Arla Foods has unveiled a high-protein biscuit, which it claims taps into demand for healthy indulgence.

The Whey Pro Biscuits contain Nutrilac, Arla’s whey protein ingredient. The company said the biscuits had an indulgent recipe with a premium look, taste and feel.

It added that while producing high-protein bakery products often came with processing and sensory challenges, its new concept was designed to create biscuits with the right structure and appearance after baking, as well as low water activity for long-lasting crispness and low risk of microbiological spoilage, which helps overcome issues such as unpleasant aftertaste and unattractive appearance.

The product also qualifies for a high-protein claim in the EU, where regulations state that any claim that a food is high in protein, and any claim likely to have the same meaning for the consumer, may only be made where at least 20% of the food’s energy value is provided by protein.

“High-protein and healthy indulgence are both important trends in the baked goods category,” said Lene Hald, senior category manager, bakery, at Arla Foods.

“Biscuit manufacturers who tap into them have a great opportunity to grow their market share. Our new concept demonstrates that it’s definitely possible to combine a high-protein claim with an indulgent taste and texture, while overcoming technical challenges.”

According to research by Mintel, one in four consumers now looks for cookies or biscuits that are high in protein, and the number of sweet and savoury biscuit launches in North America and Europe that feature protein claims has more than doubled in the past five years.

Earlier this year Fuel10k launched its high-protein biscuit into the market, which it claimed had reduced sugar content without compromising taste.