Schreiber Foods, Inc.

Lawrence I Bell

Jeng-Jung Yee

Randall L Brandsma

Raj G Narasimmon

A method for fractionating or separating a cheese uses heat and mixing of the cheese to separate the cheese into three phases. The three phases include a butterfat phase, an aqueous phase, and a cheese product from which some fat and flavor have been removed. The process may be hastened by adding water, and may be further hastened by using enhanced gravitational forces to effect separation of the portions. The process may also be used to remove undesirable flavor components from the cheese or to make a dairy spread.

Cheese fractionating process

A cheese that contains high levels of whey proteins, is free of emulsifying agents, and yet has good melt properties is disclosed. The cheese may be made from 100% UF cheese, containing most and preferably all of the whey proteins from milk, or from a blend of UF and conventional cheese. The preferred process of the present invention involves heating the cheese to a temperature of above 125.degree. F., and preferably below 165.degree. F., mixing the cheese in the absence of emulsifying agents and using low levels of shear, and rapidly cooling the heated, mixed cheese. A variety of full fat, low fat and zero fat natural cheeses equivalent to comparable conventional cheeses, including American-type cheeses, can be made. The cheeses have a Schreiber melt test score of 3 or above and a Mettler melt temperature of less than 200.degree. F.

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Green Bay, WI, United States of America

Lawrence I Bell