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development of protein-rich isotonic beverages
since 2005, so she was prepared to help BadgerMax® develop both the powder and ready-to-drink
protein products they needed for their line.
Whey Protein Isolate, a filtered byproduct of the
cheesemaking process, was chosen as the source of
protein for the drink.
Whey is currently being used in many food products, as it is known for its ability to aid in muscle
recovery. In particular, whey is one of the most nutritionally-complete proteins known to man.
It contains the highest amount of essential amino
acids found in food and it is especially high in Leucine, a branch chain amino acid directly linked to
muscle protein synthesis. In fact, as little as 10 grams
of whey can stimulate muscle protein synthesis.
"It was also important for the product to have a
clean label, so we worked hard to limit the number
and types of ingredients and also create a clear, heatstable product," Burrington said.
Being a clean label product, the beverage required
the use of natural colors, which generally come from
fruits and vegetables and can behave much differ//
VARSITY October 24, 2013
"We're very proud of BadgerMax and its
ability to not only provide athletes with
an all-natural, protein-rich recovery drink,
but also its ability to boost Wisconsin's
economy," Berns said. "It's really the triple
bottom line here, a win, win, win."
ently in a product than an artificial colorant. There
were a few challenges with the heat sensitivity of
the colorant and maintaining an ideal hue, but in the
end, BadgerMax and CDR were able to develop two
isotonic, protein-rich beverages, Grape and Fruit
Punch flavored BadgerMax Protein Boost. Each
contains 12 fluid ounces and 12 grams of protein,
a similar ratio to the protein available in milk (approximately 1 gram per 1 fluid ounce).
"Having had experience in developing isotonic
beverages that contain whey, it really didn't take us
too long to come up with a finished product," Burr-
