Plant-Based Cheese Composition for Dairy-Like Texture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Plant-based cheeses often suffer from poor organoleptic properties, including taste and texture, compared to their animal-based counterparts.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the combination of specific plant-based cheese materials, including lipids, minerals, preservatives, coloring agents, flavoring agents, polysaccharides, and plant proteins, is used to create a mixture that is poured into a mold and solidified, with specific concentrations and processes like low shear mixing and high shear processing to enhance texture and taste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If plant-based materials are used to create cheese alternatives, then the product is free of animal ingredients and appeals to vegetarian/vegan consumers, but the organoleptic properties (taste and texture) deteriorate compared to animal-based cheeses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedietary compatibilityVSAvoidorganoleptic properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple plant-based components (polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, minerals) in specific formulations to create a plant-based cheese that mimics the organoleptic properties of animal-based cheese. The composite formulation includes specific ratios of ingredients like starch, protein isolates, and fats to achieve desired texture and taste while maintaining vegetarian/vegan compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by carefully controlling the concentrations and ratios of various plant-based ingredients in the formulation. By adjusting parameters such as polysaccharide content, protein type and amount, lipid composition, and mineral content, the invention optimizes the taste and texture properties to resemble animal-based cheese while maintaining plant-based status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If complex processing steps are used to improve texture and taste, then organoleptic properties improve, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture qualityVSAvoidprocessing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-formulating the plant-based ingredients with specific compositions and ratios before the cheese-making process. The ingredients are pre-prepared and pre-combined in controlled proportions, which simplifies the subsequent processing steps while ensuring consistent texture and taste outcomes. This preliminary preparation of materials reduces the complexity of the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The resulting plant-based cheeses exhibit excellent organoleptic properties, with improved taste and texture, resembling dairy-based cheeses, and possess a burst strength suitable for handling and slicing.

Implementation Method 1

solidifying the mixture to provide a product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP4656055A1Plant-based cheeses and processes for making the same
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 SMITH JOSHUA
  • EP4656055A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4656055A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4656055A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to products, such as substantially plant-based cheese products. The substantially plant-based cheese products may have a first polysaccharide at a concentration of 5% w/w or less, a second polysaccharide at a concentration of 5% w/w or less, and a plant protein at a concentration of 5% w/w or less, and/or they may have a burst strength of between about 50 and 110 g as determined using a TA-108S-5i puncture method. Also disclosed are methods of making the same.