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Arla Foods Ingredients has introduced a new initiative focused on using acid whey, a byproduct of Greek yogurt production, as a raw material for high-protein dairy products.

This approach aims to address sustainability challenges within the dairy sector.

The company’s ‘Upcycle Your Whey to Value’ concept addresses a significant challenge in the dairy industry: the disposal of acid whey, which constitutes approximately two-thirds of the milk used in strained yogurt production.

The disposal process is not only costly but also poses environmental risks due to its nutrient-rich composition, which, when managed effectively, can be repurposed into nutritious ingredients.

Recognising this potential, Arla has developed three innovative dairy products that leverage acid whey in their formulations, each containing between 50% and 73% acid whey.

These products include an 8% protein drinking yogurt, a creamy dessert, and a beverage, all featuring tropical flavours such as pineapple, coconut and strawberry.

Each recipe incorporates ingredients from Arla's Nutrilac ProteinBoost range, which enhances the products' mouthfeel and stability, making them suitable for standard dairy processing lines.

The initiative comes at a time when consumer awareness around sustainability is rising sharply. According to recent research, over 80% of dairy consumers are conscious of sustainability issues, with 20% actively altering their purchasing behaviours in response.

Claus Bukbjerg Andersen, senior dairy category manager at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “The use of upcycled side-streams can help brands reduce waste and increase their appeal to climate-conscious consumers. Additionally, acid whey is nutrient-rich and in combination with the right ingredients can be used to create exciting new products that offer indulgence as well as nutritional value."

He added: "Allowing all the goodness of milk to be kept in the food chain is good for the planet, good for consumers and good for manufacturers, who can position products as upcycled, in line with a growing dairy industry trend”.

Arla Foods Ingredients will showcase its ‘Upcycle Your Whey to Value’ concept at the upcoming Gulfood Manufacturing exhibition in Dubai, scheduled for November 5-7.

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