DSM-Firmenich’s Maxilact Next allows manufacturers to hit lactose-free targets “faster than ever”

02 Jun 2023 --- DSM-Firmenich has unveiled Maxilact Next – the latest addition to its highly-valued range of efficient and pure Maxilact lactase enzymes. 

The new ingredient is a lactase that produces lactose-free milk even faster, allowing customers to achieve an additional 25% reduction in hydrolysis time.

Maxilact Next is the fastest pure lactase now available on the market, which empowers lactose-free milk producers to optimize production, increase capacity and use raw materials more efficiently – all without affecting the taste of lactose-free milk products, note the companies.

It joins the existing Maxilact range, an extensive portfolio based on lactose-free dairy production.

Lactose malabsorption
Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Rodolfo Garza, global business development manager of Milk & Plant-Based Alternatives at DSM-Firmenich, says demand for lactose-free products is mostly driven by the 68% of the world population who suffer from lactose malabsorption. 

Lactose-free products ensure everyone can fully enjoy great-tasting, nutritious dairy products.“These consumers are looking for the same quality and choice that’s offered to the dairy and plant-based dairy industry, presenting a significant market opportunity for producers. For other consumers, lactose-free dairy is a lifestyle choice or preference, adding to the growing demand to bring more of these products to the shelves.”

With every innovation, DSM-Firmenich further enhances its capabilities and services as a total solutions provider for its customers. “Our broad and growing Maxilact range allows customers to unlock the potential of the lactose-free market – our latest addition offers more choice for their individual needs, according to their bespoke processes and specific requirements,” explains Garza. 

The launch of Maxilact Next demonstrates the company’s dedication to both continuous improvement and driving the industry forward, allowing manufacturers to keep pace as the lactose-free market grows. 

According to Garza, dairy continues to be a growing category, so there is plenty of space for delivering innovation, not only with enzymatic solutions but with its complete portfolio.

Unlocking potential in lactose-free dairy
A large proportion of consumers worldwide are unable to properly digest lactose, lactose-free products offer nutritious dairy products who need alternatives. 

This creates fresh opportunities for dairy producers while emphasizing the need for a swifter and more efficient production process. Manufacturers require first-class lactase solutions to optimize their raw material usage, increase yield and productivity and maintain the highest quality standards.

“In the current market context, efficiency is crucial to keep up with demand and stay cost-effective. Our Maxilact range delivers optimized capacity without significant capex investment while maintaining the high quality that consumers expect. Maxilact Next is a great example of a game-changing lactase solution that truly addresses a market pain point,” stresses Garza.

Strengthening a world-leading portfolio
DSM-Firmenich’s extensive selection of Maxilact enzymes, along with its portfolio of cultures, probiotics, vitamins and minerals, allows manufacturers to produce lactose-free products that are more efficient but more delicious and nutritious, catering to an expanding global consumer base.

DSM recently launched a functional toolkit for plant-based fermented products, such as yogurt alternatives. The Plant Power Toolkit features enzymes, cultures, hydrocolloids, proteins, nutritional solutions and ready-to-use concepts to simplify the challenging stages of application design. 

By Elizabeth Green