Thickening of molten white chocolates during storage

When white chocolates are kept molten in storage tanks, problems can arise due to uncontrolled thickening and solidifying of the chocolate mass. The thickening of molten white chocolate was simulated on a laboratory scale using a rotational rheometer under static conditions, interrupted by short shear periods to measure the increasing viscosity. Several chocolates having different dairy components and fat contents were investigated for their tendency to thicken. In addition, sorption isotherms for white chocolates were obtained using Dynamic Vapour Sorption at different temperatures. The sorption isotherms showed the presence of amorphous lactose in all the chocolates that were manufactured from milk powders. Moisture that is released during the crystallisation of amorphous lactose causes stickiness and agglomeration of the neighbouring particles and starts the thickening process. This process is highly temperature-dependent. On elevating the temperature the lactose crystallisation occurs at lower relative humidities. In order to reduce the tendency of white chocolate to thicken, a high free fat level should be maintained, based on a high total fat content and on the use of high free fat milk powders, preferably roller-dried whole milk powders or the combination of skimmed milk powder and anhydrous milk fat.     

Effects of selected properties of ultrafiltered spray-dried milk powders on some properties of chocolate

The effects of selected properties of spray-dried milk fat powders on chocolate were determined. Milk powders produced from control or ultrafiltered (UF) milks with various levels of fat were blended with skim milk powder to give a standard 26 g fat 100 g⁻¹ powder. Particle size of the chocolate mixes after refining decreased as the fat content and free-fat content of the powders increased. Despite this, increasing fat and free-fat contents of powders reduced the Casson viscosity of the subsequent molten chocolates. Casson viscosities using powders from control or UF milks were similar, but decreased as the particle size of powders increased and particle size after refining the chocolate mix decreased. Casson yield value and hardness decreased as fat content of powders increased. Casson yield value increased with vacuole volume of powders. It is possible to alter important properties of chocolates using milk powders of varying fat contents, free-fat contents and particle sizes.     

Viscosity of Molten Milk Chocolate with Lactose from Spray-Dried Whole-Milk Powders

Dry whole-milk powders containing 0, 30, 50 and 70% nominal lactose prepared by spray-drying alone, or followed by post-drying crystallization, were incorporated into milk chocolate to give 0–50% substitution of lactose for sucrose. Increasing the concentration of amorphous lactose from spray-dried powders in the chocolates decreased viscosity, increased particle size of refined chocolate mass, and lowered the concentration of surface-active agents at which a minimum in Casson yield value was observed. Increasing the concentration of crystalline lactose from milk powders in the chocolates increased viscosity, decreased particle size, and increased the concentration of surface-active agents at which a minimum in Casson yield value was observed. Conditions which affect lactose crystallinity in milk powders, such as improper storage and handling prior to use in chocolate production, could be responsible for variations in chocolate viscosity noted sometimes by processors.     

Sensory Characteristics of Milk Chocolate with Lactose from Spray-Dried Milk Powder

Dry whole-milk powders with 0-70% nominal lactose prepared by spray-drying alone (containing amorphous lactose) or combined with post-drying crystallization (containing crystalline lactose) were incorporated into milk chocolate to give 0-50% substitution of lactose for sucrose. No significant differences occurred in sweet, bitter, and thickness of melt (P > 0.10) based on milk powder preparation method or lactose concentration. As lactose increased, hardness and onset of melt increased regardless of milk powder preparation method; but, chocolates containing crystalline lactose were softer than those containing amorphous lactose. Higher chocolate, milk and caramel flavors were perceived in milk chocolates containing crystalline lactose. Graininess of milk chocolate increased at the highest level of added lactose.     

Development and application of confocal scanning laser microscopy methods for studying the distribution of fat and protein in selected dairy products.

Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) methods were developed to identify fat and protein in cheeses milk chocolate and milk powders. Various fluorescent probes were assessed for their ability to label fat or protein in selected food products in situ. Dual labelling of fat and protein was made possible by using mixtures of probes. Selected probes and probe mixtures were then used to study (a) structure development of Mozzarella cheese during manufacture and ripening, and (b)) the distribution of fat and protein in milk chocolate made with milk powders containing varying levels of free fat. Microstructural changes in the protein and fat phases of Mozzarella cheese were observed at each major step in processing. Aggregation of renneted micelles occurred during curd formation; this was followed by amalgamation of the para-casein into linear fibres during plasticization. Following storage, the protein phase of the Mozzarella became more continuous; entrapping and isolating fat globules. Chocolate made with a high free-fat spray-dried powder blend showed a homogeneous fat distribution, similar to that of chocolate made with roller-dried milk. Chocolate made with whole milk powder containing 10 g free fat/100 fat showed a non-homogeneous fat distribution with some fat occluded within milk protein particles. These differences in fat distribution were related to Casson yield value and Casson viscosity of the chocolates.     

The prediction of moisture sorption isotherms for dairy powders

Moisture sorption isotherms were measured for whey protein isolate, high micellar casein and a milk protein concentrate powder. No temperature dependence was observed over the temperature range of 4–37 °C. At 50 °C the powders absorbed less moisture than observed at the lower temperatures. These isotherms were used to predict the isotherms for freeze-dried amorphous lactose/casein/whey protein powders. An isotherm for micellar casein was predicted using a simple additive isotherm model and was used along with isotherms for whey protein and amorphous lactose to predict moisture sorption isotherms for commercial dairy powders. Predicted isotherms compared well with measured isotherms indicating that this simple additive isotherm model is suitable for predicting moisture sorption isotherms of dairy powders. Delayed lactose crystallisation was observed in lactose/whey protein powders when compared to lactose/casein powders over the same water activity range.     

Impact of amorphous and crystalline lactose on milk chocolate properties

Chocolate mass of low viscosity is preferred for most applications. Milk powder influences processing behaviour, flow properties and taste of milk chocolate. The project aimed to investigate influences of skim milk powders containing amorphous or crystalline lactose on flow properties after producing samples by roller milling and conching or alternatively by ball milling. For the first case, it was found that mass consistency before roller milling is strongly influenced by lactose type; producers must specify it and adapt initial mass fat content. Little impact on final products was found after processing milk powders at equilibrium moisture. If predried powders are used for reducing conching time, crystalline lactose leads to chocolate with slightly lower viscosity. At ball mill processing, crystalline lactose resulted in significantly lower viscosity, for example 15% at 40 s^?1; thus, for this process, it can be recommended to use special milk powders high in crystalline lactose content.     

Lactose/beta-lactoglobulin interaction during storage of model whey powders

The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence or absence of interaction between lactose and beta-lactoglobulin during storage of model whey powders at different water activities (a(w)). Model whey powders were prepared by colyophilization of lactose with increasing quantities of beta-lactoglobulin. These colyophilized beta-lactoglobulin:lactose powders, assigned as BL powders, were stored from 0.11 to 0.95 a(w). The water sorption behavior of BL powders was studied gravimetrically, and the state of lactose was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Before storage, BL powders were amorphous. After storage, a loss of water was observed on moisture sorption isotherms of BL powders. It was related to the formation of lactose crystals, detected by DSC and SEM analysis, and to the structural collapse of the powders. Water loss due to lactose crystallization was shifted to higher a(w) with increasing beta-lactoglobulin content in BL powders. Moreover, kinetics of moisture sorption demonstrated that beta-lactoglobulin was also responsible for a slower crystallization process in BL powders. Then, the water sorption behavior of BL powders was very different from the behavior of the 2 compounds mixed after separate lyophilization. All these results pointed out interaction between lactose and beta-lactoglobulin, which appeared during lyophilization and still occurred during storage. This lactose/beta-lactoglobulin interaction stabilized model whey powders against lactose crystallization.     

Influence of milk components on properties and consumer acceptance of milk chocolate

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of various milk components on chocolate quality, defined by measurable properties and decisively by consumer liking.The choice of milk products considered different types, technologies and suppliers. Samples produced under standardised conditions were analysed for particle size, flow properties, colour and by a trained sensory panel. Consumer testing determined overall liking. Results revealed that milk ingredients influence consumer liking of milk chocolate through the quality driving parameters of particle size/sandiness, viscosity/melting mouthfeel and milk flavour. Chocolates made from milk products that contain high amounts of free fat - e.g. skim milk powder plus anhydrous milk fat - scored better than those using bound fat - e.g. whole milk powder. Milk fat status had more influence than differences between spray and roller-dried powders. High free fat cream powders were most suitable for cream chocolates. All milk components need to be free from off-notes that require sensory checks. Fillers like lactose could replace some sucrose, and whey protein concentrate can partially replace skim milk powder.     

Effects of ultrafiltration of whole milk on some properties of spray-dried milk powders

The objective was to produce spray-dried milk powders for assessment subsequently in chocolate. Milks were ultrafiltered to increase their protein content (3.08–5.33 g 100 g⁻¹), concentrated to different solids levels (42.8–52.3 g 100 g⁻¹) and spray-dried to produce powders (26–59 g 100 g⁻¹ fat). The relationships between the milk protein content, concentrate viscosity and some powder properties were quantified. The free-fat content of the powders increased linearly to 74 g 100 g⁻¹ fat with milk protein content for 26 and 40 g 100 g⁻¹ fat powders. The particle size and moisture content of the powders increased linearly with concentrate viscosity for 26 g 100 g⁻¹ fat powders. Differences between the control and ultrafiltration-treated milk powders were explained. The free-fat content and the particle size increased with the fat content of the control powders. The vacuole volume of the powders was inversely more related to the free-fat content than to the fat content of the control powders.     

Roles of Water and Solids Composition in the Control of Glass Transition and Stickiness of Milk Powders

Abstract: Plasticization and glass transition of amorphous components in food powders often result in stickiness and caking. The glass transition temperature (T_g) of milk powders was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a viscometer method was used to determine sticky-point temperatures. Water sorption isotherms were established for varying solids compositions. Lactose contents were analyzed by high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAE-PAD) and proteins were identified using SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis. Solids composition and water affected both the T_g and stickiness behavior. Stickiness was governed by carbohydrates and water plasticization. At low protein contents, precrystallization of lactose decreased the sticky point temperature, but increasing protein content in all milk powders decreased stickiness at all water activities. The results showed that glass transition can be used to describe time-dependent stickiness and crystallization phenomena, and it can be used as a parameter to control and reduce stickiness of dairy solids with various compositions. Practical Application: Glass transition of component sugars in milk powders with various water contents was responsible for a solid-liquid transformation which resulted in their viscous flow at particle surfaces and stickiness of the powders. Stickiness leads to wall deposition in dehydration and caking of powders in storage when the amorphous carbohydrate-rich components gain liquid characteristics. High protein contents in milk powders decreased stickiness, but precrystallization of lactose prior to spray drying increased stickiness at low protein content. Milk powders in storage gained higher water contents with increasing protein contents, but stickiness was reduced and lactose crystallization was delayed which improved storage stability.     

The functionality of milk powder and its relationship to chocolate mass processing, in particular the effect of milk powder manufacturing and composition on the physical properties of chocolate masses

Summary The functionality of twelve different milk powders that are used for chocolate mass processing was investigated. In two types of spray‐dried and one type of roller‐dried powder, the milk fat and milk fat fractions were integrated. Depending on the production process, the amount of free fat available in the milk powders varied greatly. A good correlation was found between the free fat content of the milk powder and the viscosity of the chocolate mass when comparable particle sizes were used. This study reports on the development of spray‐dried milk powders, which when used in chocolate processing produced low viscosities, comparable with those obtained by using roller‐dried milk powder. Calorimetric analysis showed that the shape of the milk powder particles has no influence on the calorimetric qualities of chocolate masses. Only when milk fat was added in a free form, was a higher ‘mixing effect’ in the crystallization peak of cocoa butter and milk fat observed.     

Effects of milk powders in milk chocolate

The physical characteristics of milk powders used in chocolate can have significant impact on the processing conditions needed to make that chocolate and the physical and organoleptic properties of the finished product. Four milk powders with different particle characteristics (size, shape, density) and "free" milk fat levels (easily extracted with organic solvent) were evaluated for their effect on the processing conditions and characteristics of chocolates in which they were used. Many aspects of chocolate manufacture and storage (tempering conditions, melt rheology, hardness, bloom stability) were dependent on the level of free milk fat in the milk powder. However, particle characteristics of the milk powder also influenced the physical and sensory properties of the final products.     

GRINDING SPRAY-DRIED MILK POWDER NEAR the GLASS TRANSITION TEMPERATURE

The fine grinding of chocolate is typically accomplished on five‐roll mills. Chocolate manufacturers consider milk powder, a component of milk chocolate, difficult to grind. Spray‐dried milk powders comprise a glassy lactose matrix in which fat globules, air vacuoles and protein are entrapped. the glassy‐rubbery transition in commercial milk powders usually lies between 60–70C, depending on the moisture content. A mixture of 60% wt/wt commercial whole milk powder, T_g～ 60C, and 40% wt/wt cocoa butter was ground in a three‐roll refiner at temperatures of 40, 50, 60, 70 and 75C. Below T_g the particles exhibited brittle fracture, while above T_g plastic deformation was evident and particles became highly asymmetric. the amount of fat liberated from the lactose matrix, so‐called free fat, particle density, and mean particle size increased with grinding temperature. However, the Casson yield value and plastic viscosity of finished “white chocolate” coatings, manufactured to a constant free fat content, increased with grinding temperature, suggesting an influence of particle shape on flow behavior.     

Effect of composition and storage conditions on the flowability of dairy powders

This work investigated the influence of composition (moisture, fat, lactose and protein content) and storage conditions (temperature, time and moisture sorption from air) on the flowability of dairy powders. This was undertaken by measuring the flow properties of eight different commercial dairy powders using shear testing techniques and by measuring how temperature and exposure to moisture in air affected their flowability. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to measure phase and state transitions. The dominant compositional factors affecting the cohesiveness of dairy powders were moisture, amorphous lactose and fat content. All powders had a tendency to absorb moisture from air when in intimate contact with air, however the powders with greater amounts of amorphous lactose were more sensitive to absorbing moisture, giving rise to lumping and caking problems. Fat content had a major influence on powder cohesiveness, with greater particle surface fat content resulting in greater cohesiveness.     

In-situ lecithination of dairy powders in spray-drying for confectionery applications

Powders are essential ingredients of chocolate. In particular for milk chocolate milk and whey powders are important, together with sucrose, lactose and cocoa solids. During processing to maintain a good flow of the molten chocolate mass, particles with hydrophilic surfaces, such as dairy powders and sugars, are coated with a surface-active compound. Only lecithin and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) (at a limited level) are allowed in chocolate, and as these are expensive as little as possible is added, whilst maintaining rheological properties. Conventionally, lecithin is added during conching, and through the intense kneading of the chocolate mass it is distributed throughout the mass. Usually about 0.5% is added, although the level depends upon the composition of the chocolate. Here we present a new approach to lecithination of spray-dried milk and lactose powders, which we call in-situ lecithination. It has been found that the surface of a spray-dried powder is dominated by any surface-active species, and in a competitive situation, the most rapidly adsorbing species dominates. This behaviour is utilised when lecithin is added to the spray-dryer feed, and through the competitive adsorption of surface-active agents during the drying process, it dominates the powder surface composition as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This is also seen in differences in sedimentation rate when the powders are mixed with cocoa butter to assess the rheological properties of the powder dispersions. The effect was large for lactose powders, but smaller for skim milk powder and whey powder.     

Retention of Diacetyl in Milk during Spray-Drying and Storage

Spray-drying of milk in a Leaflash dryer was studied in relation to volatile aroma loss in drying and during storage of the powders. Diacetyl was used as the volatile model, and the contribution of the various milk constituents to retention was determined. Proteins retain more diacetyl than does lactose or fat. Conditions leading to a powder with more amorphous lactose result in higher diacetyl loss during drying. The rate of diacetyl loss during storage depended on relative humidity and on the T — T_g parameter and was strongly enhanced by crystallization of amorphous lactose.     

The role of particle size distribution of suspended solids in defining the flow properties of milk chocolate

The flow characteristics of molten milk chocolate, like most dense suspensions, are a function of the maximum packing fraction ((_m) of the suspended solids. Milk chocolates were prepared from mixtures of two relatively narrow coarse (d_4,3 = 17 μm) and fine (d₄,₃ = 8.5 μm) size distributions of non‐fat solids to contain 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the coarse component. Solids bed density (a measure of maximum packing fraction) correlated with the apparent viscosity of milk chocolates (r = ‐0.98). The highest value for solids bed density and lowest value for apparent viscosity were measured for size distributions with 75% of solids from the coarse fraction. Casson yield value correlated with d_4,3 (r = ‐0.98) and specific surface area (r = 0.93). The maximum packing fraction of binary mixtures of two distinct sizes of non‐fat chocolate solids attained a maximum value for a specific volume ratio of the components. The maximum in _m corresponded with the minimum viscosity in molten chocolate at a given solids volume concentration.     

A Process for Increasing the Free Fat Content of Spray-dried Whole Milk Powder

Exposing spray‐dried whole milk powder to high shear and elevated temperature in a twin‐screw continuous mixer increased the free fat content. The effects of operating conditions (powder feed rate, processor screw speed, and process temperature) on lactose crystallinity, particle size distribution, color, and moisture content of spray‐dried whole milk powder were investigated using response surface methodology. Exposure to elevated temperatures and high shear: (a) increased the free fat to more than 80%, (b) crystallized the lactose, (c) reduced the average volume‐based particle size, and (d) broadened the particle size distribution. The raw whole milk powder with creamy‐white color turned into an oily paste with bright‐yellow color. Processing enhanced the functional properties of spray‐dried whole milk powder for milk chocolate manufacture.     

Lactose crystallization delay in model infant foods made with lactose, beta-lactoglobulin, and starch

Handling and storage alter infant food powders due to lactose crystallization and interactions among components. Model infant foods were prepared by colyophilization of lactose, β-lactoglobulin (β-LG), and gelatinized starch. A mixture design was used to define the percentage of each mixture component to simulate a wide range of infant food powders. The kinetics of crystallization was studied by a gravimetric method (dynamic vapor sorption) at 70% relative humidity (RH). After freeze-drying, lactose was amorphous and crystallized at 70% RH. The delay before crystallization depends on the contents of β-LG and starch in the formulations. A mathematical model was proposed to predict crystallization time (delay) at 70% RH. For the formulation containing 50% lactose, 25% β-LG, and 25% starch, lactose was still amorphous after 42 h at 70% RH, whereas pure amorphous lactose crystallized after approximately 70 min. Calculated and experimental results of adsorbed moisture from the formulations were compared. Adsorbed water of formulation containing lactose could not be calculated from moisture sorption properties of each component at a given RH because β-LG and gelatinized starch prevented lactose crystal growth.