Arla Foods Ingredients expands MFGM applications beyond infant nutrition
The dairy ingredients specialist has launched Whey360, a new campaign highlighting milk fat globule membrane benefits across life stages following EU regulatory clarification.
Arla Foods Ingredients has initiated a strategic campaign to broaden industry awareness of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) applications beyond infant formula. The Whey360 campaign follows a significant regulatory development: the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has confirmed MFGM is not classified as a novel food within the EU, enabling clear labelling on both infant and adult nutrition products.
Multinutrient composition
MFGM ingredients from Arla Foods Ingredients contain a complex nutritional matrix including whey protein, phospholipids, Omega-3 fatty acids, and other bioactive compounds. While naturally occurring in breast milk with well-documented benefits for early life nutrition, the company is now emphasising MFGM’s broader nutritional applications.
“We’ve worked with MFGM in early life nutrition for nearly two decades. It offers a powerful synergy between high-quality whey protein, complex milk lipids, vitamins and other micronutrients,” said Henrik Jacob Hjortshøj, Head of Sales Development, Functional Nutrition at Arla Foods Ingredients.
The ingredients are particularly notable for their Vitamin B12 content, addressing one of the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies globally, along with choline, which contributes to metabolic health.
Product concept development
Responding to consumer interest in functional foods – which according to Health Focus International (2024) appeals to 53% of adults globally – Arla has developed multiple product concepts demonstrating MFGM applications across age groups:
For adults and children:
- A squeezable cheese
- A kids’ UHT drink
- A high-protein drinking yoghurt
For toddlers:
- A drinkable fruit yoghurt with straw
- A squeezable smoothie
- An instant porridge mix
Regulatory implications
The EU regulatory clarification significantly enhances product development opportunities. Hjortshøj noted: “This is great news and a major boost to our mission to deliver powerful nutrition in partnership with our customers. We’re delighted that we’re now able to provide them with clear documentation demonstrating that MFGM can be used in both food and infant nutrition applications.”
The non-novel food status permits manufacturers to make various on-pack claims according to EU Regulation (EC) 1924/2006, including high protein content, Omega-3 content, high B12 levels, and milk phospholipid content.
Hjortshøj added: “While this very welcome decision applies to the EU, it may also open doors in other markets and help raise consumer awareness of the benefits of MFGM globally.”
- For more information, visit: arlafoodsingredients.com
