Formation of Elastic Whey Protein Gels at Low pH by Acid Equilibration

Abstract: Whey protein gels have a weak/brittle texture when formed at pH ≤ 4.5, yet this pH is required to produce a high-protein, shelf-stable product. We investigated if gels could be made under conditions that produced strong/elastic textural properties then adjusted to pH ≤ 4.5 and maintain textural properties. Gels were initially formed at 15% w/w protein (pH 7.5). Equilibration in acid solutions caused gel swelling and lowered pH because of the diffusion of water and H⁺ into the gels. The type and concentration of acid, and presence of other ions, in the equilibrating solutions influenced pH, swelling ratio, and fracture properties of the gels. Swelling of gels decreased fracture stress (because of decreased protein network density) but caused little change to fracture strain, thus maintaining a desirable strong/elastic fracture pattern. We have shown that whey protein isolate gels can be made at pH ≤ 4.5 with a strong/elastic fracture pattern and the magnitude of this pattern can be altered by varying the acid type, acid concentration, pH of equilibrating solution, and equilibrating time. Practical Application: Low-pH shelf-stable whey protein gels having the strong/elastic texture can be made by forming gels at high pH and equilibrating in acid solutions. Acid equilibration causes the gel to swell and lower the gel pH. Moreover, gel properties can be altered by varying the acid type, acid concentration, pH of equilibrating solution, and equilibrating time.