Ready-to-drink plant protein beverage product and methods for making same

A method of making a liquid beverage product, comprising the following sequential steps:

• mixing a plant protein blend comprising (i) from about 30 wt.% to about 38 wt.% of a legume protein that contains at least about 80% protein, (ii) from about 30 wt.% to about 38 wt.% of a whole grain protein that contains between about 80% to 90% protein, and (iii) from about 35 wt.% to about 40 wt.% of a dairy protein that contains at least about 80% protein or from about 14 wt.% to about 18 wt.% of wheat protein that contains at least about 90% protein with a sweetening component to form a dry blend having a viscosity ranging from about 20 cP to about 250 cP, wherein the legume protein and the whole grain protein are present in substantially equal amounts;
• hydrating the dry blend;
• mixing the hydrated dry blend, thereby forming a beverage base;
• subjecting the beverage base to a high temperature treatment;
• homogenizing the beverage base using a two-stage process where a first stage is conducted at a pressure greater than a second stage;
• cooling the beverage base to a temperature between about 50° F. to about 89° F. to provide a beverage base that includes from about 3% to about 5% legume protein, from about 3% to about 5% whole grain protein, and from about 5 to about 10 grams complete protein per eight fluid ounce of beverage base;
• and,
• packaging the cooled beverage base.