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

GELITA is inviting food and beverage professionals attending the IFT FIRST Annual Event & Expo, taking place from July 12–15, 2026, to visit booth #3214 and explore how collagen-based ingredients can help brands address growing consumer demand for wellness-focused and protein-enriched products.

Centered around the theme, "Be Active! Rethink Protein. Elevate Active Nutrition with Collagen Peptides," GELITA will present a range of scientifically supported ingredient solutions designed to help manufacturers develop food and beverage products that combine nutritional benefits with appealing taste, texture, and functionality.

Consumers today are taking a more preventative and lifestyle-oriented approach to health, creating increased demand for products that promote active living, healthy aging, weight management, and overall wellness. Additionally, changing dietary behaviors associated with GLP-1 therapies are driving interest in nutrient-dense products that provide enhanced nutrition in smaller serving sizes. This shift presents manufacturers with the challenge of creating products that are both highly functional and enjoyable to consume.

"GELITA enables manufacturers to rethink the role of protein in product development," said Angie Rimel, Marketing Communications Manager – North America. "Our collagen peptides and gelatin solutions help brands create wellness-oriented foods and beverages that deliver meaningful functional benefits without compromising on taste, texture, or consumer experience."

Be Active! Rethink Protein.
From functional beverages and protein bars to gummies and better-for-you snacks, GELITA's collagen-based ingredients support manufacturers in developing products aligned with today's key consumer preferences:

Visitors to the GELITA booth will have the opportunity to learn how collagen peptides and gelatin can create new possibilities within the functional food and beverage sector while addressing the increasing demand for convenient, nutrient-rich products.

Elevating Active Nutrition with OPTIBAR
As consumer demand for convenient, protein-packed snacks continues to rise, product developers face persistent challenges related to texture, binding performance, and sensory quality. GELITA's OPTIBAR collagen protein solution helps manufacturers optimize protein formulations by enhancing protein content while improving texture, structure, and overall eating experience.

For applications such as cereal bars, granola bars, and high-protein snack bars, OPTIBAR addresses common formulation challenges, including stickiness, brittleness, and undesirable flavors, helping brands create active nutrition products that encourage repeat purchases.

Functional Collagen Peptides for Beverage Applications
Interest in active nutrition beverages continues to grow as consumers seek convenient solutions to support their wellness goals throughout the day. GELITA's Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP) provide beverage manufacturers with the flexibility to develop functional drinks that support beauty-from-within, mobility, and active lifestyles, while also offering clean-label advantages and formulation versatility.