Process for preparing a particulate dairy composition and a particulate dairy composition so obtained

Abstract

A process for preparing a particulate dairy composition is provided, which comprises (a) combining condensed skimmed milk, sucrose, milk cream and milk powder to prepare a pre-emulsion containing 46-66 wt. % dry matter; (b) homogenizing the pre-emulsion; (c) spray drying the emulsion to produce a semi-dried powder having a water content of at least 5 wt. % water; and (d) agglomerating and further drying the semi-dried powder to produce agglomerates having a water content of less than 5 wt. % water. The process yields a particulate dairy composition that is particularly suitable for use in creamer capsules. Particulate dairy compositions are also disclosed, comprising (A) 77.5-100 wt. % of agglomerates containing, calculated by dry weight of the agglomerates: (i) 15-29 wt. % of milk protein; (ii) 8-33 wt. % of milk fat; (iii) 18-47 wt. % of lactose; and (iv) 7-18 wt. % of sucrose; and (B) 0-22.5 wt. % of sucrose particles, wherein the composition has a poured bulk density of 380-550 g/l.

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