Puris launches pea protein for smoother high-protein beverages

Puris launched H2-IZO on July 1 as a pea protein built for high-protein beverage and dairy-alternative formulations, putting the sensory problem front and center: drinkability. The ingredient is designed to give manufacturers a smoother, lighter experience while still delivering the high protein levels brands want with fewer ingredients.

That pitch lands in a beverage segment where plant proteins have long struggled with the same complaints, from grittiness and beany notes to instability in liquid systems. Puris is not positioning H2-IZO as a broad plant-protein replacement; it is targeting ready-to-drink shakes, high-protein waters and other lighter formats where consumers want function without the heavy shake feel. In practice, that means the company is betting pea protein can move closer to whey’s convenience advantage in bottled drinks, not just its nutritional role.

The launch also fits a larger product map Puris has been building around beverages. The company’s beverage applications span ready-to-mix powders, creamy ready-to-drink shakes and clear acidic protein beverages. Earlier work included ClearP hydrolyzed pea protein, which Puris has pitched for clear, high-acid beverage systems. ClearP is suited to ready-to-drink beverages, fruit juices, juice shots, energy beverages, and sparkling or still soft beverages. Its Puris 2.0 ingredient is ultra-smooth and soluble, with no chalky or gritty texture and a clean, light taste without an earthy flavor.

The company’s scale is part of the story. Puris describes itself as the largest pea protein manufacturer in North America, and its materials say Tyler Lorenzen joined the company in 2011 to help launch its move into plant protein. Puris says it has been in business for 40 years and works with North American farmers growing non-GMO and organic yellow field peas using regenerative agriculture practices.

Puris has also been leaning on partnerships to move the category forward. At SupplySide Global, Puris and Comet Bio teamed on a protein drink built with ClearP hydrolyzed pea protein and Arrabina prebiotic fiber. A 2023 agreement with Palmer Holland added distribution, marketing and sales support for Puris ingredients including pea protein, pea fiber and upcycled pea starch.