U.S. Dairy Products > Milk Powders
Functional Properties
Milk powders provide many functional benefits as food ingredients. The major components in milk powder (proteins, lactose and milkfat) affect the way in which milk powders perform and their suitability for each type of application.
Functional Benefits of Milk Powders
| Function | Benefits | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Browning/Color | Accentuates color development during cooking and baking. Enhances the color of viscous products such as sauces and soups. Improves opacity in lower fat foods. | Baked goods Confections Dairy/recombined milk Nutritional beverages Prepared foods Sauces & soups Salad dressings |
| Flavor Enhancement | Can provide baked flavor during baking and heating. Can provide creamy dairy notes. Ensures even flavor distribution. | Baked goods Confections Dairy/recombined milk Meat Nutritional beverages Prepared foods |
| Emulsification | Prevents fat globules from forming one large mass, improving product appearance. All-natural emulsifying ingredient. | Baked goods Confections Dairy/recombined milk Meat Nutritional beverages Prepared foods |
| Gelling & Heat Setting | Improves mouthfeel. Helps provide the creamy, smooth texture of fat, enhancing customer appeal for lower-fat products. | Confections Dairy/recombined milk Meat Prepared foods |
| Nutritional Enrichment | Can improve the nutritional profile of a food product. Provides vitamin and mineral fortification. Represents a natural source of soluble vitamins. | Baked goods Dairy/recombined milk Nutritional beverages Prepared foods |
| Solubility | Some milk powders disperse well in food systems. Prevents sedimentation in beverages, soups & sauces. | Bakery Beverages Confections Frozen desserts Infant formula Soups & sauces Yogurt |
| Water Binding & Viscosity Building | Provides fat-like attributes in products, allowing a reduction in fat content. Improves product texture, creating moister products. | Baked goods Confections Dairy/recombined milk Meat Nutritional beverages Prepared foods |
| Whipping, Foaming & Aeration | Maintains foam properties, which enhances visual appeal of the finished product, as well as taste and texture. | Baked products (meringues and certain cakes) Confections Dairy/recombined milk Nutritional beverages |