From texture to taste: solving ice cream formulation challenges with dairy science

Explore functional dairy ingredient solutions that deliver on taste, nutrition, and clean label demands.

Today’s ice cream consumers are looking for more than just taste. While indulgence still matters, many are also thinking about nutrition, digestive wellness, and ingredient transparency. Ice cream is becoming part of a balanced lifestyle, not just an occasional treat. Valio Eila® milk powders help product developers meet this new standard with simple, functional ingredients tailored for modern frozen dairy applications.

This shift brings new challenges and opportunities for ice cream makers. Recipes need to deliver on texture and flavour, while also supporting clean label and better-for-you claims. Valio Eila® milk powders are designed to help strike that balance. They combine functionality, nutritional value, and consistent quality in a single, easy-to-use solution.

Supporting better formulations

Developing high-quality ice cream means managing several technical factors at once. More protein can lead to a firm or sandy texture. Less sugar can affect taste and mouthfeel. And lactose, although naturally present in milk, can crystallise when frozen, causing grittiness.

Valio Eila® powders are designed to solve these issues. Their lactose free technology prevents lactose crystallisation, helping achieve a smooth texture and easy scoopability, even in recipes with high protein or reduced sugar. Thanks to lactose hydrolysis, they also support a naturally sweeter taste without needing added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

The result is an ingredient that performs reliably across a wide range of formulations, supporting a smooth mouthfeel, balanced sweetness, and a satisfying sensory profile in finished ice cream products.

Clean labels with clear benefits

Consumers are paying closer attention to what goes into their food. They want shorter, simpler ingredient lists with names they recognise. For ice cream, this means indulgence must go hand in hand with clarity and quality.

Valio Eila® milk powders help simplify recipes while improving their appeal. They support clean label claims by offering:

• No artificial additives or E numbers
• Naturally sweet and creamy flavour
• Fewer ingredients needed for great texture and taste
• No lactose or low lactose content, supporting digestive wellness

These powders are also nutritionally balanced, with high protein and low carbohydrate levels. And because they’re made from fresh Finnish milk, full traceability and consistent quality are guaranteed.

A versatile toolbox for ice cream makers

Valio offers a broad selection of milk powders to suit various product goals, from indulgent classics to better-for-you and functional ice cream, gelato, and soft ice formats. Each option is designed to bring specific benefits to formulation and product development.

Trusted expertise from Finland

What sets Valio apart is not just the ingredient quality, but the entire process behind it. Valio is built on over a century of dairy science, including the development of patented lactose-free technologies and extensive product formulation support. The company works closely with its partners to provide guidance on recipe development, process optimisation, and market insight.

All Valio ingredients are made from fresh Finnish milk, produced without GMOs or antibiotic residues. The milk supply chain is fully traceable, and Valio is committed to achieving a carbon-neutral footprint for its dairy operations by 2035. This ensures a product offering that reflects not only technical excellence, but also ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.

Ready to create the next ice cream favourite?

Whether your focus is on premium and clean label ice cream, lactose free innovation, or sugar reduction, Valio Eila® milk powders provide the technical foundation and trusted support to bring your ideas to life.

Contact our experts or request a sample to begin your next product development journey.