Makeup of Milk

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How Baking Works

By Paula Figoni

Published 2003

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Milk directly from the cow contains proteins, lactose, vitamins, minerals, and milk fat. From Figure 13.2, however, it is clear that milk is composed mostly of water. Not counting milk fat, the solids in milk are appropriately called milk solids not fat, or MSNF. There are legal minimum requirements for the amount of milk fat and MSNF in most dairy products.

Figure 13.2 The makeup of whole milk
Other than a slight sweetness, the flavor of fresh milk is relatively mild. As the amount of milk fat in milk products increases, however, the rich dairy flavor increases, because most dairy flavors are in the fat.