Nestlé launches low-lactose N3 milk with prebiotic fibers in China

01 Dec 2023 --- Nestlé has unveiled its latest product, N3 milk from cow’s milk containing essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals and prebiotic fibers. The company used proprietary technology to reduce the product’s lactose content.

“We have now developed what we call a new type of milk, where a substantial part of the lactose is transferred into prebiotic fibers,” says Dr. Heike Steiling, Nestlé’s VP of R&D at the Future of Nutrition Summit in Frankfurt, Germany in which Nutrition Insight participated. 

“Most importantly, all the other nutrients are still there because it is done in vitro. We are lucky to have our Chinese market to be as excited as we are in R&D about this technology.”

The product boasts a low lactose content, and a 15% lower calorie content than other milks. "Sudies showed that these [prebiotic] fibers promote the growth of multiple types of bifidobacteria by up to three-fold, delivering gut microbiome benefits in healthy adults," a Nestlé spokesperson tells us.

The N3 brand offers full cream and skimmed milk products high in protein to offer targeted nutrition as individuals age. The range includes fortified products supporting bone health, immunity, muscle growth and muscle strength. 

The company states that the new product will transform the milk-drinking experience for consumers with lactose and gastrointestinal sensitivities.Lactose reduction 
The development process involves a proprietary technology that reduces lactose, resulting in prebiotic fibers with demonstrated benefits for gut microbiome health.

“The technology uses specialized enzymes to break down the lactose — a naturally occurring sugar in cow’s milk. The lactose is converted into beneficial prebiotic fibers called galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS),” the Nestlé spokesperson explains.

“The health benefits of GOS fibers have been shown in many clinical trials and there is publicly available data from various research institutes and universities. Additionally, we conducted a clinical trial for the prebiotic GOS fiber present in N3 milk.”

Steiling explains that the new product is “significantly healthier” than most standard lactose-free milks, as people will digest the sugar in monosaccharides. “So we have the benefit of reduced sugar, and we use prebiotic fibers to help you with digestion and immunity.”

“This milk will serve as a base for the next generation of nutritious products, which will benefit many consumers, including people with lactose intolerance and those who want to improve their gastrointestinal health. It’s also a testament to our efforts to develop cutting-edge technologies that can be applied across different categories, brands and geographies,” says Stefan Palzer, Nestlé’s chief technology officer.

Addressing China’s growing lactose sensitivity and aging population, Nestlé’s CEO for Zone Greater China, David Zhang, notes, “N3 will transform the milk-drinking experience for Chinese consumers by enabling those with lactose and gastrointestinal sensitivities to enjoy a glass of nutritious milk without worries. We are proud to be the first market to introduce N3 milk. This further demonstrates Nestlé’s commitment to bring innovations that are relevant for local consumers."

The N3 milk range emphasizes high protein content to support comprehensive family nutrition. The company’s plan for the milk is to eventually extend beyond its initial powdered milk offerings, reaching other product categories. 

Earlier this week, Nestlé also launched its growing-up milk solution enriched with human milk oligosaccharides to be sold in China under the Wyeth Illuma brand. 

By Milana Nikolova