Valio reveals lactose-free milk protein for healthy aging at FiE Connect 2020

30 Nov 2020 --- Valio is addressing healthy aging at FiE Connect 2020 with Valio Eila Nutri F+, a new milk protein powder blend.

The ingredient has a high milk protein concentration and contains vitamins, minerals and phospholipids to support normal muscle and cognitive functions in older adults. 

The company also gives a nod to sugar reduction and healthy indulgence via its milk fat and lactose-free solutions.

“Valio Eila Nutri F+ is a lactose-free milk protein powder, nutritionally designed to support healthy aging,” Timo Pajari, senior vice president, food solutions sales at Valio, tells NutritionInsight.

“It offers solutions for products with good nutritional values and high-quality calories. These properties are of vital importance in supporting the activity and health of the elderly, as well as in preventing malnutrition.”

Lactose-free, milky taste
Valio Eila Nutri F+ is a lactose-free milk protein powder, nutritionally designed to support healthy aging.

Moreover, Pajari says the launch is well-suited for healthy drinks like smoothies due to its instant dissolving properties and full-bodied milky taste. Other applications include nutritional foods, soups and dietary products. It is also in use as a food supplement in retirement homes.

“It also supports the digestive wellness and appetite, which are essential factors in the holistic well-being of the elderly,” he adds.

“The world is aging, and older adults want to stay active and energetic, maintain their mental health and enjoy the taste of food. In fact, their quality of life depends on it. As a result, aging adults are willing to invest in food products that support these objectives. This is a great opportunity for the food industry,” Pajari supports.

There is a clear demand for ingredients and products that are nutritionally tailored for the needs of older adults and seniors, he explains. “Valio Eila Nutri F+ target market is global; however, we focus on special nutrition customers in Europe and Asian regions.”

Valio Eila Nutri F+ is available in Europe, Asia and the US. 

Sugar reduction and healthy indulgence
At FiE Connect 2020, Valio is also hosting showcases related to lactose-free opportunities in dairy, as well as innovations in milk fat and infant nutrition. Valio says that consumers are reluctant to compromise on the taste, texture or the naturality of food. 

Consumers are looking for products and producers that are genuine, honest and transparent in all actions the company supports. Factors such as sustainability, food safety, traceability and purity of raw materials are more important than ever.

Sugar is increasingly overtaking fat and salt as a primary consumer concern, especially as high sugar consumption is blamed for rising obesity rates and is linked to many health issues, Valio says.

“Sugar has been the number one ‘nutritional no-no’ for consumers, and they are constantly looking for ways to reduce their sugar intake – even with indulgence products like chocolate or desserts,” Pajari says.

Valio Eila Nutri F+’s applications include nutritional foods, soups, dietary products and food supplements.Valio has developed a natural milk-based, lactose-free protein solution to reduce sugar in ice cream, dairy, bakery or confectionery products.

“Research shows that manufacturers using our unique Valio Eila Pro lactose-free milk powder can create ‘30 percent less sugar’ chocolate that is just as smooth and tasty as regular chocolate,” Pajari supports.

Healthy indulgence
Around 70 percent of the world’s population suffers from lactose intolerance. The awareness of digestive wellness and lactose intolerance is increasing all over the world, and people are looking for ways to adjust their diet. 

“We see consumers seeking and purchasing products that tap into multiple trends simultaneously, and taste as increasingly important – even in the health-oriented target group,” Pajari says. 

This means that there is a rapidly growing demand for healthy and great-tasting products in categories still underdeveloped in lactose-free options, such as ice-cream, milk chocolate, bakery, or special nutrition.

“One example is a lactose-free milk drink that tastes like fresh milk, lactose-free ice cream with less sugar yet is still delicious and with a smooth texture and a high-protein lactose-free drink supporting cognitive function,” Pajari affirms.

In this space, Valio offers butter, especially for industrial customers. The butter is used by bakeries, the processed food industry, ice cream makers and dairies. 

Butter made from high-quality Finnish milk can be tasted in croissants baked by some of the leading French bakeries, the company says.

Tailored solutions
While demand is fragmented, Valio says it is well equipped to offer tailored or one-fit solutions that enable its customers to respond to profitable growth opportunities and maintain production efficiency. 

“Our investment in the Valio Lapinlahti factory offers new dry blend and packaging possibilities also on a short timeline,” Pajari continues.

Looking ahead, the company has more innovation in the pipeline.

“In dairy ingredients, for example, we are working on Valio Eila lactose-free solutions for coffee applications. Consumers want to enjoy their favorite premium coffee with high-quality milk from coffee vending machines and in-home capsule machines but without tummy problems,” he concludes.

Meanwhile, gut health, protein and holistic wellness are taking center stage at Fi and Hi Europe Connect. Companies like Rousselot have also showcased innovative NPD.

By Kristiana Lalou