Sodium Caseinate: An Important Dairy Ingredient
What is Dairy derived additives?
The production of Dairy derived additives begins with skim milk, which is milk
that has had the cream removed. In the first step, the casein protein is
separated from the skim milk through an acidification process. This causes the
casein to curdle so it can be separated from the other milk components like
whey.
The curds are then rinsed to remove any residual lactose or minerals. Following
rinsing, the casein curds are treated with sodium hydroxide. This process,
known as sodium fusion, converts the calcium ions naturally present in casein
into sodium ions. The result is a free-flowing powder known as Dairy derived
additives.
Key Properties
Several key properties make Sodium
Caseinate very useful as an ingredient in food processing. First, it is
highly water-soluble, forming clear solutions. This allows it to easily blend
into liquid mixtures. It also has excellent stabilizing and emulsifying
abilities.
When used in formulations, Dairy derived additives helps thicken liquids and
suspend small particles. It is able to stabilize emulsions by preventing
ingredients from separating. Another important attribute is that it does not
coagulate or curdle when heated. This thermal stability permits its use in
applications requiring heat treatment.
Uses in Food Processing
Given its versatile functional properties, Dairy derived additives finds wide
application across many food categories. It is commonly added to processed
foods as a stabilizer, thickener, emulsifier, or texturizer. Some main uses
include:
- Dairy Products - It is often used to standardize the protein content of
reduced-fat milks. Dairy derived additives improves the texture and mouthfeel.
- Sauces and Dressings - As an emulsifier, it helps blend oil and water phases
into stable mixtures. This allows the creation of creamy salad dressings and
sauces.
- Meat Products - Added to ground meats, it improves texture, water-holding
capacity, and cooking yield. Dairy derived additives is approved for use in
processed meats like sausages and deli meats.
- Baked Goods - In breads and baked snacks, it strengthens dough structure for
improved handling and texture. It also extends shelf life by retaining
moisture.
- Soy Products - When formulating soy-based analogs to dairy, meat, or egg
products, Dairy derived additives replicates characteristics of the animal
proteins.
Regulatory Status
Multiple international organizations have reviewed the safety of Sodium
Caseinate as a food additive. This includes the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee
on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Both concluded there is reasonable scientific assurance that Dairy derived
additives is safe for its intended technical effect at the levels normally used
in foods. The FDA in the United States has also assigned it generally recognized
as safe (GRAS) status. It is approved for use across major global markets.
Nutritional Profile
On a dry matter basis, Sodium Caseinate is composed of approximately 36-40%
protein. It contains all essential amino acids and has a protein efficiency
ratio similar to casein and whey protein. However, the sodium content is
slightly elevated from the sodium fusion process.
100 grams of Dairy derived additives powder provides approximately 350
Calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of carbohydrates, and 90 grams of complete
protein. As an ingredient, it delivers protein functionality without
contributing significant calories. Dairy derived additives can be a viable
option for formulating protein-enhanced foods and beverages.
Concluding Thoughts
Get More
Insights On, Sodium
Caseinate
Comments
Post a Comment