December 16, 2025
Westpro responded to the global demand for protein last year by reintroducing the versatile product, sodium caseinate, Westpro SoluNate™ to its protein portfolio which included the MPC70/85, Acid Casein, and WPC80 offerings.
It’s a move that has found favour with our customers seeking a versatile option that delivers on functionality, nutrition, and product stability.
What is sodium caseinate and why it matters?
Sodium caseinate is derived from casein, the major protein component in milk, valued for high- quality, slow-digestible amino acids. It is produced by neutralising acid casein curd with sodium hydroxide, then spray-dried to form a soluble functional ingredient.
From a market perspective, it meets consumer demand for high-protein snacking, protein-enriched products without compromising on texture. In plant-based hybrids it improves mouthfeel. And its clean label offers a recognisable, high-quality dairy ingredient that consumers trust.
Fresh curd for better flavour and performance
Westpro SoluNate™ differs from others in that it is made directly from fresh, wet acid casein curd, resulting in a cleaner, fresher flavour profile compared to that manufactured from rehydrated powders.
Westpro SoluNate™ delivers excellent opacity and foam structure in creamers, and its bland, milky flavour makes it ideal for flavour-sensitive formulations and high-protein beverages. It’s indispensable for a number of reasons including its solubility, dissolving to form stable solutions essential for beverages and other functional ingredients. An emulsification powerhouse, it forms a robust protective film around fat droplets preventing separation in oil-in-water emulsions. When foaming and whipping, it traps air to create stable, high overrun foams for light, aerated textures.
In formulations where hydration is key, it is best hydrated in warm water (45-60°C) with good agitation to ensure full solubility. It acts as a natural thickener; viscosity increases with concentration, allowing you to achieve the perfect mouthfeel.
The future is bright for sodium caseinate particularly due to the continued growth in medical and sports nutrition where slow-digestibility and texture are paramount. Emerging markets for the product include Ready-to-Drink beverages and several functional foods.
Applications across food categories for Westpro SoluNate™
- Coffee creamers: it delivers the critical ‘whitening’ effect and a stable foam head.
- Bakery and confectionery: Essential for creating stable whipped toppings and frostings.
- Meat products: It provides superior water-binding for improved texture and yield in processed meats.
- Sports nutrition: Good for fortified protein bars and shakes, offering high protein density without grittiness.
- Dairy alternatives: It adds essential creaminess and stability to plant-based hybrid formulations.
- Cream liqueurs: Offers superior ethanol stability, preventing curdling in high-alcohol formulations.
Ready to learn more about Westpro SoluNate™ Sodium Caseinate? Contact Tony Rayner, Head of Ingredients.
