Process for the preparation of a fibrous product

A process for the preparation of a fibrous product suitable as a basis for meat substitute products comprising protein and having a moisture content of at least 65% by weight based on total weight of fibrous product, which process comprises the steps of:

• (a) preparing a homogenous mixture of ingredients including protein material comprising milk protein material, a moisture binder material, a calcium-complex forming agent, a hydrocolloid which precipitates with metal cations and water;
• (b) adding a solution of a metal cation with a valency of at least 2 to the homogenous mixture obtained in the step (a) in order to form the fibrous product;
• (c) isolating the fibrous product;
• and
• (d) cooling the fibrous product,
• wherein in the step (a):
• the milk protein material comprises cheese;
• the homogenous mixture is prepared by combining all of the ingredients prior to substantial mixing and mixing of all of the ingredients at a temperature in a range of 70 to 90° C. to form the homogenous mixture;
• the pH of the homogenous mixture obtained in the step (a) is in a range of 6.4 to 7.5;
• and
• water is added in such amount that a water content of the homogenous mixture is at least 75% by weight based on total weight of the homogenous mixture and total protein content is in a range of 5 to 20% by weight based on total weight of the homogenous mixture.