From powdered protein and drinks to bars and yogurt, SAVAS offers a range of convenient protein products. In recent years, protein consumption has become a mainstream habit, not just for athletes but for anyone looking to support an active lifestyle. Just a few decades ago, protein drinks were something athletes drank to build muscle and were considered difficult to drink. So, how has SAVAS been changing this perception?
We spoke with Akio Tanaka, who has spent over 20 years conducting research for SAVAS, and Keisuke Ueda, who currently leads beverage development, to find out.
Solving protein clumping for a smoother, better taste
SAVAS was launched in 1980 with the goal of supporting athletes' nutritional needs. The brand name comes from the acronym Source of Athletic Vitality and Adventurous Spirit, reflecting its mission to provide athletes with the strength to take on challenges and an enduring spirit of adventure.
SAVAS has continuously improved its products based on feedback from athletes staying true to its core philosophy. However, in the early 2000s, powdered protein was not as easy to drink as it is today. It didn't dissolve well in water, often forming clumps, and the most common variety had a plain taste that highlighted the distinct flavor of the protein source. It wasn't particularly sweet, and many athletes drank it with a sense of discipline, to help build up their bodies, despite the unpleasant taste.
"When I took on the research role in 2000, many athletes saw eating as part of their training. Some of the top athletes supported by 黑料门 even said, 'The clumps make it feel more like positive effects for the muscles,' as they drank SAVAS products. (Tanaka)"
"Many people around me added other ingredients to change the flavor and make protein easier to drink. When I was on the football team in university, I'd blend it with bananas to mask the unpleasant taste. The biggest challenge was that it was necessary for building my body, but it was hard to drink." (Ueda)
How could we create a protein product that was both easy to drink and enjoyable for athletes? The answer lies in improving solubility. Through extensive research, the team developed an original manufacturing formula striving for quick dissolution, which has been used in SAVAS products since 2020.
Tanaka explains, "Traditional protein powders tended to clump because the particles were too fine to dissolve completely. By using the original manufacturing formula to bond the ingredients into a uniform size—not too small or too large—we improved solubility."
As a result, SAVAS powder products now dissolves more easily in water, even without a shaker, making it a more convenient and enjoyable choice.
Granulation technology image
Relationship between residual solubility and powder size
Removing raw ingredient odors for better taste
The three main types of protein used in powdered supplements are whey protein, casein protein, and soy protein, each with a distinct natural odor. Among them, whey protein—commonly used as the primary ingredient—is extracted from liquid whey in milk and has a characteristic dairy smell. Until the early 2000s, most powdered proteins came in plain flavors, such as vanilla, with limited alternatives, making it difficult to mask these natural odors.
To enhance flavor, SAVAS introduced new varieties in 2006. AQUA WHEY PROTEIN 100, inspired by sports drinks, offered a refreshing twist, while WHEY PROTEIN 100 and Shape & Beauty—formulated for women with added vitamins and minerals—both featured a rich cocoa taste. Developing these products required first establishing a robust system to source higher-quality, better-tasting raw ingredients from around the world.
AQUA WHEY PROTEIN 100, WHEY PROTEIN 100, and Shape & Beauty, launched in 2006
Researchers adjusted the flavoring of each product based on the raw materials' origin, refining it to match consumer preferences. By prioritizing taste and ease of consumption, SAVAS products reached a turning point—expanding beyond athletes to a wider audience of people leading active lifestyles.