Industrial yoghurt production requires precise pH control throughout fermentation, with optimal bacterial growth occurring between pH 6.4 and 4.5. Modern facilities process thousands of liters per batch, where even minor pH variations can lead to texture inconsistencies, syneresis issues, and product waste. Monitoring and controlling these changes across large vessels presents significant engineering challenges, particularly during the rapid acidification phase where pH can drop from 5.8 to 4.6 in less than two hours.

The fundamental challenge lies in balancing rapid, uniform acidification for efficient production while maintaining precise control over protein structuring and bacterial metabolic pathways that determine final product quality.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including staged fermentation processes combining agitation and static periods, surface-modified calcium oxide neutralizers for rapid pH adjustment, and specialized strains of lactose-deficient bacteria for post-acidification control. These and other approaches focus on achieving consistent product quality while optimizing production efficiency in industrial-scale operations.

1. Method for Producing Liquid Fermented Milk with Combined Agitation and Static Fermentation Stages

MEIJI CO LTD, 2024

A method for producing liquid fermented milk that combines agitation and static fermentation to achieve smooth texture and low viscosity. The method involves agitating the milk-fermenter mixture from pH 5.8 to 5.0, followed by static fermentation at pH 5.0-4.6, and finally cooling. This staged fermentation process optimizes microbial growth and metabolic pathways to produce a consistent, smooth liquid fermented milk.

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2. Set-Type Fermented Milk with Specific Protein Ratio and Sequential Fermentation-Sterilization Process

MEIJI CO LTD, 2024

Set-type sterilized fermented milk with enhanced cooking properties and reduced acidity, produced through a novel fermentation and sterilization process. The milk contains a specific protein composition of 1.5-3.0% whey protein and 2.0-3.0% casein protein, with a whey-to-casein ratio of 50-125 parts per 100 parts of casein. The milk undergoes fermentation in its container until pH 5.3-5.9 is reached, followed by heat treatment at 75°C for 15 minutes under normal pressure. This unique processing sequence enables the milk to maintain its structural integrity during cooking while suppressing acidity.

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3. Method for Controlling Post-Acidification in Fermented Dairy Products Using Lactase and Lactose-Deficient Lactic Acid Bacteria

CHR HANSEN AS, 2024

Controlling post-acidification in fermented dairy products through the combined action of lactase and lactose-deficient lactic acid bacteria. The method involves adding lactase to milk to hydrolyze lactose into glucose and galactose, followed by inoculation with lactose-deficient lactic acid bacteria that preferentially utilize glucose for growth. This controlled approach enables precise pH management during fermentation, particularly in high-moisture cheese applications, while maintaining desirable flavor profiles.

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4. Method for Producing Acidic Gel via Temperature Control and pH Adjustment with Organic Acids

SNOW BRAND MILK PRODUCTS CO LTD, 2023

A novel method for producing fermented milk and fermented milk-like acidic gel without fermentation. The method involves controlling the temperature of milk to 0-10°C and adjusting the pH to 4.0-5.2 using organic acids, thereby achieving coagulation through acidification rather than microbial fermentation. The method also includes controlling the casein-to-whey protein ratio between 8:2 and 5:5. This approach enables the production of fermented milk and gel-like products with consistent texture and flavor profiles, eliminating the need for dedicated fermentation facilities and temperature control systems.

5. Method for Producing Acidic Gel by pH Adjustment and Temperature Manipulation

SNOW BRAND MILK PRODUCTS CO LTD, 2023

Method for producing fermented milk and fermented milk-like acidic gel without fermentation. The method involves adjusting milk pH to near its isoelectric point, followed by controlled temperature manipulation within a specific range. This approach enables the production of set-type fermented milk and acidic gel products with desired firmness characteristics, eliminating the need for dedicated fermentation facilities and temperature control systems. The method maintains the original flavor profile of traditional fermented milk while providing enhanced versatility and reduced production complexity.

6. Stepwise pH Control Method Using Surface-Modified Calcium Oxide Neutralizer for Lactic Acid Fermentation

Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology Co., Ltd., HENAN JINDAN LACTIC ACID TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

A stepwise pH control method for lactic acid fermentation that significantly reduces the time required to achieve optimal pH conditions. The method employs a novel calcium oxide-based neutralizer, produced through surface hydrophobic modification, which enables rapid pH adjustment in two distinct stages. The first stage involves immediate pH reduction to promote initial lactic acid production, followed by a second stage where the modified calcium oxide is used to rapidly increase pH to inhibit bacterial growth. This staged approach enables pH adjustment in half the conventional time, enabling faster fermentation cycles and improved overall process efficiency.

7. Fermented Milk with High Protein Content and Controlled Casein-to-Whey Ratio

SNOW BRAND MILK PRODUCTS CO LTD, 2021

Fermented milk with improved texture and consistency through optimized protein composition and fermentation parameters. The milk contains 4% or higher protein content with a casein-to-whey protein ratio of 83% or higher. The pH after storage at 10°C for 7 days is 4.65 or higher. The fermented milk exhibits a hardness of 20-180 g, 90% particle size of 350 μm or less, and a maximum viscosity of 45 Pa·s or higher. The product can be either spreadable or liquid, with the liquid form having a viscosity of 400 mPa·s or less and 90% particle size of 70 μm or less. The method for producing the milk involves preparing a base mix with the specified protein composition and fermentation parameters, followed by homogenization and sterilization.

8. Fermentation Process for Lactococcus lactis with pH-Controlled Nisin Production

Tianjin University, TIANJIN UNIVERSITY, 2020

Controlling pH levels during fermentation of Lactococcus lactis to enhance nisin production. The method involves maintaining the pH between 5.5 and 6.5 during fermentation, with optimal pH ranges identified at 5.7-5.9. This controlled pH environment promotes optimal microbial growth and nisin production, allowing for consistent and increased yields of this commercially valuable antimicrobial peptide.

9. Fermented Dairy Product with Lactose-Deficient Lactococcus lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus Strains Metabolizing Non-Lactose Carbohydrates

CHR HANSEN AS, 2020

Reducing post-acidification in medium-temperature fermented dairy products through the use of lactose-deficient Lactococcus lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus strains. These strains metabolize non-lactose carbohydrates to prevent excessive acid production during storage, eliminating the need for added sugars to control fermentation. The method enables consistent texture and flavor profiles in fermented dairy products while maintaining their natural composition.

10. Method for Producing Fermented Milk with High-Pressure Homogenization of Raw Material Mix Prior to Fermentation

MEIJI CO LTD, 2018

A method for producing fermented milk that improves production efficiency by optimizing the microstructure of the raw material mix. The method involves homogenizing the raw material mix at high pressure to reduce the average particle size of fat, followed by fermentation. This processing sequence enables the production of fermented milk with enhanced properties, including improved texture and shelf life, without the need for additives. The method is particularly effective for plain yogurt production, enabling the creation of high-quality products with extended shelf life while maintaining a natural flavor profile.

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11. Fermented Dairy Product Manufacturing with Controlled pH Stability Using Weakly Post-Acidified Bacterial Cultures

DSM Intellectual Property Asset Management Ltd., DSM IP ASSETS BV, 2018

Manufacturing fermented dairy products through a controlled fermentation process that maintains consistent pH levels during storage. The method involves fermenting milk with a starter culture containing a weakly post-acidified bacterial culture until the desired pH range is achieved (4.0-5.0). The fermented product is then cooled and packaged, with the pH level remaining stable for at least 28 days post-fermentation. This approach enables continuous acidity control during transportation and storage while maintaining the product's texture and sensory characteristics.

12. Fermented Milk Production Using Combined Mesophilic and Thermophilic Cultures with Controlled Post-Acidification

DSM IP ASSETS BV, 2017

Manufacturing fermented milk products, particularly quark, by combining mesophilic and thermophilic cultures in a single fermentation process. The process achieves desired pH levels through synergistic action of mesophilic and thermophilic cultures, enabling faster and more efficient fermentation compared to traditional sequential processes. The thermophilic culture, particularly Streptococcus thermophilus strains, exhibits weak post-acidification properties that prevent excessive pH drop after initial fermentation, thereby extending processing windows and enabling larger-scale production.

13. Manufacturing Process for Fermented Dairy Products Using Starter Cultures with Weak Post-Acidification Properties

CHR HANSEN AS, 2017

A cost-effective process for manufacturing fermented dairy products like yogurt that eliminates the traditional cooling step prior to packaging. The process utilizes starter cultures with inherent weak post-acidification properties, enabling pH stabilization and texture preservation without the need for cooling. The cultures' unique acidification profiles allow for controlled fermentation at fermentation temperatures, eliminating the requirement for post-fermentation cooling. This innovative approach enables the production of high-quality, low-acidity fermented dairy products that maintain texture integrity throughout storage and packaging.

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14. Yoghurt Composition with Psicose-Enhanced Storage Stability

SAMYANG CORP, Samyang Corporation, 2017

Yoghurt with enhanced storage stability containing psicose. The yoghurt maintains appropriate pH, acidity, viscosity, and hardness levels during storage, preventing quality degradation and maintaining marketability. The stability is achieved through the incorporation of psicose, a naturally occurring sugar, which controls microbial fermentation and maintains optimal physical properties. The yoghurt can be prepared using psicose syrup or powder, and is particularly suitable for long-shelf-life products requiring consistent quality throughout distribution and storage.

15. Method for Producing Fermented Milk with Controlled Lactose Decomposition and Specific Bacterial Blend

SNOW BRAND MEGMILK CO LTD, 2016

Producing fermented milk containing Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus that maintains its pH and flavor profile over time while supporting the survival of bifidobacteria. The method involves fermenting a milk-based mixture with a specific blend of lactic acid bacteria, including Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacterium longum, while controlling lactose levels through enzymatic decomposition. This results in a fermented milk product with reduced pH fluctuations during storage, improved flavor stability, and enhanced bifidobacterial viability.

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