Axiom Foods and NNB Nutrition have entered into a strategic partnership to support food and beverage brands in developing the next generation of "Protein+" plant-based functional nutrition products for markets across North America and Asia. By combining their expertise, the two companies aim to meet the rapidly growing global demand for functional food ingredients, a market currently valued at $437.6 billion and projected to reach $983.2 billion by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%.

The collaboration brings together Axiom Foods, a leading U.S. supplier of plant-based protein ingredients, and NNB Nutrition, a specialist in innovative functional nutrition ingredients. Their combined capabilities are designed to help manufacturers create premium protein products that deliver multiple health benefits within a single formulation. Visitors can learn more about the partnership at IFT 2026, taking place in Chicago from July 12–15, where the companies will exhibit at Booth #1426.

Recognized for their science-driven and clean-label ingredient portfolios, the two companies offer complementary strengths for product developers. Axiom Foods supplies an extensive range of plant proteins, including rice, pea, chickpea, fava bean and pumpkin proteins, along with oat- and rice-based dairy alternatives. NNB Nutrition contributes functional ingredients that target areas such as healthy aging, cognitive wellness, mood enhancement, hydration and metabolic support. Its "Rethink the Drink" ingredient platform is specifically designed to improve sweetness, flavor and overall functionality in plant-based beverage formulations. Together, the companies aim to help brands capitalize on increasing consumer interest in multifunctional protein products.

The partnership is focused on a wide variety of applications, including plant-based dairy alternatives, sugar-free beverages, ready-to-drink products, powdered supplements, stick packs and sports and active nutrition products.

The growing "Protein+" category reflects consumers' preference for products that combine high-quality protein with additional functional ingredients to provide multiple wellness benefits. One major factor driving this trend is the widespread adoption of GLP-1 medications, now used by approximately 15 million American adults, or around 12% of the U.S. population. Reduced food intake associated with these therapies has increased demand for nutrient-dense, protein-rich nutritional products.

"The share of new food and beverage launches featuring high-protein or added-protein claims has doubled over the past decade," said David Janow, Founder and CEO of Axiom Foods. "Protein has evolved beyond being a standalone nutrient and is increasingly serving as the foundation for delivering additional functional benefits. Industry research from Mintel and Innova highlights protein as the 'gateway nutrient,' making our partnership with NNB particularly valuable for brands seeking innovative formulation opportunities."

According to Kylin Liao, Founder and President of NNB Nutrition, consumer awareness of protein's importance continues to rise, while demand for plant-based alternatives has accelerated due to the higher cost and limited availability of whey protein. He noted that combining protein with clinically supported functional ingredients presents a significant opportunity for innovation. Through the partnership, Axiom contributes versatile plant-protein and beverage bases, while NNB adds targeted functional ingredients, flavor optimization technologies and formulation expertise to help brands create products suitable for everyday consumption.

One of the longstanding formulation challenges in plant-based and functional nutrition has been achieving excellent taste. Plant proteins often introduce earthy or grain-like flavors, while many bioactive ingredients can contribute bitterness or lingering aftertastes. The partnership addresses these challenges by combining Axiom's neutral-tasting plant proteins and grain-based milk alternatives with NNB's SweetVantage natural sweetening technology, which utilizes patented Stevia Reb M9 and has demonstrated superior performance in electronic tongue and sensory evaluations compared with other natural sweeteners. SweetVantage+ further enhances taste by incorporating brazzein, a naturally sweet, calorie-free protein that effectively masks bitterness while delivering sweetness comparable to artificial sweeteners.

Axiom Foods Product Portfolio

Have you ever opened your fridge only to find that the milk you bought just days ago has already gone bad? There’s an easier way for your family to enjoy this nutritious staple without worrying about spoilage. On your next grocery trip, skip the refrigerated aisle and look for shelf-stable milk in the pantry section.

At first, the idea of milk that doesn’t need refrigeration may sound unusual. But thanks to ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing and sterile aseptic packaging, shelf-stable milk can remain unopened at room temperature for months. Below are some key reasons why switching to shelf-stable milk could be a smart choice this year.

Free up refrigerator space
One of the biggest advantages of shelf-stable milk is its long storage life. You can keep cartons in your pantry until you’re ready to use them, which frees up valuable fridge space. It also allows you to stock up in advance, reducing the need for frequent grocery runs.

Cut down on food waste
Throwing away spoiled milk is both frustrating and wasteful. Shelf-stable milk stays fresh for months before opening—without preservatives or refrigeration—helping you reduce waste and save money.

You’ve likely seen aseptic cartons before, even if you didn’t recognize the name. Many beverages, soups, and broths come in this type of packaging, such as those made by Tetra Pak. These cartons protect the contents from light and air, allowing the milk to stay fresh for six months or longer when unopened.

Easy to pack and take anywhere
Shelf-stable milk is perfect for busy lifestyles. Whether you’re packing a lunch, heading out for a day trip, or traveling, the lightweight cartons are easy to carry and don’t require a cooler, making them convenient for on-the-go use.

Same nutrition, different format
Some people believe shelf-stable milk is less nutritious, but that’s not true. The UHT process heats the milk briefly to eliminate bacteria and then cools it quickly. This method preserves essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, so you get the same benefits as refrigerated milk.

Plenty of options to choose from
Shelf-stable milk is available in many varieties, including lactose-free options, plant-based alternatives like oat milk, and flavored choices such as chocolate milk. You can store multiple types in your pantry, cabinet, or travel bag for easy access.

Make the switch and enjoy the convenience of shelf-stable milk.
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