Abstract: The invention comprises method of and apparatus for drying pasty materials. The pasty materials are subjected to a first drying stage (1) at a first temperature, and then subjecting the partially dried pasty material are subjected to a second drying stage (10) at a second temperature. The second temperature is lower than the first temperature. The invention also envisages a method of drying and sterilising a pasty material comprising the steps of subjecting the pasty material to a first heat sterilisation process (1) and then a second heat drying process (10).