For the last 25 years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has prohibited the sale and interstate distribution of raw milk products due to concerns over food safety, although individual states have the authority to establish their own regulations on raw milk sales. While the FDA maintains that pasteurization does not diminish the nutritional value of milk, proponents of raw milk argue that it is richer in vitamins, minerals, beneficial proteins, enzymes, and bacteria. Tamarack Biotics aims to harness the advantages of raw milk while addressing safety concerns through a method that bypasses both pasteurization and spray drying. Their products are never heated beyond 53°C, yet the company claims to meet the same safety standards as other milk products.
The rising demand for raw milk products may reflect a larger trend, as more consumers seek to consume foods in their most natural state. Although overall milk consumption has been declining steadily since the 1970s, there has been an increase in whole milk consumption, potentially fueled by recent studies suggesting that milk fat may have health benefits that were previously underestimated. Sales of organic milk are also on the rise.
Tamarack Biotics’ product has achieved self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, which involves independent expert safety evaluations. This requires the company to be ready to defend the safety of its product, although it is not systematically reviewed by the FDA, unlike products with FDA-approved GRAS status. Additionally, the company plans to target the lucrative sports nutrition market with its new product, aiming to enhance performance and recovery. This sector alone saw a growth of 12% last year, as reported by Euromonitor International.
Furthermore, discussions around nutritional comparisons, such as vitamin D3 vs calcium citrate, are becoming increasingly relevant as consumers look for supplements that may complement their diets, including those that prioritize raw milk products. The intersection of these nutritional elements highlights the importance of understanding how different food sources can contribute to overall health, reinforcing the appeal of raw milk in the current market. Tamarack Biotics is positioned to cater to this trend while maintaining its commitment to safety and quality.