Abstract: Methods of producing a clarified beverage may involve combining a first beverage component having one or more proteins with a second beverage component having one or more polyphenols. At least one of those components may be treated with one or more fining agents prior to combination. The addition of the second beverage component may be performed in a step-wise manner. Particles may be filtered from the beverage prior to packaging. Clarified beverages may be produced according to these methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for hot filling containers with protein beverage may comprise a batch tank adapted for receiving a protein beverage, a first heat exchanger adapted for heating the protein beverage to a pasteurizing temperature, a reservoir adapted for receiving the protein beverage and having an overflow stream of the protein beverage, a filler adapted for at least partially filling containers with the protein beverage, a second heat exchanger adapted for cooling the overflow stream, a rework tank adapted for receiving the overflow stream, and a control valve adapted for controlling a percentage of the overflow stream recycled to the first heat exchanger from the rework tank such that the protein beverage remains substantially free of floc. A method for making a protein beverage substantially free of floc is also described.