Phosphatidyl serine is included in premade shakes.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a naturally occurring phospholipid that plays a key structural role in cell membranes. Commonly derived from plant-based sources such as soy or sunflower, phosphatidylserine is used in a wide range of food applications. In the beverage industry, its inclusion in premade shakes is becoming increasingly common as manufacturers seek ingredients that support improved texture, stability, and formulation flexibility.

What Is Phosphatidylserine?

Phosphatidylserine belongs to the class of phospholipids and exhibits amphiphilic properties—it has both water-soluble and fat-soluble characteristics. This dual nature makes it particularly suitable for emulsified food and beverage systems, such as premade shakes. Available in powder or liquid forms, food-grade phosphatidylserine is used for its compatibility with both protein-based and fat-containing formulations.

Role in Premade Shakes

Premade shakes often combine proteins, fats, carbohydrates, flavors, and emulsifiers to create a smooth, shelf-stable beverage. Phosphatidylserine can play several useful roles in this context:

Emulsification

One of the key challenges in shake formulations is maintaining a stable emulsion. Phosphatidylserine helps bind water and oil phases, improving the uniformity and consistency of the final product.

Texture Enhancement

Its phospholipid structure contributes to a smoother mouthfeel and can help reduce graininess or separation, particularly in protein-based shakes.

Ingredient Compatibility

Phosphatidylserine integrates well with common shake ingredients, including plant and dairy proteins, vegetable oils, natural sweeteners, and micronutrient blends.

Shelf-Life Stability

By supporting better emulsion stability and preventing ingredient separation, phosphatidylserine can assist in maintaining product quality over time.

Mixing and Processing Efficiency

During homogenization and thermal treatment stages, phosphatidylserine behaves predictably and remains stable, making it suitable for large-scale beverage manufacturing.

Source and Production

Food-grade phosphatidylserine is typically extracted through enzymatic processing of lecithin from soybeans or sunflowers. It is then purified and standardized for use in foods and beverages. For premade shakes, PS may be incorporated as a liquid emulsifier or as part of a nutrient blend during the mixing stage.

Applications in the Beverage Sector

In addition to premade nutritional shakes, phosphatidylserine is also used in:

Meal replacement drinks

Ready-to-drink protein beverages

Plant-based milk alternatives

Functional smoothies

Its inclusion allows brands to formulate products with enhanced texture, improved dispersion of fat-soluble components, and better product uniformity.

Conclusion

Phosphatidylserine is a multifunctional ingredient that brings formulation and processing advantages to premade shakes. As beverage formulations evolve to meet consumer expectations for quality and convenience, PS offers a reliable option for achieving stable emulsions and smooth textures. Its compatibility with a wide range of ingredients makes it a valuable addition in the development of modern ready-to-drink beverages.