Fonterra’s novel milk lipid solution allows snack producers to address mental health

Today’s consumer is on the hunt for solutions that go beyond traditional capsules and pills and with research showing a connection snacking and stress, this is a great opportunity for producers to tap into a consumer need and create snacks with a difference.

Fonterra is rolling out its range of NZMP Milk Phospholipids onto the US active lifestyle market.

Naturally present in milk, these complex lipids are clinically proven to help manage the effects of stress, to allow consumers to stay focused and positive under stress.

Made from non-GMO, rBST-free, grass-fed New Zealand cow’s milk, the clean-tasting ingredients are suitable for delivering multi-functional benefits to a range of food and beverages, being high in whey protein – which supports muscle build and recovery – and low in both lactose and sugar content.

“The launch of our Milk Phospholipids is an exciting moment for NZMP and the dairy industry as a whole,”​ said Charlotte Ortiz, global marketing and communications manager at Fonterra.

“By extending our portfolio into the mental wellness space, we’re helping food brands tap into new consumers’ needs, such as mood-enhancement and cognitive performance under stress – issues that have recently amplified due to the pandemic. We know this innovation will be a big hit for the market and our initial industry feedback has been very positive.”​

After 18 months of research and development, the Fonterra team has developed several applications for the Milk Phospholipids, including nutritional bars, ready-to-mix powders and supplement sachets. The Milk Phospholipids are compatible with many of the brand’s other health and wellness ingredients, to help offer functionality that goes beyond stress management.

“Dairy ingredients are new to the mental wellbeing space, so we are excited to work with brands to deliver new solutions for this health segment to consumers around the world,” added Ortiz.​