Sodium Caseinate: Applications in Food Industry and its Production Method

General Description

Sodium caseinate, a water-soluble derivative of casein, is a versatile ingredient widely used in various food products in the food industry. Sodium caseinate plays crucial roles in enhancing texture, stability, and nutritional content in sausage production, ice cream making, bakery goods, coffee mate, and dairy products. This protein, derived from milk through curdling and alkali treatment, serves as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and foaming agent. Its high protein content makes it ideal for food supplements as well. Sodium caseinate's ability to dissolve easily and improve product characteristics makes it a valuable component in food production and supplementation.

Figure 1. Sodium caseinate

Applications in Food Industry

Sodium Caseinate, a water-soluble derivative of casein, has a wide range of applications in the food industry. Its versatility and functional properties make it a popular ingredient in various food products. One of the main uses of sodium caseinate is in the production of sausage. It helps to evenly distribute fat in the meat and enhances its stickiness. Typically, it is used in concentrations of 0.2-0.5%. In the realm of ice cream production, sodium caseinate acts as an emulsifying stabilizer. By adding it in concentrations of 0.2-0.3%, it prevents shrinking and deforming caused by low milk solids content. It also reduces lactose content and prevents crystallization during freezing and storage. In the bakery industry, sodium caseinate is used to enhance the stability and gas retention of gluten networks. It combines with gluten protein, improving the dough's elasticity and toughness. Additionally, it interacts with amylose, resulting in softer bread with an extended shelf life. Coffee mate or non-dairy creamer relies heavily on sodium caseinate as its main ingredient. This is because sodium caseinate has a high protein content and strong emulsifying properties. It prevents fat from clumping together, increases viscosity, and enhances the mouthfeel of the product. Sodium caseinate is also utilized in the production of food supplements. Its high protein content makes it ideal for creating high-protein cereal products, elderly foods, infant foods, and diabetic foods. Furthermore, sodium caseinate finds its way into various dairy products such as margarine, chocolate, whipped toppings, desserts, and cheese. It serves as an emulsifier and foaming agent, increasing the viscosity of the aqueous phase, stabilizing emulsification systems, enhancing the viscosity of bubbles, and preventing the formation of fat balls. In summary, sodium caseinate is a versatile ingredient with numerous applications in the food industry. Its water-soluble property and functional characteristics make it a valuable component in ice cream, sausage, bakery goods, coffee mate, food supplements, and a variety of dairy products. ¹

Production Method

Sodium caseinate is a type of protein that is derived from milk. It is made by curdling milk with an acidic material or rennet to form curds and whey. The resulting curds are then treated with an alkali, such as sodium, in order to extract the casein protein. This process creates sodium caseinate, which is about 90 percent protein. Sodium caseinate is an ideal form of casein because it can dissolve easily when mixed with liquid. It is often used as an ingredient in food products to add structure and improve the nutritional content of low-fat dairy products. In addition, it is also used as a nutritional supplement, either in premixed liquid protein blends or for people who want to mix sodium caseinate into their own beverages and foods. Commercial dairy manufacturers typically use rennet to curdle milk, while artisan and home cheesemakers may use lemon juice or vinegar. After curdling, the curds are treated with an alkali to extract the casein protein. Sodium is a common alkali used in the production of sodium caseinate. Overall, sodium caseinate is an important ingredient in the food industry, providing a source of protein and improving the texture and nutritional content of many food products. Its ability to dissolve easily also makes it a convenient nutritional supplement for those looking to increase their protein intake. ²

Reference

1. James H. What is Sodium Caseinate in Food, is it Vegan and common Uses. Food Additives. 2020.

2. Ellen D. What Is Sodium Caseinate? Livestrong. 2022.