Home
Resources
Publications
Carrageenan as a Functional Additive in the Production of Cheese and Cheese-Like Products

Carrageenan as a Functional Additive in the Production of Cheese and Cheese-Like Products

Błażej B Błaszak, Grażyna Gozdecka, Alexander Shyichuk

Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. Apr-Jun 2018;17(2):107-116.

PMID: 29803212

Abstract:

Carrageenan is a well-known gelling agent used in the food industry. The present review of patent and scien- tific literature shows that carrageenan is a useful additive in the cheese production process. The gel-strength- ening properties of carrageenan are as a result of the fairly strong bonds it forms with casein macromolecules. However, carrageenan-casein interaction is dependent on pH. Different carrageenan types have different charge levels (the most charged is the helix form of lambda-carrageenan), which affects the carrageenan- casein aggregates. The correct concentration of carrageenan and temperature treatment can improve cheese yield and whey protein recovery, which is desirable for cheese producers. Even small amounts of this hydro- colloid can increase cheese firmness and maintain cheese structure after cheese curd heating. Carrageenan improves cheese structure and other properties, such as ease of grating or slicing, which are very important for customers. Some modifications to cheese composition can destroy the natural cheese structure, but the addition of carrageenan can be useful for creating modified cheese-like products with desirable attributes. Carrageenan can be a good replacement for emulsifying salts, to stabilize cheese fat without disturbing the Ca:P ratio. The replacement of emulsifying salts with carrageenan (as little as 1%) results in a homogenous cheese product. For that reason, carrageenan is a useful additive for maintaining the organoleptic and struc- tural values of fat-free cheese. Carrageenan can also stabilize the structure in cheese-like products and replace casein in cheese imitations.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AP9000071	Carrageenan		9000-07-1	Price

As a specialist in analytical chemical Products, Alfa Chemistry offers consumers a wealth of raw materials and a full range of technologies and services.

QUICK LINKS

HEADQUARTERS

Tel:

Fax:

Email: