Milram debuts industry-first sweetened lactose-free whipped cream

German dairy giant Milram is set to disrupt the professional dairy category with the launch of the first-ever sweetened, lactose-free whipped cream tailored specifically for the foodservice sector.

Unveiled at the Horecava trade show in Amsterdam, the new product represents a strategic move by the DMK Group subsidiary to capture market share in a mature category by addressing two burgeoning trends: the rise in dietary intolerances and the consumer demand for reduced sugar consumption.

The breakthrough lies in the production process, where the natural enzyme lactase is added to the milk. This breaks down the lactose into glucose and galactose, which are naturally sweeter than lactose.

This chemical transition has allowed Milram to reduce the added sugar content to 9% — a full 10% lower than the industry standard of 10% sugar. Despite the lower added sugar, the product maintains the indulgent, sweet flavour profile required for professional desserts and patisserie.

“We are able to produce a whipped cream that is just as delicious and sweet, but with less sugar, meeting the trend for lower sugar consumption,” said Maarten Ploos van Amstel, marketing lead OOH at Milram.

The development of the cream involved extensive outside-in market research, including collaboration with professional chef panels and data analysis from industry experts Foodstep.

Designed for high-performance foodservice environments, the cream features:

• Fat content: 32%, ensuring the “stand” and firmness required for complex patisserie and high-heat coffee applications.

• Compatibility: suitable for both manual whipping and all standard professional whipped cream machines.

• Packaging: sold in stackable 1-litre units for storage efficiency.

Since entering the Dutch market last year, Milram has positioned itself as a “value-for-money” alternative to established dairy brands. The company is leaning on its heritage as Germany’s largest dairy cooperative to offer premium quality at a more competitive price point.

The new sweetened lactose-free cream is available immediately following its Horecava debut through major wholesalers including Sligro, VHC, Bidfood, and Chefs Culinar.

The launch signals a broader shift in the dairy sector, where specialised, “free-from” products are no longer niche additives but are becoming primary, high-utility tools for mainstream foodservice operators.