
Tasmanian Dairy Experts Create a High-Protein Ice Cream to Combat Malnutrition in Hospitals.
In a remarkable collaboration that showcases the innovative potential of the agribusiness sector, a Tasmanian ice cream company, Van Diemens Land Creamery, has partnered with healthcare provider Calvary to develop a unique “medicinal ice cream.” This product is specifically designed for patients in palliative care who often struggle with unintended weight loss and a loss of appetite. By combining the appeal of a familiar comfort food with advanced nutritional science, the project provides a much-needed solution for a vulnerable patient group.
The ice cream is not a standard retail product but a specialized medical food, nutritionally fortified to meet clinical benchmarks. It is formulated to be high in protein and fat, which is crucial for patients with a higher nutritional need due to their illness or age. Additionally, the formula includes medical-grade vitamins D3 and B12, which are vital for increasing immune function and strengthening bone density. The article notes that this product requires consumption under medical supervision due to its specific composition.
The development of this unique product presented a new set of challenges for the creamery. According to the managing director, Paul Amourgis, making a high-protein ice cream requires a complex manufacturing process to ensure the ingredients dissolve correctly and avoid heat shock during pasteurization. The company also had to navigate the highly regulated process of including vitamins in food under FSANZ guidelines, highlighting the scientific and regulatory expertise required for such a project within the dairy industry.
The milk for this specialized ice cream is sourced from a certified organic dairy farm with a herd of approximately 560 Jersey cows. As farmer Mark Lambert explains, the Jersey breed is ideal for this purpose as it is known for producing high-protein and high-fat milk, which aligns perfectly with the product’s nutritional requirements. This partnership demonstrates a full-circle approach, with a specific type of dairy farming providing the ideal raw material for a new, health-focused product line.
This project, which started with a simple question from hospital catering staff, is a powerful example of mission-driven dairy economics. While the company is also expanding its production for domestic and overseas markets, this partnership with Calvary was reportedly never driven by profit. Instead, it was a “passion project” that aimed to use the company’s expertise to provide a measure of comfort and nutrition to those who need it most, showcasing a compassionate and innovative side of the agribusiness sector.
Source: ABC News: Tasmanian medicinal ice cream supporting palliative care patients, one scoop at a time
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