Lactose free solutions for the food and beverage industry
lactose free
Capitalise on the digestive wellness trend with lactose free dairy solutions
Consumer interest in gut-friendly food is at an all-time high, and lactose intolerance is one of the most common but underrecognised digestive challenges globally. Up to 70% of the global population experiences some degree of lactose maldigestion, creating a significant opportunity for inclusive, better-for-you products.
The global lactose free dairy market is projected to grow 25%, from €13 billion in 2023 to €17 billion by 2028, with yoghurt and milk driving the fastest gains. For food manufacturers, this means a rapidly expanding category where consumers are willing to pay a premium – on average 44% more than standard milk – for products that deliver both comfort and great taste.
Valio’s solution: Dairy ingredients, proven digestive wellness
Valio is the world’s leading expert in lactose free dairy, with proprietary technology developed to ensure premium taste, nutrition, and digestive comfort. Our Eila® lactose free milk powders, butter, and cream provide versatile building blocks for manufacturing free-from solutions across food and beverage categories. Backed by end-to-end NPD support, we help brands move from concept to launch with speed and confidence.
70%
of the global population experiences lactose intolerance
Understanding lactose intolerance and digestive wellness needs
Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk, and digesting it requires the enzyme lactase. In those with low lactase activity, lactose can cause bloating, gas, or discomfort, a condition known as lactose intolerance. That’s where lactose free dairy solutions step in, providing the same valuable nutrition without digestive strain, and opening new markets in regions where lactose intolerance prevalence is high.
Valio – the pioneer in lactose free dairy
Valio was the first in the world to launch lactose free milk in 2001, and we’ve continued to lead the way ever since. Valio Eila® lactose free milk powders are made with a patented technology, which utilises ultrafiltration and enzymatic hydrolysis to produce lactose free milk.
During the filtration process part of the lactose is removed, the remaining lactose is hydrolysed into glucose and galactose. The final product has the same fresh taste as regular milk, a lactose content below 0.1%, and is suitable for lactose intolerant consumers, supporting digestive wellness.
Formulate with real consumer benefits
Valio has over 40 years of expertise in lactose free technology, trusted by leading global brands. In our home market of Finland, we’ve transformed lactose free from a niche into a mainstream choice in just two decades. Today, digestive wellness is about more than removing lactose – it’s about products that taste good, feel good, and deliver real nutritional value.
Valio Eila® lactose free milk powders offer:
- Less than 0.1% residual lactose
- Natural, authentic dairy taste
- High protein, low carbohydrate content
- Full nutritional value of milk
- Versatility across categories: dairy, ice cream, bakery, ready meals, supplements
With these benefits, you can meet growing consumer demand for gut-friendly, better-for-you products worldwide.
Take the fast lane to the digestive wellness market
Digestive wellness is one of the fastest-growing segments in global nutrition, but speed-to-market is critical. Valio Fast Track™ solutions make it easy for manufacturers to launch premium lactose free dairy products without heavy investment in equipment or technology. From fresh-tasting milk to spoonable and drinkable yoghurts, we provide ready-made solutions backed by decades of expertise.
Digestive wellness opportunities across industries
Consumer demand for easy-to-digest, lactose free products is expanding rapidly. Valio Eila® specialty milk powders offer digestive comfort without compromising on authentic dairy taste. They adapt seamlessly across applications, from ice cream and bakery to ready meals and supplements, helping manufacturers tap into new consumer segments and unlock fresh opportunities in better-for-you product development.
Chocolate and confectionery
The healthy food trend applies to confectionery and chocolates. Valio’s cutting-edge ingredients generate a whole new market potential for manufacturers. Lactose free applications: milk chocolate, caramels, fillings, and cocoa drink powders.
Ice cream, gelato and soft ice
People want to indulge themselves without the fear of stomach discomfort. With Valio Eila® lactose free milk powders and butter, one can expand their business with premium products and a premium price point. The rich, creamy taste and soft, smooth mouthfeel make lactose free or low-lactose products a desirable choice.
Dairy and beverages
Lactose free dairy unlocks new potential for product differentiation and inclusive nutrition. With more consumers seeking digestive comfort, lactose free milk delivers the same taste and nutritional value as regular dairy, while reducing discomfort for sensitive individuals. It allows manufacturers to expand their dairy portfolio across categories, from milk and yoghurt to beverages, puddings, and milk powders, meeting the needs of health-conscious and special-diet consumers.
Bakery and pastry
With the help of Valio’s expert solutions, you can produce easy-to-digest lactose free products that can significantly expand the market of your baked goods. We offer premium quality lactose free butter and milk powders.
Coffee
Milk is an essential part of coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos, which is why the quality of the milk can significantly affect the taste and overall experience. Valio Eila® PRO instant milk powder is designed for coffee mixes, vending maschines, and drink powders ensuring a premium coffee experience with excellent functionality.
Powders
With Valio Eila® lactose free milk powders, manufacturers can create easily dissolving dairy drinks and powders that support digestive wellness and deliver nutritional benefits. High in protein and calcium yet low in carbohydrates, they offer a natural milky taste and are ideal for products targeting bone health, weight management, growth, and muscle strength.
Nutritional supplements
Premium and pure ingredients for different nutritional supplement applications like sport, weight management or ageing. People at different points in their life benefit from protein in different ways. With Valio Eila® lactose free powders, you can bring the protein and minerals in milk accessible for most people – even those on a free-from diet.
Ready meals
Valio Eila® lactose free milk powders boost ready meal and savory product applications with excellent rich taste and texture. This makes them suitable for a larger consumer segment as they are lactose free. Make your ready meal products gut-friendly and nutritious.
Pet food
Pets deserve the same digestive comfort as people. Clinical studies show that Valio Eila® lactose free milk powders are well tolerated by dogs, offering safe, nutritious options without the digestive issues linked to ordinary milk. They provide natural dairy nutrients while supporting the development of premium pet food products.
Applications for lactose free products
Valio’s lactose free milk powders adapt effortlessly across application categories, from milk drinks and powdered beverages to spoonable and drinkable yoghurts. These ingredients deliver the nutritional benefits of milk while meeting consumer expectations for digestive comfort, taste, and clean-label simplicity.
Lactose free dairy ingredients
Valio Eila® lactose free milk powders offer solutions to versatile applications, delivering a smooth texture and a creamy taste. The unique attributes of Valio Eila® specialty powders, including reduced sugar, increased protein levels, enriched flavour profiles, and digestive wellness benefits, provide value adding solutions to address your new product formulation.
Unlock the business potential of lactose free dairy
The global lactose free dairy and baby food market is set to grow 36% by 2026, reaching €13.5 billion. Beyond serving those with lactose intolerance, digestive wellness products are now seen as premium, value-added choices across categories.
Valio’s white paper explores how brands can tap into this opportunity with proven lactose free solutions, fast-track technologies, and go-to-market expertise.
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Create dairy products that include everyone
Get in touch with Valio’s ingredient experts and learn how our lactose free dairy solutions can support your next innovation. We’re here to help you bring better-for-everyone dairy to life.
