Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing calcium enriched fermented milk or fermented milk drink, where blockwise-type HM pectin, calcium individually together with syrup is added into lactic acid-fermented acidified milk, and then the mixture is subjected to a homogenizing treatment. Also a method for producing calcium enriched fermented milk or fermented milk drink, where lactic acid-fermented acidified milk is subjected to a homogenizing treatment, syrup and blockwise-type HM pectin is added therein and mixed, and calcium is added therein and then mixed. Moreover, it relates to calcium enriched fermented milk or fermented milk drink having excellent physical stability obtained by said methods.

Abstract: A dispersion having an aqueous phase is filtered by a purality of membranes connected to pass the retentate or a portion of the retentate from one membrane step is used for feeding the one or more succeeding steps, and the permeate resulting from the plurality of membranes is subjected to a concentration step to produce a concentrate containing an increase concentration of dry matter, which is returned as a portion of the feeding dispersion to one or more of the plurality of membranes. The system provided with the membranes and concentration units and recirculation conduits is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of microfiltering milk, milk serum, colostrum, or colostral serum which provides effective bioburden reduction without substantial loss of immunoglobulins.

Abstract: Chilled or shelf stable beverage products which are physically stable, visually opaque and do not precipitate over time, and a process for preparing these products, are disclosed. These products contain from about 5 to about 99.8% milk, from about 0.05 to about 0.8% of a food stabilizer and a food acid. The first step of the process involves mixing milk with a food stabilizer under high shear mixing conditions to form protein/stabilizer particles having a median particle size of less than about 0.8 microns. Then, while still maintaining the particle size of the protein/stabilizer particles at less than about 0.8 microns, the protein/stabilizer mixture is acidified to a pH ranging from about 3.2 to about 4.5. In order to maintain the requisite particle size of the protein/stabilizer particles during the acidification step, the protein/stabilizer mixture is maintained under high shear mixing conditions at a temperature ranging from about 4 to about 30.degree. C.

Abstract: A protein containing nutritional supplement that contains from 1 to 10% by weight of whey protein isolate, at least one source of carbohydrate, vitamins, trace minerals and ultra trace minerals and ultra trace minerals. The pH of the liquid nutritional supplement is from about 2.8 to about 3.3 and is essentially devoid of added macro-nutrients and fat. A supplement which is clear and low in viscosity, is produced by preparing (1) an acidified aqueous solution of whey protein isolate having a pH of about 2.8 to about 3.3 and (2) an aqueous solution of carbohydrate; and thereafter combining the two solutions.

Abstract: A process for extracting milk minerals from a whey product such as whey permeate or delactosed whey permeate is disclosed. The pH of the whey product is adjusted to a pH in the range of about 7.0 to 7.6. A phosphate compound is added to the whey product in an amount such that the weight percent of phosphate added to the whey product based on dry matter solids of the whey product is in the range of about 0.015-0.05%, and preferably in the range of about 0.025-0.03%. Suitable phosphates include pyrophosphate or tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP). After the phosphate is added, the whey product/phosphate mixture is heated to a temperature in the range of about 145.degree.-175.degree. F. The whey product/phosphate mixture is maintained at a temperature in the range of about 145.degree.-165.degree. F. for a period of time sufficient to flocculate mineral solids from the whey product/phosphate mixture.

Abstract: A process to add carbon dioxide under low shear conditions to an already formed food to produce a semi-solid or solid carbonated food. The carbonated semi-solid or solid spoonable food has the following properties:(a) a viscosity of between about 2000 and 200,000 centipoise at between about 1.5.degree. and 25.degree. C., and(b) a carbonation level of between about 0.5 and 4.0 volumes of carbon dioxide per volume of food. The process includes contacting the formed food with carbon dioxide gas with low shear agitation.

Abstract: Enzyme products are disclosed. The enzyme products include an enzyme-bearing matrix formed by subjecting a feedstock containing enzyme(s) and carrier materials to conditions which alter the physical and/or chemical structure of the carrier. The matrix suspends the enzyme for protection, delivery, dispersion and activation at the desired time and under selected conditions. Methods of producing the enzyme carrying matrix and enhanced enzyme products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Lactobacillus johnsonii strain CNCM I-1225 adheres to Caco-2 cells and inhibits adhesion thereto by enterovirulent and enteroinvasive pathogens.

Abstract: Cheese product essentially free of additives which are to be declared other than usual cheese product ingredients. The cheese product consists mainly of a renneted casein matrix having enclosed therein discrete agglomerates of acid casein in an amount of 5-35% wt. calculated on the total amount of protein contained in the cheese. A process of manufacturing this cheese product comprises adding 5-35% wt. of acid casein calculated on the total amount of protein solids to an emulsion and making the cheese product by renneting at temperatures above 20.degree. C. while keeping it free from said additives.

Abstract: An improved process for spray drying is provided for the acid type of cheese whey or casein whey, partially delactosed acid whey or a permeate obtained by ultrafiltration of acid cheese milk/or acid whey accomplished by injecting a dry neutralizing edible calcium or magnesium salt during the spray drying.

Abstract: A food composition of the type containing a cookie or a chocolate shell and a filling based on a dairy product wherein the filling is fermented and contains live lactic acid bacteria, has a water activity (Aw) of between 0.75 and 0.81 and wherein the fat content of the filling is such that it makes it possible to obtain a water-in-oil type emulsion.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of yogurt based freeze-dried foodstuffs, said process being characterized in that it comprises the steps of cold mixing the ingredients homogeneously; prefreezing the ingredients and adding to them a gas at a percentage in the range between 10 and 50% of the initial volume of said ingredients, shaping the product so obtained into the desired shape; deep-freezing the product so shaped at a temperature between -20.degree. C. and -40.degree. C.; and freeze-drying the product so obtained down to a residual moisture between 3% and 8% as determined by the Karl Fisher method. The invention also relates to the products so obtained.

Abstract: A process for producing an .alpha.-lactalbumin-enriched fraction from whey is disclosed. The process involves heating pH-adjusted whey to a temperature sufficient to cause aggregation of .beta.-lactoglobulin molecules, and fractioning the whey using ultrafiltration or microfiltration, the .alpha.-lactalbumin-enriched fraction obtained by the process is useful for making breast milk substitutes and other nutritional compositions.

Abstract: A partially denatured whey protein product with a protein content of 65-95% by weight relative to the dry matter, a protein denaturization level of 55-80%, and a mean particle size in the range from 30 to 60 .mu.m, in particular 40-50 .mu.m. The product is suitable for use in foods as an additive with an emulsifying action and good organoleptic properties, particularly in cold-prepared emulsions.

Abstract: Whey or whey concentrate is adsorbed on an ion-exchange resin and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) is selectively desorbed by the use of whey or whey concentrate or eluent, thereby whey, whey concentrate or solution with sodium of a low content and with NPN of a high content being obtained efficiently.

Abstract: Reduced fat content butter products prepared from dairy cream. Lecithin and/or a stabilizer can be added to the dairy cream to optimize the product. Dairy products--milk, skim milk, and dairy fats--are employed as required to adjust the fat content of the product; and optional ingredients may be added to, inter alia: adjust the texture of the product, inhibit oxidation and otherwise extend shelf life, alter color, and enhance flavor. The product may have a fat content low enough to qualify it as a reduced fat or even a light (or lite) butter. The product may have the firmness of conventional firm butter or be spreadable at refrigeration temperatures.

Abstract: The caseinate replacement composition for imitation cheese is made of a granular hydroxypropylated, high amylose starch having a degree of substitution of greater than 0.04, gelatin and a gum such as pectin and carrageenan. The gum is used to decrease the amount of gelatin necessary and to improve the texture of the overall cheese analog. The caseinate replacement composition replaces all or a portion of the caseinate in the imitation cheese.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus and variants thereof capable of producing an antibacterial substance which is a peptide or protein or a conjugate thereof, the antibacterial substance produced by the bacteria, and processes for producing fermented milk by using any one of the bacteria as a starter. The lactic acid bacteria produce the antibacterial substance, so that use of any one of the lactic acid bacteria as a starter for fermented milk inhibits growth of another lactic-acid-forming lactic acid bacteria also used as a starter owing to the antibacterial substance produced during fermentation. It is therefore possible to suppress the formation of the acid during storage or transportation of fermented milk, thereby making it possible to prevent taste and flavor variations and quality deterioration of the product.

Abstract: A low fat, substantially cholesterol and lactose free dry dessert combination the base of which comprises a non-dairy creamer, a sweetener, a filler, a stabilizer, a smoother. Various flavors may be added and the composition may be calcium enriched by addition of calcium carbonate. A low calorie mixture is also described. The non-dairy creamer ranges by weight from approximately 14% to 80%. A non-dairy milk replacement my be substituted for all or part of the non-dairy creamer. Sucrose comprises 7% to 45% by weight of sweetener. Sugar substitutes such as aspartame and polydextrose may be used as a substitute for all or part of the sucrose. Whey and whey protein concentrate and maltadextrin are used as a filler. Maltodextrin may be substituted for the whey. A smoother is included to improve the texture of the dessert. The smoother is a blend of xanthan gum and guar gum. Carrageenan gum may be substituted for either xanthan gum or guar gum.

Abstract: Honey butters prepared from a honey and dairy cream. Lecithin and/or a stabilizer can be added to the dairy cream to optimize the product. Dairy products--milk, skim milk, and dairy fats--are employed as required to adjust the fat content of the product; and optional ingredients may be added to, inter alia: adjust the texture of the product, inhibit oxidation and otherwise extend shelf life, alter color, and enhance flavor. The product may have a fat content low enough to qualify it as a reduced fat or even a light (or lite) honey butter.

Abstract: A method for the pasteurization of oligofructoses, in which they are heated at a temperature from 72.degree. to 82.degree. C. for 10 to 300 s.

Abstract: A cultured milk beverage contains at least 3.times.10.sup.8 cells/ml of at least one type of lactic acid bacterium selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus jugurti and a mixture of a galactooligosaccharide, which is represented by the following formula:Gal-(Gal).sub.n -Glcwherein Gal means a galactose residual group, Glc denotes a glucose residual group, and n stands for an integer of 1-4, and a galactosyldisaccharide represented by the following formula:Gal-Rwherein R means a galactose residual group or a glucose residual group, and Gal has the same meaning as defined above, said galactosyldisaccharide being other than lactose. The cultured milk beverage can be produced providing the lactic acid bacterium and culturing the same to a population of at least 3.times.10.sup.

Abstract: A method of convening pasteurized milk into a fermented milk comprises high-temperature heat treatment of the pasteurized milk, followed by carbonation of the heat-treated milk with CO.sub.2 gas, then adding a starter culture to the carbonated milk, followed by incubation of the inoculated milk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a calcium-fortified yogurt whereby the calcium source can be added to the yogurt milk base prior to pasteurization without undesirable protein precipitation. The disclosed process allows one to prepare a calcium-fortified yogurt with minimal deviation from normal yogurt manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A substitute milk product that is produced from a base product including milk ingredients only. The base product is dairy whey that is purified to eliminate the contaminants introduced in the cheese making process. The base product is altered as necessary to restructure the desired ratio of lactose and protein and to re-balance the pH to that of milk. Substitute materials are added for replacing the fat content and to recapture the desired taste, texture and appearance of milk.

Abstract: In a formulated food containing a dairy product and having a significant dairy flavor, improvements are provided when the dairy product is at least in part one physical form of freeze concentrated liquid dairy product in sufficient amount so as to improve at least the dairy flavor of the formulated food.

Abstract: A method for producing a yogurt product containing a bacteriocin is described. In the preferred method, a milk based medium is cultured with Pediococcus acidilactici to produce the bacteriocin, the Pediococcus acidilactici is then heat inactivated and finally a yogurt culture is added to the medium with the bacteriocin and cultured to produce the yogurt product. The yogurt product can be dried, either by lyophilization or spray-drying or other means, preferably to a powder, for use in various foods.

Abstract: The invention is directed to precipitating whey lipids from a source material such as whey by adding a sufficient amount of chitosan to form a chitosan-lipid complex, and subsequently precipitating out the lipid from the resulting whey supernatant. The precipitate is removed either by filtration or centrifugation. The supernatant contains all the whey proteins which may then be recovered by conventional means such as ultrafiltration and spray drying.

Abstract: The present invention provides formulated milk compositions for infants analogous to human milk in which non-protein nitrogen components are abundant and the contents of .beta.-lactoglobulin and/or .alpha..sub.S casein are reduced.

Abstract: Whey or whey concentrate is adsorbed on an ion-exchange resin and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) is selectively desorbed by the use of whey or whey concentrate or eluent, thereby whey, whey concentrate or solution with sodium of a low content and with NPN of a high content being obtained efficiently.

Abstract: Described are protein and/or carbohydrate based fat-replicating systems and methods of making same in which fat globule mimicking particles of protein or carbohydrate origin are modified by encapsulating same in a membrane which more closely replicates the characteristics of natural fat globules. The membrane is of liposome architecture formed by lipids, in particular, liposomal phospholipids. Liposome encapsulated food additives and the method of making and using same in both fatty products of natural and synthetic origin are described. Also described is a method for making a fat substitute from whey curd, suitably of diary whey origin. The whey may include a protein additive such as a caseinate. Also described are the fat substitute products produced in accordance with such methods. Such products are dispersions formed from whey curd or a curd comprised of whey and protein additive. A fat substitute derived from a comminuted curd comprised of whey protein-caseinate coprecipitate is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a fermented milk product, such as yoghurt, wherein milk is incubated with a thermophilic Lactobacillus, followed by destroying of the Lactobacillus and optionally adding non-incubated milk, and wherein the milk is then incubated with a Streptococcus.

Abstract: A composite milk product is prepared by mixing into the semi-solid or solid milk product particles of a gel having a solids content of 2 to 14% and containing a major amount of xanthan and locust bean gums prepared to simulate the texture of gelatin.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a yoghurt flavor, comprising the fermentation of a whey medium comprising water and whey solids, with a conventional bacterial yoghurt starter culture.

Abstract: Yogurt is prepared by inoculating and fermenting a milk with a strain of Streptococcus thermophilus and a lac(-) mutant strain of Lactobacillus bulgaricus, the DNA of which has a deletion of at least part of the .beta.-galactosidase gene.

Abstract: Soured, water-continuous creams that are free of emulsifiers and that contain 5-15 wt % of at least a vegetable fat and that further contain a protein component and a thickener composition were found to be stable and spoonable.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods are disclosed for lowfat and skim milk products which have an increased creamy mouthfeel, whiter color, and taste sensations similar to milk with a high fat content. The textured milk products involves skim milk and lowfat milk being treated with a milk coagulant to partially coagulate and aggregate proteins in the milk. The enzyme-treated milks are heat-processed to denature the coagulating enzyme. The finished milk products are then cooled and stored at an appropriate refrigeration temperature.

Abstract: Method for instantaneous gelling or coagulation, in the absence of coagulant agent, at a pH higher than its isoelectric pH, of a coagulable protein at said isoelectric pH, characterized in that an aqueous solution is used as starting product, wherein the aqueous solution is in a nondenatured status, and contains at least one such coagulable protein, the alkaline ion content of said solution is adjusted to a predetermined value, and is brought to a concentration at least equal to 1.5% at a temperature selected as desired between 20.degree. and 100.degree. C. The predetermined value is such that the protein coagulates instantaneously, at the above concentration and pH, and temperature; to obtain the coagulum. Application of such coagulums to obtain semi-solid or solid food products containing animal proteins such as milk proteins or vegetable proteins such as soya proteins.

Abstract: A process concentrate can be made into a batch concentrate or a dairy product. The process concentrate includes a dairy base (1) which is sterilized, (2) to which is added an aliquot of the total amount of the preservative in the batch concentrate (which preferably yields the correct amount of preservative that is in the dairy product) or (3), when the dairy base is a retentate or dairy water, to which is added substantially all of the preservative in the dairy product.

Abstract: A water-dispersible, gravitational and heat-stable fat replacer composition for foods, which comprises co-formed agglomerates of at least partially denatured whey protein and desolubilized casein, where the mean size of the agglomerate is about 1 to 20 microns.

Abstract: There is disclosed a food additive comprising a water soluble hemicellulose resulting from a degradation of a protein by degrading water insoluble vegetable fibers containing protein under acidic conditions of at about the isoelectric point of the protein and at a temperature of 130.degree. C. or lower, and composed of rhamnose, fucose, arabinose, xylose, galactose, glucose and uronic acid. This food additive is useful as a dispersant, a protein stabilizer, a modifier, and/or a foaming agent for food. Food containing the food additive is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for treating waste water produced in a cheesemaking operation. The process comprises treating a milk product so as to form a curd, subjecting the curd to an elevated temperature while in contact with water and separating the curd from a water-containing material including milk fats. The process further includes subjecting the water-containing material to microfiltration in a microfilter so as to produce a concentrate rich in the milk fats and a permeate, and recovering the concentrate and the permeate.

Abstract: A soft serve frozen dessert, e.g., yogurt, ice milk, ice cream, capable of being hard packed and dispensed from an accordion-type cartridge is disclosed. The frozen dessert composition is formed with at least about 0.1 weight percent lecithin, at least about 0.15 weight percent pectin, and at least about 0.1 weight percent of a gum selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum and locust bean gum, wherein the composition has a lactose content according to the following formula:((.SIGMA.IL)/C).ltoreq.9.0 (I)whereinI=weight percentage of mix ingredient;L=weight percentage lactose in that mix ingredient; andC=weight percentage of free water in the mix, and wherein the composition has a dextrose content according to the following formula:((.SIGMA.ID)/C).ltoreq.6.

Abstract: Bioactive agents, having growth-promoting activity upon Bifidobacteria, consisting of one or more lactoferrin-compounds selected from the group consisting of bovine lactoferrin, bovine apolactoferrin and bovine Fe-lactoferrin, which can be used as it is as agents to promote proliferation of Bifidobacteria both in vivo and in vitro, and as additives to prepare compositions, materials and products to afford growth-promoting activity thereto, and to improve survivability of Bifidobacteria, if contained therein.

Abstract: There is disclosed an opacifying material of micrgranular protein opacifying material having a mean particle size distribution of 0.1 microns to 10 microns with fewer than 20% of the total number of particles exceeding 10 microns, which is prepared by wet milling denatured whey protein isolate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing thickener-free consumption ice or ice cream from a mixture of fermented milk constituents, including whey protein-rich products, and sugars, and optionally emulsifying agents, flavoring material and other conventional components by mixing the ingredients and freezing the mixture under aeration in a conventional manner. The method according to the invention is characterized by starting from a mixture of milk constituents in which the ratio of whey proteins to casein proteins is at least 50:50, fermenting said mixture to a pH between pH 4.3 and pH 5.5 and, after mixing all ingredients, aerating the mix in said pH range and freezing it to form ice cream with an overrun of at least 80% by volume, particularly at least 100% and wherein the mix is pasteurized before freezing and after fermentation.

Abstract: An edible spread comprises water, from 2% to 20% by weight of water soluble starch, particularly a combination of hydrolysed maltodextrins having a dextrose equivalent of less than 5. A water binding system comprises from 0.05% to 1.5% by weight of alginate, from 0.5% to 5.0% by weight of gelatin and a calcium source material such as calcium salts or milk protein to stabilize the spread. From 2% to 12% by weight of a soluble vegetable fibre may also be used as part of the water binding system. The spread may include up to 40% added fat.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a fat emulsion, which comprises emulsifying an oil or a fat in an aqueous phase, wherein by using an aqueous phase containing 0.1 to 3 wt. % of predominantly undenatured whey protein, the calcium content of which, expressed in percentages of the whey protein present, being 0.2-3 wt. % and the total content of minerals based on the whey protein being not more than 15 wt. %.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dry chocolate-flavored beverage mix and a process for making it. The dry beverage mix comprises from about 3% to about 13% by weight of cocoa powder, from about 40% to about 60% by weight of particulate sugar, from about 3% to about 5% by weight of caramel powder, from about to about 20% by weight of malt extract, from about 0.25% to about 1.0% by weight of flavor enhancing salt, from about 10% to about 32% by weight of a powdered non-dairy creamer wherein the non-dairy creamer contains from about 40% to about 60% vegetable fat by weight of the non-dairy creamer, from about 0.02% to about 3.0% by weight of a thickening agent, from 0 to about 1.0% by weight of added lecithin, an effective amount of an antioxidant, less than about 6% by weight of moisture, from 0 to about 20% by weight of an added protein source, and nutritionally supplemental amounts of vitamins and minerals.