The protein powders sold through doctors are a different business from the tubs on gym shop shelves. A gynaecologist writes one for a pregnant woman with low weight gain, a diabetologist writes a sugar-free one, a surgeon writes one after an operation, and a paediatrician recommends a flavoured one for a fussy child. The patient then buys it from the chemist next to the clinic.
The companies listed above offer a protein powder franchise with their own brands, mostly aimed at this doctor and chemist channel. Here is what to look for.
Medical nutrition, not gym protein
Gym protein is sold on muscle and taste, through supplement stores and online. Medical nutrition protein is sold on a patient need. The common variants are:
- Diabetic protein, sugar free, often with added fibre, for diabetologists and physicians.
- Pregnancy and lactation protein, usually with DHA, iron and folic acid, for gynaecologists.
- Kids protein, in sweet flavours, for paediatricians.
- Elderly and general wellness protein, for physicians and orthopaedics.
- Post-surgery and recovery protein, high protein with added nutrients, for surgeons and hospitals.
A company that has only one "general" protein will not give your MR much to work with. Look for at least three or four of these variants so each speciality has its own product.
FSSAI rules and what the label can say
Protein powders are foods, not drugs. They are made under an FSSAI licence and follow the regulations for health supplements and nutraceuticals. The label must show the FSSAI licence number, a full nutrition table, the ingredient list and the mandatory line that the product is not for medicinal use. It cannot claim to treat or prevent a disease.
This matters for your marketing. Your visual aids and MR talk should speak about protein content, nutrient profile and taste, not about curing anything. Ask the company for a sample label and check that the claims are within the rules before you print anything.
Flavours, jar sizes and pricing
Taste decides repeat sales. Chocolate, vanilla and kesar-elaichi are the safe choices. Mango and strawberry do well with children. Unflavoured versions are sometimes asked for by hospitals and dieticians. Taste the samples yourself, mixed in milk and in water.
The usual jar sizes are 200 g, 250 g and 400 g, with 500 g or 1 kg for long courses. Smaller jars keep the MRP within what a patient will pay on a first prescription. Check the margin on each size, since bigger jars often carry a different PTR structure.
Other points to compare are the minimum first order, monopoly area, scoop and seal quality, remaining shelf life on dispatched stock and how the company handles dented or damaged jars in transit.
Selling through doctors and chemists
Pick two or three specialities to start with, based on your contacts. A partner with good gynaecologist access can do well with pregnancy protein alone in the first months. Leave a sample jar or sachets with the doctor and make sure the nearest chemist has stock the same week. If the patient cannot find it, the doctor stops writing it.
Expect a slower start than with tablets. Patients pay for a jar out of pocket and many will try one before they commit. Follow up with the doctor after the first few weeks and ask how patients found the taste. A protein powder franchise usually picks up once two or three doctors in the same area are writing it regularly and the chemists see repeat demand.
Post your requirement here
Fill the free requirement form on this page. Write which protein powder franchise variants you want (diabetic, pregnancy, kids, elderly, post-surgery), the district or state, the specialities you work with, your expected first order and when you plan to begin. Your number is not published, and only companies with a matching range in your area receive your requirement and call you back.
Related pages: Tablets and Ointments & Creams. Molecules most listed here: Protein Powder, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Multivitamin + Multimineral.
