Acidified Whey Protein Compositions and Methods for Making Them

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to whey protein compositions that can be incorporated into food or beverage products that provide supplemental amounts of protein. The acidified whey protein compositions of the present invention may comprise a liquid whey protein and an acidulant. The liquid whey protein and the acidulant may be blended, and the resulting composition may then be co-dried. The acidulant may be present in an amount effective for reducing the pH of the composition prior to drying to a value less than about 6. Embodiments of the present invention also include methods of preparing co-dried acidified whey protein compositions exhibiting improved organoleptic characteristics.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A dried whey protein composition prepared by a method consisting of
 a) preparing a liquid blend comprising a whey product selected from the group consisting of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, intact whey protein, and combinations thereof, and an acidulant to form an acidified whey product with a pH of less than or equal to about 6; and   b) promptly drying the liquid blend.   
     
     
         23 . The composition of  claim 22  wherein the acidulant is selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, citric acid, malic acid, glucono-delta-lactone, hydrochloric acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, acetic acid, adipic acid, carbonic acid, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 22  wherein the acidulant is a liquid. 
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 22  wherein the pH of the acidified liquid composition is between about 2.8 and about 5.6. 
     
     
         26 . The composition of  claim 22  wherein the amount of protein in the dried whey protein composition is at least about 80% based on the weight of the composition. 
     
     
         27 . The composition of  claim 22  wherein the amount of protein in the dried whey protein composition is at least about 85% based on the weight of the composition. 
     
     
         28 . The composition of  claim 22  wherein the drying is spray drying.