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Axiom Foods and NNB Nutrition: A Revolutionary Partnership in Plant-Based Protein

Axiom Foods and NNB Nutrition recently announced a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing the range of functional plant-based nutrition products. This alliance is set to address the growing consumer demand in both Asia and North America for innovative nutritional solutions. The global market for functional food ingredients is projected to soar from $437.6 billion currently to an astonishing $983.2 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%. This surge highlights the critical importance of high-quality protein products that deliver multifunctional health benefits, which is exactly what this partnership intends to tackle.

Both companies are recognized leaders in their respective fields. Axiom Foods is known for supplying a wide variety of plant protein ingredients, while NNB Nutrition specializes in creating novel functional ingredients. These strengths combined create a valuable resource for brands looking to develop 'Protein +' products that cater to health-conscious consumers. At the upcoming Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) conference from July 12 to 15, 2026, in Chicago, the collaboration will showcase its innovative offerings at booth #1426.

Capitalizing on the Protein Trend

The partnership comes at a strategic time as the trend for 'Protein +' products gains momentum. Recent studies have indicated a notable increase in food and beverage launches boasting added protein benefits. In fact, the rate of such products has doubled over the last decade. According to David Janow, Founder and CEO of Axiom Foods, protein has emerged as a 'gateway nutrient,' serving as a foundation for brands to layer additional health benefits into their formulations. This evolution illustrates the substantial opportunity for developing products that not only contain protein but also address a spectrum of health-oriented needs.

Kylin Liao, Founder and President of NNB Nutrition, emphasizes the growing consumer awareness around protein's role in dietary health, particularly in light of challenges related to whey protein's price and availability. This partnership recognizes that protein can serve as a vehicle for integrating targeted, scientifically-supported functional ingredients into everyday products. Together, Axiom provides versatile bases such as rice and oat milks and proteins derived from legumes, while NNB enriches offerings with specialized additives designed to support cognitive performance, metabolic health, mood enhancement, and more.

Overcoming Flavor Barriers

One of the historical challenges in the functional nutrition sector has been achieving palatability. Plant proteins often come with earthy flavors, while functional additives can sometimes introduce bitterness. To tackle this, the partnership plans to leverage unique offerings such as NNB's SweetVantage®—a patented natural sweetener that has been shown to outperform competitors. This ingredient can complement Axiom's neutral plant proteins and milks, creating formulations that both taste good and deliver health benefits.

A Versatile Portfolio of Ingredients

Axiom Foods’ extensive range of ingredient solutions includes various plant-based proteins and dairy alternatives like AvenOlait® (oat-based) and Oryzatein® (rice-based). NNB Nutrition complements this with a selection of advanced beverages and functional additives, including GeniusPure® for cognitive performance and HydroPrime® for hydration. Together, they aim to redefine product possibilities across diverse applications, from ready-to-drink products to powders and nutrition supplements, catering to an audience eager for nutritious, protein-enhanced foods.

As consumers continue to seek products that deliver both health benefits and great taste, the collaboration between Axiom Foods and NNB Nutrition stands as a pioneering move towards satisfying this growing demand. Their partnership signifies a major step forward in the evolution of plant-based nutrition—one that promises to shape the future landscape of functional food products.