dsm-firmenich reinvigorates the better-for-you yogurt category with pH-stabilizing starter cultures

21-Sep-2023 - Last updated on 21-Sep-2023 at 07:52 GMT

The starter cultures are suitable for mild yogurt formulations. Image via dsm-firmenich

The cultures extend the pH stability of fermented dairy, ensuring consistently mild sensory experience in products such as drinking or spoonable yogurts.

The range, called DelvoFresh Pioneer, is aimed at makers of very mild cultured dairy, where maintaining low acidity levels for longer time periods can be challenging. The starters are ideal for products such as low-sugar yogurts and cold-stored drinking yogurts designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

“When we talk about mildness, we are referring to the sensory profile of drinking and stirred yogurts,” explained Karoline Kjaerulff, global business development manager, fermented milk & plant at dsm-firmenich.

With this range of cultures, yogurt pH remains stable for up to 60 days in cold storage, which is a ‘significant improvement’ compared to other cultures for this type of application, dsm-firmenich claims.

“Typically, cultures continue to produce acid and reduce the pH of the yogurt throughout its shelf life, posing a significant challenge for yogurt producers trying to maintain consistency,” Kjaerulff told us. “DelvoFresh Pioneer cultures are unique because their post-acidification effect tapers off after one week of storage, with very little pH reduction in the subsequent weeks. This means the flavor remains mild and creamy throughout the entire shelf life.”

The cultures are suitable for skimmed, semi-skimmed and full-fat yogurt – and both flavored and unflavored varieties, she added.

Asked how the company’s R&D team identified the right bacterial strains, Kjaerulff said: “We used our advanced high throughput testing and selection process to identify strains capable of delivering an indulgent texture and fast acidification, as well as improved post-acidification performance than that seen in traditional strains.”

While the cultures are not formulated to prevent spoilage, they are able to keep pH levels stable even in more challenging storage environments that include temperature fluctuations.

“We’re investing heavily in culture development as we know the possibilities are near limitless, and more taste, texture and health benefits are out there to discover. These new cultures complement our fermented dairy toolkit of starter, bioprotective and probiotic cultures, enzymes, hydrocolloids and nutritional solutions,” Kjaerulff concluded.

DelvoFresh Pioneer cultures are available globally now.