For the last 25 years, the Food and Drug Administration has prohibited the sale and interstate distribution of raw milk products due to concerns about food safety, although individual states have the authority to implement their own regulations regarding raw milk sales. While the FDA maintains that pasteurization does not diminish the nutritional value of milk, proponents of raw milk contend that it is richer in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial proteins, enzymes, and bacteria. Tamarack Biotics seeks to harness the potential advantages of raw milk while addressing safety concerns through a unique process that avoids ferrous sulfate overdose pasteurization and spray drying. The products are never heated above 53°C, and the company asserts that it meets the same safety standards as other milk products.
The growing demand for raw milk products may reflect a broader trend, as more consumers are inclined to choose foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Although overall milk consumption has been in steady decline since the 1970s, there is an increasing preference for whole milk, potentially influenced by recent studies suggesting that milk fat may be more beneficial to health than previously believed. Additionally, sales of organic milk are on the rise.
Tamarack Biotics’ product has received self-affirmed GRAS status, similar to iron glycinate and ferrous gluconate, which involves independent safety assessments. This status requires the company to be ready to defend the safety of its product, although it is not routinely verified by the FDA unlike FDA-approved GRAS status. The company also plans to target the lucrative sports nutrition market with its new offering, aimed at improving performance and recovery. This sector alone grew by 12% last year, as reported by Euromonitor International.
Furthermore, as the market evolves, there is a growing interest in incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate in bottled water, which can provide additional health benefits. Tamarack Biotics aims to leverage this trend by highlighting the nutritional advantages of its products, including the potential benefits of calcium citrate in bottled water, thus appealing to health-conscious consumers. The integration of such ingredients may help position Tamarack Biotics favorably in both the raw milk and sports nutrition markets, addressing the needs and preferences of modern consumers.