Take the fast lane to growth with high protein milk
High protein is no longer a niche claim – it has become one of the most powerful drivers of innovation in global dairy. Consumers are actively seeking products that help them feel stronger, perform better, and stay healthy every day. At the same time, they are willing to pay more for products that deliver clear health benefits and uncompromising quality. With Valio’s Fast Track™ solution for high protein lactose free milk, dairies can seize this opportunity quickly and confidently, while building both category value and brand leadership.
Grow milk category with value-added products
Global market data points to an opportunity Evolving from standard milk to value-added products unlocks growth and profitability. High protein milk is the next natural step:
- Expand your portfolio with nutritious products consumers actively seek.
- Leverage willingness to pay for health, quality, and wellbeing.
- Strengthen profitability while elevating brand and category leadership.
4.6% protein
Compared to 3.2% in regular milk and 1.2% in oat drinks.
Validated by consumers
Launching a new product can be risky, but Valio’s research gives dairies the confidence to move forward. Our consumer testing shows exceptionally strong purchase interest for high protein milk. Buyers recognise the added nutritional value, appreciate the familiar dairy taste, and see the product as worth paying more for. This combination of factors – relevance, appeal, and willingness to buy – reduces launch risk and gives dairies a faster, safer path to market success.
High protein
Every 200 ml serving delivers 18% of daily protein requirements – a meaningful contribution to active lifestyles. With 44% more protein than regular milk, it helps consumers reach their goals without changing their everyday habits.
Nutritional upgrade
The product also delivers 25% of daily calcium needs while containing 31% less sugar than standard milk. This makes it an everyday choice that balances health benefits with great taste.
Fresh milk taste
Valio’s Fast Track™ process ensures a clean, natural flavour that consumers prefer over enzymatically hydrolyzed lactose free products. The result is a milk that feels familiar but better.
Valio Fast Track™ turns concept into product
Behind every successful innovation is the right process. Valio Fast Track™ combines advanced powder solutions with patented processing technology to deliver consistent results. Lactose levels are reduced to below 0.01%, nutrients are preserved, and taste remains fresh and authentic.
The technology works across pasteurised, ESL, and UHT white milk applications, offering dairies excellent processing properties and reliable performance. Importantly, it does not require heavy upfront investment in equipment or infrastructure. This makes Fast Track™ an efficient way to create high-value products, strengthen profitability, and expand the role of milk in consumers’ daily lives.
Discover the opportunities with Valio Fast Track™
High protein milk is the newest and most exciting application in the Fast Track™ portfolio, but it is not the only one. Valio’s solutions also cover other dairy formats, from spoonable and drinkable yoghurts to reduced-sugar options. And for those looking at the broader business case, our research into the booming lactose free market shows why now is the right time to act.
High protein lactose free milk
The newest and most exciting application in the Fast Track™ portfolio. With 44% more protein than regular milk, 31% less sugar, and no lactose, this concept has already been validated with consumers. Every 200 ml serving provides 18% of daily protein and 25% of daily calcium needs, making it both nutritionally powerful and highly appealing. It is the fastest way to capture the twin trends of protein and digestive wellness.
Valio Fast Track™ solution
Fast Track™ allows dairies to launch premium lactose free products – from milk to yoghurts – quickly and efficiently, without heavy investment in new equipment. By combining Valio’s know-how with a proven process, it removes technical barriers and makes entry into the booming lactose free market smoother than ever.
Insights on lactose free growth
The lactose free category is forecast to reach €17 billion by 2028, reflecting consumers’ growing focus on digestive wellness and premium nutrition. Our whitepaper shares market data, consumer insights, and real-world examples of how dairies can increase profitability with lactose free milk.
Let’s create better dairy together
The market for high protein, lactose free milk is expanding quickly, and Valio has the tools to help you lead it. Contact Dennis van der Veer and our Food Solutions team to learn how Valio Fast Track™ can support your next innovation.
