Arla Foods Ingredients achieves first non-GMO project certification

07 Aug 2023 --- Native milk protein MicelPure has become the first Arla Foods Ingredients product certified by the Non-GMO Project. This latest certification assures consumers of third-party assessment for compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard, which incorporates stringent testing, traceability and segregation provisions.

MicelPure is a micellar casein isolate. Containing 86% native protein and naturally high in calcium, it is ideal for sports nutrition and other healthy food applications. 

GMO-free foods
Already certified EU Organic and China Organic, it is produced from Danish milk by gentle membrane filtration technology to ensure the protein remains in its natural form with minimal denaturation, thereby protecting its nutritional benefits. 

“We are delighted that MicelPure has been awarded the Non-GMO Project Verified seal and Butterfly logo, the most trusted certification for GMO-free products in North America. This is particularly important at a time when shoppers are increasingly showing a preference for GMO-free foods,” says Troels Nørgaard Laursen, director for Health & Performance at Arla Foods Ingredients. 

Certified products are permitted to carry the Butterfly label.A recent study found that 83% of US consumers are aware of GMOs (up from 79% in 2020), with 44% citing “GMO-free” as an important statement on food and beverage labels. The Non-GMO Project Verified seal is the most widely recognized food certification scheme after USDA Organic and the fastest-growing label in the natural products industry, representing around US$40 billion in annual sales and over 66,000 unique-formula products.

Research shows that brands bearing its Butterfly logo experience a sales uplift of up to 20%, according to data from Non-GMO Project.org. 

“We are already known for having the industry’s highest quality and food safety standards. This certification for MicelPure further demonstrates our commitment to going above and beyond regulatory requirements and meeting or exceeding the quality levels demanded by our customers,” Laursen adds.

Protein offerings
Denmark-based Arla Foods Ingredients is ramping up its offerings in the protein space, specifically in sports and infant nutrition. 

In May, the company launched an alpha-lactalbumin (alpha)-rich infant formula ingredient to help meet the growing need for low-protein formulations. Multiple studies have shown that high protein intake during infancy accelerates weight gain, increasing the risk of obesity in later life. 

Arla Foods Ingredients offers a line of whey proteins based on a patented microparticulation technology to meet the growing consumer demand for protein quality. Branded as Nutrilac ProteinBoost, the product was created to meet the needs of health-conscious consumers and manufacturers. 

Innova Market Insights data suggests strong growth and innovation in the protein sector were starting to slow in 2021, as the number of new protein products launched globally had declined that year. 

Last month, Nutrition Insight reported that almost half of European consumers use protein products. Additionally, practically all (99%) of whey protein sports nutrition launches claimed to be a high source of protein – a vital health claim for consumers, outlines Innova Market Insights.

Edited by Elizabeth Green