Processed Cheese Products Research Articles

Impact of reduced sucrose content on processed cheese: Sensory, textural, and storage stability analysis

The present study examines the impact of varying sucrose concentrations (12%, 6%, and 0%) on the sensory qualities and storage stability of processed cheese. Our findings reveal that sucrose is crucial for enhancing color depth, modulating flavor, and improving texture. Specifically, higher sucrose levels impart a caramel color, increase sweetness, and maintain a harmonious balance between salty and sour tastes, thereby mitigating the intensification of unwanted flavors (P < 0.05). Furthermore, sucrose acts as a structural element that bolsters viscoelastic properties and prolongs storage stability; increased sucrose content slows flavor degradation and preserves textural consistency over time. While reductions in sucrose do not significantly compromise the texture of fresh samples (P > 0.05), they necessitate adjustments in flavor profiles. This research highlights the essential role of sucrose in processed cheese and sets the stage for further studies on sugar reduction strategies and the potential use of alternative fillers, marking a significant step forward in the development of processed cheese products.

Impact of maturity level and geometric cuts of natural cheese on processed cheese product functionality

The study aimed to see the effect of maturity and different geometric cuts of Cheddar cheeses on processed cheese products (PCP) functional properties. Four Cheddar cheeses (mild, medium, sharp, and extra-sharp) were selected to manufacture PCP. The PCP made using extra-sharp Cheddar was soft and had higher meltability. The G′ and G″ values of mild and extra-sharp Cheddar PCP observed a similar trend, whereas medium and sharp Cheddar PCP followed a similar trend. In study 2, different geometric cuts, small cubes (SC), large cubes (LC), thin shreds (TN), and thick shreds (TK) of medium (M) and extra-sharp (ES) Cheddar cheese were used for PCP manufacture. The PCP with ES shreds (TN and TK) had higher meltability. The PCP with ES-TK was softer. In conclusion, maturation and geometric cuts significantly impacted the product's functionality. Manufacturers should select proper cutting equipment to extract full functional benefits and possibly reduce emulsifying salt usage.

Manufacture of loaf‐type processed cheese products using transglutaminase crosslinked micellar casein concentrate and milk protein concentrate

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of transglutaminase (TGase; 0, 0.3 and 3.0 units/g of protein) crosslinked micellar casein concentrate (MCC) and milk protein concentrate (MPC) on the functionality of process cheese product (PCP) loaf‐type formulation. The results showed that TGase significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased viscosity after manufacture. Higher TGase levels also significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected post‐manufacture melt characteristics such as melt viscosity and melt area measured using a rapid visco analyser and Schreiber melt test respectively. The study shows that the TGase treatment alters meltability of PCP.

Hygienic assessment of palm oil content in dairy products as a measure of health protection

Nutrition provides the most important function of the human body, providing it with the energy it needs for an active life and longevity. Experts of the World Health Organization have proven that eating palm oil leads to obesity and the development of chronic diseases on a global scale. The aim of the study was to examine different types of dairy products of brands popular on the modern Ukrainian market for the content of palm oil. Materials and methods. To carry out the research, we purchased the following dairy products: pasteurized milk, pasteurized milk-containing drink, sour cream, milk-containing sour cream product, hard cheese and cheese product, processed cheese and processed cheese product, as well as sweet cream butter and vegetable cream product of popular brands. The research was carried out using the methods described in the educational literature on the hygienic examination of milk and dairy products. The choice of methods was based on ease of implementation and reproducibility at home. Results. As a result of the use of selected research methods, characteristic differences between natural products and those containing palm oil have been established. The conducted research will allow consumers to quickly determine the content of vegetable fats in dairy products under normal conditions and choose natural, healthy and safe products for their nutrition. Conclusion. After analyzing the milk and milk-containing products of the most popular brands for the presence of palm oil in their composition, we found that no vegetable fats were found in dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, and sour cream). The presence of vegetable fat was detected in milk-containing products, which was indicated on the packaging as part of the products. So, as a result of the conducted research, we came to the conclusion that manufacturers comply with the requirements of current legislation and warn consumers about the presence of fats of vegetable origin in milk-containing products

Effect of emulsifying salts on functional, textural and rheological properties of milk protein concentrate 80 (MPC80) based processed cheese product

The effect of trisodium citrate (TSC), tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) at different concentrations (2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%) on the physicochemical, textural and rheological properties of milk protein concentrate (MPC) 80 based processed cheese product (PCP) was investigated. In comparison with all PCPs, TSC containing PCPs exhibited no oiling off with superior meltability and flowability. Textural properties revealed that hardness decreased with increasing concentration of emulsifying salt (ES). PCP sample containing SHMP showed maximum hardness. At a constant temperature, G' and G'' increased with increasing angular frequency. The melting point of TSC (2.0 & 2.5%) containing PCP samples were 70°C & 74°C, respectively. This study suggests, use of TSC at 2.5% level in manufacturing PCPs using MPC and butter can result in a processed cheese like product. However, more processing interventions are needed for improving the textural and sensorial characteristics of the PCPs.

Manufacture of a novel cultured micellar casein concentrate ingredient for emulsifying salt–free process cheese products applications

Micellar casein concentrate (MCC) is a high protein ingredient that is typically produced using 3 stages of microfiltration with a 3× concentration factor and diafiltration. Acid curd is an acid protein concentrate, which can be obtained by precipitating the casein at pH 4.6 (isoelectric point) using starter cultures or direct acids without the use of rennet. Process cheese product (PCP) is a dairy food prepared by blending dairy ingredients with nondairy ingredients and then heating the mixture to get a product with an extended shelf-life. Emulsifying salts are critical for the desired functional characteristics of PCP because of their role in calcium sequestration and pH adjustment. The objectives of this study were to develop a process to produce a novel cultured micellar casein concentrate ingredient (cMCC; culture-based acid curd) and to produce PCP without emulsifying salts using different combinations of protein from cMCC and MCC in the formulations (2.0:1.0, 1.9:1.1, and 1.8:1.2). Skim milk was pasteurized at 76°C for 16 s and then microfiltered in 3 microfiltration stages using graded permeability ceramic membranes to produce liquid MCC (11.15% total protein; TPr and 14.06% total solids; TS). Part of the liquid MCC was spray dried to produce MCC powder (75.77% TPr and 97.84% TS). The rest of the MCC was used to produce cMCC (86.9% TPr and 96.4% TS). Three PCP treatments were formulated with different ratios of cMCC:MCC, including 2.0:1.0, 1.9:1.1, and 1.8:1.2 on the protein basis. The composition of PCP was targeted to 19.0% protein, 45.0% moisture, 30.0% fat, and 2.4% salt. This trial was repeated 3 times using different batches of cMCC and MCC powders. All PCP were evaluated for their final functional properties. No significant differences were detected in the composition of PCP made with different ratios of cMCC and MCC except for the pH. The pH was expected to increase slightly with elevating the MCC amount in the PCP formulations. The end apparent viscosity was significantly higher in 2.0:1.0 formulation (4,305 cP) compared with 1.9:1.1 (2,408 cP) and 1.8:1.2 (2,499 cP). The hardness ranged from 407 to 512 g with no significant differences within the formulations. However, the melting temperature showed significant differences with 2.0:1.0 having the highest melting temperature (54.0°C), whereas 1.9:1.1 and 1.8:1.2 showed 43.0 and 42.0°C melting temperature, respectively. The melting diameter (38.8 to 43.9 mm) and melt area (1,183.9 to 1,538.6 mm2) did not show any differences in different PCP formulations. The PCP made with a 2.0:1.0 ratio of protein from cMCC and MCC showed better functional properties compared with other formulations.

Manufacture of process cheese products without emulsifying salts using acid curd and micellar casein concentrate.

Process cheese products (PCP) are dairy foods prepared by blending dairy ingredients (such as natural cheese, protein concentrates, butter, nonfat dry milk, whey powder, and permeate) with nondairy ingredients [such as sodium chloride, water, emulsifying salts (ES), color, and flavors] and then heating the mixture to obtain a homogeneous product with an extended shelf life. The ES, such as sodium citrate and disodium phosphate, are critical for the unique microstructure and functional properties of PCP because they improve the emulsification characteristics of casein by displacing the calcium phosphate complexes that are present in the insoluble calcium-paracaseinate-phosphate network in natural cheese. The objectives of this study were to determine the optimum protein content (3, 6, and 9% protein) in micellar casein concentrate (MCC) to produce acid curd and to manufacture PCP using a combination of acid curd cheese and MCC that would provide the desired improvement in the emulsification capacity of caseins without the use of ES. To produce acid curd, MCC was acidified using lactic acid to get a pH of 4.6. In the experimental formulation, the acid curd was blended with MCC to have a 2:1 ratio of protein from acid curd relative to MCC. The PCP was manufactured by blending all ingredients in a KitchenAid blender (Professional 5 Plus, KitchenAid) to produce a homogeneous paste. A 25-g sample of the paste was cooked in the rapid visco analyzer (RVA) for 3 min at 95°C at 1,000 rpm stirring speed during the first 2 min and 160 rpm for the last min. The cooked PCP was then transferred into molds and refrigerated until further analysis. This trial was repeated 3 times using different batches of acid curd. MCC with 9% protein resulted in acid curd with more adjusted yield. The end apparent viscosity (402.0-483.0 cP), hardness (354.0-384.0 g), melting temperature (48.0-51.0°C), and melting diameter (30.0-31.4 mm) of PCP made from different acid curds were slightly different from the characteristics of typical PCP produced with conventional ingredients and ES (576.6 cP end apparent viscosity, 119.0 g hardness, 59.8°C melting temperature, and 41.2 mm melting diameter) due to the differences in pH of final PCP (5.8 in ES PCP compared with 5.4 in no ES PCP). We concluded that acid curd can be produced from MCC with different protein content. Also, we found that PCP can be made with no ES when the formulation uses a 2:1 ratio of acid curd relative to MCC (on a protein basis).

ПОВЫШЕНИЕ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ЦЕННОСТИ ПЛАВЛЕНЫХ СЫРОВ ДИКОРАСТУЩИМ СЫРЬЕМ

The paper is devoted to the wild-growing plant raw materials used to increase the biological value of processed cheeses. Wild plants of Yakutia are a valuable source of food products. Adding food plants to dairy products enriches them with vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and improves their taste qualities. The most commonly used plant is wormwood (Artemisia vulgaris). Wormwood is harvested before flowering in June. Another plant is flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus), which is often called “Yakut bread” by Yakuts. Studies have shown that introduction of flowering rush into food has a positive effect on human health. Particularly, it is effective for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Rose hips have a hematopoietic effect; they improve the body’s resistance to harmful environmental impacts, accelerate healing of wounds and bones, regulate the gallbladder and liver, perfectly fight spring vitamin deficiency and exhaustion. The described plants and rose hips are of great interest as an additional source when creating compound products with balanced protein. They are good for improving the organoleptic characteristics of processed cheeses. The study examined wild-growing plants that were added to the recipe of the processed cheese: Dutch cheese, milk powder, wild-growing plant raw materials (wormwood leaves, flowering rush, rose hips). The study established the balanced amino acid composition and examined the quality of dairy raw materials (Dutch cheese, milk powder) and wild-growing plants. The digestibility of the product was 96–98 %. The use of wild-growing plant raw materials for processed cheese production balanced the amino acid composition, increased the product value, enriched the product with minerals, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and diversified the product range.

Impact of transglutaminase treated micellar casein concentrate and milk protein concentrate on the functionality of processed cheese product slice formulations

Impact of transglutaminase treated micellar casein concentrate and milk protein concentrate on the functionality of processed cheese product slice formulations

Analisis Komposisi Bahan dan Uji Sensori Terhadap Beberapa Keju Olahan Komersil di Indonesia

The higher level of cheese consumption, an increase of 52% in the span of 5 years, opens up opportunities for the establishment of cheese factories. This study aimed to analyze the sensory differences of 3 processed cheese products on the market, namely MEG multipurpose cheese (KM), Kraft Cheddar (KK), and Prochiz Gold (KP). Sensory analysis was carried out on 3 samples using a descriptive test on 13 semi-trained panelists. The results of this study were that the panelists preferred KK because it had a distinctive milky aroma and a strong cheese characteristic; stronger milk, cheese, savory, salty flavors; good sliceability; softer texture and mouthfeel. However, for grated results, panelists prefer KP because it had a intact and neat grater product.

Designing of processed cheese products taking into account quality indicators and cost of raw materials

Designing of processed cheese products taking into account quality indicators and cost of raw materials

Highly concentrated micellar casein: Impact of its storage stability on the functional characteristics of process cheese products

Micellar casein is a novel dairy protein ingredient that can be used in process cheese product (PCP). PCP is a dairy food prepared by blending dairy ingredients with nondairy ingredients and then heating the mixture with continuous agitation to produce a homogenized product with an extended shelf-life. The objective of this work was to study the effect of storage of concentrated micellar casein (CMC) on the functionality of PCP. Three treatments of CMC (CMC; CMC + NaCl= CMC + 1% sodium chloride; CMC + NaCl + NaCit = CMC + 1% sodium chloride and 1% trisodium citrate) were prepared and stored for 60 d at 4 °C. The functionality of PCP was determined by measuring the end apparent viscosity, hardness, and melting temperature. This trial was replicated three times. The PCP made with different treatments of CMC during storage had an approximate range of 47.0–48.0% moisture and 5.7–5.8 pH (P < 0.05). The addition of sodium chloride and trisodium citrate to CMC during storage resulted in differences (P < 0.05) in the end apparent viscosity, hardness, and melting temperature of PCP. However, the storage of CMC did not show any differences (P > 0.05) in the functionality of PCP.

Impact of transglutaminase treatment given to the skim milk before or after microfiltration on the functionality of micellar casein concentrate used in process cheese product and comparison with rennet casein

The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of transglutaminase (TGase) on the functionality of micellar casein concentrate (MCC) when used in process cheese product (PCP) applications. In this study, the impact of TGase treatment of skim milk prior to microfiltration (MF) as well as TGase treatment of retentate after MF was evaluated. The treatment included TGase treatment prior to MF (T1); control without enzyme (C1); TGase after MF (T2); and a control without enzyme (C2). Best treatment was also compared with the PCP sample made using rennet casein (RCN). The CGE analysis indicated heavy crosslinking in T2 than in T1. The TGase treatment modified the viscosity, hardness and melt characteristics of PCP compared with the control and RCN PCP samples. This study demonstrated that TGase treatment modifies the functional properties (unmelted and melted) of MCC when used as an ingredient in PCP.

Functional characteristics of process cheese product as affected by milk protein concentrate and micellar casein concentrate at different usage levels

The objective of the study was to determine the impact of milk protein concentrate (MPC) and micellar casein concentrate (MCC) on the functionality of process cheese products (PCP). Three replicates of PCP formulations at two usage levels were produced from three different batches of MPC and MCC. Each formulation was manufactured in a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA). The study demonstrated that usage level as well as type of ingredient both affected final manufacturing viscosity in RVA, unmelted and melted characteristics of PCP manufactured in RVA. The PCP manufactured using MPC was soft compared with those made using MCC. Overall, PCP made using MCC at higher usage levels was firm and did not melt, whereas the unmelted and melted characteristics of PCP made using MCC at lower usage levels was similar to that of PCP made using MPC at higher usage level.

Production and storage stability of concentrated micellar casein

Concentrated micellar casein (CMC) is a high-protein ingredient that can be used in process cheese product formulations. The objectives of this study were to develop a process to produce CMC and to evaluate the effect of sodium chloride and sodium citrate on its storage stability. Skim milk was pasteurized at 76°C for 16 s and cooled to ≤4°C. The skim milk was heated to 50°C using a plate heat exchanger and microfiltered with a graded permeability (GP) ceramic microfiltration (MF) membrane system (0.1 μm) in a continuous feed-and-bleed mode (flux of 71.43 L/m2 per hour) using a 3× concentration factor (CF) to produce a 3× MF retentate. Subsequently, the retentate of the first stage was diluted 2× with soft water (2 kg of water: 1 kg of retentate) and again MF at 50°C using a 3× CF. The retentate of the second stage was then cooled to 4°C and stored overnight. The following day, the retentate was heated to 63°C and MF in a recirculation mode until the total solids (TS) reached approximately 22% (wt/wt). Subsequently, the MF system temperature was increased to 74°C and MF until the permeate flux was <3 L/m2 per hour. The CMC was then divided into 3 aliquots (approximately 10 kg each) at 74°C. The first portion was a control, whereas 1% of sodium chloride was added to the second portion (T1), and 1% of sodium chloride plus 1% of sodium citrate were added to the third portion (T2). The CMC retentates were transferred hot to sterilized vials and stored at 4°C. This trial was repeated 3 times using separate lots of skim milk. The CMC at d 0 (immediately after manufacturing) contained 25.41% TS, 21.65% true protein (TP), 0.09% nonprotein nitrogen (NPN), and 0.55% noncasein nitrogen (NCN). Mean total aerobic bacterial counts (TBC) in control, T1, and T2 at d 0 were 2.6, 2.5, and 2.8 log cfu/mL, respectively. The level of proteolysis (NCN and NPN values) increased with increasing TBC during 60 d of storage at 4°C. This study determined that CMC with >25% TS and >95% casein as percentage of TP can be manufactured using GP MF ceramic membranes and could be stored up to 60 d at 4°C. The effects of the small increase in NCN and NPN, as well as the addition of sodium chloride or sodium citrate in CMC during 60 d of storage on process cheese characteristics, will be evaluated in subsequent studies.

Characterization of Vegetative Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis Strains Isolated from Processed Cheese Products in an Italian Dairy Plant

Processed cheese is a commercial product characterized by high microbiological stability and extended shelf life obtained through the application of severe heat treatment. However, spore-forming bacteria can survive through thermal processes. Among them, microorganisms belonging to Bacillus genus have been reported. In this study, we examined the microbiological population of the first hours’ production of processed cheeses in an Italian dairy plant during two seasons, between June and October 2020. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used to identify bacteria colonies, allowing the isolation of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis strains. These results were further confirmed by amplification and sequencing of 16 rRNA bacterial region. A multi-locus sequence type (MLST) analysis was performed to assess the genetic similarity among a selection of isolates. The fourteen B. cereus strains showed two sequence types: ST-32 was observed in only one strain and the ST-371 in the remaining thirteen isolates. On the contrary, all twenty-one B. subtlis strains, included in the study, showed a new allelic profile for the pycA gene, resulting in a new sequence type: ST-249. For B. cereus strains, analysis of toxin genes was performed. All isolates were positive for nheABC, entFM, and cytK, while hblABCD, bceT, and ces were not detected. Moreover, the biofilm-forming ability of B. cereus and B. subtilis strains was assessed, and all selected isolates proved to be biofilm formers (most of them were stronger producers). Considering the genetical similarity between isolates, jointly with the capacity to produce biofilm, the presence of a recurring Bacillus population could be hypothesized.

Ameliorate the processed cheese production by functional microcapsules loaded with mustard seed extract and Bifidobacterium bifidum

The possibility of used the processed cheese as a new matrix for delivery microcapsules loaded with Bifidobacterium bifidum and mustard seed extract was evaluated. Mustard seed extract has involved 13 phenolic compounds identified by HPLC analysis. Microcapsules were fashioned using sodium alginate - chitosan mixture by an extrusion method and it's provided cells protection against gastrointestinal conditions. The scan electron microscopy showed round capsules with a diameter of 494.8 μm and microcapsules efficiency above 97% for B. bifidum and 90% for extract. The processed cheese was fortified with 1, 2, or 3% prepared Microcapsules. The chemical composition, textural parameters, and sensory properties of products were gained acceptable quality during storage time for three months. The Bifidobacterium bifidum viability in products contains 1 and 2% microcapsules was above 8 log cycles and 9 log cycles for 3%. The production of processed cheese with 1% and 2% microcapsules ranked the highest satisfactoriness at the end of the storage period. Therefore, fortified the processed cheese with functional microcapsules was considered a new processed cheese type and added extra nutrition value to the human.

Progress in micellar casein concentrate: Production and applications.

Micellar casein concentrate (MCC) is a novel ingredient with high casein content. Over the past decade, MCC has emerged as one of the most promising dairy ingredients having applications in beverages, yogurt, cheese, and process cheese products. Industrially, MCC is manufactured by microfiltration (MF) of skim milk and is commercially available as a liquid, concentrated, or dried containing ≥9, ≥22, and ≥80% total protein, respectively. As an ingredient, MCC not only imparts a bland flavor but also offers unique functionalities such as foaming, emulsifying, wetting, dispersibility, heat stability, and water-binding ability. The high protein content of MCC represents a valuable source of fortification in a number of food formulations. For the last 20 years, MCC is utilized in many applications due to the unique physiochemical and functional characteristics. It also has promising applications to eliminate the cost of drying by producing concentrated MCC. This work aims at providing a succinct overview of the historical progress of the MCC, a review on the manufacturing methods, a discussion of MCC properties, varieties, and applications.

Biochemical composition of vegetable raw materials and the impact of dosage on the properties of processed cheese

The object of research is the cream cheese, elaborated using vegetable raw materials.&#x0D; Investigated problem: This article provides information on the biochemical composition of leaves of A. odorum. The leaves of wild onions revealed a high content of vitamin C, macro- and microelements and other biologically active substances, indicating high nutritional and vitamin value and prospects of these species for use as fillers in the dairy industry.&#x0D; The main scientific results: A. odorum refers to green vegetable plants, rich enough variety of biologically active substances. Unlike other perennial species of onion, A. odorum characterized by low protein content (1.1–1.8 %) and a relatively high solids content (in the bulb up to 17 % in the leaves 10,5–11,3 %), sugars (10,9–12,1 %).&#x0D; The area of practical use of the research results: There will be researched a possibility of Allium odorum usage as an addition for new processed cheese production and an influence of plant raw material dosage on structure of the processed cheese.&#x0D; Innovative technological product: Products developed within the framework of integrated technology are distinguished by high quality, nutritional value, safety, preservation of special nutrients: essential amino acids, fatty acids, omega 6 vitamins, bioflavonoids. The recipe solutions about the elements of innovative complex technologies are reflected in the patents that are included in the Derwent database.&#x0D; Scope of the innovative technological product: Plant raw materials can be used both in pharmaceuticals to isolate saponins and to increase the nutritional and biological value of food products. In this article, we considered it in the production of processed cheeses, but it can be used as a seasoning for dishes. Content of inulin, quercetin, saponins, vitamin K, selenium, etc. makes this source very promising, it also has fungicidal properties and allows you to increase the shelf life of food products.

Dissemination and characteristics of Klebsiella spp. at the processed cheese plant

The genus Klebsiella is not generally considered as a major foodborne pathogen and with regard to food production it represents also a hygiene indicator. This study was focused on the monitoring of Klebsiella spp. dissemination at the processed cheese plant and determination of virulence determinants and antibiotic resistance of obtained strains. Klebsiella spp. were detected in 43% (37/87) of samples: swabs from the cheese processing environment (34/69), personnel (2/3) and raw material (milk powder) from an opened packaging (1/7). All tested samples of final processed cheeses were negative for the presence of Klebsiella spp. Obtained strains were identified as K. oxytoca (n = 32) and K. pneumoniae (n = 23). Typing results enabled to reveal the presence of two predominant PFGE clusters of K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca suggesting the occurrence of suspect persistent strains, and spread of Klebsiella spp. between the production environment and the personnel. The melting process of processed cheese production was able to eliminate Klebsiella spp. in the final products, although some K. oxytoca and K. pneumoniae strains carried genes of the locus of heat resistance 1 (LHR1), which may lead to their increased heat resistance. K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca isolated from the processed cheese plant did not represent any hypervirulent or multidrug-resistant strains which could be a potential threat to public health.