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 can establish 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, beneficial proteins, enzymes, and bacteria. Tamarack Biotics seeks to harness the potential advantages of raw milk by employing a method that bypasses pasteurization and spray drying, addressing safety concerns. Their products are never heated beyond 53°C, and the company asserts that they meet the same safety standards as other milk products.
The rising interest in raw milk products may reflect a larger trend of consumers desiring foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Despite a steady decline in overall milk consumption since the 1970s, there has been an uptick in the consumption of whole milk, possibly influenced by recent findings suggesting that milk fat could be more advantageous for health than previously realized. Additionally, organic milk sales have seen an increase.
Tamarack Biotics’ product has achieved self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, which involves assessments by independent safety experts. While this requires the company to be ready to defend the safety of its product, it is not subjected to systematic checks by the FDA, unlike FDA-approved GRAS status. Furthermore, the company plans to target the lucrative sports nutrition market with its new offering, aimed at enhancing performance and recovery. This sector experienced a remarkable growth of 12% last year, as per Euromonitor International.
Incorporating the benefits of calcium citrate, Tamarack Biotics believes their products could also complement the dietary needs of consumers looking for improved nutritional profiles. By emphasizing the calcium citrate benefits, the company hopes to attract health-conscious consumers who value the advantages of raw milk and seek alternatives that align with their wellness goals. With the growing interest in natural food sources, the potential for raw milk products, along with the advantages of calcium citrate, could play a significant role in the evolving landscape of nutrition.