Today’s food industry increasingly uses specialised raw materials that allow the production of food of stable quality, long shelf life and specific nutritional qualities. Among these, a special place is occupied by Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP), which, thanks to its unique properties, has become an indispensable ingredient in many branches of food production.
Skimmed milk powder production process
The production of skimmed milk powder is a complex technological process that requires precise control at every stage. The process begins with the receipt of raw milk, which undergoes a detailed quality control. The milk then goes through a standardisation process, in which the fat is centrifuged, resulting in a product with a fat content of less than 1%.
The next key stage is pasteurisation, carried out at a temperature of around 72-75°C for 15-30 seconds. This procedure aims to destroy pathogenic microorganisms and deactivate enzymes that could affect the shelf life of the final product. After pasteurisation, the milk undergoes a thickening process in vacuum evaporators, where water is evaporated under mild temperature conditions (around 45-60°C) to reach around 45-50% dry matter.
The final stage is spray drying, where the condensed milk is sprayed in a drying chamber in a stream of hot air at 150-200°C. This process rapidly evaporates the water, leaving a fine powder with a moisture content of no more than 4%. The finished product is then packaged in special multilayer packaging, often with the addition of inert gas (nitrogen), which significantly extends its shelf life.
Characteristics and properties of skimmed milk powder
Skimmed milk powder is characterised by a number of unique properties that determine its wide use in the food industry. The basic parameter is the chemical composition – a typical SMP contains about 34-37% protein, 50-52% lactose, 0.8-1.2% fat and 8-9% minerals. The high milk protein content, particularly casein, gives the product good emulsifying and gelling properties.
An important characteristic of SMP is its solubility, which should be a minimum of 85% (according to FAO/WHO standards). In practice, good quality skimmed milk powder has a solubility of 90-95%. This parameter is crucial for many technological applications, especially in the production of beverages and instant foods.
Applications in various sectors of the food industry
The dairy industry is the main application area for skimmed milk powder. This product is commonly used to normalise the composition of liquid milk, especially during seasonal fluctuations in raw material quality. In rennet cheese production, SMP is used to increase yields and improve the structure of the finished product. In the case of yoghurts and other fermented products, the addition of skimmed milk powder allows for a firmer texture and increased protein content.
In the confectionery industry, SMP is mainly used in the production of chocolate and chocolate-like products, where it acts as a dry substance to prevent uncontrolled crystallisation of sugar. In the ice cream industry, the addition of 8-12% SMP significantly improves the texture of the final product, reducing the formation of large ice crystals and ensuring adequate creaminess. In bakery, it is used as an ingredient in mixes for toasted bread and rolls, where it improves the crumb structure and prolongs the freshness of the products.
Where to buy high quality skimmed milk powder?
There are many suppliers of skimmed milk powder available on the market, but choosing the right trading partner requires the consideration of several key factors. When looking for a reliable supplier of food raw materials for B2B, it is worth considering the offer of specialist distributors such as FDCM.eu. This company offers not only skimmed milk powder, but also other specialised raw materials, including demineralized whey powder 40%, which is used in the production of functional foods and sports nutrition.
For entrepreneurs who are just starting out with a new supplier, a particularly attractive option is the possibility to order a free product sample. This allows for practical testing of the raw material in specific technological applications before deciding on a larger order.
Summary
Skimmed milk powder is an extremely versatile food raw material whose industrial application goes far beyond traditional dairy products. Its unique technological properties, high nutritional value and economic benefits make it an indispensable ingredient in many branches of food production.
Developments in food technology and changing consumer preferences indicate that the importance of SMP in the food industry will grow in the coming years. The increasing demand for high-protein products, functional foods and long-life products creates additional opportunities for the use of this raw material.
