Getting smarter

Mary Wilcox is the founder of Significant Outcomes LLC, an Ohio-based consultancy, providing technical and business expertise spanning both the dairy and food industries. She holds a B.S. in Biological Science, M.S. in Animal Nutrition and MBA in Business. Learn more at https://significantoutcomesllc.com.

Veronica, a single mother of two, recently celebrated her 50th birthday. She has a busy schedule and wants to make better food and exercise choices. She purchased a biosensor to continually monitor her glucose levels because she read that moderating glucose levels throughout the day may help her live longer and improve her energy level and mental clarity. She is searching for a tasty, portable snack that can keep her glucose in check and give her energy to finish her day strong. Veronica’s concerns are real, as metabolic syndrome — which is a cluster of three or more different cardiovascular risk factors, including elevated waist circumference, high blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose, high levels of serum triglycerides and/or low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol — is widely undiagnosed and contributes to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risks.

A 2019 systematic review in Advanced Nutrition on Dairy Product Consumption in the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome (https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmy083) estimated that metabolic syndrome affects nearly one-quarter of the global adult population. Yet consumption of total and low-fat dairy products, milk, and yogurt were inversely associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome. More recently in 2023, a systematic review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on how "Whey Protein Premeal Lowers Postprandial Glucose Concentrations in Adults Compared with Water-The Effect of Timing, Dose, and Metabolic Status" (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.05.012) found that consuming whey protein before a meal can also help stabilize glucose levels with lasting effects after a meal.

Vanessa Williams, director of marketing, innovation and nutrition for Denver, Colo.-based Leprino Nutrition, shares, "Consumers continue to look for products to give them the energy they need to get them through their day while providing benefits such as glucose control, satiety and muscle strength as they age. The great news is that dairy can deliver on those nutritional needs.”

Smarter processing

“Advanced filtration technologies can be used to efficiently separate and concentrate dairy proteins so they can be dried and distributed globally. Leftover water coming from the milk can be filtered and reused for cleaning or as potable water for human consumption. Plant filtration operations are closely monitored by computerized sensors and meters to ensure products are produced efficiently and consistently,” says Richard Merrill, vice president of innovation for Leprino Nutrition.

Additionally, he shares, “Leprino Nutrition is committed to producing sustainable dairy products through collaborations with both producers and customers. These efforts focus on reducing both methane gas emissions and water usage throughout the supply chain, as well as providing new dairy ingredient technologies that can be used to create nutritious products aligned with customer needs and preferences.”

One such example is the newly launched MP PRO C80, which is a microparticulated 80% whey protein concentrate. Food formulators can use it to increase product creaminess and mouthfeel in puddings, yogurts, dressings and sauces. Greek yogurt typically contains 15 grams of protein per five-ounce container. With this ingredient, formulators can reach 20-plus grams of protein in the same size serving without textural or viscosity concerns. Because of its uniformity of particle size, the protein stays in suspension with little to no foaming, which reduces the need for added stabilizers or antifoaming agents, is stable during high temperature processing and has a higher density — which allows for 20% more product per bag as compared to traditional concentrates — further reducing packaging and storage requirements, Leprino states.

Smarter distribution

Univar Solutions, headquartered in Downers Grove, Ill., is also committed to global sustainability. “We are proud to work alongside global suppliers who supply responsibly sourced ingredients across 130 countries to create safer, lower-impact options that meet evolving customer needs,” notes Aaron Lee, global vice president, Health & Nutrition at Univar Solutions.

Smart technology plays a big part in reducing the distribution footprint. Univar Solutions uses advanced logistical systems to identify the most efficient way to transport products and uses alternative fuels within their fleet to reduce emissions. Additional focus on sustainable packaging since 2019 has resulted in the adoption of more reuse, recycling and recovery programs that align with its resource use goals globally and have increased the volumes of non-hazardous waste being diverted away from landfills.

“We work closely with supply partners to find new products and formulation techniques to help customers innovate and grow by using our unique position in the ingredient value chain to efficiently align strategic supplier partners with customers seeking sustainable products, today and into the future,” relays Kelly Gilroy, vice president, Sustainable & Natural Products, Univar Solutions.

As smart technology adoption continues throughout the supply chain, the industry is well equipped to meet the needs of consumers and create a greener future for dairy foods. DF