Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of a pasta filata cheese comprising a moisture content of at least about 55% by weight, a solids-non-fat content of up to about 45% by weight, the solids-non-fat comprising at least about 70% by weight protein, the protein comprising at least about 65% by weight casein, and a mineral content comprising a total divalent cation content of about 25 to about 75 mMol of divalent cations/100 g casein, and a total monovalent cation content of about 100 to about 250 mMol monovalent cations/100 g casein, and a total cation content of about 150 to about 300 mMol total cations/100 g casein.

Abstract: A viscoelastic fluid is prepared by shearing a gelled emulsion. The emulsion is an oil-in-water emulsion comprising 2% 12% (w/w) of a heat-treated protein that can form a heat-set gel and 5% 40% fat. The proteins used include whey protein and soy protein. The viscoelastic fluid may be used as a spread. It may also be used for the preparation of a plurality of different ultimate products formed from the original gel.

Abstract: The invention is a method of preparing a gel. The method comprises forming an oil-in-water emulsion by mixing oil or fat with an aqueous medium. The mixture comprises 2% to 12% (w/w) of a heat-settable protein and 5% to 40% (w/w) oil or fat or a mixture of oil and fat. The mixture is homogenised at a pressure in the range 100 to 2000 bar. The homogenised emulsion is heated to 50° C. to 200° C. for a period sufficient to denature the proteins without allowing a gel to form. A gel is formed by adding a salt or by acidifying. The proteins used include whey protein and soy protein.