Method for producing high protein greek yogurt using pre-fermentation and post-fermentation membrane systems

Abstract

To solve the problem of the traditional Greek yogurt process, in which the process includes: fermenting milk into a curd called yogurt, followed by straining the whey from the curd in cloth bags; and straining of whey from the curd helped to concentrate the solids and increase the consistency, but the process is slow and manual, thereby raising concerns about food safety due to its unhygienic nature.SOLUTION: In accordance with an aspect of this invention, one such method can comprise (a) concentrating a skim milk product to produce a protein-enriched milk fraction containing from about 3.5 to about 6 wt. % protein, (b) combining the protein-enriched milk fraction with an additional milk fraction to produce a standardized yogurt base containing from about 3.5 to about 6 wt. % protein, (c) inoculating the standardized yogurt base with a yogurt culture and fermenting the inoculated yogurt base to produce a fermented product, and (d) removing (or separating) at least a portion of acid whey from the fermented product to form the yogurt product.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application was filed as a PCT international patent application on August 2, 2018, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 543,414, filed August 10, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Yogurt is produced by fermenting warm milk with bacterial cultures. During fermentation, lactose in the milk is converted to lactic acid, resulting in a specific texture and flavor. Greek yogurt is a concentrated form of yogurt, from which part of the water-rich fraction in the form of whey has been removed. Greek yogurt therefore has a higher protein content than regular yogurt, as some part of the lactose is also contained in the whey. Greek yogurt has a lower lactose / carbohydrate content than regular yogurt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] WO2016 / 115559 [Patent Document 2] WO2010 / 124188 [Patent Document 3] WO2012 / 075158 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Traditionally, Greek yogurt was produced by fermenting milk into curds called yogurt, then straining the whey from the curds into cloth bags. Straining the whey from the curds helped to concentrate the solids and increase the consistency. This process is slow and manual, raising concerns about food safety due to its unhygienic nature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates generally to an improved process for the production of a high protein Greek-style yogurt product.

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts further described herein in a simplified form. This Summary is not intended to identify essential or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] Methods for producing a yogurt product are disclosed herein. According to one aspect of the invention, one such method includes: (a) concentrating a skim milk product to produce a protein-enriched milk fraction comprising about 3.5 to about 6% protein by weight; (b) combining the protein-enriched milk fraction with an additional milk fraction to produce a standard yogurt base comprising about 3.5 to about 6% protein by weight; (c) inoculating the standard yogurt base with a yogurt culture and fermenting the inoculated yogurt base to produce a fermented product; and (d) removing (or separating) at least a portion of the acid whey from the fermented product to form the yogurt product. In an embodiment of the invention, the step of removing (or separating) at least a portion of the acid whey from the fermented product can include ultrafiltering the fermented product, for example, using a ceramic membrane system.

[0008] In another aspect, a method for producing a yogurt product is disclosed, in which the method includes (i) concentrating a skim milk product to produce a standardized yogurt base having about 3.5 to about 6% protein by weight, (ii) inoculating the standardized yogurt base with a yogurt culture and fermenting the inoculated yogurt base to produce a fermented product, and (iii) removing (or separating) at least a portion of the acid whey from the fermented product to form the yogurt product. As noted above, a ceramic ultrafiltration system can be used to remove or separate the acid whey.

[0009] Unexpectedly, and advantageously, these methods result in superior Greek yogurt products and have the flexibility to increase the protein content of the yogurt product by up to 20% or more by weight. Additionally, these methods can significantly reduce the amount of acid whey (and the lactose contained therein) that must be discarded.

[0010] Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description provide examples and are set forth by way of example only. Thus, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description should not be considered limiting. Furthermore, features or variations may be provided in addition to those described herein. For example, certain aspects may be directed to combinations and subcombinations of the various features described in the detailed description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 provides a schematic flow diagram of a process for making a yogurt product in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 provides a schematic flow diagram of a process for making a yogurt product in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] definition The following definitions are provided to more clearly define the terms used herein. Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions apply to this disclosure. If a term is used in this disclosure but not specifically defined herein, the definition from the IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, Second Edition (1977) can be applied, unless it contradicts any other disclosure or definition provided herein or limits or invalidates any claim statement in which such definition may be provided. To the extent that a definition or usage provided by a document incorporated by reference herein contradicts a definition or usage provided herein, the definition or usage provided herein controls.

[0013] The subject features may be described herein such that within a particular embodiment, different combinations of features may be envisioned. Any and all embodiments and any and all features disclosed herein are contemplated in all combinations that do not adversely affect the designs, compositions, or methods described herein and may be interchanged with or without the explicit description of a specific combination. Thus, unless otherwise stated, any embodiment or feature disclosed herein may be combined to describe an inventive design, composition, or method consistent with the present disclosure.

[0014] Although the compositions and methods are described herein in terms of "comprising" various components or steps, unless otherwise specified, the compositions and methods can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various components or steps.

[0015] The terms "a," "one," and "the" are intended to include plural options, e.g., at least one, unless otherwise specified. For example, reference to "yogurt cultures" and "additional milk fractions" is meant to encompass one, or a mixture or combination, of yogurt cultures and additional milk fractions, unless otherwise specified.

[0016] In the described methods, the term "combining" includes contacting of components in any order, in any manner, and for any length of time, unless otherwise specified. For example, the components can be combined by blending or mixing.

[0017] Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0018] In the present invention, several types of ranges are disclosed. When any type of range is disclosed or claimed, it is intended to disclose or claim each possible number that the range may reasonably encompass, including the ends of the range and any subranges and combinations of subranges contained therein. As a representative example, the protein content of a yogurt product may be within a particular range in various embodiments of the present invention. By disclosing that the protein content may be in the range of about 7 to about 25% by weight, it is intended to disclose that the protein content may be any protein content within this range, for example, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 21, about 22, about 23, about 24 or about 25% by weight. Further, the protein content can be within any range of about 7 to about 25% by weight (e.g., about 9 to about 20% by weight), including any combination of ranges between about 7 and about 25% by weight (e.g., the protein content can range from about 7 to about 12% by weight, or from about 15 to about 22% by weight). Moreover, in all cases, when "about" and a particular value are disclosed, the value itself is disclosed. Thus, the disclosure of a protein content of about 7 to about 25% by weight also discloses a protein content of 7-25% by weight (e.g., 9-20% by weight), including any combination of ranges between 7 and 25% by weight (e.g., the protein content can range from 7-12% by weight, or 15-22% by weight). Similarly, all other ranges disclosed herein should be construed in a similar manner to this example.

[0019] The term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not necessarily exact and precise, but may be approximate, including larger or smaller, as necessary, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, or other quantities or characteristics are "about" or "approximately" whether or not they are explicitly stated to be so. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that vary due to different equilibrium conditions of a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. The claims include equivalents of amounts, whether or not modified by the term "about". The term "about" may mean within 10% of the reported numerical value, and preferably within 5% of the reported numerical value.

[0020] Detailed Description of the Invention Methods for producing yogurt products are disclosed and described herein. These methods can be used to make, for example, a high protein Greek yogurt product with excellent taste and refrigerated storage stability, but with reduced levels of acid whey that must be removed to form the final yogurt product.

[0021] The methods disclosed herein use a specific concentration step to form a yogurt base prior to fermentation and a specific acid whey removal step after fermentation. One potential advantage of these methods is a reduction in the fermentation time required to form the fermented product. Another potential advantage is a more efficient removal of acid whey from the fermented product. Whey can be removed from the fermented product by mechanical centrifuges or filtration through special membranes. Mechanical means can perform separation based on density differences. Centrifugation means can perform separation mechanically by applying centrifugal force. Removing whey using a mechanical separator can result in the loss of some whey protein, imposing limitations on the protein content that can be achieved.

[0022] Filtration techniques (e.g., microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, etc.) separate or concentrate components of a mixture, such as milk, by passing the mixture through a membrane system (or selective barrier) under appropriate pressure. Thus, concentration / separation is based on molecular size. The stream that is retained by the membrane is called the retentate (or concentrate). The stream that passes through the pores of the membrane is called the permeate. As an example, the pore size of an ultrafiltration membrane typically varies from 0.01 to 0.1 microns. In the dairy industry, ultrafiltration membranes are often identified based on their molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) rather than pore size. The molecular weight cut-off of ultrafiltration membranes varies from 1000 to 100,000 Daltons.

[0023] As pertaining to the methods disclosed herein, ultrafiltration (and other membrane technologies) can be advantageously used to concentrate the proteins in the retentate to produce a high protein yogurt base and, if desired, a high protein yogurt product. Ultrafiltration (and other membrane technologies) can also be advantageously used to remove acid whey from the fermented product to yield the yogurt product. Due to the high protein content of the yogurt base, the amount of acid whey that must be removed can be reduced.

[0024] Reconstituted milk protein powders can be used to increase the protein content in Greek yogurt, but because of the long fermentation time from inoculation with yogurt bacteria to the formation of yogurt curds, and because of the nature of dry protein powders, they result in poor taste in the final product. Furthermore, the solubility of milk protein powders presents its own challenges. Furthermore, simply concentrating milk to Greek yogurt solids levels and then inoculating the concentrated milk with bacteria to obtain Greek yogurt of the desired acidity results in long fermentation times and poor product taste. The methods disclosed herein are believed to overcome these deficiencies.

[0025] Method for producing yogurt products In one embodiment, a method for producing a yogurt product is provided, in which the method can comprise (or consist essentially of, or consist of) (a) concentrating a skim milk product to produce a protein-enriched milk fraction comprising about 3.5 to about 6% protein by weight, (b) combining the protein-enriched milk fraction with an additional milk fraction to produce a standardized yogurt base comprising about 3.5 to about 6% protein by weight, (c) inoculating the standardized yogurt base with a yogurt culture and fermenting the inoculated yogurt base to produce a fermented product, and (d) removing (or separating) at least a portion of the acid whey from the fermented product to form the yogurt product. In another embodiment, a method for producing a yogurt product is provided, in which the method can comprise (or consist essentially of, or consist of) (i) concentrating a skim milk product to produce a standardized yogurt base comprising about 3.5 to about 6% protein by weight, (ii) inoculating the standardized yogurt base with a yogurt culture and fermenting the inoculated yogurt base to produce a fermented product, and (iii) removing (or separating) at least a portion of the acid whey from the fermented product to form the yogurt product.

[0026] Generally, the features of the methods (e.g., characteristics of the skim milk product or yogurt base, the amount and type of yogurt cultures, the techniques used for the concentration and removal steps, the amount of acid whey removed, and the characteristics of the yogurt product, among others) are described herein independently and these features can be combined in any combination to further describe the disclosed methods. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, other process steps can be performed before, during, and / or after the steps listed in the disclosed methods. Additionally, yogurt products (e.g., ready-for-consumption, high protein Greek yogurt) produced according to any of the disclosed methods are within the scope of the present disclosure and are encompassed herein.

[0027] The skim milk product in steps (a) and (i) can have suitable amounts of lactose (or milk sugar), protein, fat, minerals, and solids. For example, the skim milk product can have about 0.5% or less by weight fat, about 0.25% or less by weight fat, or about 0.15% or less by weight fat. The protein content of the skim milk product often ranges from about 3 to about 4% by weight, the lactose content often ranges from about 4 to about 6% by weight, the mineral content often ranges from about 0.5 to about 0.9% by weight, and the solids content often ranges from about 8 to about 11% by weight, although other suitable ranges for these milk components will be readily apparent from this disclosure.

[0028] Prior to step (a) and step (i), the skim milk product can be produced using any suitable technique, an example of which is separation (e.g., centrifugation) of a fresh or raw milk product into a skim milk product and cream. The fresh or raw milk product is cow's milk, which contains about 87% by weight water, 3-4% by weight protein, 4-5% by weight carbohydrate / lactose, 3-4% by weight fat, and 0.3-0.8% by weight minerals. When the fresh or raw milk product is separated into the skim milk product and cream, the cream fraction typically contains high levels of fat (e.g., 20-50% by weight fat, or 30-50% by weight fat) and solids (e.g., 30-60% by weight, or 40-55% by weight), and often contains, but is not limited to, about 1.5-3.5% by weight protein, 2-5% by weight lactose, and 0.2-0.9% by weight minerals.

[0029] In step (a), the skim milk product can be concentrated to produce a protein-enriched milk fraction comprising about 3.5 to about 6% protein by weight, while in step (i), the skim milk product can be concentrated to produce a standard yogurt base comprising about 3.5 to about 6% protein by weight. Without being limited thereto, the concentration step can be carried out at a temperature ranging from about 3 to about 15°C, in particular from about 3 to about 10°C, or from about 5 to about 8°C. In one embodiment, concentrating the skim milk product can include ultrafiltering the skim milk product. For example, the skim milk product can be ultrafiltered using a polymeric membrane system. The polymeric membrane system can be configured with a pore size to retain substances having a molecular weight of more than about 1,000 daltons, more than about 5,000 daltons, or more than about 10,000 daltons, while allowing lower molecular weight species to pass through. In one embodiment, ultrafiltration utilizes membrane systems having pore sizes ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.1 μm, and operating pressures typically ranging from 45 to 150 psig.

[0030] In another embodiment, concentrating the skim milk product can include nanofiltering the skim milk product. Typically, nanofiltration utilizes a membrane system having pore sizes ranging from about 0.001 to about 0.01 μm. Typically, operating pressures range from 150 to 450 psig.

[0031] In another embodiment, concentrating the skim milk product can include microfiltering the skim milk product. Typically, microfiltration utilizes a membrane system having pore sizes in the range of about 0.1 to about 0.2 μm. Operating pressures are typically less than about 75 psig.

[0032] In another embodiment, the step of concentrating the skim milk product can include diafiltering the skim milk product. Generally, the diafiltration step is carried out using an ultrafiltration membrane as described herein; that is, materials having a molecular weight of more than about 1,000 daltons, more than about 5,000 daltons, or more than about 10,000 daltons are typically retained, while lower molecular weight species pass through. The membrane system has a pore size in the range of about 0.01 to about 0.1 μm, and an operating pressure typically in the range of 45 to 150 psig. Often, the diafiltration of the skim milk product can include diafiltering a mixture of skim milk product and water, including but not limited to, at any suitable weight ratio of water to skim milk product (e.g., about 0.1:1 to about 1:1) and any suitable concentration factor (e.g., about 1.2 to about 5).

[0033] In yet another embodiment, concentrating the skim milk product can include subjecting the skim milk product to reverse osmosis, a robust filtration process in which substantially all milk constituents are retained and only water passes through. Generally, reverse osmosis utilizes a membrane system with pore sizes of about 0.001 μm or less. Operating pressures are typically in the range of 450 to 600 psig.

[0034] In yet another embodiment, the step of concentrating the skim milk product can include subjecting the skim milk product to forward osmosis. Forward osmosis is typically performed at a lower pressure than standard reverse osmosis, and utilizes a semi-permeable membrane system with pores that allow water to pass while not allowing other substances (e.g., proteins, fats, lactose or other sugars, and minerals) to pass. Operating pressures typically range from about 0 (atmospheric pressure) to about 50 psig, about 0 to about 10 psig, about 1 to about 50 psig, about 1 to about 30 psig, about 1 to about 10 psig, about 10 to about 30 psig, about 15 to about 25 psig, etc. Without being limited thereto, forward osmosis membrane systems have a molecular weight cutoff much less than 100 Da, and therefore components other than water can be concentrated in the forward osmosis process. Generally, forward osmosis involves membrane systems with pore sizes of about 0.001 μm or less. Any suitable draw solution may be used for the forward osmosis process that has a higher concentration of solutes or ions than the solution from which water is drawn through the semipermeable membrane.

[0035] In yet another aspect, concentrating the skim milk product can include condensing the skim milk product under reduced pressure. Reduced pressure includes any suitable subatmospheric pressure and typically involves the use of a vacuum system or device. High temperatures can be used during the condensation step, but this is not a requirement.

[0036] Regardless of the concentration technique used, the protein content of the protein-enriched milk fraction (step (a)) and the standard yogurt base (step (i)) is increased compared to skim milk products and generally lies in the range of about 3.5 to about 6% protein by weight. In some embodiments, the amount of protein of the protein-enriched milk fraction (step (a)) and the standard yogurt base (step (i)) can independently be in the range of about 3.8 to about 5.5% protein by weight; alternatively, about 3.7 to about 5% protein by weight; alternatively, about 3.7 to about 4.5% protein by weight; alternatively, about 4 to about 5.2% protein by weight; alternatively, about 4.1 to about 4.8% protein by weight. Other suitable ranges of protein amounts of the protein-enriched milk fraction (step (a)) and / or the standard yogurt base (step (i)) will be readily apparent from the present disclosure.

[0037] Similarly, the concentration process may increase the solids content of the protein-enriched milk fraction (step (a)) and the standard yogurt base (step (i)) compared to the skim milk product. The solids content may be in the range of about 9 to about 20% by weight, about 9.5 to about 15% by weight, about 10 to about 14% by weight, or about 10 to about 12% by weight, but is not limited thereto. The protein-enriched milk fraction (step (a)) and the standard yogurt base (step (i)) often can contain about 0.5% by weight or less fat, about 0.25% by weight or less fat, about 0.15% by weight or less fat, and typically have a lactose content of about 4 to about 6% by weight, and a mineral content of about 0.7 to about 1.3% by weight, or about 0.85 to about 1.2% by weight.

[0038] In step (b) of the first method for producing a yogurt product, the protein-enriched milk fraction can be combined with an additional milk fraction to produce a standard yogurt base comprising about 3.5 to about 6% protein by weight. The standard yogurt base of step (b) can generally comprise the same amounts of protein, fat, lactose, minerals, and solids as the standard yogurt base of step (i). For example, the standard yogurt base of step (b) can comprise about 3.5 to about 6% protein by weight, about 3.8 to about 5.5% protein by weight, about 3.7 to about 5% protein by weight, about 3.7 to about 4.5% protein by weight, about 4 to about 5.2% protein by weight, or about 4.1 to about 4.8% protein by weight, and can have a solids content of about 9 to about 15% by weight, about 9.5 to about 14% by weight, about 10 to about 14% by weight, or about 10 to about 12% by weight, although other suitable ranges will be readily apparent from this disclosure.

[0039] Any suitable additional milk fractions can be combined with the protein-enriched milk fraction to form a standard yogurt base. Exemplary additional milk fractions can include, but are not limited to, cream, skim milk, lactose-rich fractions, mineral-rich fractions, water, and the like, as well as mixtures or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the additional milk fractions can include skim milk, mineral-rich fractions, or both. As an example, cream can be added to increase the fat and solids content of the standard yogurt base (e.g., but not limited to, up to about 1-5% or 2-4% fat by weight, and up to about 12-17% or 12-16% solids by weight). As another example, a lactose-rich fraction can be added to increase the sugar content of the standard yogurt base. As yet another example, a mineral-rich fraction can be added to increase the mineral content of the standard yogurt base.

[0040] As yet another example, skim milk can be added to increase the mineral content and / or sugar content of the standard yogurt base. One or more additional milk fractions can be combined with the protein-enriched milk fraction in relative proportions to produce the standard yogurt base in step (b). By "rich fraction" is meant a fraction that contains at least 15% more components (protein, lactose / sugar, fat, minerals) than those contained in milk. For example, lactose-rich fractions can often contain about 6 to about 20% sugar (i.e., in any form such as lactose, glucose, galactose, etc.), about 6 to about 18% sugar, or about 7 to about 16% sugar by weight. Mineral-rich fractions can contain about 1 to about 20% minerals, about 1 to about 10% minerals, or about 1.5 to about 8% minerals by weight. The fat-rich fraction (eg, cream) can often contain from about 8 to about 50% fat by weight, from about 20 to about 50% fat by weight, or from about 30 to about 45% fat by weight.

[0041] These component-enriched milk fractions can be produced by any technique known to those skilled in the art. Without being limited thereto, component-enriched milk fractions (or milk fractions) can be produced by a membrane filtration process, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,169,428, 9,510,606 and 9,538,770, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, fresh or raw milk can be fractionated into skim milk and cream (a fat-enriched fraction) by a centrifuge. Skim milk can be fractionated into a protein-enriched fraction, a lactose-enriched fraction, a mineral / flavor-enriched fraction, and a milk water fraction by a combination of microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis (or forward osmosis). Additionally or alternatively, component-enriched milk fractions (or milk fractions) can be produced by a process that includes mixing water with powdered ingredients (e.g., protein powder, lactose powder, mineral powder, etc.).

[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, the skim milk product of step (a) can be concentrated using ultrafiltration and the resulting UF retentate can be combined with skim milk in any suitable ratio to form a standardized yogurt base in step (b).

[0043] In another embodiment, the skim milk product of step (a) can be concentrated using diafiltration (using an ultrafiltration membrane) and the resulting DF retentate can be combined with skim milk in any suitable ratio to form a standardized yogurt base in step (b).

[0044] In another embodiment, the skim milk product of step (a) can be concentrated using microfiltration and the resulting MF retentate can be combined with skim milk in an appropriate ratio to form a standardized yogurt base in step (b).

[0045] In yet another embodiment, the skim milk product of step (a) can be concentrated using ultrafiltration and the resulting UF retentate can be combined with a mineral-rich fraction in any suitable ratio to form a standardized yogurt base in step (b). The mineral-rich fraction can be produced using reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, or other suitable techniques.

[0046] In yet another aspect, the skim milk product of step (a) can be concentrated using diafiltration (using an ultrafiltration membrane) and the resulting DF retentate can be combined with the mineral-rich fraction in any suitable ratio to form the standard yogurt base in step (b). The mineral-rich fraction can be produced using reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, or other suitable techniques.

[0047] Without being limited thereto, the standard yogurt base may comprise calcium from about 1100 to about 1800 ppm (by weight) in one embodiment, from about 1200 to about 1800 ppm in another embodiment, and from about 1200 to about 1600 ppm (e.g., from about 1300 to about 1400 ppm) in yet another embodiment. Similarly, the standard yogurt base may comprise phosphorus from about 800 to about 1200 ppm in one embodiment, from about 850 to about 1150 ppm in another embodiment, and from about 800 to about 1100 ppm (e.g., from about 940 to about 980 ppm) in yet another embodiment. The standard yogurt base may be characterized by a calcium to protein weight ratio that may be in the range of about 0.02 to about 0.04, about 0.025 to about 0.035, or about 0.028 to about 0.033 (e.g., about 0.029 to about 0.032). Additionally or alternatively, the standard yogurt base can be characterized by a phosphorus to protein weight ratio that can be within the range of about 0.013 to about 0.033, about 0.015 to about 0.03, or about 0.018 to about 0.025 (e.g., about 0.02 to about 0.023).

[0048] The pH of a standard yogurt base is generally neutral. For example, the pH of a standard yogurt base may range from about 6.3 to about 7.3 in one embodiment, from about 6.6 to about 6.9 in another embodiment, and from about 6.7 to about 7 in yet another embodiment. Advantageously, a standard yogurt base may have a calcium to phosphorus ratio and pH level similar to that of the starting material (e.g., skim milk product).

[0049] Optionally, the described methods may further comprise the step of pasteurizing the standard yogurt base between steps (b) and (c) or between steps (i) and (ii). Any suitable pasteurization conditions may be used, such as carrying out the pasteurization step at a temperature in the range of about 80 to about 95° C. for a time period in the range of about 2 to about 15 minutes, or alternatively at a temperature of about 90° C. for a time period in the range of about 5 to about 7 minutes.

[0050] In steps (c) and (ii), the yogurt base may be inoculated (or contacted or bound) with a yogurt culture and the inoculated yogurt base may be fermented to produce the fermented product. The yogurt base is generally inoculated and / or fermented at an elevated temperature. In one embodiment, the yogurt base may be inoculated and / or fermented at a temperature ranging from about 20 to about 45° C. In another embodiment, the yogurt base may be inoculated and / or fermented at a temperature ranging from about 35 to about 45° C. In yet another embodiment, the yogurt base may be inoculated and / or fermented at a temperature ranging from about 40 to about 45° C. Other suitable inoculation and / or fermentation temperatures will be readily apparent from this disclosure.

[0051] The amount and type of yogurt cultures used can vary depending on the desired attributes of the final yogurt product and the properties of the yogurt base. Without limitation, the amount of yogurt cultures can range from about 0.0001 to about 3% by weight, about 0.0005 to about 0.05% by weight, about 0.0001 to about 0.01% by weight, or about 0.0005 to about 0.01% by weight based on the weight of a standard yogurt base. Other suitable ranges for the amount of yogurt cultures added to the yogurt base will be readily apparent from this disclosure.

[0052] The form of the yogurt culture is not particularly limited. The yogurt culture can be bulk, lyophilized, or frozen, and mixtures or combinations thereof can be used as well. Exemplary yogurt cultures that can be used include, but are not limited to, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus cremoris, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium sp., Leuconostoc sp., and the like, as well as any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the yogurt culture can include Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, or a combination thereof.

[0053] As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, any suitable vessel can be used to form the fermented product, and such can be accomplished batchwise or continuously. By way of example, the fermentation process can be carried out in a tank, silo, or vat. Any suitable period can be used, which will depend on the temperature and amount of yogurt culture, among other variables. Generally, the inoculated yogurt base can be fermented for a period ranging from about 1 to about 18 hours, from about 2 to about 8 hours, or from about 3 to about 7 hours.

[0054] The inoculated yogurt base is fermented until, typically, the pH of the fermented product reaches a particular pH range. In some embodiments, for example, the target pH can range from about 4.3 to about 4.8, about 4.4 to about 4.8, about 4.4 to about 4.7, about 4.5 to about 4.8, about 4.5 to about 4.7, about 4.6 to about 4.8, about 4.6 to about 4.7. Other suitable ranges for the pH of the fermented product will be readily apparent from this disclosure.

[0055] Optionally, the described methods can further include a step of agitating the fermented product between steps (c) and (d) and between steps (ii) and (iii). This step is often referred to as breaking the curds. Additionally or alternatively, the described methods can further include a step of heat treating the fermented product between steps (c) and (d) and between steps (ii) and (iii). The optional heat treatment step can sometimes be carried out after the agitation step at any suitable combination of temperature and time, for example at a temperature in the range of about 55 to about 65° C. and for a time in the range of about 1 to about 3 hours.

[0056] In steps (d) and (iii), at least a portion of the acid whey from the fermented product is removed to form a yogurt product. In one embodiment, removing at least a portion of the acid whey from the fermented product can include ultrafiltering the fermented product. Without being limited thereto, ultrafiltration of the fermented product can be performed at a temperature ranging from about 35 to about 55°C, alternatively from about 40 to about 60°C, or alternatively from about 45 to about 55°C. In these acid whey removal steps, the fermented product can be ultrafiltered using a ceramic membrane system. The ceramic membrane system can be configured with a pore size of about 0.1 μm or less so that the acid whey passes through the pores and the yogurt product is retained. Without wishing to be bound by the following theory, it is believed that ceramic membrane systems are superior to polymeric membrane systems at this stage of the process where a higher viscosity product (fermented product) is ultrafiltered to retain the yogurt. Additionally, ceramic membrane systems can withstand higher operating temperatures, have more cleaning options (acidic to alkaline pH range, as well as hot water disinfection at 80-90°C for 30-90 minutes), and fouling / scaling is easier to remove with exposure to higher temperatures.

[0057] In another embodiment, the step of removing at least a portion of the acid whey can be accomplished by nanofiltration of the fermented product. Generally, nanofiltration utilizes membrane systems having pore sizes ranging from about 0.001 to about 0.01 μm, and temperatures ranging from about 15 to about 45° C. can often be used.

[0058] In another embodiment, the step of removing at least a portion of the acid whey can be accomplished by microfiltration of the fermented product. Generally, microfiltration utilizes a membrane system having pore sizes in the range of about 0.1 to about 0.2 μm, and temperatures in the range of about 35 to about 55° C. can often be used.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, the step of removing at least a portion of the acid whey can be accomplished by subjecting the fermented product to reverse osmosis. Generally, reverse osmosis utilizes membrane systems having pore sizes less than or equal to about 0.001 and temperatures ranging from about 15 to about 45° C. can often be used.

[0060] In yet another aspect, removing at least a portion of the acid whey can be accomplished by subjecting the fermented product to a mechanical separation process, which often includes centrifugation, although other suitable separation processes can also be used.

[0061] Regardless of the acid whey removal technique utilized, the majority of the acid whey is removed from the fermented product. According to embodiments of the present invention, at least about 90% by weight, at least about 92% by weight, at least about 95% by weight, at least about 98% by weight, or at least about 99% by weight of the acid whey present in the fermented product is removed in step (d) or step (iii). The removed acid whey material has a very low solids content, typically characterized by a solids content of less than about 8% by weight, less than about 7% by weight, or less than about 6.5% by weight.

[0062] Depending on the characteristics of the yogurt base, the relative amounts of yogurt product and acid whey will vary. In one embodiment, the weight ratio of yogurt product to acid whey in the fermented product may range from about 35:65 to about 70:30. In another embodiment, the weight ratio of yogurt product to acid whey in the fermented product may range from about 40:60 to about 70:30. In yet another embodiment, the weight ratio of yogurt product to acid whey in the fermented product may range from about 45:55 to about 65:35. Other ranges for the weight ratio of yogurt product to acid whey in the fermented product will be readily apparent from this disclosure.

[0063] The disclosed method can further include packaging the yogurt product in a container. If desired, this packaging step can be performed aseptically using a suitable aseptic filling / packaging system.

[0064] In a further aspect of the invention, the disclosed method can further comprise combining the yogurt product with any suitable ingredients and packaging it in a container. Non-limiting examples of such ingredients can include sugars / sweeteners, flavors, preservatives (e.g., to prevent yeast or mold growth), stabilizers, emulsifiers, prebiotic substances, special probiotic bacteria, vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols, antioxidants, or colorants, etc., as well as any mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0065] Prior to packaging, the disclosed method may further include a step of cooling to a suitable temperature, such as in the range of about 15 to about 25°C, about 15 to 21°C, or about 15 to about 20°C. The yogurt product may also be heat treated for shelf stability before packaging or after packaging in a suitable container. The yogurt product may be packaged using a suitable container, such as may be used for distribution and / or sale of the yogurt product at a retail store. Illustrative and non-limiting examples of typical containers include cups, bottles, bags, or pouches, etc. The container may be made of any suitable material, such as glass, metal, plastic, etc., and combinations thereof.

[0066] Packaged yogurt products are generally stored under refrigerated conditions ranging from about 2 to about 10° C., from about 1 to about 5° C. Under refrigerated conditions (2-10° C., or 1-5° C.), the yogurt product can have a shelf-stable range of about 30 to about 90 days, alternatively a shelf-stable range of about 30 to about 60 days, or alternatively a shelf-stable range of about 30 to about 45 days.

[0067] If desired, the methods disclosed herein can further include a processing step to enhance the shelf-stability of the yogurt product. Such processing steps include, but are not limited to, pasteurization, ultra-high temperature (UHT) sterilization, high pressure processing (HPP), and the like, and combinations thereof. After such processing, the yogurt product can be shelf-stable without refrigeration (at a temperature of about 20 to about 25° C.) for a period ranging from about 7 to about 180 days, from about 7 to about 120 days, from about 14 to about 120 days, or from about 30 to about 150 days.

[0068] The yogurt products of the methods disclosed herein can typically contain a relatively high amount of protein. In one embodiment, the yogurt product can contain about 7 to about 25% protein by weight (e.g., about 7 to about 12% protein by weight). In another embodiment, the yogurt product can contain about 9 to about 20% protein by weight (e.g., about 9 to about 12% protein by weight). In yet another embodiment, the yogurt product can contain about 8 to about 13% protein by weight (e.g., about 8 to about 10% protein by weight). In yet another embodiment, the yogurt product can contain about 12 to about 20% protein by weight.

[0069] The lactose content of the yogurt product is not limited to any particular range, but in many cases the yogurt product may contain about 0.5 to about 3% lactose by weight, or about 1 to 2% lactose by weight. Additionally or alternatively, the yogurt product may advantageously have a relatively high weight ratio of lactose to protein (protein:lactose), such as 4:1 or more, 5:1 or more, 6:1 or more, 8:1 or more, or 10:1 or more. At high levels of protein content (e.g., 15-20% by weight), the amount of lactose may be less than 1% by weight (approaching zero). Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, the protein:lactose ratio may be greater than 50:1, or greater than 100:1. In the following examples, the protein:lactose ratio ranges from 5:1 to 6:1.

[0070] Further, the yogurt product may be characterized by a solids content ranging from about 10 to about 30% by weight, about 12 to about 20% by weight, about 11 to about 19% by weight, or about 13 to about 16% by weight. Additionally or alternatively, the yogurt product may be characterized by a titratable acidity (% lactic acid) ranging from about 0.75 to about 2% or about 1 to about 1.5% by weight. Additionally or alternatively, the yogurt product may be characterized by a fat content of about 0.7% by weight or less, about 0.5% by weight or less, or about 0.3% by weight or less, or a fat content of about 1 to about 8% by weight, or about 2 to about 7% by weight. Additionally or alternatively, the yogurt product may be characterized by a mineral content of about 0.8 to about 2% by weight, or about 0.9 to about 1.5% by weight.

[0071] An illustrative, non-limiting example of a suitable method for producing a yogurt product consistent with embodiments of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. First, fresh whole milk is separated into cream and skim milk. The skim milk product is then subjected to ultrafiltration, such as through a polymeric membrane system as described herein, resulting in a retentate that is often referred to as a protein-fortified milk fraction. Additional milk fractions, such as cream, are then combined with the protein-fortified milk fraction to form a standard yogurt base having the desired amounts of each dairy component (e.g., protein, fat, lactose, and minerals).

[0072] In FIG. 1, a yogurt base is pasteurized and then cooled to a temperature of 40-45° C., the yogurt base is inoculated with yogurt cultures, and the inoculated yogurt base is incubated (or fermented) until a target pH is reached, for example a pH of 4.6. The resulting fermented product is subjected to agitation to break up the curds and then a heat treatment step, typically in the range of 55-65° C. The fermented product is then subjected to ultrafiltration, such as through a ceramic membrane system as described herein, to produce a retentate, often referred to as the yogurt product, and a permeate, which contains the acid whey from the fermented product.

[0073] The flavor, sugar / sweetener, and stabilizer ingredients are combined with the yogurt product in Figure 1, then cooled to 20-25°C and packaged (e.g., aseptically) into suitable containers such as bottles, cups, or bags. The packaged yogurt product is typically stored under refrigerated conditions, often in the range of 1-5°C.

[0074] Another illustrative, non-limiting example of a suitable process for producing a yogurt product consistent with embodiments of the present invention is shown in Figure 2. The process in Figure 2 is the same as that shown in Figure 1, except that the fermented product is subjected to a mechanical separation process (such as centrifugation instead of ultrafiltration with a ceramic membrane system) to obtain a retentate, often referred to as the yogurt product, and a permeate that includes acid whey from the fermented product. EXAMPLES

[0075] The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples, which should not be construed as imposing limitations on the scope of the present invention in any way. After reading the description herein, various other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

[0076] Total solids (wt%) was measured according to procedure SMEDP 15.10 C with a CEM Turbo Solids and Moisture Analyzer (CEM Corporation, Matthews, North Carolina). Ash is the residue remaining at a constant weight after ignition in a suitable apparatus at 550°C, such treatment at 550°C typically destroys all organic matter, with the remaining material generally being primarily mineral (Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, 17th Edition (2004), American Public Health Association, Washington, DC). Ash testing was performed using a Phoenix (CEM Microwave Furnace) where samples were heated to 550°C for 30 minutes. Ash was measured in wt%. Mineral content (wt%) is generally similar to ash content (wt%), and therefore ash test results are used for quantification of total mineral content in this disclosure.

[0077] Specific Ca, Mg, Na, and K contents were measured using a Perkin Elmer atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Samples were treated with trichloroacetic acid to precipitate proteins, and the filtrate was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Phosphorus content was measured by inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International, 8th Edition, Methods 965.17 and 985.01). Chlorine content was measured by Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International, 8th Edition, Methods 963.05, 972.27, and 986.26; AOAC International, Gaithersburg, MD (2005). Titratable acidity (%) was measured according to American Public Health Association Method 15.021, 17th Edition, Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products.

[0078] Tables I-VIII summarize the compositional information for the production of the yogurt product described herein and shown in Figures 1-2. First, the raw or fresh milk product was separated into skim milk product and cream. The respective compositions of the raw milk product, skim milk product, and cream are summarized in Table I. The skim milk product is subjected to ultrafiltration at a temperature of about 5°C using a polymeric membrane system with a molecular weight cut-off of 10,000 Daltons, resulting in a yogurt base with higher protein and solids content. The composition of this yogurt base (UF skim milk) at a pH of 6.6-6.8 is summarized in Table I and detailed in Hyou II.

[0079] The UF skim milk yogurt base was pasteurized at 88-92°C for 6-8 min, cooled to ~40°C, and then inoculated with yogurt cultures including 0.004-0.009 wt% Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus and fermented at ~40°C for 4-8 h to reach a pH of 4.4-4.6. After stirring and thermal treatment at 55-60°C for ~3 min, the fermented product was ultrafiltered at 45-55°C using a ceramic membrane system with a pore size of about 0.1 μm to obtain a high protein yogurt product (skim Greek yogurt), the composition of which is summarized in Table I and detailed in Table VI. Substantially all (>90 wt%) of the acid whey was removed in the ceramic membrane ultrafiltration step, and the weight ratio of yogurt product to acid whey in the fermented product was about 40:60. The composition of the acid whey (permeate) is detailed in Table IV.

[0080] In another experiment, a UF skim milk product (protein fortified) was combined with cream to obtain a yogurt base with higher protein, fat, and solids. The composition of this yogurt base (UF skim milk + cream) is summarized in Table I and detailed in Table III. The UF skim milk + cream yogurt base was then processed in a similar manner to the UF skim milk yogurt base described above. The resulting fermented product was subjected to ultrafiltration using a ceramic membrane system to obtain a high protein yogurt product (whole Greek yogurt). Its composition is summarized in Table I and detailed in Table VII. Substantially all of the acid whey (over 90% by weight) was removed in the ultrafiltration step, and the weight ratio of yogurt product to acid whey in the fermented product was about 50:50. The composition of the acid whey (permeate) is detailed in Table V.

[0081] An example configuration demonstrating the unexpected benefits of the disclosed method is summarized in Table VIII, where yogurt bases with different protein contents are listed (A=3.2 wt%, B=4.46 wt%, C=5 wt%, D=6 wt%). The estimated amount of acid whey (in kg) that would be produced per 100 kg of yogurt product to produce a Greek yogurt product with a target or nominal 10 wt% protein content is shown in Table VIII for each yogurt base (and yogurt base protein content). Advantageously, increasing the protein content of the yogurt base can dramatically reduce the amount of acid whey that is produced and must be discarded. Increasing the protein content in the yogurt base from 3.2 to 5 wt% (or 4.46 to 6 wt%) can reduce the amount of acid whey by-product by up to 50%.

[0082] [Table 1]

[0083] [Table 2]

[0084]

Table 3

[0085]

Table 4

[0086]

Table 5

[0087]

Table 6

[0088]

Table 7

[0089]

Table 8

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing a yogurt product, comprising the steps of: (a) concentrating a skim milk product to produce a protein-enriched milk fraction containing from 3.5 to 6% by weight protein; (b) combining the protein enriched milk fraction with additional milk fractions comprising cream and / or skim milk to produce a standardized yoghurt base comprising 3.5 to 6% by weight protein; (c) inoculating a standard yogurt base with a yogurt culture and fermenting the inoculated yogurt base to produce a fermented product; and (d) removing at least a portion of the acid whey from the fermented product to form the yogurt product, the removing step comprising ultrafiltering the fermented product.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the protein-enriched milk fraction comprises from 3.8 to 5.5% by weight of protein, from 3.7 to 5% by weight of protein, or from 3.7 to 4.5% by weight of protein.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the additional milk fraction comprises cream.

4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional milk fraction comprises skim milk.

5. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the concentrating step of the skim milk product in step (a) comprises subjecting the skim milk product to ultrafiltration, microfiltration, nanofiltration, or reverse osmosis.

6. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the standard yoghurt base in step (b) is characterised by a calcium to protein weight ratio in the range of 0.02 to 0.04 and a phosphorus to protein weight ratio in the range of 0.013 to 0.

033.

7. 1. A method for producing a yogurt product, comprising the steps of: (i) concentrating the skim milk product to produce a standardized yoghurt base containing from 3.5 to 6% by weight of protein and characterised by a calcium to protein weight ratio in the range of from 0.02 to 0.04 and a phosphorus to protein weight ratio in the range of from 0.013 to 0.033; (ii) inoculating a standard yogurt base with a yogurt culture and fermenting the inoculated yogurt base to produce a fermented product; and (iii) removing at least a portion of the acid whey from the fermented product to form the yogurt product, the removing step comprising ultrafiltering the fermented product.

8. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of concentrating the skim milk product in step (i) comprises ultrafiltration of the skim milk product or microfiltration of the skim milk product.

9. 9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising the step of separating the raw milk product into a skim milk product and a cream prior to step (a) or step (i).

10. 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the standard yoghurt base comprises from 3.8 to 5.5% by weight protein, from 3.7 to 5% by weight protein, or from 3.7 to 4.5% by weight protein.

11. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the standard yoghurt base is characterised by a solids content in the range of 9 to 20% by weight, 9.5 to 15% by weight, or 10 to 14% by weight.

12. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the standard yoghurt base is characterised by a calcium content in the range of from 1100 to 1800 ppm, from 1200 to 1800 ppm, or from 1200 to 1600 ppm (by weight).

13. 13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the standardized yoghurt base is characterised by a phosphorus content in the range of 800 to 1200 ppm, 850 to 1150 ppm, or 800 to 1100 ppm (by weight).

14. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising between steps (b) and (c) or between steps (i) and (ii) a step of pasteurising the standard yoghurt base.

15. 15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the skim milk product in step (a) or step (i) is concentrated at a temperature in the range of from 3 to 15°C, from 3 to 10°C, or from 5 to 8°C.

16. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the fermented product is ultrafiltered at a temperature in the range of from 35 to 55°C, from 40 to 60°C, or from 45 to 55°C.

17. 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% by weight of the acid whey is removed in step (d) or step (iii).

18. 18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the yoghurt product is characterised by a protein:lactose weight ratio of at least 4:1, at least 5:1, or at least 8:1 and at most 100:1, or at most 50:

1.

19. 19. The method of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising combining the yogurt product with the ingredients and packaging it in a container.

20. 20. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the yogurt product is shelf stable for 30 to 90 days, or 30 to 45 days, refrigerated at 2 to 10°C, or 1 to 5°C.

21. 21. The method of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the yogurt product is shelf stable for from 7 to 180 days, or from 14 to 120 days, without refrigeration at a temperature in the range of from 20 to 25°C.

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