Arla to market sweetener

A new lactose-based sweetener derived from whey could soon be produced in Europe by Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI) following an agreement with USA-based com- pany Biospherics.
Developed and patented by the American firm, Tagatose is said to have 92% of the sweetening capability of normal sugar, but to contain just 30% of its calories.
Because it does not affect blood sugar levels when taken in food, the ingredient is deemed suitable for diabetics. Moreover, the new product may become an approved probiotic since trials indicate the product stimulates activity of beneficial intestinal bacteria.
AFI has secured world rights for Tagatose production and sales, but is awaiting final approval from US government food safety panels.
Manufacture is likely to take place either in Scandinavia or in Germany, where AFI owns 50% of major whey dryer Biolac, a cheesemaking co-operative currently processing at least 600 million kg of whey every year.