Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a fermented milk product comprising the steps of 1) adding a starter culture of lactic acid bacteria comprising at least one lactose-deficient Streptococcus thermophilus strain, which is capable of metabolizing a non-lactose carbohydrate, and at least one lactose-deficient Lactococcus lactis strain, which is capable of metabolizing the non-lactose carbohydrate, to a milk base, and 2) fermenting the milk for a period of time until a target pH is reached to obtain a fermented milk product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a fermented milk soft cheese product including the steps of a) Providing a first milk base, b) Optionally subjecting the first milk base to a concentration step to obtain a concentrated first milk base, c) Adding a first starter culture including at least one EPS producing lactic acid bacterium strain, d) Fermenting the concentrated first milk base for a period of time until a target pH is reached to obtain an EPS-containing fermented milk composition, e) Mixing the EPS-containing fermented milk composition with one or more other ingredients, if any, selected from the group consisting of a milk fat composition, a second fermented milk composition and one or more additives, to obtain a fermented milk mixture, and f) Subjecting the fermented milk mixture to heat treatment to obtain a fermented milk soft cheese product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a fermented milk product comprising adding lactic acid bacteria to milk, wherein the bacteria comprise Lactobacillus casei and at least one further strain of lactic acid bacteria of a species other than Lactobacillus casei, wherein the further strain has a deficiency in lactose metabolism but is capable of metabolizing one or several carbohydrates other than lactose present in the milk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a fermented milk soft cheese product comprising the steps of a) Providing a first milk base, b) Optionally subjecting the first milk base to a concentration step to obtain a concentrated first milk base, c) Adding a first starter culture comprising at least one EPS producing lactic acid bacterium strain, d) Fermenting the concentrated first milk base for a period of time until a target pH is reached to obtain an EPS-containing fermented milk composition, e) Mixing the EPS-containing fermented milk composition with one or more other ingredients, if any, selected from the group consisting of a milk fat composition, a second fermented milk composition and one or more additives, to obtain a fermented milk mixture, and f) Subjecting the fermented milk mixture to heat treatment to obtain a fermented milk soft cheese product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a fermented milk product comprising the steps of: 1) adding a starter culture of lactic acid bacteria comprising at least one lactose-deficient Streptococcus thermophilus strain, which is capable of metabolizing a non-lactose carbohydrate, and at least one lactose-deficient Lactococcus lactis strain, which is capable of metabolizing the non-lactose carbohydrate, to a milk base, and 2) fermenting the milk for a period of time until a target pH is reached to obtain a fermented milk product.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing a fermented milk product comprising a step wherein milk is fermented, wherein: (a) the fermentation is initiated by a starter culture, which starter culture comprises lactic acid bacteria capable of metabolizing one or several carbohydrates present in the milk, (b) the fermentation is terminated by a decrease of the concentration of the one or several carbohydrates during fermentation, and (c) the decrease is at least also caused by the metabolic activity of the lactic acid bacteria. The invention further provides respective methods comprising a step, wherein at least part of the whey is separated from the fermented milk product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition suitable for preparing a dairy product comprising at least one starter culture and a Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain capable of imparting onto the dairy product and enhanced creamy flavor without affecting the rheology negatively, the fonnentation time or the post-acidification of the dairy product. The present invention further relates to processes for preparing a dairy product, such as a low-fat yoghurt or cheese, which has a high content of diacetyl. A Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain useful for preparing such dairy product is also part of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a fermented milk product comprising adding lactic acid bacteria to milk, wherein the bacteria comprise Lactobacillus casei and at least one further strain of lactic acid bacteria of a species other than Lactobacillus casei, wherein the further strain has a deficiency in lactose metabolism but is capable of metabolizing one or several carbohydrates other than lactose present in the milk.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing a fermented milk product comprising a step wherein milk is fermented, wherein: (a) the fermentation is initiated by a starter culture, which starter culture comprises lactic acid bacteria capable of metabolizing one or several carbohydrates present in the milk, (b) the fermentation is terminated by a decrease of the concentration of the one or several carbohydrates during fermentation, and (c) the decrease is at least also caused by the metabolic activity of the lactic acid bacteria. The invention further provides respective methods comprising a step, wherein at least part of the whey is separated from the fermented milk product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition suitable for preparing a dairy product comprising at least one starter culture and a Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain capable of imparting onto the dairy product and enhanced creamy flavor without affecting the rheology negatively, the fonnentation time or the post-acidification of the dairy product. The present invention further relates to processes for preparing a dairy product, such as a low-fat yoghurt or cheese, which has a high content of diacetyl. A Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain useful for preparing such dairy product is also part of the present invention.