Valio Ltd.

Harri Kallioinen

Matti E Harju

Olli Tossavainen

Antti Heino

Reetta Tikanmäki

Saara Lähtevänoja

Soile Järviö

Reetta Tikanmaki

Antti-Pekka Partonen

Tiina Hämäläinen

Tuula Tuure

Soile Jarvio

The present invention relates to a method of inactivation of plasmin enzyme in a milk-based product, wherein casein and whey protein are separated from a milk raw material by microfiltration to provide a casein concentrate as a microfiltration retentate having a whey protein content of less than 20 wt. %, based on the total protein content of the concentrate, and a whey protein concentrate as a microfiltration permeate; the casein concentrate is subjected to a thermal treatment at a temperature in the range of about 72&#xb0; C. to about 95&#xb0; C. to provide a thermally treated casein concentrate; and a milk-based product with a reduced plasmin activity comprising the thermally treated casein concentrate is provided. The milk-based products prepared by the method retain flawless organoleptic properties at different storage temperatures even under prolonged storage periods.

Method for producing a milk-based product with reduced plasmin-activity

The invention relates to a milk-based formulation with a reduced carbohydrate content, having a ratio of carbohydrates to protein of at most 1.1, a protein content of at least 5.4% on dry matter basis, and a ratio of ash to protein is substantially similar to that of a milk raw material used as a starting material, and a method for the preparation thereof. The milk-based formulation can be used in the preparation of a recombined milk product with a reduced lactose content, having a full taste of normal milk without any deficiencies in its organoleptic properties.

Milk-based formulation

The invention relates to a method for producing a milk-based product, comprising the steps of: providing a milk raw material; altering a ratio of casein to total protein of the milk raw material to less than about 0.80; subjecting the milk raw material with the altered ratio of casein to total protein from step b) to a heat treatment at the temperature of at least about 150&#xb0; C. for a period of at most about 0.3 sec; cooling the heat-treated milk raw material from step c) to provide the milk-based product. The method provides milk-based products with long shelf life and good organoleptic properties.

Method for producing a milk-based product

The invention relates to a process for the production of well-preserving lactose-free and low-lactose milk products. The process of the invention is characterized by separating the sugars and proteins in a raw material, thermally treating them in such a manner that the plasmin enzyme system and other proteolytic enzymes are inactivated, and combining the fractions and other preparation agents into a drink with a required composition and properties.

Process for preserving low-lactose or lactose-free milk product

The invention relates to a process for separating milk components, wherein proteins, sugars and minerals are separated into different fractions. The lactose of milk is first hydrolyzed completely or partially, after which proteins, minerals and sugars are separated into fractions in a phased nanofiltration. The obtained fractions may also be further processed by chromatography, membrane techniques, and/or evaporation to further improve the separation of said components. The invention also relates to a low-lactose or lactose-free milk composed of these fractions. By means of the invention, calcium and protein losses can be minimized. Also, the energy content of the product can be reduced.

Low-lactose and lactose-free milk product and process for production thereof

The invention relates to a low-lactose and a lactose-free milk product and to a process for the production thereof. The lactose in the milk raw material is hydrolyzed, proteins, minerals and sugars are separated into different fractions by the membrane technique, and a low-lactose or a lactose-free milk product is composed from the fractions. The invention provides a milk product, the water therein originating from the original milk raw material. In addition, useful by-products are produced in the process.

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Haarajoki, Finland

Harri Kallioinen