The objective of our work was to compare the main texture characteristics of the low-fat (30%), lactose-free dairy spread developed by us, containing viable lactic acid bacteria, and those of commercially available dairy spreads by an objective, reproducible, instrumental test, and then to assess the expected market reaction to our new product. The results of the rheological tests have shown that, in terms of its texture, our lactose-free dairy spread is similar to currently commercially available similar dairy products of adequate quality. Compared to 25 to 39% fat products, it is neither softer, nor stickier, its spreadability is close to that of usual dairy spreads. The judges (250 people) found the flavor and texture of the developed product significantly better (P<0.05) than those of one of the traditional dairy spreads that has been available in stores for a long time. However, in terms of spreadability, the latter dairy product was found to be superior (P<0.05). It was found that our new product could be received well when placed on the market, however, it should be emphasized during its introduction that, in addition to the ideal texture characteristics and nutritional physiology properties of the well-known and popular dairy spreads, it also has added functional benefits since it is lactose-free and contains viable lactic acid bacteria.

The popularity of buttercream, considered to be a reduced energy, cheaper version of butter with a better function of use, has been constant in Hungary for three and a half decades. Our objective was to develop a new type of functional buttercream manufacturing technology. In order to achieve this, the pressure value resulting in parameters ensuring the adequate texture and good adsorption of the finished product during the one-stage homogenization of 30% fat cream was determined, as well as to what extent the viscosity of cream and its ease of handling are affected by ho-mogenization. It has been found that the criteria for the homogenization effect can be achieved by single homogenization of a 30% fat cream containing a milk protein con-centrate serving as the raw material for the new type of butter product on a single-stage homogenization machine at 65 °C and 15 MPa (150 bar). Due to the increased viscosity of the cream treated this way, the use of a tubular or scraped-surface heat exchanger is recommended. Our reduced fat, lactose-free buttercream with live cul-ture can be manufactured safely with the technology developed, and with the enzyme and starter cultures used, the lactose content of the product will be less than 0.1%.