Denmark-based Arla Foods Ingredients has launched Nutrilac FO-7922 Organic, a new product for cooking-stable cheese products. 

The solution is part of a new organic line, positioned to help manufacturers meet the growing demand for healthy, natural and organic products.

Cooking-stable cheese products – such as grilling cheeses and cheese fries – are increasingly prevalent, according to the company. 

“Contemporary ways of cooking and eating cheese are increasingly varied and there’s a demand for cooking-stable products in a variety of forms,” says Claus Bukbjerg Andersen, senior category manager at Arla Foods Ingredients. 

Nutrilac FO-7922 Organic adds to Arla Foods Ingredients’ Nutrilac range of functional protein solutions, which offers multiple functionalities in dairy, including improved taste, texture, creaminess and stability.

The product can be used for grilling cheeses, cheese patties for burgers, cheese sticks, cheese nuggets and cheeses for hot pot soup. 

It can also be used to create recombined dairy products that are “just as delicious as those made from fresh milk.” 

Demand for protein
In recent years, concerns over the sustainability and ethical practices of conventional meat production have driven development in vegetarian foods.

At the same time, the global demand for protein continues and dairy remains a strong contender for effectively delivering the complete amino acid profile. 

Cooking-stable cheese creates new possibilities to cater to the growing number of vegetarian and flexitarian consumers as a protein-rich substitute for meat. 

“Ethical purchasing drivers are increasingly important and the demand for organic products is huge. Our new solution meets all of these current market needs. It combines functional benefits with a natural, wholesome, organic positioning that boosts consumer appeal,” he adds. 

Opportunity for organic cheese
Data from Innova Market Insights supports the demand for organic cheese solutions, indicating that organic cheese launches are growing at a CAGR of 15.1 percent in Europe.

Organic products notably saw increased interest in the past year, accelerated by concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

More stringent organic regulation will be rolling out across the EU on January 1, 2022. Companies such as Bell Flavors have released organic compliant flavors gearing up for the shift. 

Developments in Nutrilac
Earlier this year, Arla Foods Ingredients unveiled its natural egg alternative as it highlighted its whey protein-based solution Nutrilac. 

In April, the company also launched Nutrilac YO-4575, a 100 percent natural whey protein, to give unrefrigerated yogurts a premium positioning with all-natural ingredients.