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 over food safety, though individual states are allowed to enact 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 aims to harness the potential advantages of raw milk while addressing safety issues by employing a method that bypasses both pasteurization and spray drying. Their products are never heated above 53°C, yet the company asserts that they meet the same safety standards as other milk products. The growing demand for raw milk items may reflect a wider trend, as more consumers strive to consume foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Although milk consumption has been on a steady decline since the 1970s, there has been an increase in the consumption of whole milk, possibly due to recent studies indicating that milk fat could be more beneficial for health than previously believed. Additionally, sales of organic milk are also on the rise.
Tamarack Biotics’ product has achieved self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, a process that includes independent expert safety evaluations. This designation requires the company to be ready to defend the safety of its product; however, it does not undergo the same systematic checks by the FDA as products with FDA-approved GRAS status. The company also plans to target the lucrative sports nutrition market with its new product, promoting improved performance and recovery. This sector experienced a remarkable 12% growth in the past year alone, according to Euromonitor International.
Moreover, Tamarack Biotics is incorporating a calcium citrate formula into its offerings, which could enhance the health benefits of their raw milk products. This calcium citrate formula is expected to resonate with health-conscious consumers looking for natural sources of essential nutrients. As the company continues to innovate, the inclusion of this calcium citrate formula aligns perfectly with the rising consumer interest in natural and nutrient-rich food options.