Skimmed milk powders are manufactured thank to a very simple process. They are obtained from fresh cow milk that has been skimmed, pasteurised and concentrated by vacuum evaporation. This concentrated milk is then spray dried or roller dried.
The temperature at which the concentration happens indicates the characteristics of the 0% fat milk powder: Low Heat, Medium Heat and High Heat.
Skimmed milk powder is used as an alternative to fresh milk after dissolution in water or by direct addition of the powder in the formulation, for instance to standardise dry extract content or protein content.
Lecithin may also be added at the end of the drying session to obtain spray instant skimmed milk powder. Lecithin is used for its emulsifier properties that helps the powder rehydrate quickly.
Skimmed milk powder is mostly used in products based on reconstituted milk (yogurt, dairy dessert, ice creams…), in chocolates, in confectionery, in baby food, in animal feeding.