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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About VersiLac® Whey Permeate — From Production and Nutrition to Formulation and Ordering

JUMP TO SECTION
01
Product Basics
02
Applications
03
Substitutions & Formulation
04
Storage & Handling
05
Product Comparison & Quality
06
Sustainability & Sourcing
07
Pricing & Ordering
08
Technical Support
09
Labeling

OVERVIEW

Your Questions, Answered

This page covers the most common questions about VersiLac® whey permeate — from production and nutrition to formulation guidance and ordering. If you don't find what you're looking for, our technical team is always available to help.

01
Product Basics
What is whey permeate?
Whey permeate is the liquid portion of whey that remains after the removal of proteins and fats during the filtration process. It is a byproduct of cheese production or dairy processing and contains primarily lactose (milk sugar) and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
How is whey permeate (VersiLac®) produced?

Milk Separation & Cheese Making

  • Milk Preparation: Milk is first pasteurized and sometimes standardized to control fat content.
  • Coagulation: An enzyme is added to the milk to coagulate the proteins and form curds, while the liquid portion — called whey — is separated.
  • Curd Processing: The curds are cut, heated, and pressed to form cheese. The remaining liquid (whey) contains water, lactose, soluble proteins, and minerals.

Ultrafiltration

  • Membrane Filtration: The whey undergoes ultrafiltration (UF), which uses semi-permeable membranes to separate smaller components (lactose, minerals, water) from larger molecules (proteins and fats).
  • Separation: The permeate — the filtered liquid — is rich in lactose, minerals, and water.

Concentration, Crystallization & Drying

  • Concentration: The permeate is concentrated and crystallized by evaporating the water content to increase its solids content, particularly lactose and minerals.
  • Drying: The concentrated permeate is spray-dried to create a powder form of whey permeate, which is easier to store and transport.
What are the nutritional benefits of VersiLac®?
VersiLac® provides lactose as a natural energy source — a carbohydrate that delivers glucose and galactose for the body. It also contains a range of beneficial minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Sodium. For individuals who are not lactose intolerant, it offers a clean, functional dairy solids profile suitable for a wide range of food applications.
What is the shelf life of VersiLac®?
Shelf life is 12 months from the date of manufacture. Shelf life is enhanced through ideal storage conditions: temperatures below 25°C, relative humidity below 65%, and an odor-free environment.
02
Applications
How can VersiLac® be used in food products?
VersiLac® is a versatile ingredient used across a broad range of food applications: Bakery, Beverages, Confectionery, Dairy, and Prepared Foods. Its balanced dairy flavor, functional lactose content, and cost-effective dairy solids profile make it suitable for both large-scale manufacturing and specialty formulations.
What are the applications of whey permeate in animal feed?
Proliant Dairy Ingredients has over 30 years of industry experience and operates two state-of-the-art plants in the United States dedicated to producing the highest quality whey permeate powder. Together with its sister company APC, they offer innovative solutions to address customers' formulation challenges, backed by decades of research and technical support. Learn more about Proliant® 1000.
03
Substitutions & Formulation
What other dairy ingredients can I replace with VersiLac®?
VersiLac® can effectively replace a range of higher-cost dairy ingredients in many formulations, including: Whey Powder, Non-Fat Dry Milk, Skim Milk Powder, Lactose, and Whole Milk Powder. Our technical team can help you determine the optimal substitution rate for your specific application.
When should I use VersiLac®?
VersiLac® is an ideal dairy ingredient to reduce cost in different formulations. It is so versatile that it allows you to replace other more expensive dairy ingredients while maintaining the quality and flavor. Our team of technical experts is always available to share insights and guidance on how to use VersiLac® in your specific application.
Do you offer custom formulations?
Yes. You're welcome to visit and collaborate with us on formulating in our kitchen. To schedule a visit, please reach out to our Sales Representative. Our technical team works closely with food manufacturers to help optimize formulations, improve ingredient efficiency, and deliver consistent product performance.
04
Storage & Handling
What are the storage requirements for VersiLac®?
Recommended storage conditions include temperatures below 25°C, relative humidity below 65%, and an odor-free environment. Proper storage ensures the product maintains its quality and achieves its full 12-month shelf life.
What are the packaging sizes?
VersiLac® is available in the following packaging formats: Bags — 25 kg (55.1 lb), and Totes — 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb). Contact our sales team to discuss which packaging format best fits your production needs.
What are your minimum order quantities?
The minimum order quantity is 1 pallet or 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb). Contact our sales team for volume pricing and availability.
05
Product Comparison & Quality
How does VersiLac® compare to other whey products?
Whey Permeate (VersiLac®) is used primarily for its carbohydrate (lactose) content, flavor enhancement, and moisture retention. It is ideal for low-protein applications, baked goods, dairy products, and animal feed. In contrast, Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) and Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) are used in protein supplements, nutrition bars, smoothies, and high-protein foods — ideal for muscle recovery and protein fortification. VersiLac® offers a cost-effective alternative when protein is not the primary formulation objective.
Can you provide certifications or quality assurance for your products?
Yes. We can provide the necessary certifications and quality assurance documentation for our products. Please contact us to let us know which specific certifications you require. Current certifications include: Kosher, Halal, GMO Free, Gluten Free, and SQF.
06
Sustainability & Sourcing
How do you ensure the sustainability of your whey permeate?
Our whey permeate is sourced from responsibly managed dairy operations, and we utilize energy-efficient production methods to minimize our environmental impact. We focus on reducing waste by utilizing byproducts like whey permeate in animal feed and other applications, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and sustainably.
07
Pricing & Ordering
What is the pricing for VersiLac®?
Our sales team would be happy to assist you with more information on the pricing for whey permeate. Please contact us and we look forward to speaking with you soon.
08
Technical Support
How can I contact technical experts for guidance on using VersiLac®?
You can easily reach out to our team of technical experts for personalized guidance on using VersiLac® in your formulations. Our experts are available to assist with product recommendations, formulation tips, and troubleshooting. Contact us through the form on our Contact page or reach out directly to your sales representative.
09
Labeling
What are the US labeling options for VersiLac®?
VersiLac® may be declared on US ingredient labels under the following names: Dairy Product Solids, Modified Whey, Reduced Protein Whey, or Whey Solids. The appropriate declaration will depend on the specific product and formulation context. Our technical team can advise on the correct labeling declaration for your application.

Get In Touch

Still Have Questions?

Our technical team is ready to help - whether you need formulation guidance, product samples, or pricing information for VersiLac® whey permeate.

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Ankeny, Iowa, USA
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