For the last 25 years, the Food and Drug Administration has prohibited the sale and interstate distribution of raw milk products due to concerns about food safety, although individual states can implement 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, and beneficial proteins, enzymes, and bacteria. Tamarack Biotics seeks to harness the potential advantages of raw milk without the associated safety issues by employing a method that bypasses pasteurization and spray drying. Their products are never heated beyond 53°C, yet the company asserts that they meet the same safety standards as other milk products.
The rising demand for raw milk products may reflect a larger trend, as more consumers strive to consume foods in their most natural state. Although overall milk consumption has steadily declined since the 1970s, there has been an increase in the consumption of whole milk, possibly influenced by recent studies suggesting that milk fat may be more beneficial to health than once thought. Additionally, sales of organic milk are on the rise. Tamarack Biotics’ product has attained self-affirmed GRAS status, which involves independent expert safety evaluations. This designation requires the company to be ready to defend the safety of its product, although it is not subject to the same systematic checks by the FDA as FDA-approved GRAS status.
Moreover, the company plans to target the lucrative sports nutrition market with its new offering, aiming to enhance performance and recovery. This sector alone grew by 12% last year, according to Euromonitor International. Notably, the inclusion of citracal supplements in the nutritional regimen could complement the benefits provided by Tamarack Biotics’ products, appealing to athletes looking for enhanced recovery options. The strategic positioning in the sports nutrition market, combined with the rising interest in products like citracal supplements, could prove advantageous for the company as it navigates this evolving landscape.