🏋️♂️ : Case Study – Gellan Gum Application in Ready-to-Drink Protein Shakes
⚠️ The Problem: Separation and Grit in RTD Protein Shakes
Protein shakes — especially plant-based or dairy-free — often face serious challenges:
- 🥄 Sediment at the bottom
- 🌫️ Cloudy phase separation
- 👅 Gritty or overly thick texture
- ❌ Poor stability over time
Consumers want:
- A smooth, shake-and-go texture
- No settling, no shaking hassle
- A shelf-stable, attractive appearance
💡 The Solution: Using Gellan Gum as a Suspension Agent
A global functional food brand (confidential) reformulated its RTD pea protein shake using high-acyl gellan gum. Here's what changed:
Before:
- Used guar gum + carrageenan
- Poor flow and slimy mouthfeel
- Pulp floated or settled quickly
- Short shelf life (3 months)
After switching to gellan gum:
- ✅ Smooth, stable flow
- ✅ Long-term pulp/protein suspension
- ✅ Excellent pourability and clarity
- ✅ 12-month shelf life in UHT packaging
🧪 Why Gellan Gum Works in Protein Drinks
- High-acyl (HA) gellan gum creates a fluid gel network
- Suspends dense particles like protein, minerals, cocoa, etc.
- Maintains a natural, drinkable consistency
- Low usage: 0.025–0.05% for RTD beverages
Even after heat processing or cold storage, no shaking required — perfect for on-the-go consumption.
⚙️ Recommended Processing Conditions
| Step | Notes |
|---|---|
| Heat | 85–90°C for full hydration |
| Homogenization | Ensures smooth emulsion |
| Cooling | Gellan network forms during chill |
| Shelf Storage | Stable at room temp for 6–12 months |
Combine with calcium or magnesium if needed for extra stabilization — especially in high-protein formulas.
🌍 CINOGEL Biotech: Your Gellan Gum Partner
This successful reformulation was made possible using food-grade gellan gum from CINOGEL Biotech, a trusted supplier offering:
- ✅ Technical support during trials
- ✅ Precise dosage guidance
- ✅ Fast, global shipping of HA gellan gum
With 15+ years of hydrocolloid experience, CINOGEL Biotech supports functional beverage brands from startup to scale.
🧩 Final Takeaway
If you're in the sports nutrition or functional beverage space, gellan gum is your ally for stabilizing ready-to-drink protein shakes.
It solves sedimentation, improves mouthfeel, and extends shelf life — naturally and cleanly.
Looking to reformulate your shake? CINOGEL Biotech is ready to help.
