D-tagatose production from lactose using enzymatic conversion
Transform lactose by-product into high-value D-tagatose using a two-enzyme cascade. This process provides a sucrose-replacement tool that is GRAS-approved and supports sugar reduction goals. The pilot aims for a high yield and purity, offering significant economic uplift.
Overview
This innovative solution leverages a two-enzyme cascade to convert lactose, a low-value by-product, into D-tagatose, a high-value sweetener. D-tagatose is an ideal 1:1 sucrose replacement, exempt from "added-sugar" labeling, providing brands with an immediate tool for sugar reduction. The process is designed to uplift margins significantly by transforming lactose at ambient pressure without fermentation, making it cost-effective and efficient. This technology supports the up-cycling of dairy industry by-products into strategic ingredients, aligning with sustainability and economic goals.
Technical specifications
The proposed method involves:
- Initial hydrolysis of lactose using β-galactosidase to release galactose
- Isomerization of galactose into D-tagatose using galactose isomerase
- Downstream purification through continuous ion-exchange and seeded crystallization to achieve ≥99% purity
- Targeting a production yield of ≥60 g L-¹ and a 55% overall yield at a 10 L pilot scale
- Final product delivers food-grade crystals suitable for confectionery, beverage, and bar applications
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, this technology is in the initial stages of validation. The solution involves bench-scale trials to optimize enzymatic conversion, assess enzyme stability, and evaluate economic feasibility. Future steps include scaling up operations and replicating the process at a pilot facility to ensure downstream performance and crystallization efficacy.
About RegulateCPG
RegulateCPG provides an AI-powered compliance and product lifecycle management platform designed for the food and beverage consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. The company offers a suite of tools, including its InsightSuite and IntelliSync platforms, which automate critical workflows such as nutrition data capture, ingredient and recipe management, supplier documentation, and regulatory filing. By integrating formulation logic and supply chain data into a unified, digital system, the platform replaces traditional, manual processes like spreadsheets and email-based communication, enabling brands to maintain compliance with international standards such as FDA and CFIA requirements.
For CPG brands and manufacturers, RegulateCPG addresses operational bottlenecks and compliance risks inherent in bringing products to market. The technology provides a verified system of record for formulations and labels, aiming to accelerate the product development lifecycle from concept to consumer. Originally incubated within the Helmsman Group, the company serves both food and supplement enterprises, leveraging advanced machine learning to facilitate market readiness and innovation. In 2025, the company expanded its operations by establishing a Canadian headquarters in Vancouver to further develop its AI and reinforcement learning capabilities for factory automation and predictive modeling.
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