Texture Analysis in Sports Nutrition – Hydrating and maintaining hydration with hydrotabs

Low Tolerance Powder Compaction test of a tablet
using the TA.XTplus Texture Analyser

Hydrotabs are specifically designed sports rehydration tablets that ensure fast hydration during intense exercise. 

These quickly dissolved tablets are packed with electrolytes and are high in sodium (and usually containing other electrolytes) to further promote the hydration process.

Compact solution
Many products are produced in powder format and then compressed into tablets. Powder compaction is an essential step in the manufacturing process and it is essential to avoid products cracking during processing. 

Their liability to failure is influenced by the powder’s processing properties, such as density variations introduced during die filling and/or compaction. 

The characterisation of powder in its bulk format can enable manufacturers to predict the behaviour of the powder when compressed; however, the need for more targeted analysis of powder compaction has been identified and, as a result, the Powder Compaction Rig was developed. 

Employing Texture Analysis in your Sports Nutrition Products

Sports Nutrition has undergone an incredible decade of development and growth exceeding double percentage digits. 

Nutritional bars are the fastest-growing market, but there has been a widening of the sports and nutrition category. Consumers in this category have changed from mostly hard-core athletes, to include more mainstream health-focused consumers who represent the major growth drivers for this global market. Developed regions such as the United States and some European countries have been the dominant market players, but the demand in developing countries is expected to increase with the current growing interest for health-related products. 

Texture Analysis in Sports Nutrition – Fuellling workouts with powdered energy drinks

‘Thirst Quencher’, ‘Rapid Bulk Gain’, ‘Performance Recovery Formula’, ‘Weight Loss’ or ‘Muscle Repair’ – all versions of powdered drink options in the field of sports nutrition that are formulated depending on the functionality and nutritional requirements of the consumer. 

Designed to be scooped out from a large container, these formulations will have varying compositions that will affect how the powder will behave during transit and storage. Changes in fat content, particle sizing and humidity are just a few factors that can affect not only the powder behaviour during processing but also the physical characteristics during use.

Texture Analysis in Sports Nutrition – Fuelling workouts with energy bars

Energy bars are popular, delicious snacks and substitute meals for exercise lovers and sports participants. 

They are often supplemental bars containing cereals and other high energy foods targeted at people that require quick energy but do not have time for a meal. Living faster means an increased need for on-the-go energy and in-between meal snacks. 

The increase in obesity has also lead to a growing interest in ‘satiating’ meal replacement bars.  Both pleasure and health are strong drivers of this snackification trend. 

Texture Analysis in Sports Nutrition – Capsules offer an innovative dosage form

At one time, “sports nutrition” might have conjured up images of body-builders and professional athletes, but today’s market has spread way beyond the weightlifting gyms and sports leagues and into urban area and shopping centres worldwide. 

This opens up nearly unlimited opportunities that manufacturers and marketers can exploit. 

While sports nutrition continues to be dominated by bulkier products such as powders, functional food and beverages (e.g. sports drinks/RTD), companies should keep in mind the strong consumer preference for capsules when considering the dosage form for a new or existing sports nutrition product.

Texture Analysis in Sports Nutrition – Maximising workouts with flavoured energy gels

It wasn’t long ago that runners and cyclists relied solely on water and isotonic drinks as their primary carbohydrate supplement during longer races.

Now our understanding of sports nutrition has improved to the point that we have a myriad of products to choose from, each designed to speed glycogen to the working muscles. 

Energy gels are the latest favourite source of carbohydrate for endurance events that provide energy for exercise and promote recovery. They come in small, single-serve plastic packets with a notch at the top, which can be peeled back to reveal an opening through which the gel can be quickly consumed. 

Texture Analysis in Sports Nutrition – Introduction

Sports Nutrition has undergone an incredible decade of development and growth exceeding double percentage digits.  
 
Nutritional bars are the fastest-growing market, but there has been a widening of the sports and nutrition category. Consumers in this category have changed from mostly hard-core athletes, to include more mainstream health-focused consumers who represent the major growth drivers for this global market. 

Developed regions such as the United States and some European countries have been the dominant market players, but the demand in developing countries is expected to increase with the current growing interest for health-related products.