High hydrostatic pressure modification of whey protein concentrate for improved body and texture of lowfat ice cream

Previous research demonstrated that application of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), particularly at 300 MPa for 15 min, can enhance foaming properties of whey protein concentrate (WPC). The purpose of this research was to determine the practical impact of HHP-treated WPC on the body and texture of lowfat ice cream. Washington State University (WSU)-WPC was produced by ultrafiltration of fresh separated whey received from the WSU creamery. Commercial whey protein concentrate 35 (WPC 35) powder was reconstituted to equivalent total solids as WSU-WPC (8.23%). Three batches of lowfat ice cream mix were produced to contain WSU-WPC without HHP, WSU-WPC with HHP (300 MPa for 15 min), and WPC 35 without HHP. All lowfat ice cream mixes contained 10% WSU-WPC or WPC 35. Overrun and foam stability of ice cream mixes were determined after whipping for 15 min. Ice creams were produced using standard ice cream ingredients and processing. The hardness of ice creams was determined with a TA-XT2 texture analyzer. Sensory evaluation by balanced reference duo-trio test was carried out using 52 vol.nteers. The ice cream mix containing HHP-treated WSU-WPC exhibited the greatest overrun and foam stability, confirming the effect of HHP on foaming properties of whey proteins in a complex system. Ice cream containing HHP-treated WSU-WPC exhibited significantly greater hardness than ice cream produced with untreated WSU-WPC or WPC 35. Panelists were able to distinguish between ice cream containing HHP-treated WSU-WPC and ice cream containing untreated WPC 35. Improvements of overrun and foam stability were observed when HHP-treated whey protein was used at a concentration as low as 10% (wt/wt) in ice cream mix. The impact of HHP on the functional properties of whey proteins was more pronounced than the impact on sensory properties.     

High hydrostatic pressure modification of whey protein concentrate for use in low-fat whipping cream improves foaming properties

Whey is the inevitable by-product of cheese production. Whey can be incorporated into a variety of foods, but little has been done to investigate its suitability in whipping cream. The objective of this work was to evaluate the foaming properties of selected low-fat whipping cream formulations containing whey protein concentrate (WPC) that did or did not undergo high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment. Fresh whey was concentrated by ultrafiltration, pasteurized, and standardized to 8.23% total solids and treated with HHP at 300 MPa for 15 min. Viscosity, overrun, and foam stability were determined to assess foaming properties. Sensory evaluation was conducted with 57 panelists using a duo-trio difference test. The optimal whipping time for the selected formulations was 3 min. Whipping cream containing untreated WPC and HHP-treated WPC resulted in greater overrun and foam stability than the control whipping cream without WPC. Panelists distinguished a difference between whipping cream containing untreated WPC and whipping cream containing HHP-treated WPC. High hydrostatic pressure-treated WPC can improve the foaming properties of low-fat whipping cream, which may justify expansion of the use of whey in whipping cream and application of HHP technology in the dairy industry.     

Short communication: Low-fat ice cream flavor not modified by high hydrostatic pressure treatment of whey protein concentrate

The purpose of this study was to examine flavor binding of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP)-treated whey protein concentrate (WPC) in a real food system. Fresh Washington State University (WSU, Pullman) WPC, produced by ultrafiltration of separated Cheddar cheese whey, was treated at 300 MPa for 15 min. Commercial WPC 35 powder was reconstituted to equivalent total solids as WSU WPC (8.23%). Six batches of low-fat ice cream were produced: A) HHP-treated WSU WPC without diacetyl; B) and E) WSU WPC with 2 mg/L of diacetyl added before HHP; C) WSU WPC with 2 mg/L of diacetyl added after HHP; D) untreated WSU WPC with 2 mg/L of diacetyl; and F) untreated commercial WPC 35 with 2 mg/L of diacetyl. The solution of WSU WPC or commercial WPC 35 contributed 10% to the mix formulation. Ice creams were produced by using standard ice cream ingredients and processes. Low-fat ice creams containing HHP-treated WSU WPC and untreated WSU WPC were analyzed using headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography. Sensory evaluation by balanced reference duo-trio test was carried out using 50 untrained panelists in 2 sessions on 2 different days. The headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography analysis revealed that ice cream containing HHP-treated WSU WPC had almost 3 times the concentration of diacetyl compared with ice cream containing untreated WSU WPC at d 1 of storage. However, diacetyl was not detected in ice creams after 14 d of storage. Eighty percent of panelists were able to distinguish between low-fat ice creams containing untreated WSU WPC with and without diacetyl, confirming panelists’ ability to detect diacetyl. However, panelists were not able to distinguish between low-fat ice creams containing untreated and HHP-treated WSU WPC with diacetyl. These results show that WPC diacetyl-binding properties were not enhanced by 300-MPa HHP treatment for 15 min, indicating that HHP may not be suitable for such applications.     

High Hydrostatic Pressure Affects Flavor-binding Properties of Whey Protein Concentrate

ABSTRACT: The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on flavor-binding properties of whey protein concentrate (WPC) were determined with benzaldehyde, heptanone, octanone, and nonanone. After HHP treatment (600 MPa, 50 °C, for 0-, 10-, or 30-min holding time), flavor-binding properties of WPC were studied by intrinsic fluorescence titration and static headspace analysis. The HHP treatments increased the number of binding sites and the apparent dissociation constants of WPC for benzaldehyde. HHP treatment of WPC for 0 min increased the number of binding sites of WPC for heptanone and octanone. As observed by headspace analysis, HHP treatments did not result in significant changes in the flavor retention for benzaldehyde in WPC solutions. Flavor retention of 100 ppm and 200 ppm heptanone and octanone in HHP-treated (10 min) WPC was significantly lower than for untreated WPC and HHP-treated WPC for 0 min or 30 min. For flavor retention of nonanone, significant decreases were only observed at 100 ppm when WPC solutions were HHP-treated for 10 min. While use of HHP treatment of WPC has potential in real food systems, these findings demonstrate the importance of careful selection of HHP treatment times and flavor concentrations for desired outcomes in food applications.     

Whey protein hydrolysate: Functional properties,nutritional quality and utilization in beverage formulation

The objective of the study was to analyze the functional and nutritional properties of enzymatically hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate (WPC) and to formulate a beverage mix. WPC hydrolysates were produced using fungal protease and papain, at time intervals of 20, 40 and 60 min and were analyzed for proximate composition and functional properties. A beverage was formulated with hydrolyzed WPC, skim milk powder, cocoa, liquid glucose, sugar and vegetable fat and analyzed for physicochemical properties, sensory attributes and keeping quality. Results revealed that the protein content of WPC was 75.6% and decreased slightly on enzyme treatment (69.6%). The water absorption capacity of WPC was 10 ml/100 g and increased in enzyme treated samples from 16 to 34 ml/100 g with increase in the time of hydrolysis. Emulsion capacity (45 ml of oil/g of control WPC) showed a decreasing trend with increasing time of hydrolysis. Enzyme treatment slightly increased the foam capacity in three samples but lowered foam stability in all. The gel filtration pattern of enzyme treated samples showed an increase in low molecular weight fractions. The amino acid profile showed higher content of methionine in samples treated with enzymes, compared to the control. The in vitro protein digestibility of untreated WPC was 25% and increased in all treated samples to varying degrees (69–70%). Formulated beverage had 52% protein, 10% fat and 6.6% ash. There were no significant differences in the sensory attributes of formulated and commercial beverage. The formulated beverage could be stored well in a PET container for 30 days.     

The effect of starter culture and annatto on the flavor and functionality of whey protein concentrate

The flavor of whey protein can carry over into ingredient applications and negatively influence consumer acceptance. Understanding sources of flavors in whey protein is crucial to minimize flavor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of annatto color and starter culture on the flavor and functionality of whey protein concentrate (WPC). Cheddar cheese whey with and without annatto (15 mL of annatto/454 kg of milk, annatto with 3% wt/vol norbixin content) was manufactured using a mesophilic lactic starter culture or by addition of lactic acid and rennet (rennet set). Pasteurized fat-separated whey was then ultrafiltered and spray dried into WPC. The experiment was replicated 4 times. Flavor of liquid wheys and WPC were evaluated by sensory and instrumental volatile analyses. In addition to flavor evaluations on WPC, color analysis (Hunter Lab and norbixin extraction) and functionality tests (solubility and heat stability) also were performed. Both main effects (annatto, starter) and interactions were investigated. No differences in sensory properties or functionality were observed among WPC. Lipid oxidation compounds were higher in WPC manufactured from whey with starter culture compared with WPC from rennet-set whey. The WPC with annatto had higher concentrations of p-xylene, diacetyl, pentanal, and decanal compared with WPC without annatto. Interactions were observed between starter and annatto for hexanal, suggesting that annatto may have an antioxidant effect when present in whey made with starter culture. Results suggest that annatto has a no effect on whey protein flavor, but that the starter culture has a large influence on the oxidative stability of whey.     

Effects of Heat Processing on the Functionality of Whey Protein Concentrates

The effects of heat processing on the composition and functionality of whey protein concentrations (WPC) were investigated. WPC was manufactured from milk, whey and retentate that had either been pasteurized at 72°C for 15 sec or had received no heat treatment. Eight combinations of heat treatment were utilized. Pasteurization of the milk had a positive effect on overrun and foam stability, but a negative effect on gel strength at pH 6.5, protein hydrophobicity, and neutral lipid content. Pasteurization of the whey resulted in decreased mineral content bud did not affect functionality. Pasteurization of the retentate caused a decrease in emulsion capacity, soluble β-lactoglobulin, solubility, whipped topping overrun and gel strength at pH 8.0.     

FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE-TREATED WHEY PROTEIN

Surface hydrophobicity, solubility, gelation and emulsifying properties of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP)‐treated whey protein were evaluated. HHP treatment of whey protein buffer or salt solutions were performed at 690 MPa and initial ambient temperature for 5, 10, 20 or 30 min. Untreated whey protein was used as a control. The surface hydrophobicity of whey protein in 0.1 M phosphate buffers treated at pH 7.0 increased with an increase in HHP treatment time from 10 to 30 min. HHP treatments of whey protein in salt solutions at pH 7.0 for 5, 10, 20 or 30 min decreased the solubility of whey proteins. A significant correlation was observed between the surface hydrophobicity and solubility of untreated and HHP‐treated whey protein with r = ?0.946. Hardness of HHP‐induced 20, 25 or 30% whey protein gels increased with an increase in HHP treatment time from 5 to 30 min. An increase in the hardness of whey protein gels was observed as whey protein concentration increased. Whey proteins treated in phosphate buffer at pH 5.8 and 690 MPa for 5 min exhibited increased emulsifying activity. Whey proteins treated in phosphate buffer at pH 7.0 and 690 MPa for 10, 20 or 30 min exhibited decreased emulsifying activity. HHP‐treated whey proteins in phosphate buffer at pH 5.8 or 7.0 contributed to an increase in emulsion stability of model oil‐in‐water emulsions. This study demonstrates that HHP treatment of whey protein in phosphate buffer or salt solutions leads to whey protein unfolding observed as increased surface hydrophobicity. Whey proteins treated in phosphate buffers at pH 5.8 and 690 MPa for 5 min may potentially be used to enhance emulsion stability in foods such as salad dressings, sausage and processed cheese.     

High pressure microfluidization treatment of heat denatured whey proteins for improved functionality

Solutions (5% protein) of a whey protein concentrate (WPC) in fresh acid whey or in water, as well as the fresh whey alone, were adjusted to pH 5.8, 4.8 or 3.8, heat treated at 90 °C for 10 min and further exposed to high pressure (150 MPa) microfluidization treatment. The volumes of sediment after centrifugation were recorded as a measure of the degree of insolubility of the proteins. Microfluidization disrupted the heat-induced aggregates into non-sedimenting whey protein polymers so that in some cases, especially at pH 3.8, the products studied were almost completely resistant to sedimentation after the microfluidization treatments. Heat denatured/microfluidized whey proteins reaggregated upon subsequent heating, with the pH having a major impact on the amount of sediment produced. Microfluidization of aqueous WPC solutions heat-treated before spray- or freeze-drying substantially increased the solubility of the powders upon reconstitution. Heat-induced viscoelastic gels were produced from freeze-dried microfluidized samples processed at pH 3.8 and reconstituted to solutions containing 12% (w/w) protein.     

Comparison of functional properties of 34% and 80% whey protein and milk serum protein concentrates

This study compared the functional properties of serum protein concentrate (SPC) with whey protein concentrate (WPC) made from the same milk and with commercial WPC. The experimental SPC and WPC were produced at 34% or 80% protein from the same lot of milk. Protein contents of WPC and SPC were comparable; however, fat content was much lower in SPC compared with WPC and commercial WPC. The effect of drying methods (freeze vs. spray drying) was studied for 34% WPC and SPC. Few differences due to drying method were found in turbidity and gelation; however, drying method made a large difference in foam formation for WPC but not SPC. Between pH 3 and 7, SPC was found to have lower turbidity than WPC; however, protein solubility was similar between SPC and WPC. Foaming and gelation properties of SPC were better than those of WPC. Differences in functional properties may be explained by differences in composition and extent of denaturation or aggregation.     

Utilisation of chitosan flocculation of residual lipids and microfiltration for the production of low fat,clear WPC80

Annato coloured cheese whey was adjusted to pH 4.5 and treated with 0.01% (w/w) chitosan to selectively precipitate residual lipids, which were removed by gravity settling and microfiltration (MF). MF permeate was concentrated by ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) to produce whey protein concentrate with 80% protein (WPC80‐Chitosan). WPC80 samples were also produced by UF/DF only (Control), and by MF without chitosan treatment (MF). Both WPC80‐Chitosan and WPC80‐MF samples had lower fat, lower turbidity, higher foam overrun/stability and lower quantities of volatile compounds than WPC80‐Control before and after storage. WPC80‐Chitosan samples have an additional advantage of annatto removal (excellent clarity).     

Effect of whey protein concentrate addition on the physical properties of homogenized sweetened dairy creams

The influence on their whipping properties of homogenization at first and second stage pressures of 3.5/1.5 MPa and addition of whey protein concentrate (WPC) powder at three different (0.7, 1.4, and 2.1 wt percentage) concentrations to sweetened and homogenized creams was studied. Homogenization of cream significantly decreased maximum overrun and made the foam microstructure less open, while increasing whipping time, cream and foam lightness (Hunter L -value) and apparent viscosity. It also resulted in a less elastic foam structure with an increased drainage. Addition of WPC decreased the amount of maximum overrun, foam drainage and its lightness in parallel with developing a more compact microstructure. It increased the whipping time, apparent viscosity of unwhipped creams and foams, and resulted in a less elastic foam structure. The apparent viscosity of whipped cream with 2.1 wt percentage WPC, however, was lower than that of whipped cream with 1.4 wt percentage WPC, due most probably to the start up of gel formation at 2.1% WPC concentration in sweetened cream when it was sheared. Fresh foam whipped from sweetened cream with 2.1 wt percentage WPC also tended to have a slightly but not statistically significant lower elastic modulus (G') than fresh foam whipped from sweetened cream with 1.4 wt percentage WPC. This concentration can be considered as the critical value for gel formation in sweetened creams enriched by whey proteins when sheared. This study indicated the potential of WPC powder for reducing foam drainage from whipped homogenized sweetened cream.     

Characterisation of improved foam aeration and rheological properties of ultrasonically treated whey protein suspension

Suspensions of 10, 15 and 20% (w/v) whey protein concentrate (WPC) were treated with 20 kHz ultrasound for 5, 15 and 25 min at an amplitude of 20, 40 or 60%. The treated suspensions were whipped into foam and the aeration and rheological properties were investigated. With increasing ultrasound amplitude and treatment time, whey protein foam at 15% concentration produced the highest foaming capacity, while foam stability, storage modulus, loss modulus, consistency index and viscosity of foam increased with protein concentration. Foam viscosity correlated with foam stability with R² = 0.7425 and significant at P < 0.001.     

Lowering the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) in heated whey protein products and their cytotoxicity in human cell models by whey protein hydrolysate

This study investigated the potential use of reconstituted whey protein hydrolysate as an antibrowning agent in thermally processed foods and as a chemopreventive ingredient in biological systems. Hydrolysates were prepared by tryptic (EC 3.4.21.4) hydrolysis of whey protein concentrate (WPC) or heated (80 °C for 30 min) whey protein concentrate (HWPC). Tryptic hydrolysis of WPC and HWPC increased the oxygen radical absorbance capacity-fluorescein (ORAC_FL) antioxidant capacity from 0.2 to 0.5 ??mol Trolox equivalent (TE)/mg protein in both whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) and heated whey protein hydrolysate (HWPH) (p < 0.05). The reconstituted WPH and HWPH could prevent the formation of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) induced by a thermal process employed on WPC suspensions between 80 and 121 °C in the presence of lactose up to 0.25 M (p < 0.05). The MRPs in HWPC were cytotoxic to both normal human intestinal FHs 74 Int cells and human epithelial colorectal carcinoma Caco-2 cells. The IC₅₀ of HWPC was around 3.18-3.38 mg/mL protein. Nonetheless, when both cell types were grown in media supplemented with WPH prior to the uptake of MRPs in HWPC at 3.5 mg/mL, they were able to survive (p < 0.05). Overall, this study indicated the efficacy of WPH and HWPH in the prevention of MRP cytotoxicity. It was suggested that the ORAC_FL antioxidant capacity of WPH and HWPH needed to be high enough to provide a chemopreventive effect against MRP cytotoxicity.     

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure treatment on allergenicity and structural properties of soybean protein isolate for infant formula

The objective of this study is to investigate the influences of HHP treatment on the allergenic properties of SPI for infant formula. The processing parameters, including HHP pressure and duration time, could significantly influence the allergenicity reducing efficiency. At 300 MPa and 15 min, the allergenicity decreased 48.6%, compared to the native SPI. In the ranges of 200-300 MPa and 5-15 min, the free SH content and hydrophobicity of SPI significantly increased. Meanwhile, at the levels above 300 MPa and 15 min, the two interactions progressively decreased. Whatever HHP pressure and time, the maximum emission wavelength indicated blueshifts. At 300 MPa and 15 min, there was an 11.5-fold increase in fluorescence intensity and the maximum emission wavelength shifted from 516 to 466 nm. After HHP treatment, the helix1 and turns content, significantly increased and the strand1 and unordered content considerably decreased; whereas the amount of the helix2 and strand2 did not indicate any obvious change. The average length of helices significantly increased, while the helices (per 100 residues) did not strikingly change after HHP modification. However, both the strand (per 100 residues) and the average length of strands clearly decreased. Some documents indicate that the epitopes of SPI allergens could be closely related to the secondary structure of α-helix and β-sheet. These interactions and secondary structure results can provide direct evidence, or explanation, for HHP-induced modification of soy proteins, which could alter the allergenicity of SPI and enhance the security of SPI for cow milk allergic babies.     

蛋白含量对牦牛乳清蛋白浓缩物功能特性的影响

通过不同截留分子质量的再生纤维素膜过滤纯化牦牛原乳清液和牦牛甜乳清液,分别制取牦牛原乳清蛋白浓缩物（native whey protein concentrate,NWPC）和牦牛甜乳清蛋白浓缩物（sweet whey protein concentrate,SWPC）,研究蛋白含量不同的乳清蛋白浓缩物（whey protein concentrate,WPC）主要成分（乳糖含量、pH值和总蛋白质含量）和功能特性（溶解性、持水性、持油性、起泡性、乳化性及热稳定性）的特征。结果表明：10 000 Da再生纤维素膜透析得到的牦牛WPC中总蛋白含量达到80%以上,不含乳糖,功能特性（溶解性、持水性、持油性、起泡性、乳化性及热稳定性）均显著高于经3 500 Da卷式膜、5 000 Da再生纤维素膜透析得牦牛WPC,WPC蛋白含量越高,其功能特性越好;不同蛋白含量的牦牛SWPC起泡能力、泡沫稳定性、乳化活性和乳化稳定性均显著（P＜0.05）高于牦牛NWPC。牦牛乳WPC最不稳定温度为85 ℃,高于荷斯坦牛乳WPC的80 ℃,热处理会适当改善牦牛WPC的起泡性能、乳化性能和热稳定性。通过膜牦牛处理获取的高蛋白含量的WPC,功能特性较好,应用广泛,对解决牦牛乳清资源的利用问题、保护环境、提高企业的经济效益起到关键性作用。     

Enhanced functionalities of whey proteins treated with supercritical carbon dioxide

The functionality of whey proteins can be modified by many approaches; for example, via complexation with carbohydrates, enzymatic cross-linking, or hydrolysis, and the objective of this work was to research the effects of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) treatments on the functionalities of commercial whey protein products including whey protein isolates (WPI) and whey protein concentrates (WPC). The WPI and WPC powders and a 10% (wt/vol) WPI solution were treated with scCO₂. The WPI solution was treated at 40°C and 10 MPa for 1 h, whereas WPI and WPC powders were treated with scCO₂ at 65°C and 10 or 30 MPa for 1 h. Dynamic rheological tests were used to characterize gelation properties before and after processing. Compared with the unprocessed samples and samples processed with N₂ under similar conditions, scCO₂-treated WPI, whether dispersed in water or in the powder form during treatments, formed a gel with increased strength. The improvement in gelling properties was more significant for the scCO₂-treated WPC. In addition, the scCO₂-processed WPI and WPC powders appeared to be fine and free-flowing, in contrast to the clumps in the unprocessed samples. Proximate compositional and surface hydrophobicity analyses indicated that both compositional and structural changes may have contributed to enhanced whey protein functionalities. The results suggest that functionalities of whey proteins can be improved by scCO₂ treatment to produce novel ingredients.     

Foaming and Emulsifying Properties of Whey Protein Concentrates As Affected by Lipid Composition

Freeze-dried WPC, containing 35 and 75% protein were manufactured by pretreating whey with calcium chloride and heat. These and commercial WPC were subjected to proximate analysis and lipid classes, phospholipid classes, free fatty acids (FFA), and monoacylglycerols (MAG) composition were determined. Solubility, thermal, foaming, and emulsifying properties of the WPC were studied. Pretreatment increased calcium and phosphorus contents and decreased the contents of all other minerals. The pretreatment had no effect on solubility, denaturation enthalpy, and onset temperature of denaturation of WPC. These values were comparable to those of commercial WPC. Foaming capacity and emulsion stability were unaffected, but foam stability increased and emulsifying capacity decreased due to pretreatment. Overall, total lipids and lipid class contents of experimental WPC were too low to affect surface properties of WPC.     

Protein-stabilized emulsions containing beta-carotene produced by premix membrane emulsification

Protein-stabilized O/W emulsions containing beta-carotene were produced by premix membrane emulsification (ME) using polymeric microfiltration membranes. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and a whey protein concentrate (WPC) were used as protein emulsifiers while a nonionic small-molecule surfactant, Tween 20, was used both as a control and co-emulsifier. Membrane fouling caused by WPC reduced more significantly transmembrane flux than that by BSA. Mixtures of WPC or BSA with Tween 20 reduced protein membrane fouling and, simultaneously, decreased the mean droplet size. WPC/Tween 20 mixtures enable to produce emulsions with low polydispersion (span < 1) but with a significant membrane fouling while BSA/Tween 20 mixtures led to higher transmembrane fluxes although polydisperse emulsions (span = 7). During storage at 22 and 35 °C, the chemical degradation rate of emulsions with WPC/Tween 20 was slower than those with BSA/Tween 20 whereas Tween 20-stabilized emulsions led to the highest rate of beta-carotene reduction during storage at 35 °C.     

Minimizing variations in functionality of whey protein concentrates from different sources

Enhancement in processing technology has improved the nutritional and functional properties of whey protein concentrates by increasing the content and quality of the protein, leading to their increased use in different food products. The extent of heat treatment affects the quality of the whey protein concentrate, and wide variation in product quality exists due to the various means of manufacture and from the whey product history from farm to factory. The study was carried out with 6 commercial whey protein concentrates with 80% protein (WPC80) to determine variations in physical properties, particle size and density, and functional properties--solubility, gel strength, foam volume, and stability. Significant differences were observed among all the products for every property compared. Particulate size was the most important determinant of functional characteristics. Larger particulate WPC80 had significantly higher fat content and were less soluble with poor foam stability; but narrowing the particle size distribution through sieving, minimized variations. We determined that sieving all products within the particle size distribution range of 100 to 150 microns minimized variation in physical composition, making functionality uniform. WPC80 from different manufacturers can be made to perform uniformly within a narrow functionality range by reducing the particle size distribution through sieving.