Better Dairy secures US GRAS for precision-fermented lactopontin

Better Dairy has achieved a self-affirmed GRAS status for its precision-fermented lactopontin in the United States. This clearance allows the London-based biotechnology company to sell the yeast-derived protein for use in food and dietary supplement products, opening the door to immediate commercialization in the nutrition market.

The GRAS determination, which stands for Generally Recognized As Safe, is not a formal approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. It is instead a self-affirmed status based on scientific evidence reviewed by an independent panel of experts. That panel unanimously concluded the ingredient was safe under its intended conditions of use after assessing a safety dossier covering its composition, manufacturing process, purity, and specifications. Better Dairy is now ready to supply lactopontin to manufacturers in the United States.

Lactopontin's functional benefits and applications

Lactopontin, also known as osteopontin, is a naturally occurring signaling protein found in human and bovine milk, bone, and other tissues. It is involved in biological processes related to growth, tissue repair, and immune function.

The initial US clearance covers adult nutrition. Better Dairy is targeting a range of health categories with the ingredient, including healthy aging, gut health, immunity, joint health, skin health, and sports recovery. The company is also exploring combinations of lactopontin with other functional ingredients like collagen, lactoferrin, and probiotics. Customer product launches featuring the protein are planned for the coming months.

Jevan Nagarajah, Better Dairy's CEO, highlighted the milestone. "We’re moving beyond our foundations, developing world-leading science, and opening the door to real commercial applications," he said.

It is important to note that while the press release identifies these potential applications, it does not provide specific clinical data on the effectiveness of finished products containing lactopontin. The current self-affirmed GRAS determination also does not cover early-life nutrition products, though a separate US approval for that category is in progress.

Global regulatory expansion and product development

Alongside its US progress, Better Dairy is actively pursuing regulatory pathways for lactopontin in Europe and Asia. The company, which raised $22 million in a Series A round in 2022, originally focused on animal-free casein for cheeses before pivoting to osteopontin last year.

Better Dairy describes itself as the first supplier of precision-fermented lactopontin and the only commercially available source of the protein in the US. This milestone reflects its strategic shift toward translating precision fermentation technology into viable commercial ingredients for the functional food sector.

Strategic positioning at industry event

The company plans to showcase lactopontin directly to manufacturers and brand owners at the upcoming SupplySide Global trade show. Better Dairy will exhibit at Booth 1016 at the event, which takes place in Las Vegas from October 28 to 30, 2026.