Processed cheese is characterized by its uniform texture, consistent flavor, and even meltability. Its processing results in a long shelf life and its adjustable properties make it a cost-effective and versatile product for food manufacturers and the food service industry.
All these characteristics are considered with Natec Network equipment. We provide machines and expertise for every step of processed cheese production.
Processed cheese production begins with grinding a base of natural cheeses, which are then blended with water, emulsifying salts, and other additives. This mixture is heated and constantly agitated in a cooker to melt, homogenize, and pasteurize it, resulting in a stable, molten cheese mass. Finally, this mass is formed, cooled to the desired consistency, and packaged.
The cheese is ground into smaller pieces for easier melting as done by Grinders.
Water, emulsifying salts, milk proteins, fats and other desired additives (like flavors or colors) are mixed with the ground cheese. This step can be performed using a Blender Cell or directly by our Batch Cookers.
Natec Network Blending Cell Natec Network Batch Cookers
The blend is heated in a cooker while being constantly agitated to prevent burning. The heat melts the cheese, and the process simultaneously pasteurizes the product to achieve the characteristic long shelf life of processed cheese. UHT processing enhances its stability and extends its shelf life, requiring less stringent refrigeration. This option is considered by the RotaTherm.
The agitation creates the characteristic smooth and uniform cheese texture. To control the final product's firmness and overall texture we offer different cooker types according to cheese texture requirements: ShearTherm for spread-type products and FreeTherm for block/slice-type products.
Natec Network RotaTherm Natec Network ShearTherm Natec Network FreeTherm
Melted cheese can contain undissolved components or foreign particles. Filtering removes these, preventing undesired particles from appearing in the final processed cheese product.
When using a FreeFilter the the melted cheese passes through a filter with a defined mesh size. This filtration is continuous and uses scrapers that continuously move along the filter surface to dislodge particles into a drain chamber.
The molten cheese is then poured into desired forms like plastic wraps (FreePack), cups, jars, molds and is cooled to achieve its final consistency.
The characteristic versatility of processed cheese allows a wide range of products in various formats. To cover a wide range of product possibilities by only one production line is challenging. Nevertheless, the innovative way of forming and cooling by FreeSlice makes it possilbe.
Natec Network FreePack Natec Network FreeSlice
The cooled cheese is packaged for distribution. Critical control points throughout the process ensure quality, safety, and stability. Examples for such CCPs are the temperature control included in every Natec Network cooking equipment or checkweigher and metal detectors included in every Natec Network forming & portioning equipment.
Natec Network cooking equipment Natec Network forming & portioning equipment
Special feature Your product always comes first for us Our knowledge We employ food technologists with strong recipe experience The difference You can test your own products on the machines at our facilities Product diversity We offer you a wide range of productsBenefits with the Natec Network
Standard Process Lines
