Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a fermented soybean milk comprising the steps of: inoculating a lactic acid bacterium of the genus Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and one strain selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei into soybean milk, and fermenting the same. According to the process of the present invention, lactic acid bacteria fermented soybean milk with great flavor can be provided.

Abstract: A process for producing a soy milk which involves adding a solidifying agent to a soy milk employed as the starting material, homogenizing the mixture, directly heating instantaneously with steam and then homogenizing again. The thus obtained soy milk has a body taste and is in the form of a liquid with a low viscosity. When heated, it is never solidified again. Therefore, this soy milk is appropriately usable in additives for pastry or bread doughs, fillings such as creams, materials for fermented food products, materials for drinks, materials for ice creams, materials for desserts, materials for fish paste products, materials for prepared foods, etc.

Abstract: A process for preparing soybean milk and okara, in particular, relating to improvement in pulverization of impregnated soybeans. The process includes carrying out pulverization of impregnated soybeans by the steps of cutting the impregnated soybeans with a device having rotating blade(s) to provide particles having an average diameter of less than about 100 .mu.m; grinding the obtained soybean particles with a device which exerts frictional shearing stress to provide an aqueous soybean slurry; and separating the water-soluble portion of the slurry from the water-insoluble portion to provide soybean milk and okara. The soybean milk and okara obtained possess a pleasant flavor and mild taste.

Abstract: A brown coloring matter for foods essentially consisting of fine shea nut meal, preferably that obtained by washing with water, treating with an alcohol solution, heating per se, heating in the presence of an acid or an alkali, heating in the presence of an amino acid and a reducing sugar, or a combination of two or more of these treatments so as to reduce or remove the unpleasant smell and taste thereof, and a method for coloring foods by using the coloring matter.

Abstract: A processed cheese-like product containing soy cheese as a part of the major ingredient is made by adding both a casein-containing substance derived from animal milk and a cheese emulsifying melting salt to natural soy cheese and agitating this mixture under relatively high shearing conditions, while heating to an elevated temperature of less than about 85.degree. C, for a period sufficient to form the mixture into a softened, flowable consistency. After pasteurization, the melted or softened mixture is introduced into a suitable container and cooled to produce a processed cheese-like product having superior flavor and texture characteristics.

Abstract: A soy cheese having superior texture and body characteristics is made without milk solids by coagulating a fermented emulsion containing soy milk and a fat composition with about 0.05 to about 1.0 weight percent of a coagulant selected from the group consisting of aldonic acid lactones, uronic acid lactones, and mixtures thereof. A flavor producing proteolytic enzyme can be added to the soy milk before formation of the emulsion, to the emulsion prior to fermentation, or to the cooked curd without adversely affecting the texture and body of the resultant soy cheese.