In the era of intensive development of the food and supplement industry, milk concentrates are becoming important ingredients with high nutritional value. One of the most popular raw materials chosen by manufacturers is milk protein concentrate – a versatile product that stands out for its excellent nutritional value and high quality. What exactly is it, what are its properties and applications, and how is it produced? Find out below.
What is milk protein concentrate?
Milk protein concentrate is a functional ingredient obtained from milk through a process of ultrafiltration and concentration. It mainly contains whey protein and casein in proportions natural to milk. The most popular in the food industry is 85% milk protein concentrate, which means that as much as 85% of the dry weight is high-quality protein.
Thanks to its high protein content, the product is an ideal source of essential amino acids, which are necessary in the human diet. The balanced amino acid profile makes milk concentrates ideal for enriching food products and functional beverages.
Properties of milk protein concentrate
Milk protein concentrate 85% is characterized by high solubility, thermal stability, and low fat and lactose content. It is neutral in taste and odor, which makes it perfectly compatible with various food matrices without adversely affecting their sensory properties.
Low moisture content (maximum 6%) and fat content of up to 2.5% make 85% milk protein concentrate an exceptionally stable and versatile ingredient that can be easily integrated into a variety of production processes.
Functional properties – foaming, emulsifying, water binding and the ability to form stable gel structures make the product extremely useful in the production of high-protein and dietetic foods, as well as in confectionery and bakery products.
Application of milk concentrates
The characteristics of milk concentrates mean that these types of preparations are widely used in many industries, including:
- sports products – 85% milk protein concentrate is the basis for protein supplements, protein drinks, and various snacks that support muscle regeneration and growth,
- fermented milk products – the addition of concentrate improves the structure and increases the protein content without compromising the taste,
- functional and dietary foods – the concentrate is ideal for protein bars, shakes and instant soups,
- confectionery and bakery industry – used as an emulsifier and stabilizer, it improves the texture and freshness of baked goods,
- food for children and the elderly – thanks to its mild effect and high nutritional value, the product is also found in specialized mixtures,
- products for the feed industry – milk concentrates, due to their digestibility and rich amino acid profile, are a valuable ingredient in feed formulations for young animals, including calves and piglets, supporting their proper development and immunity.
How is the concentrate produced?
The production of milk protein concentrate takes place in several stages. First, raw milk undergoes ultrafiltration, during which undesirable components such as fat and lactose are separated. The milk then undergoes a concentration and spray drying process, which results in a powder with a high protein content.
Thanks to modern production technologies, all biologically active protein fractions, such as immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and beta-lactoglobulin, which are beneficial for the immune system, are preserved.
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If you run a dairy wholesale business or are a functional food manufacturer, you are surely looking for a supplier who not only offers the highest quality products, but also facilitates the entire purchasing process. This is where FDCM.eu comes in – our B2B e-commerce platform, created for companies operating in the dairy and food industry.
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In addition, to facilitate the purchasing decision, we offer a free sample with delivery – an ideal option to test the product before placing a larger order.
Why use milk protein concentrate?
Using 85% milk protein concentrate is a way to increase the nutritional value of the final product without the use of artificial additives. This product:
- increases the protein content of the finished product – the high protein concentration makes it easy to increase the nutritional value, which is particularly desirable in functional products and for athletes,
- helps create the desired texture and stability – improves product structure, gives them a creamy consistency and fluffiness depending on the recipe, and stabilizes emulsions and suspensions,
- has a neutral taste and does not adversely affect sensory quality – does not dominate other flavor ingredients, allowing the natural taste of the final products to be preserved,
- allows for the reduction of sugar and fat – it can partially replace other technological ingredients, which facilitates the creation of recipes with reduced calorie content,
- is well tolerated by people with lactose intolerance – the lactose content in the concentrate is minimal, making it a suitable ingredient in products with reduced milk sugar content.
This is why milk concentrates are so popular with manufacturers of yogurts, protein drinks, sports nutrition, and companies operating as dairy wholesalers.
Milk protein concentrate 85% is a versatile ingredient with many benefits, from functional to nutritional. If you want to test it and see how effective it is, you can order a free sample with delivery via the FDCM.eu platform. It’s the perfect first step towards introducing modern, high-protein recipes into your production or wholesale offering.
