Phillip S. Tong

In today’s world, where health and wellness takes center stage, the subject of functional cultured dairy foods typically are about consumption of the probiotic bacteria and their associated health benefits, such as improved immune function, improved digestive function and reduction of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

The consumer can find a wide range of textures in fermented milk products. From drinkable to spoonable to spreadable – these foods are expected to exhibit textures of semi-solid gels, viscous liquids or thin liquids, depending upon the specific product (for example, fermented milk beverage, stirred yogurt, quark, etc.) and consumer expectations.