US-based nutrition company NNB has partnered with protein manufacturer Axiom Foods to launch a new plant protein ingredients line, PeptiClear.

The partnership aims to address the current supply constraints across the whey protein category. Rising costs and whey ingredient shortages – a result of the ongoing ‘protein boom’ that has seen high-protein products expand well beyond sports nutrition and into virtually every food and beverage category in recent years – has left F&B manufacturers struggling to meet surging demand.

NNB explained that while whey remains the ‘gold standard’ for many applications, emerging brands and smaller manufacturers are facing growing barriers to entering the high-protein category due to large multinational food companies holding the purchasing power and long-term contracts necessary to secure supply amid supply chain volatility.

Responding to the challenge, NNB and Axiom Foods have teamed up to unveil PeptiClear, positioned as a ‘new generation of premium plant protein technologies’ for the global food industry.

Axiom, based in Los Angeles, US, produces plant-based protein ingredients and supplies plant protein-based milk alternatives as substitutes for dairy. Its portfolio includes protein solutions derived from brown rice, peas and pumpkin, catering to clean-label and allergen-free product development needs.

Meanwhile, NNB, headquartered in Idaho, develops novel ingredients for a range of nutraceutical applications with a focus on precision engineering molecules rather than relying on traditional extraction or commoditised sourcing. It has over 60 patents filed to date, with more than a dozen novel ingredients brought to market.

Together, the two companies have collaborated on PeptiClear, a line of hydrolysed plant proteins designed to deliver a neutral flavour profile, strong functionality and ‘exceptional’ solubility. According to NNB, the clear protein ingredients are highly concentrated and capable of performing across applications where conventional plant proteins have historically struggled.

These applications include functional beverages and RTD products, ice cream and frozen desserts, condiments and dressings, confectionery, baked goods, snacks and everyday functional foods.

They aim to offer brands greater flexibility while helping diversify global protein supply beyond the limitations of whey production.

Additionally, to further advance PeptiClear’s performance, NNB has introduced DL-185: a dietary di-leucine peptide designed to enhance the anabolic potential of protein formulations.

DL-185 is composed of two leucine molecules naturally linked together in peptide form, and can be incorporated into both dietary supplements and food products, similarly to leucine.

Human clinical research demonstrated approximately 60% greater stimulation of muscle protein synthesis with DL-185, compared with leucine, as well as greater improvements in strength than equivalent leucine supplementation in resistance-trained individuals.

Dustin Elliott, chief brand officer at NNB, said: “NNB believes the future of protein isn't about replacing whey, it's about expanding the world's ability to deliver high-quality protein across every food format”.

“As consumer demand continues to outpace traditional dairy supply, the industry needs innovative solutions that combine functionality, scalability and performance.”