Protein-containing beverages can be

Protein-containing beverages can be generally sub-divided based on pH and thermal processing. Acidified beverages are at pH 4.6 or less (21 CFR 114) and can be processed at temperatures < 100
C; low acid beverages are at pH > 4.6 (21 CFR 113) and require thermal processing at temperatures > 100
C for shelf stability. Salts are added to beverages to fulfill nutritional needs, as can be seen by reading the labels of common sports and meal replacement drinks. Whey proteins are a sensible protein source for beverages because of their high nutritional profile