Bioiberica and Lactalis debut industry-first collagen milk

In a move that signals a maturing of the functional dairy market, life science specialist Bioiberica and dairy giant Lactalis have announced the launch of Puleva Vita Calcio Colágeno.

This launch marks the first time a mainstream dairy beverage in Spain has been successfully formulated with native type II collagen, bridging the gap between clinical nutraceuticals and everyday consumer goods.

The product features Bioiberica’s branded ingredient, Collavant n2, marking a significant milestone for manufacturers looking to integrate high-spec bioactives into liquid formats without compromising stability or taste.

Low dose, high impact

For the food and drink industry, the integration of collagen has traditionally been hampered by the high dosages required for efficacy — often several grams — which can affect the mouthfeel and flavour profile of beverages.

Bioiberica’s innovation centres on the “native” (undenatured) nature of their type II collagen. Because the ingredient maintains its three-dimensional structure, it works through a mechanism of oral tolerance, requiring a daily dose of just 40 mg. This low inclusion rate is the “secret sauce” for Lactalis, allowing them to fortify the Puleva milk without altering the sensory experience consumers expect from a premium dairy brand.

Validating the functional claim

In an era of tightening regulations and “clean label” demands, the partnership leans heavily on recent clinical data to justify its shelf space:

• Cartilage protection: a 2025 study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics showed that 40 mg/day of Collavant n2 led to an 18.3% reduction in CTX-II, a key biomarker for cartilage degradation.
• Performance recovery: the research specifically highlighted faster recovery and improved mobility in healthy individuals experiencing joint discomfort during exercise.
• Regulatory rigour: the ingredient carries self-affirmed GRAS status and was the first to receive NutraStrong Collagen Verification, providing the “seal of safety” essential for Tier-1 dairy producers like Lactalis.

A blueprint for strategic partnerships

The collaboration serves as a case study for how ingredient suppliers and FMCG brands can co-innovate. By combining Bioiberica’s scientific pedigree with Lactalis’s market-leading distribution and brand equity in the calcium-enriched category, the two companies are targeting a growing demographic of proactive, health-conscious consumers.

“The launch demonstrates the successful application of Collavant n2 in a mainstream consumer beverage,” says Antonio Vendrell, marketing director at Bioiberica. “It highlights our capacity to infuse high-quality bioactives across diverse consumer segments.”

Cristina Torres Antelo, brand manager at Lactalis Puleva, added that the move was driven by market data showing a surge in consumer confidence regarding collagen. “Puleva Vita Calcio is already the leader in calcium-enriched dairy. This new formulation offers a practical, natural solution to the growing demand for collagen in Spain.”

Market outlook

As the functional food sector moves toward more specialised health claims (eg, joint mobility, cognitive health), the success of Puleva Vita Calcio Colágeno will likely encourage other manufacturers to look beyond basic vitamin fortification and toward high-efficacy, low-dose bioactives.