KANSAS CITY — As more and more consumers are purposefully reaching for products that carry sustainability claims or animal welfare requirements, organic labels aren’t enough for some.

Enter non-animal dairy protein.

Berkeley, Calif.-based Perfect Day, Inc. is one manufacturer of animal-free milk protein. The company creates an identical whey protein —which is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained —from microflora through a fermentation process.

A lifecycle assessment completed by an ISO-certified third party found that Perfect Day’s production methods emit up to 91% to 97% less greenhouse gas emissions and 96% to 99% less blue water consumption when compared to whey protein found in traditional milk. Additionally, the company’s production process uses up to 60% less non-renewable energy.

Companies like Mars, Inc. are capitalizing on consumers’ sustainable priorities. Mars launched CO2COA in partnership with Perfect Day. When compared to other products made by Mars, the CO2COA bar has about one-third of the greenhouse gas impact from the company’s Dove Milk Chocolate bar production, said Chris Rowe, global vice president of research and development at Mars Wrigley.

Food tech startup Imagindairy also is joining the animal-free milk protein scene with the goal of providing consumers with a sustainable dairy solution. The company recently raised $28 million in total investment capital, but hasn’t released any products using its technology for consumers yet.

From ice cream, to chocolate, to milk, applications of an identical — yet animal-free­ — dairy protein are endless. As an increasing number of consumers are reaching for products that reflect their values, now is the time for products using this innovative technology to flood the market.

Bored Cow

Tomorrow Farms released its animal-free milk under the Bored Cow brand. It comes in three varieties: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. The 11-ounce cartons are available in 12-packs for a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Betterland Cow-Free Milk

Betterland Cow-Free Milk debuted an animal-free milk using Perfect Day's animal-free dairy protein. The Betterland Milk is formulated with medium-chain triglycerides and sunflower oils. The company said it has less sugar than conventional milk and is lactose free.

Modern Kitchen

Modern Kitchen, a brand under The Urgent Co., released animal-free cream cheese. The cream cheese comes in 8-ounce rubs and is available in three varieties: spring onion and chive, harissa pepper and strawberry.