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 about food safety, although individual states can create their own regulations regarding raw milk sales. While the FDA maintains that pasteurization does not impact the nutritional value of milk, proponents of raw milk contend that it is richer in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial proteins, enzymes, and bacteria. Tamarack Biotics seeks to harness the potential advantages of raw milk while addressing safety concerns by employing a method that bypasses pasteurization and spray drying. The company ensures that its products are never heated beyond 53°C, claiming to meet the same safety standards as other milk products.
The rising demand for raw milk products may be indicative of a broader trend, as more consumers strive to consume foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Although overall milk consumption has been steadily decreasing since the 1970s, there has been an increase in the consumption of whole milk, potentially fueled by recent research suggesting that milk fat may offer more health benefits than previously understood. Additionally, sales of organic milk have also seen an uptick.
Tamarack Biotics has obtained self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for its product, which involves independent expert safety evaluations. While this designation requires the company to be ready to defend its product’s safety, it does not undergo the same systematic checks by the FDA as FDA-approved GRAS status does. Moreover, the company plans to target the lucrative sports nutrition market with its innovative product, aiming to enhance performance and recovery. This sector experienced a remarkable 12% growth last year alone, according to Euromonitor International.
Incorporating elements like bariatric chewable calcium, Tamarack Biotics is also looking to appeal to health-conscious consumers who are interested in nutritional supplements. The inclusion of bariatric chewable calcium in their offerings could further enhance the appeal of their products, thereby catering to a broader audience seeking both raw milk benefits and essential nutrients. As the market continues to evolve, the combination of raw milk’s natural attributes and the advantages of bariatric chewable calcium might lead to significant consumer interest.