Abstract: Cheese products with improved flavor, texture and melting properties are disclosed. Topical application of a dairy powder, and in particular a cream cheese powder, to a cheese product improves not only dairy flavor when consumed cold, but unexpectedly also melted appearance, texture and taste.

Abstract: Disclosed are dairy products with added dairy minerals and methods of making the dairy products. The dairy products with added dairy minerals exhibit enhanced fresh dairy flavor notes. In one aspect, the dairy product with added dairy minerals is a cheese product, such as cream cheese, processed cheese, or cultured cheese.

Abstract: A method for producing cheese and a device therefore, in particular what is known as a cassette press with round or angular cheese molds. The method is intended in particular to achieve gentle and hygienic de-molding of the cheese blocks after removal of whey. A raw cheese mass is first poured into molds of a cassette press, then pressed to remove liquid and emptied out of the mold after a turning process. Directly after turning, the raw cheese mass in the mold is subjected to a shaking movement, so the pressed raw cheese mass is detached gently from the inner wall of the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing cheese with good flavour, especially low-salt cheese by using a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starter culture which is glutamate decarboxylation (GAD) negative. The method may additionally involve inoculating the milk substrate with a GAD-negative Lb. helveticus strain having a high lytic and peptidolytic activity, which further releases glutamate into the milk Additional application of camel chymosin reduces bitterness.

Abstract: Methods as can be used in the preparation of one or more dairy, dairy analog and cheese products from a range of proteinacous starting materials, such methods comprising protein modification and protein restoration or protein restructure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acidified dairy food comprising cocoa shells, a method for producing the acidified dairy food, and the use of cocoa shells to increase the fiber content and/or lower the fat content of an acidified dairy food.

Abstract: A method of forming cheese shreds having a wide or modified crescent shape is provided. By one approach, the method includes preparing a block of cheese by chilling the cheese to a predetermined temperature and/or reducing the size of the cheese block into cheese portions or cubes. Next, the cheese portions or cubes are fed into a shredder with shredding blades having a sinusoidal configuration. The shredder is operated to shred the cheese into modified crescent shapes with an upper and lower curved surfaces and tapered ends therebetween. Further, the modified crescent shaped cheese shreds have improved meltability such that a smaller amount of cheese can be used to achieve greater coverage, flavor, and mouth feel, as compared to previous cheese shred configurations.

Abstract: Crumble process cheese products may be produced by cooling process cheese to freezing temperatures below about 32° F. and holding the process cheese at the freezing temperatures for a sufficient amount of time to cause a freeze-induced denaturation of the protein bonds in the process cheese, thereby providing a modified process cheese with a texture adapted to crumble. A crumble process cheese product may include an emulsion of an emulsifier, protein, water and oil, with a portion of the protein bound to the oil and the water in the emulsion, and another portion of the casein is bound to the oil and is unbound to the water, thereby providing the crumble cheese product with a crumble-like texture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetic cluster of strains of S. thermophilus, wherein the milk fermented with said strains is highly viscous and weakly ropy. The invention also relates to a genetic cluster of strains of S. thermophilus, wherein the genome of said strains comprises a CRISPR locus having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID N° 1.

Abstract: Described is a method to inhibit browning in aged cheeses and the resulting aged cheese. The method includes the step of adding to a fresh cheese during its manufacture an amount of a reducing agent, wherein the amount of added reducing agent is effective to inhibit methylglyoxal-mediated browning of the cheese as it ages.

Abstract: Emulsifying salt-free, process cheese and methods of preparing such emulsifying salt-free, process cheese are described herein obtained from blends of sheared and non-sheared amounts of fat in order to form a cheese product with a unique bimodal particle size distribution. The methods and cheese achieve fat-to-protein stabilities in a processed cheese that offers both good meltability and low oiling-off during heating without emulsifying salts.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleotide sequences encoding thioesterase enzymes, methods for their production, their use in methods to form thioesters, and their use in methods of screening for other wild type bacteria capable of producing said thioesterase enzymes. Also disclosed are compositions comprising thioesters produced by the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: Processes and equipment for continuously making a substitute or imitation cheese by feeding a heated first liquid stream including emulsifying salt, water and cheese powder into a cooker which is a twin screw mixer, feeding a heated second liquid stream including oil and casein or a non-dairy protein into the cooker, processing the first liquid stream and the second liquid stream through the cooker to form a cheese composition, and cooling the cheese composition. The cheese composition may be continuously extruded in a desired shape such as sheets or ropes and/or may be continuously cooled and cut into pieces having a reduced size such as a size to approximate shredded cheese.

Abstract: The invention relates to the processing of cheese, and in particular to a method of liquefying cheese to produce a low viscosity product with enhanced handling properties. The invention also relates to various cheese products prepared from such liquefied cheese, those products retaining varietal characteristics of the cheese subjected to liquefaction, as well as exhibiting useful storage longevity.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for producing stable foods and beverages that contain high concentrations of additives such as essential fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, conjugated fatty acids, and other fatty acids; phytochemicals, including phytosterols and carotenoids; oil soluble vitamins; alpha lipoic acid; other oils; and coenzymes, including Coenzyme Q10, and other oil-based additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing cheese, comprising the steps of: providing a first raw material liquid; providing a second raw material liquid; treating the first raw material liquid with a protein crosslinking enzyme to provide an enzyme-treated raw material liquid; mixing the enzyme-treated raw material liquid with the second raw material liquid to provide cheese milk; processing the cheese milk into cheese. The process produces cheese in improved yields while retaining the organoleptic properties of cheese unchanged. The invention further relates to cheese treated with a protein crosslinking enzyme, having the moisture on a fat-free basis of 67% or less and a protein profile of cheese has proteins of molecular weight of less than 66 kDa.

Abstract: A novel snack system is created in various form, variety, and with various ingredient. The snack system is created being a snack, with at least one ingredient, and at least one texture. The category of snack includes cheese, powdery candy, soft candy, creamy candy, gummy candy, hard candy, liquid candy, fudge candy, chocolate, ice cream, ice milk, sherbet, gelato, yogurt, sorbet, tofu, jelly, pudding, chewing gum, roll, pie, biscuit, cookie, donut, pastry, cake, pancake, crepe, waffle, bread, tortilla, and taco. The snack can be served at room temperature, cold from refrigerator, warm, hot, and reheated. The snack is in form selected from group consisting of interior filing of ingredient, outer coating of ingredient, and formation of snack roll. The snack is also created with addition of various ingredients. The snack is created with at least one ingredient selected from group consisting of flavoring ingredient, nutritional ingredient, health ingredient, and other ingredient.

Abstract: This invention relates to heat-expanded synthetic cheese products, heat-expandable precursors for forming same, the preparation of the precursor and the cheese products, and the use of a sugar alcohol for improving the organoleptic properties and/or the volume expansion % of the heat-expandable precursors and/or heat-expanded synthetic cheese products. The invention provides a heat-expanded synthetic cheese product, comprising:—from about 20% to about 59% by weight of a milk protein or a source thereof; from about 10% to about 50% by weight of a starch; from about 2% to about 24% by weight of a sugar alcohol; from about 3% to about 15% by weight of water; wherein the heat-expanded synthetic cheese product comprises no more than 10% by weight of fat, the percentages being percentages by weight of the total product, and wherein the heat-expanded synthetic cheese product is a microwave-expanded synthetic cheese product or a radiofrequency (RP)-expanded synthetic cheese product.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides having glucanase, e.g., endoglucanase, mannanase, xylanase activity or a combination of these activities, and polynucleotides encoding them. In one aspect, the glucanase activity is an endoglucanase activity (e.g., endo-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucano hydrolase activity) and comprises hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-D-glycosidic linkages in cellulose, cellulose derivatives (e.g., carboxy methyl cellulose and hydroxy ethyl cellulose) lichenin, beta-1,4 bonds in mixed beta-1,3 glucans, such as cereal beta-D-glucans or xyloglucans and other plant material containing cellulosic parts. In addition, methods of designing new enzymes and methods of use thereof are also provided. In alternative aspects, the new glucanases e.g., endoglucanases, mannanases, xylanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: Novel soy/milk gels are provided useful for making cheese-type and yoghurt type products. Method for preparing such products are also disclosed herein. In particular, the invention relates to a soy/milk cheese-type product which is a blend of soy milk and milk and to a method for the preparation thereof. In further aspects, is a soy/milk yoghurt-type product and a method for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: Food products prepared from whole grain oat flour having soluble components. The soluble whole oat flour maintains its standard of identity as whole grain and thus has the characteristics of whole grain oats. Aspects of the present invention relate to the use of the soluble oat flour in liquid food products such as beverages, semi-solid food products such as yogurt, and solid food products such as bakery items in order to provide enhanced health benefits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cheese containing gel particle inclusions. Gel particles are different in taste, texture color, flavor and origin compared to the cheese matrix, of fresh-, soft-, semi-hard or hard cheese type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetic cluster of strains of S. thermophilus, wherein the milk fermented with said strains is highly viscous and weakly ropy. The invention also relates to a genetic cluster of strains of S. thermophilus, wherein the genome of said strains comprises a CRISPR locus having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID No 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel lipase polynucleotide sequences, their corresponding proteins as well as ways of manufacturing said sequences and said proteins and use of the proteins in the preparation of food compositions. The invention further relates to methods for releasing proteins from the exterior of a host cell as well as to a method for killing micro-organisms.

Abstract: A method for coating a food product comprises placing a food product including fat and moisture in a vacuum mixer, applying low temperature heat to the food product to create a heated food product, the low temperature heat being below a melting point of the fat in the food product, applying vacuum to the heated food product, adding a first flavoring to the vacuum mixer, and applying vacuum to the heated food product and the first flavoring to create a first coated food product.

Abstract: An edible composition comprising (a) a cellulose ether selected from (a1) methylcellulose, (a2) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and mixtures thereof; (b) a polysaccharide hydrocolloid selected from (b1) alginic acid, alginates and mixtures thereof, and mixtures of (b1) with (b2) a non-ionic and non-acidic polysaccharide hydrocolloid different from cellulose ethers, wherein the total amount of cellulose ether (a) and polysaccharide hydrocolloid (b) ranges from 0.01 to 9% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and the weight ratio of cellulose ether (a) to polysaccharide hydrocolloid (b) is within the range of from 1:8 to 8:1, and (c) water. The use of the edible composition to at least partially substitute fat in an edible product such as a dairy product is also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing soft or firm/semi-hard cheese are provided, as well as soft or firm/semi-hard cheese prepared by the methods. The methods typically involve the formation of a slurry that contains blended or molten cheese curd. A variety of ingredients can be introduced into the curd used to prepare the slurry, the slurry that is formed, or at other stages along the manufacturing process to tailor the performance and nutritional characteristics of the final cheese product. The slurry in some methods is directly processed to form a final cheese product. In other methods, the slurry undergoes various types of processing to achieve certain desired composition or performance requirements.

Abstract: A method for the production of room-temperature stable cheesecake filling and the cheesecake filling obtainable by this method.

Abstract: Emulsifying salt-free processed cheese products as well as methods of preparing emulsifying salt-free processed cheese products are provided. The emulsifying salt-free processed cheese products are prepared with modified starch containing amylopectin and substantially no amylase and without emulsifying salts. The emulsifying salt-free processed cheese products are advantageously resistant to separation during heating and retain desirable organoleptic properties, such as texture and flavor, without using emulsifying salts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dry blends used in the process of making cheese analogues with an improved economic profile. Further, the blends disclosed herein may be used to make 100% analogue, vegan, or low-moisture cheeses.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of inactivation of bioactive components in milk during pasteurization for preservation. The invention discloses a method of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment of whole milk, skimmed milk, semi-skimmed milk or whey, or other liquid compositions comprising milk components or fractions. The invention is based on the finding that by selecting one or more specific process parameters, such as the PEF treatment chamber design, the specific energy applied, the field strength, pulse type, start temperature, it is possible to effectively eliminate microorganisms from the composition while conserving the activity of bioactive components in the composition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses processes for the preparation of phospholipid-enriched dairy products as nutraceuticals for the formulation of functional foods, and nutraceutical and/or pharmaceutical compositions thereof, the processes include the steps of: combining a non-dairy-based PL-containing material with an oil component and water to form a paste; removing an excess amount of the water from the paste to form a PL-oil solution; and mixing the PL-oil solution with a dairy component, thereby obtaining a PL-enriched dairy product. Preferably, the PL-containing material includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of: a vegetal-derived lecithin, a non-vegetal-derived lecithin, a de-oiled lecithin, a native lecithin-oil solution, and an enzymatically-processed lecithin. Preferably, the PL-oil solution has a weight-to-weight (w-w) concentration of at least about 0.01% of a residual amount of the water to the PL-containing material.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing cheese with S. thermophilus and a urease inhibitor, and for producing hard or semi-hard cheese, such as cheddar, with S. thermophilus that is partially or completely deficient in its ability to release ammonia from urea are provided. Methods and compositions for reducing, the amount of open texture (e.g., slits, cracks, or fractures) in hard and semi-hard cheeses, as well as hard and semi-hard cheeses that comprise one or more S. thermophilus bacteria that are partially or completely deficient in their ability to release ammonia from urea, are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for producing stable foods and beverages that contain high concentrations of additives such as essential fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, conjugated fatty acids, and other fatty acids; phytochemicals, including phytosterols and carotenoids; oil soluble vitamins; alpha lipoic acid; other oils; and coenzymes, including Coenzyme Q10, and other oil-based additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture of cheese, especially cottage cheese, by fermenting milk with lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: Methods for preparing cheese are provided that involve combining a slurry with a cheese precursor to form an admixture that is subsequently processed to form the cheese product. The slurry typically includes a liquid such as water, milk and/or cream and one or more ingredients that are useful for inclusion in the final cheese product. Systems for preparing such slurries and cheese products are also provided.

Abstract: Soft or firm/semi-hard ripened or unripened cheese products that has a native or modified starch and one or more additional ingredients are described. The additional ingredients may be chosen from a non-fat dry milk, a milk protein, an acidity regulator, an acid, an anticaking agent, an antifoaming agent, a coloring agent, an emulsifier, an enzyme preparation, a flavoring agent, a firming agent, a food protein, a gelling agent, a preservative, sequestrants, a stabilizer, a thickener, an oil, a fat, a cheese powder, a salt, a nutritional supplement, an acid, an enzyme, a neutraceutical, a carbohydrate, a vitamin, and a mineral. The starch, and additional ingredients may have a combined concentration of greater than 10%, by weight of the cheese product.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and systems for producing cheese with S. thermophilus and a urease inhibitor, and for producing cottage cheese with S. thermophilus that is partially or completely deficient in its ability to release ammonia from urea. The present invention also provides methods, compositions, and systems for reducing the amount of open texture (e.g., slits, cracks, or fractures) in gassy cheeses, such as cheddar cheese.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the heating of buttermilk and cream for extended periods of time to provide a novel flavorant. The flavorant may be used to provide low-fat dairy products, such as low-fat cream cheese, with organoleptic properties similar to full-fat cream cheeses. The flavorant may also be incorporated into other food products to provide creamy and buttery flavors where desirable.

Abstract: Textured sandwich spread or dip compositions comprising a dairy component comprising cream cheese, an oil-water emulsion comprising oil and water, and a legume-based component. The combination of cream cheese and the legume-based component provide a significantly more hearty texture to the composition than that provided by existing sandwich spreads, such as mayonnaise or mustard. The composition is advantageously phase stable so as to provide excellent shelf-stability so that proteins and other solid components of the composition do not retrograde or precipitate, even when hot filled into a container during preparation and packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus for making cheese including a whey conduit, a milk conduit, and a heat exchange device between the whey conduit and the milk conduit. Preferably, the heat exchange device includes a heat transfer circuit including a heat transfer conduit, heat transfer medium in the heat transfer conduit, a whey heat exchanger between the whey conduit and the heat transfer conduit, and a milk heat exchanger between the heat transfer conduit and the milk conduit. A thermal storage device can be in thermal contact with the heat exchange device to allow heat energy from the whey to be accumulated and stored for future use in heating incoming milk. The thermal storage device includes a thermal storage conduit, a thermal storage heat exchanger between the heat exchange device and the thermal storage conduit, thermal storage medium in the thermal storage conduit, and a thermal storage tank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for making a gluten-free food product, wherein the composition can include, as its main ingredients, one or more types of cheese, one or more types of starch, and one or more types of gluten-free flour, wherein the one or more types of cheese includes 20% to 40% by weight of the composition, the one or more types of starch includes 20% to 40% by weight percent of the composition, and the one or more types of gluten-free flour includes 1% to 10% by weight of the composition. The composition can further include other ingredients for flavor, structure, texture, and the like. In some embodiments, the gluten-free food product can be, for example, a cracker, a cookie, a cake, a chip, a bread-stick, and the like. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods for making gluten-free food products.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides shelf stable dairy-based compositions having a thick texture while also satisfying nutritional requirements for babies and young children and methods for producing the same. Methods of thickening dairy-based compositions are also provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for producing a shelf stable dairy-based nutritional composition by providing a dairy-based composition and a specially formulated fruit or flavor preparation to create a thickened dairy-based nutritional composition having textures and nutritional components that are appealing to children.

Abstract: A method of preparing a less sodium food product involves forming a reaction mixture of one or more of liquid sodium potassium hydrogen phosphate and liquid sodium dipotassium phosphate and combining a food ingredient with the emulsifying salt mixture. A reduced sodium process cheese product is formed of a sol to gel conversion fat stabilized via a hydrated protein matrix by a combination of potassium caseinate and sodium caseinate in which the caseinates are derived from an emulsifying salt mixture of liquid sodium potassium hydrogen phosphate and liquid sodium dipotassium phosphate, which, prior to reaction, accounts for at least about 2.5 and up to about 8.32 percent by weight of a total weight of the process cheese product. The emulsifying salt mixture formed of the reaction mixture remains in solution at ambient conditions for at least two weeks prior to incorporation with a food ingredient.

Abstract: Nutritional compositions with targeted sodium levels for young children (e.g., ages 1-4 years) are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides nutritional compositions having a targeted level of sodium, made from wholesome foods that provide macronutrients and micronutrients needed in a child's daily diet and are developmentally appropriate for this age group. The sodium levels of the nutritional compositions may be less than or equal to about 200 mg per 100 g nutritional composition. Methods of making nutritional compositions with targeted sodium levels while also achieving acceptable product flavors at both pilot and factory levels are also provided. The batching methods may include adding a slurry of ice, cold water and KCl to a batched product after an initial cooling step and before packaging.

Abstract: An omega-3 fatty acid supplementation fat blend includes one part by weight of an omega-3 enriching oil containing EPA and/or DHA fatty acids that has been combined and diluted with at least one-half part by weight of a low linoleic acid content oxidatively stabilizing saturated fat. The omega-3 supplementation fat blend is incorporated into stabilized aqueous suspensions including beverages and foods.

Abstract: A method of smoke-infusing proteinaceous foods comprises the following sequential steps: a) enclosing the proteinaceous foods in a vacuum-treating zone; b) introducing smoke directly or indirectly from a smoke generation zone into the vacuum-treating zone; c) subjecting the proteinaceous foods to vacuum purging at a negative pressure in the vacuum-treating zone, thereby infusing smoke into the proteinaceous foods; d) repeating the steps of introducing smoke directly or indirectly from the smoke generation zone into the vacuum-treating zone; subjecting the proteinaceous foods to vacuum purging at a negative pressure in the vacuum-treating zone at least fifty times in pulsed sequences of smoke introduction stage/vacuum purging stage/vacuum release stage for the efficient infusion of smoke into the proteinaceous foods; and e) a post-chill resting cycle of the smoke-infused proteinaceous foods at a suitable temperature and for a suitable period of time.

Abstract: Described is a dietary supplement and a corresponding method to maintain the nutritional health of mammals, including humans. The composition includes a dried dairy product, typically cream, whole milk, reduced fat milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, or combinations thereof in combination with an oil comprising linolenic acid.

Abstract: Food products including artificial eyes or eye voids interspersed throughout the product are provided by forming a visco-elastic mass of the food product and combining pieces of solidified carbon dioxide with the visco-elastic mass. The solidified carbon dioxide sublimes throughout the visco-elastic mass and forms carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas expands and forms eye voids nearly instantaneously and the fully formed eye voids are provided in the food product in a matter of hours. In addition, gaseous carbon dioxide stored under pressure, such as through encapsulation or in a pressurized vessel, is combined with a visco-elastic mass and the released carbon dioxide gas expands and forms eye voids defined within the visco-elastic mass.

Abstract: The invention provides a transgenic soybean event MON 87708 plant and plants, plant cells, seeds, plant parts, and commodity products derived from event MON 87708. The invention also provides polynucleotides specific for event MON 87708 and plants, plant cells, seeds, plant parts, and commodity products comprising polynucleotides specific for event MON 87708. The invention also provides methods related to event MON 87708.