Clinically supported ingredient powered by GTWY (β-lactolin) helps food, beverage and supplement brands tap into growing consumer interest in cognitive health.

Hilmar, Calif. October 13, 2026. Hilmar announces the launch of PROtelyze™ Bio-Brain, a first-of-its-kind whey peptide nootropic ingredient designed to support cognitive wellness through the power of GTWY (β-lactolin), a bioactive whey-derived peptide backed by multiple human clinical studies. PROtelyze Bio-Brain offers food, beverage and supplement manufacturers a unique opportunity to develop products for consumers seeking cognitive support in convenient everyday formats.

The innovation has already earned industry recognition, winning the 2026 Breakthrough Award for Dairy Ingredient Innovation, presented by Dairy Foods and the American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI). The award recognizes PROtelyze Bio-Brain as a pioneering advancement that expands the possibilities for dairy ingredients in cognitive wellness applications.

Marina Crocker, senior director – product category and marketing, Dr. Chao Wu, director – product research, and Kay Thomson, marketing manager, accept the 2026 Breakthrough Award for Dairy Ingredient Innovation on behalf of Hilmar.

Consumer interest in cognitive wellness continues to expand, creating demand for clinically supported ingredients that can be incorporated into mainstream nutrition products. PROtelyze Bio-Brain combines human clinical substantiation with formulation versatility, enabling brands to bring cognitive wellness solutions to market in beverages, powders, bars, baked goods, gummies, soft chews and dietary supplements.

Produced through controlled enzymatic hydrolysis of whey protein, PROtelyze Bio-Brain delivers GTWY (β-lactolin), a bioactive tetrapeptide associated with improvements in memory, attention and executive function in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human studies. The ingredient has demonstrated benefits using a low daily serving of just 1 gram and has been studied using both cognitive performance assessments and objective measures of brain activity.

“Today’s consumers are looking for science-backed solutions that support healthy aging, mental performance and overall wellness,” said Marina Crocker, Sr. Director – Product Category & Marketing. “PROtelyze Bio-Brain gives manufacturers an exciting new way to differentiate products with an ingredient that combines compelling clinical evidence, food-friendly functionality and the trusted quality of dairy-based nutrition.”

Unlike stimulant-based cognitive ingredients, PROtelyze Bio-Brain is designed to support cognitive performance through targeted neural efficiency and brain activation mechanisms identified in human clinical research. Studies have demonstrated improvements in memory-related tasks, attention and executive function, supported by measures including electroencephalography (EEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

In addition to its science-backed story, PROtelyze Bio-Brain offers strong formulation advantages, including excellent solubility, heat stability, high digestibility and compatibility across a wide range of product formats. The ingredient is lactose-free and contains approximately 90% protein on a dry basis, making it suitable for innovative applications throughout the food, beverage and supplement markets.

As consumer awareness of brain health and cognitive wellness continues to grow, PROtelyze Bio-Brain provides manufacturers with a differentiated ingredient platform that moves cognitive support beyond traditional supplements and into everyday nutrition experiences.

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About Hilmar®

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. uses the power and promise of dairy to improve lives together. We provide health and nutrition for consumers, contribute to brand success for our customers, create opportunities for employees, support independent milk producers and improve the communities where we live and work. With a focus on collaborative product innovation, real-time scalability and a progressive approach to sustainability, Hilmar is a global leader in efficiently producing functional cheese and whey ingredients at scale. We deliver high-quality products to customers in more than 50 countries. Founded in 1984, Hilmar operates manufacturing plants in Hilmar, California; Dalhart, Texas; and Dodge City, Kansas. For more information, visit www.hilmar.com and LinkedIn @Hilmar.

Media Contact:
Kay Thomson
Hilmar
Kthomson@hilmarcheese.com
806.333.9135