Abstract: The invention concerns the use of formate for increasing the thickness of a fermented milk-based composition, wherein the fermented milk-based composition is fermented by S. thermophilus. Furthermore the use of formate in a starter culture for increasing the thickness of a fermented milk-based composition is concerned, wherein the fermented milk-based composition is fermented by S.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a cheese. The cheese has one or more flavour characteristics of a sheep cheese and/or a goat cheese. The method most preferably comprises mixing a milk with a coagulant, a starter culture, a strain of Yarrowia lipolytica and a strain of Kluyveromyces lactis, and wherein the milk comprises or consists of bovine milk having a milk fat content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a cheese. The cheese has one or more flavour characteristics of a sheep cheese and/or a goat cheese. The method most preferably comprises mixing a milk with a coagulant, a starter culture, a strain of Yarrowia lipolytica and a strain of Kluyveromyces lactis, and wherein the milk comprises or consists of bovine milk having a milk fat content.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fermented dairy product wherein the acidification rate of a yogurt starter culture and the survival rate of an optionally further present probiotic bacteria are enhanced by the presence of a helper strain. The helper strain is a bacterial strain capable of reducing the redox potential (Eh) of sterilized skim milk to ?50 mV or lower (more negative) values upon incubation of sterilized skim milk with said helper strain for 5-24 hours at 25-45° C,. Further advantageously, the inoculation rate of an optional probiotic culture needed for producing the fermented dairy product and comprising desirable levels of viable bifidobacteria—even at the end of its shelf life—is significantly reduced. The fermented dairy product especially relates to a yoghurt-type product.