Cheddar Cheese Research Articles

The effect of bovine diets and stages of lactation on vitamin K content in butter and Cheddar cheese

This study investigated the vitamin K content in butter and Cheddar cheese produced from the milk of cows fed three different diets: pasture-fed (GRS), total mixed ration (TMR), and partial mixed ration (PMR), across early, mid, and late stages of lactation. Vitamin K1 and menaquinones (MK)-4, 7, and 9 were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector. Results showed that butter and Cheddar cheese made from higher ratio of pasture-fed milk exhibited significantly higher K1 levels (P<0.05). GRS butter demonstrated the highest MK-4 content (P<0.05), whereas TMR Cheddar cheese showed the highest MK-4 levels (P<0.05), followed by GRS and PMR cheeses. Mid-lactation butter contained higher concentrations of K1 and MK-4 compared to early- or late-lactation stages (P<0.05). Late-lactation Cheddar cheese contained significantly higher K1, MK-4, and MK-9 than early or mid-lactation cheeses (P<0.05). These findings suggest that bovine diets with a higher pasture-fed ratio can enhance the vitamin K content in dairy products.

Antioxidant, Antihypertensive, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Long-Term Ripened Cheddar Cheese Water-Soluble Extract

Antioxidant, Antihypertensive, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Long-Term Ripened Cheddar Cheese Water-Soluble Extract

Advances in Spectroscopic Methods for Predicting Cheddar Cheese Maturity: A Review of FT-IR, NIR, and NMR Techniques

The quest for reliable techniques to predict Cheddar cheese maturity has gained momentum to ensure quality and consistency in large-scale production. Given the complexity of cheese ripening and the industry’s need for fast and reliable evaluation methods, this review addresses the challenge by scrutinising the application of spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), near-infrared (NIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). These methods are evaluated for their noninvasive and rapid on-site analysis capabilities, which are essential for ensuring quality in cheese production. This review synthesises current research findings, discusses the potential and limitations of each technique, and highlights future research directions. Overall, NIR spectroscopy emerges as the most promising, offering quick, nondestructive assessments and reasonably accurate compositional predictions, crucial for real-time maturation monitoring. It provides rapid results within minutes, making it significantly faster than FT-IR and NMR. While FT-IR also offers high accuracy, it typically requires longer analysis times due to extensive calibration and can be sensitive to sample conditions, while NMR, although highly accurate, involves complex and time-consuming procedures. Nonetheless, further studies are necessary to refine these spectroscopic techniques, enhance their predictive accuracy, and deepen the understanding of the correlations between chemical attributes and sensory qualities in Cheddar cheese.

Levels of three natural milk antimicrobial proteins during the manufacture of Cheddar cheese

Variations in cheese quality are explained by many factors. Among them, some influence the microbiota of cheeses such as native milk antimicrobial proteins. This project aimed to determine the concentration and activity of lactoferrin (LF), lactoperoxidase (LP) and lysozyme (LZ) during cheesemaking. Each antimicrobial protein was analyzed by two methods. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was utilized to analyze each antimicrobial protein. In addition, LP was measured by spectrometry and LZ by fluorescence. Despite the lack of correlation between the results obtained by ELISA and the other methods, the measurement of LF, LP and LZ in raw milk and thermized milk showed no significant differences. The ELISA methods were selected to determine the retention of LF, LP and LZ in fresh cheese made from thermized milk. A total of 12 independent assays of cheddar cheese made commercially by a Canadian Dairy processor and at a pilot plant were evaluated. The concentration and activity of the three antimicrobial proteins were higher in cheese than in milk by an average factor of 3.5. These results allow a better understanding of the transition of the antimicrobial proteins present in milk when making cheese and to potentially, be able to control their concentration.

Eco-efficiency of coffee production and consumption in the UK at the product and sectoral levels

Coffee is one of the most consumed products globally, and yet its eco-efficiency is still unknown. To address this knowledge gap, this paper examines for the first time the life cycle eco-efficiency of different coffee drinks to identify the most sustainable options and opportunities for improvements in the coffee industry. Nine types of coffee are considered: espresso, latte, cappuccino, Americano, drip-filter, coffee pods, spray-dried and freeze-dried instant, and instant coffee mix. Taking a cradle-to-grave approach, the following life stages are included: coffee cultivation, production and consumption, and end-of-life valorisation of spent coffee grounds. The methodology follows the eco-efficiency ISO 14045 standard to measure the environmental efficiency of a system relative to the economic value it generates. The eco-efficiency is estimated at both the product (one serving) and sectoral (annual consumption) levels based on life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC) and economic value added (VA). The results show that latte has the highest environmental impacts and LCC but it also has the highest VA at both the product and sectoral levels. Spray-dried instant coffee, on the other hand, has the lowest impacts but also the lowest VA, which makes it the least eco-efficient option. Espresso emerges as the most eco-efficient drink because it has moderate environmental impacts and high VA. Latte and coffee pods are the second most eco-efficient drinks, followed by cappuccino, Americano, and instant coffee mix. Valorising spent coffee grounds could reduce the environmental impacts, LCC and increase the VA at the sectoral level. For example, the climate change impact would be reduced by 80.5–132.1 kt CO2 eq./yr and primary energy demand by 0.9–2.3 PJ/yr while also increasing the VA by £50.2–95 M/yr. When compared to some other food sectors, coffee is 6.4 times more eco-efficient than cheddar cheese and 5.4 times than ice cream and biscuits, respectively. The findings of this study can be used to guide businesses, consumers and policy makers in identifying more eco-efficient coffee products and improving the environmental and economic sustainability of the coffee industry.

Impact of ripening periods on the key volatile compounds of Cheddar cheese evaluated by sensory evaluation, instrumental analysis and chemometrics method

Impact of ripening periods on the key volatile compounds of Cheddar cheese evaluated by sensory evaluation, instrumental analysis and chemometrics method

High voltage pre-treatment on cheddar cheese for model cheese feed preparation

The growing consumer demand for clean label food products has led to the search for alternatives to calcium-chelating salts in cheese powder production. Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology presents a promising green processing approach with its ability to disrupt casein networks. This study investigated the impact of PEF treatment on Cheddar cheese properties and the resulting model cheese emulsion. Response surface methodology revealed that pulse repetition and electric field strength are the primary parameters influencing the solubilization of calcium and phosphorus from the cheese matrix. Texture profile analysis indicated a notable reduction in cheese hardness with the application of PEF. Despite the significant impact of PEF on cheese structure, our study found no substantial alterations in the emulsion stability of cheeses treated with the applied PEF parameters. These promising results highlight the need for further exploration of alternative PEF parameters, such as different waveforms (i.e. exponential) or shorter pulse durations (nanoseconds), to unlock the full potential of PEF for clean label cheese powder production.

Identification and Molecular Docking of ACE Inhibitory Peptides Derived from Sodium Substituted Cheddar Cheese

Identification and Molecular Docking of ACE Inhibitory Peptides Derived from Sodium Substituted Cheddar Cheese

Analysis of the sweetening effects of lactone and ketone compounds in a cheddar cheese matrix using sensory analysis and molecular simulation

This study evaluated the effects of lactone and ketone compounds on sweetness perception in a Cheddar cheese matrix. According to the static sensory evaluation, a ternary mixture of γ-decanolactone/δ-decanolactone/acetoin at middle and high concentrations exhibited a significant sweetening effect closely related to olfactory input. Dynamic sensory evaluation showed that a γ-decanolactone/δ-decanolactone/acetoin ternary mixture at middle and high concentrations could enhance the sweetness perception of a Cheddar cheese matrix at different sucrose concentrations during oral processing. Molecular docking showed that the ternary mixture of γ-decanolactone/δ-decanolactone/acetoin with sucrose-T1R2 increased the number of hydrogen bond binding sites and increased the number of hydrophobic interaction sites. Molecular dynamics suggested that the molecular conformation of sucrose and T1R2 was more compact and stable in the ternary mixture. Additionally, in the presence of the ternary system, the binding free energy of the re-docking of sucrose and T1R2 was −7.28 kcal/mol, indicating that the docking structure is stable. This stability is maintained by the hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction between the T1R2-sucrose complex and aroma mixtures. These findings provide a theoretical basis for using cross-modal perception to sweeten Cheddar cheese to cater to consumers’ pursuit of sweetness.

Analisis Persediaan Bahan Baku Susu pada Produksi Keju British Cheddar dengan Metode Economic Order Quantity ( EOQ ) di PT. Mazaraat Lokanatura Indonesia Pasuruan

To achieve profit, companies usually process raw materials into finished or semi-finished goods. Therefore, in this company, controlling and managing raw materials becomes an important factor influencing the smooth production process to achieve desired goals. Cow's milk is one of the popular agricultural products, and cheese is a dairy product consumed globally. PT Mazaraat Lokanatura Indonesia is a company that produces local Yogyakarta cheese and creamery products. The instability of organic milk quality from local farmers often negatively impacts the production process and the final quality of the company's British Cheddar Cheese products. This instability also affects raw material inventory planning, so the company must be more careful in maintaining the quality and quantity of organic milk stock to ensure optimal production. To address this issue, an analysis of raw milk inventory using the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) method was conducted. This research began with observations and identification of problems related to raw material inventory management that could affect production efficiency and operational costs. Then, data collection was conducted regarding the demand amount, order time, ordering cost, and milk storage cost. The research results show that the application of EOQ is proven effective in optimizing inventory costs. Using EOQ allows the company to manage the optimal order quantity, significantly reducing total ordering costs by decreasing the order frequency.

SURVEY OF SODIUM GLUCONATE CONTENT IN RETAIL CHEDDAR CHEESE

The presence of sodium gluconate in Cheddar cheese, which can be added as a processing aid during manufacture, has been shown as a contributing factor to gas production and gas defects in aged cheese. A survey of gluconate content in retail Cheddar cheese was performed. Fifty-three retail packs of cheddar cheese were purchased from stores in Utah as either blocks, shreds, sliced cheeses or individual-sized cuts and sticks. This included mild, medium and sharp cheeses. Analysis of gluconate content was performed using an enzyme assay. Levels of gluconate ≥ 0.1% were found in 7 samples with the highest level being 0.45% (wt/wt).

Cheddar cheese production, structure and in-vitro semi-dynamic gastric digestion: The role of β-casein phenotype

The objective of this study was to establish the impact of β-casein A1/A1, A1/A2 and A2/A2 phenotypes on the cheese-making process, cheese structure and on the subsequent in vitro gastric digestion properties of the cheese samples. The time required for curd cutting in cheese milk containing β-casein A2/A2 was significantly delayed, compared to milks containing β-caseins A1/A1 and A1/A2. After 180 days of ripening no differences were observed in the level of soluble nitrogen at pH 4.6 between any of the cheese samples, with a decrease in the level of aggregated β-sheets and increase in the level of β-turns and random coils observed in all cheese over the ripening period. During simulated gastric digestion, cheese samples took between 15 and 20 min to form the initial digesta coagulum, which occurred between pH 4.3 and 4.0. The rate of protein breakdown was slower in A2/A2 cheese, with less cheese structure degradation occurring, compared to β-casein A1 containing cheeses. This study has shown that rennet coagulation takes significantly longer in cheese milk containing only β-casein A2/A2, and that there was less protein breakdown during its simulated gastric digestion.

Phosphorous intake in foods and phosphorus status markers in circulation in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study

Phosphorus (P) additives may be deleterious for health. We measured the P content of key foods, and associations of P intake with biomarkers in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (BPRHS). Direct chemical analysis of 92 foods was done with the molybdenum blue spectrophotometric method and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A novel algorithm was used to determine bioavailable, natural, and added P. We estimated P intakes from foods in 1323 participants, aged 45–75 y, and associations of these with serum P, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and Klotho. Relationships between intakes and status markers were assessed with Pearson’s correlations and t-tests. Our food analyses generally support P values in the USDA nutrient database, with the exceptions of American and cheddar cheese, which had more P than in the database. Women had higher added P intake than men, and younger participants had higher added P than those older. Total P intake tended to be positively associated with serum P and klotho, and inversely associated with PTH, but relationships were not strong. Puerto Rican adults have high intake of additive P. Culturally sensitive interventions that highlight dietary quality are needed.

A Comparison of the Effects of Dairy Products with their Plant-based Alternatives on Metabolic Responses in Healthy Young Canadian Adults: a randomized cross-over study.

Plant-based food demand is rapidly increasing. However, the metabolic responses of plant proteins within their commercially available form remains unclear. Two randomized crossover experiments compared plant-based alternatives to dairy on postprandial glycemia, metabolic hormones, and appetite before and after a fixed size (12 kcal/kg body weight) pasta meal in sixteen healthy young adults (eight males and eight females). In experiment one, participants (22.8±2.3y) consumed one-serving of Greek yogurt (175g), cheddar cheese (30g), plant-based cheese (30g), or plant-based yogurt (175g). In experiment two, participants (22.3±2.4y) consumed one-serving (250 mL) of cow's milk, vanilla soy beverage or vanilla almond beverage, and (30 g) of cheddar cheese or plant-based cheese. Blood glucose, insulin, and appetite were measured at baseline, post-treatment, and following a fixed-size pasta meal (post-meal) within 15-30 min. In experiment two, C-peptide, GLP-1, and ghrelin were measured. Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese lowered post-meal blood glucose more than their plant-based alternatives (p <0.01) and post-treatment blood glucose was higher following almond beverage than cheddar cheese and plant-based cheese (p <0.01). In experiment 1, post-treatment insulin was higher after Greek yogurt than cheddar cheese and plant-based cheese and all treatments post-meal (p <0.02). Post-meal appetite was lower after plant-based yogurt than cheddar cheese and plant-based cheese (p <0.01). In experiment 2, post-treatment insulin was higher after almond beverage compared to all treatments (p <0.01) and post-meal GLP-1 was higher after milk than almond beverage (p =0.03). We conclude that the physiological functionality of plant-based alternatives as measured by blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and GLP-1 did not replicate the metabolic functions of dairy products.

Physicochemical, techno-functional, and proteolytic effects of various hydrocolloids as fat replacers in low-fat cheddar cheese

This study aimed to investigate the physiochemical properties, techno-functional attributes, and proteolytic impacts of incorporating different hydrocolloids as fat substitutes in low-fat cheddar cheese. The effects of hydrocolloids (gums) and dietary fiber, both individually and in combination, were studied for the production of low-fat cheddar cheese with the same textural and functional attributes as full-fat cheese. Physicochemical, techno-functional attributes, organic acid, and proteolysis analyses were performed at 0 and 90-day storage intervals. The results of different combinations were compared with positive (4% fat) and negative (2% fat) controls, and it was observed that using fat replacers improved the textural and functional properties of low-fat cheddar cheese. A significant difference was observed in the meltability and flowability of low-fat cheese samples with different analytes. The proteolysis pattern in low-fat cheese also differed from that of its full-fat counterpart. Three treatments were considered the best: T2 (guar gum at 0.45%), T6 (guar gum, inulin, and resistant starch at 33%), and T7 (all analytes at equal concentrations). The findings revealed that hydrocolloids notably improved the texture, meltability, and sensory characteristics of low-fat cheddar cheese. Additionally, SEM images revealed that the microstructure variations can be attributed to changes in the hydrocolloids water retention and fat content. The Pearson correlation coefficient revealed relationships between different functional properties, contributing to understanding how hydrocolloids as fat replacers impact the overall quality of low-fat cheddar cheese. This study offers useful information for the dairy sector to manufacture low-fat cheeses that have enhanced customer acceptance and provide nutritional advantages.

Opportunities and challenges of hybrid meat products: a viewpoint article

SummaryHybrid foods are made by blending animal‐based and plant‐based ingredients to make food products that are similar to the 100% animal‐based ones. Examples include hybrid meat products such as burgers or minced meat with vegetables or more recently hybrid dairy products such as cheddar cheese with oats. While hybrid meat products have been launched in several countries by both retailers and foodservice outlets, there are very few examples of hybrid meat products still available in the market, such as hybrid nuggets targeting children and hybrid minced meat products. This short viewpoint article covers some of the possible reasons this might be happening, presents examples of successful hybrid food products, discusses the importance of sustainability claims and the potential of hybrid meals.

The impact of seasonal calving systems with varying pasture allowance on Cheddar cheese composition, nutritional quality and ripening characteristics

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of stage of lactation (early, mid and late) and proportion of pasture in the cows diet (high: GRS, medium: PMR and no: TMR) on the composition and quality of Cheddar cheese. Triplicate trials were carried out in each stage of lactation, and milk protein and fat contents were standardized for Cheddar cheese manufacture at pilot scale. As cheese milks were standardized for milk fat and protein contents, gross composition did not differ as a result of diet. Fatty acid profiles of GRS cheese were significantly different from TMR, while PMR profiles were less distinct and more similar to both GRS and TMR profiles, as illustrated by partial least squares discriminatory analysis. Fatty acids including CLA C18:2 cis-9, trans-11, C22:1 n-9 and C18:3 n-3 were most influential in this separation of profiles. Fatty acid profiling revealed that GRS derived cheese contained higher proportions of nutrients considered beneficial for human health including higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids. A biomarker model utilizing the proportions of 5 fatty acids was constructed and was effective at distinguishing between cheese of GRS, TMR and PMR feeding systems. Proportions of ρ-κ-casein, αs2-casein and αs1-casein in cheese also differed between diets while proportions of ρ-κ-casein, αs1-casein and β-casein were lowest in late lactation cheese. The impact of diet was less influential compared with that of stage of lactation on the ripening characteristics of cheese. An index of primary proteolysis was highest in late lactation cheese. The peptides derived from the proteolysis of κ-casein and β-casein and levels of secondary proteolysis, in particular, the proportions of 12 free amino acids were most influenced by stage of lactation. Overall this study demonstrated the effects of increasing pasture allowance and stage of lactation on the nutritional quality and ripening properties of Cheddar cheese.

Silkworm pupae protein-based film incorporated with Catharanthus roseus leaf extract-based nanoparticles enhanced the lipid stability and microbial quality of cheddar cheese

The study aimed to develop a silkworm pupae protein-based film for enhancing the lipid oxidative and microbial stability of cheddar cheese. The bioactive properties were imparted to the silkworm pupae protein-based film using an optimum level (2.0%) of Catharanthus roseus leaf extract-based nanoparticles (Cat-Ros-NPs) synthesised following a green method. The cheese samples were packaged within the treated film (T2, containing 2.0% Cat-Ros-NPs) and compared with control samples [control (cheese samples without any film), T0 (cheese samples within the films without any bioactive agent) and T1 {cheese samples within the films containing 2.0% C. roseus leaf extract (Cat-Ros-Ext)}] during 90 days trial (4±1 °C). The addition of bioactive agents (Cat-Ros-Ext or Cat-Ros-NPs) increased the thickness (µm) as well as density (g/ml) of the film, thereby decreasing the transmittance (%), solubility (%), moisture content (%), and water-vapour transmission rate (mg/mt2). Both the bioactive agents increased the redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) whereas decreased the brightness (L*) of the film. The films enhanced the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the enclosed cheese samples during storage and the highest values were recorded for the samples packed within T2 films. The cheese samples packaged within T2 and T1 films showed significantly lower values for lipid oxidation and microbial counts. This positive effect of the films (T2 and T1) was also recorded on protein oxidation (total-carbonyl content) after day 30 and sensory quality after day 60. Our results indicate the successful use of silkworm pupae protein for the development of bioactive packaging for cheddar cheese.

Biological activities, Peptidomics and in silico analysis of low-fat Cheddar cheese after in vitro digestion: Impact of blending camel and bovine Milk

Cheesemaking with camel milk (CM) presents unique challenges and additional health benefits. This study involved preparing low-fat Cheddar cheese (LFCC) by blending bovine milk (BM) with varying levels of CM. Control cheese was made exclusively with BM. After 180 days of ripening, LFCC samples underwent in vitro digestion to determine antioxidant capacities, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition. The peptide profile of LFCC treatments was analyzed using liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry. Antioxidant and biological activities were influenced by BM-CM blends and digestion. At days 120 and 180, the number of αs1-casein-derived peptides increased in all samples except for LFCC made with 15% CM. Generally, 88 peptides exhibited ACE inhibition activity after 120 days of ripening, increasing to 114 by day 180. These findings suggest that ripening time positively affects the health-promoting aspects of functional cheese products.

Dairy versus non-dairy cheese texture: Sensory and instrumental contrasts.

With growing consumer demand for plant-based products that mimic the eating experience of animal-based products, there is a need for improvement in instrumental measurements of sensory texture. This study aimed to characterize textural differences between dairy and non-dairy cheeses, and to investigate whether Large Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (LAOS) rheometry could discriminate sensory texture better than Texture profile analysis. Commercial dairy and non-dairy cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese were selected to provide a wide range of textures. Sensory evaluation used the check-all-that-apply methodology with 73 consumers. Texture profile analysis force-distance data were analyzed empirically, and also converted to stress and strain (see https://shiny.csiro.au/texture_dash). The major textural differences between dairy and non-dairy cheddar were related to structural cohesion, according to both instrumental measures (dairy cheddar had 1.5-fold higher failure stress and 2.2-fold higher failure strain) and sensory measurements (dairy cheddar was more chewy and less crumbly). In contrast, cream cheeses showed similar textural properties using sensory testing but significant instrumental differences (non-dairy cream cheese had 5.7-fold higher modulus of deformability, 4.7-fold higher failure stress). For mozzarella, there were large differences in both sensory attributes (chewy, crumbly, jelly-like, stretchy) and instrumental parameters (13.6-fold difference in modulus, 2.7-fold difference in failure stress). LAOS rheometry gave insights into the mechanisms by which samples absorbed or dissipated mechanical energy at nonlinear strains. The LAOS parameter correlated well with sensory attributes creamy, fatty/oily, and moist, indicating the potential of this technique to measure structural phenomena linked to sensory attributes that resonate with consumers.