Milk protein concentrates: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Poor solubility of milk protein concentrates (MPCs) is a key deterrent factor in their wider applications in the food industry as compared to other protein-rich dried products such as casein, caseinates and whey protein concentrates and isolates. Apart from the processing factors, the protein content of a MPC also decides its solubility. Solubility is a pre-requisite property of MPCs on which its other functional properties are majorly depended. Further, there is a confusion about the term MPC itself in the literature. An attempt has been made to describe MPC and provide an understanding on the manufacture of MPCs. Further, mechanisms of insolubility, factors affecting solubility of MPCs and an insight into the recently evolved strategies for overcoming the challenges related to their poor heat stability and solubility have been reviewed. Potential applications of MPC to be utilized as a novel ingredient in food industry are also outlined.