Application Note: Cheese, Soft

Comparison of product softness of full, medium and low fat soft cheese, using the 45° cone. To determine the spreadability and softness of cheeses using the 45° cone probe.

Soft cheeses are cheeses with moisture contents between 48% and 80%. Full fat soft cheeses should not contain more than 60% moisture with a fat content greater than 20%. Texture analysis plays a vital role in the quantification of curd characteristics where it acts as a rheological predictor of finished product quality, as well as a potential indicator of moisture content. Stabilizer systems build solids, increase viscosity and enhance product mouthfeel (creamy texture) and flavour release. Texture analysis thus plays an essential role in the development of low fat foods where the product developer wishes to mimic the texture profile of full fat counterparts.

The full fat product has the firmest texture. The light product is very soft in comparison. The extra light product falls between both the full fat and light samples, with a structured consistency resulting from stabilization with increased milk protein and additives. The inclusion of these compounds failed to mimic the overall profile of the full fat sample.