Axiom Foods and NNB Nutrition have entered a strategic partnership aimed at creating advanced plant-based nutrition products that incorporate functional ingredients. This collaboration targets the growing demand for functional food, estimated to reach $983.2 billion by 2034, up from $437.6 billion. Axiom Foods is recognized as a major supplier of plant protein ingredients in the U.S., while NNB Nutrition specializes in innovative functional components.

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Both companies will showcase their offerings at the IFT event from July 12-15, 2026, in Chicago, at booth #1426. Axiom Foods contributes a variety of protein sources such as rice, pea, fava, and chickpea, as well as rice and oat milks. Meanwhile, NNB provides functional ingredients that support health aspects like aging, cognitive function, hydration, and metabolism.

The "Protein +" trend focuses on pairing protein with additional functional ingredients to meet consumer demand for comprehensive health benefits. The popularity of GLP-1 medications, used by approximately 15 million Americans, illustrates this trend, as they complement dietary changes aimed at reducing food intake.

David Janow, Founder and CEO of Axiom Foods, noted that the proportion of food and beverage launches featuring high protein claims has doubled in the past decade. He emphasized that the "Protein +" trend represents a significant evolution in functional food, with research indicating that brands are now using protein as a foundation to add further health benefits.

Kylin Liao, Founder and President of NNB Nutrition, highlighted the increasing consumer awareness of protein needs and the rising demand for plant proteins, driven by factors like the cost and limited availability of whey protein. He stated that their combined efforts can offer targeted, science-based ingredients to enhance product formulations.

Taste remains a challenge in plant-based nutrition, as plant proteins can have unpleasant flavors. The partnership aims to address this by combining Axiom’s neutral proteins with NNB's SweetVantage® sweetener, which has been shown to enhance sensory appeal by masking bitterness effectively.

Additionally, Axiom Foods boasts a diverse portfolio including products like AvenOlait®, Cucurbotein™, and Oryzatein®, while NNB Nutrition's products include various functional ingredients such as GeniusPure® for cognitive support and HydroPrime® for hydration.

Axiom Foods, a leader in plant-based protein ingredients for over 20 years, focuses on supplying globally recognized food and beverage solutions. NNB Nutrition is distinguished by its innovation in the nutraceutical field, with over 60 patents and a commitment to engineering novel ingredients for market applications.

Press contacts for Axiom Foods include Alyson Dutch at Brown & Dutch PR, and for NNB, Dustin Elliott.