Sparkling protein drink believed to be a world first
A GOLD Coast start-up has developed a protein drink it believes is a world first.
Yatala-based Xrcise Fuel is manufacturing at its Yatala factory a range of sparkling protein drinks being sold through gyms including F45 and World Gym.
The Xrcise Fuel drink is designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers who dislike milk-based protein drinks.
Available in mango, lime and pineapple flavours, a 500ml serve contains 15g of whey protein as well as sparkling water, syrup flavouring, agave – a natural sweetener, B vitamins and amino acids.
Chief executive and founder Jim Livingstone, a health enthusiast, said he conceived the idea in 2005 but did not focus on developing the drink until four years ago.
“I had a construction and development company and started to get serious about Xrcise Fuel in 2013 when I realised I couldn’t do both,” he said. “I was concerned about the rising tide of obesity and diabetes and wanted to develop an alternative to energy drinks for people who desire a non-milk-based protein drink.”
Mr Livingstone said producing a sparkling protein drink posed a number of production problems.
“At first we could not make it into a sparkling product because there were bottling and foaming issues.”
He said many elements made the process difficult including pasteurisation of the drink to give it a 12-month shelf life, carbonisation and the inclusion of minerals.
He said the problem was solved when he designed a tank designed to pasteurise and then carbonise the drink.
“We think we are the first in the world to have this combination,” he said.
“There are lots of protein drinks available but most are milk-based and many people cannot tolerate them. They go for sports drinks but they do not have the nutritional value,” he said.
Mr Livingstone said he was confident his patented product would withstand competition and copycat offerings.
He is aiming to sell 300,000 units in the first 12 months.
We think we are the first in the world to have this combination JIM LIVINGSTONE