Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a whey protein hydrolysate, the method comprising subjecting a whey protein-containing starting material having (a) a lipid content of less than 1 mass % and/or (b) a lactose content of less than 1 mass % to hydrolysis treatment. According to the present invention, a whey protein hydrolysate having excellent flavor with reduced odor is produced by reducing the problems involving rough taste, bitterness, or an unpleasant odor caused by hydrolysis of whey proteins. It is also possible to produce a whey protein hydrolysate that is not easily discolored, and that is prevented from being degraded in quality during the production process and storage thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a cheese-flavored substance, including adding a bacterial cell disrupted product obtained by disrupting lactic acid bacteria and an enzyme to a milk raw material to cause a reaction. The present invention can provide a method for producing a cheese-flavored substance which can safely and efficiently produce a cheese-flavored substance having a more natural cheese flavor at low-cost with simple operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a cheese-flavored substance, including adding a bacterial cell disrupted product obtained by disrupting lactic acid bacteria and an enzyme to a milk raw material to cause a reaction. The present invention can provide a method for producing a cheese-flavored substance which can safely and efficiently produce a cheese-flavored substance having a more natural cheese flavor at low-cost with simple operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a whey protein hydrolysate, the method comprising subjecting a whey protein-containing starting material having (a) a lipid content of less than 1 mass % and/or (b) a lactose content of less than 1 mass % to hydrolysis treatment. According to the present invention, a whey protein hydrolysate having excellent flavor with reduced odor is produced by reducing the problems involving rough taste, bitterness, or an unpleasant odor caused by hydrolysis of whey proteins. It is also possible to produce a whey protein hydrolysate that is not easily discolored, and that is prevented from being degraded in quality during the production process and storage thereof.

Abstract: Provided is cacao extract with better flavor and in which miscellaneous flavor is reduced, and a method for producing such cacao extract. The cacao-derived water extract of the present invention contains polyphenol. In this cacao water extract, the ratio of a total mass of dimeric to tetrameric proanthocyanidins to a total mass of monomeric to octameric proanthocyanidins is 40% or more. Also, in this method for producing cacao extract, an active ingredient such as polyphenol is extracted from a cacao raw material such as cacao powder using water adjusted to a temperature within a range from 50° C. to 90° C. inclusive and to a pH within a range from 2.0 to 5.0 inclusive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for beverage use comprising an acidic soluble protein, and one or two or more powdery or granular salts selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts of organic acids and water-soluble basic salts, wherein at least the acidic soluble protein is granulated. Furthermore, the present invention provides a process for producing a composition for beverage use containing an acidic soluble protein, comprising: adding to the acidic soluble protein one or two or more powdery or granular salts selected from alkali metal salts of organic acids and water-soluble basic salts in a proportion of 0.01 to 10 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the acidic soluble protein, and subjecting at least the acidic soluble protein to granulation. In the composition for beverage use, the formation of undissolved lumps when the composition is dissolved in water is suppressed.