SternLife tap into ketogenic nutrition trend with new product range
Ketoproof Coffee and Ketoproof Matcha Latte are two beverages that each contain five grams of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) and less than one gram of carbohydrate per portion.
Meanwhile the German firm’s Keto Protein Shake contains nine grams of MCT and less than one gram of sugar per portion completes the range.
“Three attractive products are available that enable manufacturers of branded goods to make profitable use of the keto trend,” Sternlife said.
“Keto diets are becoming increasingly popular in the German market and lifestyle products that support ketogenic nutrition therefore offer additional sales potential.”
Designed for adoption by brands and private labels, the products use coconut oil as its primary source of MCT, which a body of science point to as promoting both weight loss and reduction of the body’s fat mass.
As well as coconut oil, palm oil has been touted as a reliable substitute. UK start-up firm Sated recently made available a new range of Omega oil-infused, ketogenic replacement shakes.
One of its selling points is the specific fat blend. Sated ready-to-drink shakes are created with four kinds of healthy fats - olive, flax, coconut and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oils. These sources give the shake its 1:1 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.
Other start-ups in this space include US-based Limited Labs and Perfect Keto.
Keto facts
The keto diet typically consists of around 75% fat, 20% protein and only 5% carbohydrate. The macronutrient makeup brings about changes in energy metabolism forming ketone bodies out of the fatty acids present, which become the body’s primary source of energy.
During this ketogenic state – also known as ketosis – the body’s own fat deposits are broken down aiding in the slimming or weight management process.
“With its high percentage of valuable, quality protein and large amount of dietary fibre it provides a satisfying meal for fitness and figure conscious consumers,” Sternlife said of its product range.
“Suppliers of fitness and lifestyle products can extend their offer with a trendy range and benefit from the growing keto trend.
Studies and start-ups
Recent studies have pointed to the diet’s usefulness in sports nutrition. Indeed, data published in Nutrients indicate that the keto diet pattern reduced lactate levels and increased locomotion after exhaustive exercise.
The results suggest that the diet had potential as a fatigue-preventing and/or recovery-promoting approach for endurance athletes.
Equally, a more recent study by researchers at the University of British Columbia Okanagan found that ketone salts might have little influence in improving athletic performance during high-intensity exercise.
According to Innova Market Insights in 2013, the supplement space made up 100% of all keto product launches, compared to 33.3% in 2017.
The market research firm said the decline was only in terms of share of categories, as everything from cereals to ice cream to candies now come in a keto-friendly version.
