The present invention concerns the field of processed cheese compositions, and, more particularly, relates to reduced salt processed cheese compositions. The present invention derives from the surprising finding that potassium lactate can be used in the manufacture of processed cheese compositions with reduced sodium content, without detrimental consequences on the taste of the final product. A processed cheese composition according to the invention imparts to the final product an improved flavour perception, as well as strengthening salty, savoury and cheesy taste. An additional surprising finding of the method of the invention is that the use of potassium lactate according to the invention has beneficial consequences on the safety and shelf life of the final product. The use of potassium lactate, in particular potassium lactate in the form of a fermentation product in accordance with the invention, also obviates the need to incorporate artificial flavorings and flavor enhancers, which results in a product with an improved label.

The present invention concerns the field of processed cheese compositions, and, more particularly, relates to reduced salt processed cheese compositions. The present invention derives from the surprising finding that potassium lactate can be used in the manufacture of processed cheese compositions with reduced sodium content, without detrimental consequences on the taste of the final product. A processed cheese composition according to the invention imparts to the final product an improved flavour perception, as well as strengthening salty, savoury and cheesy taste. An additional surprising finding of the method of the invention is that the use of potassium lactate according to the invention has beneficial consequences on the safety and shelf life of the final product. The use of potassium lactate, in particular potassium lactate in the form of a fermentation product in accordance with the invention, also obviates the need to incorporate artificial flavorings and flavor enhancers, which results in a product with an improved label.

Described are cheese compositions and methods of making cheese compositions, including methods of formulating cheese compositions, wherein the cheese compositions may include combinations of casein protein, fiber, non-casein protein, non-pregelatinized, modified starch, and a fat component.

Described are cheese compositions and methods of making cheese compositions, including methods of formulating cheese compositions, wherein the cheese compositions may include combinations of casein protein, fiber, non-casein protein, non-pregelatinized, modified starch, and a fat component.

A processed cheese composition and methods of making the processed cheese composition are provided. The processed cheese composition includes natural cheese, dairy materials and a cultured dairy component. The raw cheese is provided in a range of about 10 to about 90 weight %. The dairy materials are provided in a range of about 5 to about 50 weight % and include at least one of the group consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate, whey, milkfat and cream. The cultured dairy component is provided in a range of about 1 to about 20 weight % and includes an antibacterial material and/or antibacterial producing bacterial culture in combination with an exopolysaccharide and/or an exopolysaccharide producing culture.

A processed cheese composition and methods of making the processed cheese composition are provided. The processed cheese composition includes natural cheese, dairy materials and a cultured dairy component. The raw cheese is provided in a range of about 10 to about 90 weight %. The dairy materials are provided in a range of about 5 to about 50 weight % and include at least one of the group consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate, whey, milkfat and cream. The cultured dairy component is provided in a range of about 1 to about 20 weight % and includes an antibacterial material and/or antibacterial producing bacterial culture in combination with an exopolysaccharide and/or an exopolysaccharide producing culture.

Described are cheese compositions and methods of making cheese compositions, including methods of formulating cheese compositions, wherein the cheese compositions may include combinations of casein protein, fiber, non-casein protein, non-pregelatinized, modified starch, and a fat component.

Described are cheese compositions and methods of making cheese compositions, including methods of formulating cheese compositions, wherein the cheese compositions may include combinations of casein protein, fiber, non-casein protein, non-pregelatinized, modified starch, and a fat component.

Disclosed herein is one or more food compositions comprising at least one edible ingredient and a texturizing agent comprising an inhibited starch and a non-granular, enzymatically-debranched waxy potato starch. Also disclosed herein is a process for making said food compositions, the method comprising adding a texturizing agent comprising an inhibited starch and a non-granular, enzymatically-debranched waxy potato starch to the composition, wherein an effective amount of the texturizing agent is added to thicken the food composition. The texturizing agent can be used to replace protein and/or fat in said one or more food compositions.

Disclosed are dairy products fortified with dairy minerals and methods of making the dairy products. The fortified dairy products exhibit enhanced fresh dairy flavor notes. In one aspect, the fortified dairy product is a concentrated dairy liquid. In another aspect, the fortified dairy product is a cheese product, such as cream cheese, processed cheese, or cultured cheese.