Abstract: A natural cheese analog is produced by coagulating a cheese-like curd from a mixture of conditioned liquid cheese whey and a dry casein material to form a substantially fat-free cheese analog. The fat-free cheese analog is comminuted; further processed by adding a selected fat, preferably in the form of vegetable oils, and adding emulsifiers and other ingredients; and then heated to a temperature in the range of 155.degree.-205.degree. F. until it forms a fluent mass which is subsequently cast into any desired shape. The resultant product is a process cheese analog having any desired flavor, texture and fat content.

Abstract: A natural cheese analog which closely resembles natural cheese is prepared by adding a dry casein product and calcium hydroxide to whey to form a mixture containing dissolved casein and having a pH between 6.8 and 7.3, acidifying the mixture, adding a coagulating enzyme to the acidified mixture, holding the mixture under conditions to form a continuous coagulum, cutting the continuous coagulum to form curd particles, heating the curd particles to expel whey, separating whey from the curd particles and processing the curd particles by conventional cheese making methods to obtain a natural cheese analog. Fat may be added to the mixture of casein product and whey to produce a fat-containing cheese analog.

Abstract: An edible fibrous cellulose product encapsulated in a polyhydric alcohol and gum solution to produce a low calorie base product for the manufacture of foods. The encapsulation process consists of coating the surface of the fibrous cellulose material with the gum solution, containing polyhydric alcohol, then optionally drying the mixture to provide a free-flowing product.