TurtleTree LF+ Precision-Fermented Lactoferrin

TurtleTree is a biotechnology company headquartered in Singapore and the U.S. that uses precision fermentation to produce bioactive milk ingredients, starting with lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is a scarce milk protein, with one litre of milk containing only about 100 mg, which keeps it expensive and supply-constrained.

Its flagship ingredient LF+ is an animal-free lactoferrin made through proprietary precision fermentation instead of milk, so it can be produced at a far greater scale. LF+ targets immunity, iron regulation, gut health and inflammation modulation, and is supplied to food, beverage and supplement brands for vitamins and supplements, functional beverages, sports nutrition, skincare and plant-based products. It is already commercialised through food and supplement partners and in the company's own Intentional brand.

• LF+ ingredient: animal-free lactoferrin supplied in bulk, including 1 kg packs.
• Precision fermentation: proprietary microbial process that produces lactoferrin without cows.
• Multi-category use: suited to supplements, functional drinks, sports nutrition, skincare and plant-based foods.
• Health targets: immunity, iron regulation, gut health and inflammation modulation.
• Certification set: FDA GRAS no-questions, vegan, Halal, Kosher, ISO 22000 and allergen-free claims.
• Co-development with brands: partnership programme for food, beverage and supplement companies.

• Vietnamese dairy and beverage companies launching lactoferrin-fortified functional drinks.
• Supplement brands developing immunity, iron or women's health products.
• Plant-based milk producers adding a bioactive dairy protein to differentiate their products.

• Reliable supply of a scarce protein: lactoferrin produced by fermentation rather than extracted from milk.
• Regulatory confidence: FDA 'No Questions' letter on the GRAS status of LF+, plus ISO 22000, Halal and Kosher certifications.
• Clean-label claims: vegan-certified, lactose-free, gluten-free and soy-free.
• Functional positioning: the company reports LF+ maintains serum ferritin levels more effectively than bovine lactoferrin.

Demand for functional beverages and supplements that support immunity, gut health and women's health is growing across Asia, while bovine lactoferrin supply is limited by milk volumes. Precision fermentation offers food makers a scalable, animal-free source of bioactive dairy proteins, and Singapore has become a regional hub for such ingredients.

Headquartered in Singapore and the U.S.; CEO and co-founder Fengru Lin. Self-GRAS for LF+ in November 2023, vegan certification in February 2024 and FDA 'No Questions' letter in 2025. Partners include MAD Foods (Singapore) for an LF+ oat milk coffee line in Singapore and Malaysia, Cadence Performance Coffee and STRIVE Milk. Recognised in Fast Company's 2024 World Changing Ideas.