Modified whey product and process including ultrafiltration and demineralization

A process for producing a whey derived product having a substantially undenatured whey protein content substantially greater than the protein content of raw edible source whey and a mineral salt content that is less than that of such whey comprising, the steps of subjecting edible whey to membrane ultrafiltration to produce a protein-rich retentate fraction and a lactose-rich permeate fraction, the permeate fraction having a mineral salt content of about 9-12%, solids basis, derived from the source whey, subjecting the permeate to demineralization to reduce its mineral salt content about 0.15-0.6%, dry solids basis, and blending the demineralized permeate with the protein-rich retentate fraction in such proportions as to provide desired lactose and mineral salt contents in the blended product.