NEW YORK — International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) is launching Nurica in the United States.

Marketed under the Danisco range of food solutions, Nurica harnesses the lactose present in milk to naturally generate a high yield of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) fibers. The ingredient reduces sugar and lactose levels while bringing balanced sweetness and natural milk clean notes.

Consumers have placed a strong focus on their digestive health, including managing lactose intolerance and optimizing fiber intake, weight management and sugar and carbohydrate reduction, but it is difficult for dairy producers to accommodate all of those needs while maintaining product quality and profitability, according to the company. Nurica helps solve those consumer challenges in fluid milk products and other neutral dairy applications without the need for major process changes or additional equipment.

It may be added directly into milk processing and ensures consistent product because the GOS fibers created remain stable throughout shelf life.

“GOS fibers have shown to increase the population of health-promoting gut bacteria species,” said Collette Lentz, regional industry leader, dairy enzymes, North America, at IFF. “With an array of opportunities, the Nurica enzyme has potential for unique innovations related to prebiotics and improving digestive health. For many years, GOS has been added to selected premium milk categories such as infant products because of cost considerations. Now, we are excited to bring these benefits to the mainstream product offering.”