The present invention relates to a method (200) for producing a heat-treated concentrated dairy product (cdp). The method (200) comprising the steps of passing (210) the dairy product (dp) under a pre-determined pressure through a reverse osmosis, RO, filter (110) at a first temperature, the pre-determined pressure being sufficient to allow reverse osmosis, thereby concentrating the dairy product (dp). Preheating (230) the concentrated dairy product (dp) at a second temperature for a second period of time to stabilize the concentrated dairy product (dp). Homogenizing (240) the stabilized concentrated dairy product (dp) to reduce a size of particles in the stabilized concentrated dairy product (dp). Heating (250) the stabilized concentrated dairy product (dp) at a third temperature for a third period of time to reduce microorganisms in the stabilized concentrated dairy product (dp), thereby forming the heat-treated concentrated dairy product (cdp).

A process and system is shown for obtaining a dry milk formula, having (a-i) ultrafiltration of an animal skim milk composition having 70-90 wt % casein and 10-30 wt % whey proteins, based on total protein, and (a-ii) ultrafiltration of an animal whey composition having 0-25 wt % casein and 75-100 wt % whey proteins, based on total protein; or (a-iii) ultrafiltration of a mixture of the compositions of (a-i) and (a-ii), (b) removing polyvalent ions from the UF permeate originating from step (a-i) and/or (a-ii) or (a-iii) to obtain at least one softened UF permeate; (c) combining the at least one softened UF permeate with a UF retentate to obtain a combined product; and (d) drying the combined product to obtain a dry milk formula.

A process and system is shown for obtaining a dry milk formula, having (a-i) ultrafiltration of an animal skim milk composition having 70-90 wt % casein and 10-30 wt % whey proteins, based on total protein, and (a-ii) ultrafiltration of an animal whey composition having 0-25 wt % casein and 75-100 wt % whey proteins, based on total protein; or (a-iii) ultrafiltration of a mixture of the compositions of (a-i) and (a-ii), (b) removing polyvalent ions from the UF permeate originating from step (a-i) and/or (a-ii) or (a-iii) to obtain at least one softened UF permeate; (c) combining the at least one softened UF permeate with a UF retentate to obtain a combined product; and (d) drying the combined product to obtain a dry milk formula.

The invention is concerned with a batch method for obtaining crystallized lactose and arrangement configured for executing the method. The method comprises obtaining initially, from a lactose crystallization process, mother liquor and wash water generated in that process. The obtained mother liquor and wash water are collected and not discarded. Thereafter, the collected mother liquor and wash water are subjected to purification and concentration in a batch process contrary to the known continuous processes, performed independently of the lactose crystallization process. Aqueous solutions comprising lactose obtained as a result of the independent purification and concentration process accordingly, comprise reduced amounts of the impurities usually comprised in the by-products of the lactose crystallization process. The aqueous solution comprising lactose can then be collected and re-used as a lactose source in a lactose crystallization process, either on the same process equipment which supplied the original batch or on separate equipment. The method of the invention minimizes loss of lactose in one or more waste streams.

A composition of matter wherein the composition comprises a siliceous substrate having silanols on the surface and a polymer selected from the group consisting essentially of a water soluble polymer, a water soluble copolymer, an alcohol soluble polymer, an alcohol soluble copolymer, and combinations of such polymers, wherein the polymer is chemically bonded to the siliceous substrate by a silane linking material having the general formula

O.sub.3/2SiQY

that is derived from an alkoxy-functional silane having the general formula

(RO).sub.3SiQX

and processes for preparing the crosslinked polymer that is chemically bonded to the surface of the siliceous substrate.

A composition of matter wherein the composition comprises a siliceous substrate having silanols on the surface and a polymer selected from the group consisting essentially of a water soluble polymer, a water soluble copolymer, an alcohol soluble polymer, an alcohol soluble copolymer, and combinations of such polymers, wherein the polymer is chemically bonded to the siliceous substrate by a silane linking material having the general formula

O.sub.3/2SiQY

that is derived from an alkoxy-functional silane having the general formula

(RO).sub.3SiQX

and processes for preparing the crosslinked polymer that is chemically bonded to the surface of the siliceous substrate.

A method for preparing a modified whey protein concentrate (WPC) or whey protein isolate (WPI) is described. It involves (a) providing an aqueous WPC or WPI solution having a protein concentration of 15-50% (w/v), at a pH of 4.7-8.5; (b) heat treating the solution to more than 50 DEG C., for a time that allows protein denaturation to occur; the heat treating comprising heating the solution while under conditions of turbulent flow. At the end of the heat treatment, the heat treated material may be promptly transferred to a drier or to be mixed with other ingredients. The heat-treated WPC or WPI is not subjected to a mechanical shear process prior to the transfer other than where liquid is converted into droplets to facilitate drying. The modified WPC is useful in the manufacture of food and drinks where a high protein content is desired without undesirable changes in texture.

A machine for producing and dispensing products such as ice cream, iced beverages or granita comprises a removable product-containing tank which is provided at its front end with a tap for dispensing the product and which, via its rear opening, sealingly houses a cooling element with a substantially horizontal axis and a motor-driven mixer element. The tank is removable from the machine by means of extraction from its operating position in a disassembly direction which is substantially parallel to the axis of the cooling element, and snap-engaging means for locking the movement of the tank are provided between the tank and its seat on the base of the machine, said means being able to be manually released by means of operation of at least one operating lever.

The present invention relates to a composition for preparation of a food or beverage product. The composition comprises a foamer ingredient releasing gas upon dissolution in aqueous liquid; and a beverage or foodstuff ingredient comprising particles of ground vegetable material in a matrix comprising a vegetable extract; wherein the beverage or foodstuff ingredient has a retarded solubility such that a foam has been formed by the foamer ingredient, before the beverage or foodstuffs ingredient has dissolved, when the composition is dissolved in an aqueous liquid to produce a food or beverage product.

Hydrogels are blended with water to produce a hydrogel solution. Viscosity of the hydrogel solution is controlled by adjusting the ratio of hydrogel to water and/or by adjusting the blending conditions. The hydrogel solutions may be used to modify the rheology of agricultural compositions. The hydrogel may include lactose, which may be provided by a milk permeate waste stream from the dairy or food processing industry.