Method and system for producing whey protein aggregates

A process for aggregating whey protein, the process comprising:

• obtaining a whey protein solution containing native whey protein, the whey protein solution having a concentration of about 13 wt % to about 18 wt % total solids;
• adjusting a mineral balance of the whey protein solution by adding CaCl2 to the whey protein solution;
• adjusting a pH of the whey protein solution to a pH value comprises between 5.6 and about 6.2;
• subsequent the adjusting the pH of the whey protein solution, denaturing at least a portion of the native whey protein present in the whey protein solution to obtain a denatured whey protein mixture, the denatured whey protein mixture containing water insoluble whey protein material, the denaturing of the at least a portion of the native whey protein present in the whey protein solution including heating the whey protein solution to a temperature from about 90° C. to about 92° C. for a duration of about 10 minutes to about 15 minutes;
• separating the water insoluble whey protein material from the denatured whey protein mixture by filtering the water insoluble whey protein material from the denatured whey protein mixture by using a cloth filter, a mesh or screen separator, a clarifier, or a perforated conveyor belt;
• extruding the water insoluble whey protein material to obtain extruded whey protein material;
• and
• cutting the extruded whey protein material to obtain whey protein aggregates.