Abstract: A processed cheese and method of forming the processed cheese are provided. The processed cheese generally includes between about 14 to about 16 protein, about 45 to about 50 percent moisture; and a ratio of casein protein to whey protein at least about 60:40. The method of forming the processed cheese includes thermally treating a whey protein at a protein concentration and pH sufficient to form whey protein aggregates, blending the thermally treated whey protein with a milk protein concentrate to form a slurry; and heating the slurry for a time and temperature sufficient to form the processed cheese. In one form, the processed cheese includes about 3 to about 6.3 percent modified whey protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for providing a high moisture low fat cream cheese product with high whey protein content that has a texture similar to normal cream cheese. More particularly, the invention provides a method of making a high moisture low fat cream cheese product with high whey protein content that has a higher yield stress and lower deformation values than other low fat cream cheeses with similar moisture, fat, and whey protein content. The present invention therefore is useful in producing low-cost and nutritious spreads with a pleasing texture and excellent spreadability.