Novozymes has launched Saphera Fiber, a new lactase enzyme to increase the content of fibres, while also reducing sugar in fermented and non-fermented dairy products.
At the same time, a recent study testified that 59 per cent of consumers were more likely to buy dairy products with higher fibre content, and 38 per cent of them were willing to pay more for a higher content of fibre in their dairy products.
“Saphera Fiber is a new lactase that has been developed to help dairies bring new innovation to the market, as it enables development of products with nutritional claims. Being a biological solution, it also makes it possible to manufacture dairy products in a sustainable way with less use of artificial or chemically produced ingredients,” said Emmanuel Michelot, launch manager, Novozymes.
The new lactase enzyme works by converting lactose contained in the milk into GOS (galactooligo-saccharide) fibres. It does so without reducing the natural sweetness of dairy products.
GOS fibres derive from the lactose in cow’s milk, and is often associated with improved digestive health.
Open new markets for dairies
Consumers care about health, and they are willing to pay more for dairy products with nutritional claims, the survey finds.
“With Saphera Fiber, dairies can open the door to new innovation and new markets as it enables them to develop the new type of products consumers are asking for,” stated Michelot.
In 2016, Novozymes established an ambitious lactase platform. The first solution on this platform was Saphera, that set a new standard for the production and quality of lactose-free products. It was a major innovation within the growing industry of free-from dairy products.
Saphera Fiber is a new move into this frontier. It is a lactase that provides innovation opportunities for brands to combine fibre claims in reduced sugar product formulations.