One of the primary sources of protein in the human diet is dairy. Surprisingly to many, much of the dairy protein we consume doesn’t come in the form of a glass of milk. Rather, food manufacturers incorporate milk protein concentrate (MPC) into everyday food items. Milk Protein Concentrate is a concentrated dairy protein containing both casein and whey in a typical ratio of 80:20 respectively.
How does milk protein concentrate factor into the broader food manufacturing landscape? Read on to learn more about this crucial food ingredient and how PacMoore processes it into a variety of forms.
MPC: Milk Protein Concentrate Explained
When you think protein, meat probably comes to mind. While meat (including meat, eggs, fish, certain nuts) is in fact a major source for protein, it’s just one of the two main categories. The other includes milk, yogurt and cheeses. Products derived from or including milk protein concentrate fall into this latter category.
Milk protein concentrate is typically made via a filtration process. To extract MPC protein, the milk must first be divided into skim milk and cream. From there, food manufacturers are able to concentrate the skim milk to its whey and casein components. In some cases, the ratio of casein to whey can be adjusted based on the purpose. In its primary state, however, the ratio is identical to that of milk.
While that in itself might appeal to consumers with an appetite for protein, MPC has a wide range of uses.
How Milk Protein Concentrate Is Used
MPC can be used as a nutritional additive in a host of food products. As an ingredient, MPC’s funcational properties make it useful across a variety of product lines. Here are some examples:
- Baking: In some baked goods, milk protein concentrate aids in the browning process, making products more enticing.
- Meats: MPC can act as an emulsifier in meat-salting applications. As such, MPC can create and stabilize fat emulsion.
- Dairy: When added into certain dairy products such as yogurts, cheese and sauces, milk protein concentrate acts as a thickening agent — increasing viscosity as desired.
- Desserts: Various meringues and icings use MPC to make them more appetizing. The ingredient can be used to create a sort of bubble film.
How Can PacMoore Incorporate MPC into Your Products?
As a leader in food manufacturing services, we’ve built our reputation on our ability to serve our customers in virtually any capacity needed. Whether it’s incorporating MPC into food products for nutritional value or improving your product’s consistency and appeal, our processes are designed specifically to function well with proteins. While PacMoore does not manufacture MPC’s, we utilize them in further processing. We both process and incorporate MPC into products ranging from spray dried powders to extruded crisps.
PacMoore is always on the cutting edge of food manufacturing processes. We lead the way when it comes to innovative uses for products including milk protein concentrate. Our skilled technical leaders and food manufacturers at PacMoore work closely with food companies to meet their product goals.
Learn more about milk protein concentrate and our comprehensive service offerings. Contact us today.