Arla Foods Ingredients releases its first organic ingredient

Arla Foods Ingredients has released its first organic ingredient: an organic micellar casein isolate ingredient which is suitable for functional food products and active nutrition applications.

Called MicelPure Organic, the ingredient is extracted from organic milk using gentle processing methods without the addition of acids. According to Arla, this process maintains the chemical structure of the ingredient, allowing the creation of products that are “as close to nature as possible”.

The company claims that the ingredient contains a minimum of 87% native protein, while it is low in lactose and fat, is heat-stable and is taste-neutral. The ingredient can be utilised in food applications such as cheeses, yogurts, ice creams, and also for beverages such as ready-to-drink high-protein beverages and powder shakes.

According to research conducted by Lindberg International in 2019, one in three European consumers stated that they would buy more organic, high-protein snacks if they were available. Meanwhile, the research claims that “healthy” and “natural” are two of the most important characteristics for consumers of food products, and Arla Foods Ingredients claims that the MicelPure ingredient has been released to help manufacturers cater to these growing consumer trends.

Barbara Jensen, business development manager at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “When consumers hear ‘organic’, they think healthy, sustainable and wholesome.

“However, a shortage of natural, organic protein ingredients has prevented many manufacturers from entering this market. MicelPure Organic fills the gap, allowing companies to extend their portfolios with products that are both organic and packed with high-quality protein.”

Joe Katterfield, business development manager for sports nutrition and health foods at Arla Foods Ingredients, added: “Protein’s benefits for muscle growth, recovery and weight management have driven consumer demand in a range of categories.

“But while the high-protein trend is definitely here to stay, manufacturers also have to meet many other needs. MicelPure combines high protein levels and functionality with an offer of healthy wholesomeness that increases appeal.”