Calcium fortified yogurt and methods of preparation

Abstract

Nutritionally improved yogurt products are provided that include a calcium phosphate salt of reduced particle size. The calcium fortification provides yogurts containing a total calcium content of 500 to 1500 mg per 170 g of yogurt. The calcium phosphate has a particle size of less than 150 .mu.m in the product. A method for producing the calcium fortified yogurt is also provided wherein an insoluble calcium salt is admixed with a yogurt base subsequent to fermentation with minimal shear. The yogurt base is prepared by conventional fermentation to have a thickness of at least 1500 cps (at 5.degree. C.). Separately, a concentrated slurry of a calcium phosphate is prepared having a pH of 4.0 to 4.6. The pH is adjusted by adding an edible organic or mineral acid. The slurry can be subjected to a size reduction step such as homogenization. Sufficient amounts of calcium phosphate slurry are admixed with the yogurt base to provide desired levels of calcium content (native plus supplemental).

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