improve convenience, flexibility, and patient acceptance in protein-enriched medical nutrition. Launched in January 2026, Lacprodan BLG-100 Acidic whey protein aims to address persistent challenges around compliance, taste, and texture in oral nutrition supplements encountered by patients in hospital settings. The new ingredient reflects a broader effort to expand choice and improve patient compliance in medical nutrition through better-tasting, more adaptable protein solutions, a January 28, press release explains.¹

Challenges in nutrition intake

Citing data from the World Health Organization, Arla Foods notes that malnutrition remains a widespread issue in healthcare—with up to half of hospital patients affected—and is linked with longer hospital stays, diminished quality of life, higher mortality risk, and increased healthcare costs.² Despite the clinical importance of adequate protein intake, motivating patients, particularly those with reduced appetites, to adhere to medical nutrition can be a difficult. Arla Foods also notes that according to global surveys from FMCG Gurus’ Medical Nutrition Insights database, approximately 50% of patients do not fully comply with prescribed nutrition regimens, citing taste and texture as key barriers.³

Much of the medical nutrition market is currently dominated by standardized ready-to-drink (RTD) and powder products with milky profiles formulated with neutral pH ingredients, the press release explains. These formats can be perceived as heavy or unrefreshing, limiting intake and options among patients. Juice-style alternatives exist, though are typically restricted to RTD formats.

Addressing solubility and sensory barriers in protein powders

Arla Foods Ingredients’ new Lacprodan® BLG-100 Acidic whey protein is designed specifically for ready-to-stir powder applications. The ingredient delivers 10 grams of protein per 100 ml serving and features high solubility that enables quick mixing with a spoon or shaker. According to the company, it dissolves fully within 30 seconds in both hot and cold liquids without clumping, gelling, or excessive viscosity. The resulting taste profile is described as clean and refreshing, with low bitterness and astringency.

The ingredient can be used in both nutritionally complete and incomplete formulations, supporting a range of juice-style and milky applications. Its powder format allows for flexible dosing, enabling patients or caregivers to adjust final volume by varying the amount of liquid added.

Arla Foods also highlights the nutritional profile. Lacprodan® BLG-100 Acidic provides all nine essential amino acids and is rich in leucine, which can help patients at risk of muscle loss, including older adults and those recovering from illness.

From juice-style drinks to everyday foods

To demonstrate its versatility, Arla Foods Ingredients has developed two application concepts: a ready-to-stir juice-style medical drink for nutritionally incomplete use, and a complete milky beverage positioned as an alternative to traditional RTDs. Both formats can also be mixed into foods such as porridge, milk, or soup, enabling protein fortification throughout the day.

“Too many hospital patients lack the nutrition to support their recovery from illness,” explains Mads Dyrvig, head of sales development, specialized nutrition at Arla Foods Ingredients. “Yet the ​ conventional milky taste and heavy texture of many medical nutrition products can inhibit compliance, with patients often looking for a wider variety of formats. Lacprodan® BLG-100 Acidic creates new opportunities for appealing foods and beverages for special medical purposes, enabling nourishing, varied and convenient options for reduced appetites. Delivering pleasant taste and mouthfeel, it offers exceptional functionality and versatility, enabling higher-quality protein and more variety for patients.”

This article was created with assistance from AI. The content has been reviewed and edited by Erin McEvoy, Associate Editor. For more information on the extent and nature of AI usage, please contact us.

References

1. Arla Foods Ingredients. Ready-to-stir BLG ingredient offers patient-friendly solution for medical nutrition. January 28, 2026. https://arla-foods-ingredients.prezly.com/ready-to-stir-blg-ingredient-offers-patient-friendly-solution-for-medical-nutrition (Accessed 2026-02-03).
2. World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, “Disease-related malnutrition: a time for action”, 2023. https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/WHO-EURO-2023-8931-48703-72392
3. FMCG Gurus’ Medical Nutrition Insights database, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, UK, US, Vietnam, 2023; Qualitative study on medical nutrition, Lindberg International, China, Germany, UK, US, 2024