ANSWER
Milk is a complex biological product consisting of fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, carbohydrate and water. Milk is highly nutritious and is also a functional ingredient. Nowadays, processors use the latest technology available to turn dry milk into milk powder for easier transportation and better storage. Milk powders are defined as milk products which can be obtained by the partial removal of water from milk. There is a wide range of milk powder available in the market, with varying levels of protein, fat and water content.
Types of milk powder
a. Whole milk powder
Dry whole milk or whole milk powder is usually obtained by removing water from pasteurized, homogenized whole milk. It contains more than 26% milk fat and less than 5% water content.
It is typically used in bakery, confectionery, dairy, prepared mixes, sauces, and soups as:
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An economical source of dairy solids, including milk fat.
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A convenient form of nutritious milk that doesn’t require refrigeration, and is easily reconstituted.
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An easily transported and stored dairy ingredient.
b. Skimmed milk powder / Non-fat dry milk powder
Semi skimmed milk is a type of milk with a fat content of 1.5% and less than 5% water content. Non-fat dry milk and skimmed milk powder are classified for use as ingredients according to the heat treatment used in their manufacture. There are three main classifications: high-heat (least soluble), medium-heat, and low-heat (most soluble).
c. Dry buttermilk powder
Buttermilk powder/dry buttermilk is obtained by removing water from liquid buttermilk that is derived from the churning of cream into butter and pasteurized prior to condensing.
It is typically used in bakery, confectionery, dairy, prepared mixes, sauces, and soups as:
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An economical source of dairy solids, including milk fat.
-
A convenient form of nutritious milk that doesn’t require refrigeration, and is easily reconstituted.
-
An easily transported and stored dairy ingredient.
(U.S. Dairy Export Council, 2015).
Reference
U.S. Dairy Export Council. (2015). U.S. Milk Powder.
