Dairy & Eggs
Milk Protein Concentrate 85 in gelato
Milk Protein Concentrate 85 (MPC85) is a high-protein dairy powder containing about 81% milk protein (as-is, 85% on a dry basis) with very low lactose. In gelato it is a concentrated source of milk solids-non-fat and protein, boosting body, emulsion stability and creaminess without adding fat or significant sugar.
Balancing parameters
Per 100 g of product, verified against independent food-science sources (listed below).
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Solids | 95% |
| Water | 5% |
| Sugars | 4.5% |
| Fat | 1.5% |
| MSNF | 89% |
| Protein | 81% |
| POD (sweetening power) | 0.72 |
| PAC (anti-freezing power) | 4.5 |
Typical use: 1-3% of the total mix; occasionally up to 4-5% in high-protein or very low-fat formulations.
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Open the balancerHow to use it in gelato
Use MPC85 to raise protein and milk solids-non-fat (MSNF) without adding fat or lactose-driven sandiness, which makes it valuable in low-fat, high-protein or 'proteico' gelato. Its effect on PAC and POD is negligible (only ~4.5% lactose per 100 g), so it does not soften the scoop or add sweetness. Instead it improves water binding, overrun retention, emulsion stability and a fuller, creamier body. Because it carries far less lactose than skim milk powder (~52%), it lets you push total MSNF higher before reaching the lactose-crystallisation (sandiness) ceiling. Hydrate it well; excess protein can make the mix pasty or chewy.
Origin & background
Milk protein concentrates emerged commercially in the 1980s-1990s with the adoption of ultrafiltration and diafiltration membrane technology, which removes lactose and minerals from skim milk while retaining casein and whey protein in their native ratio. The American Dairy Products Institute (ADPI) formally standardises MPC by protein content, defining MPC85 as the highest-protein grade (85% protein, dry basis) before the product is classified as milk protein isolate (MPI, >=90%).
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- https://www.adpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Concentrated-Milk-Proteins-Standard-v2.1_2023.pdf
- https://www.thinkusadairy.org/products/milk-proteins/milk-protein-categories/milk-protein-concentrate
- https://www.vitusa.com/sites/default/files/MPC.pdf
- https://www.solico-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/MPC-85-30008411.pdf