Dairy Q&A

                                                                      Question:

                                                                  What is whey?

                                            

Answer:

Whey is one of two major proteins found in cow's milk. Whey protein is produced during the process of making cheese, which begins when special enzymes are added to milk causing it to separate. The curd are used to make cheese, leaving behind whey protein in the liquid portion. This liquid whey is then pasteurized and dried into a powder for various uses.

National Dairy Council

Kraft opened a cheese plant in Bentonville,Arkansas in the 1940's. At that time, the whey from cheese production was taken to local farmers and fed to dairy and beef cattle.

Thanks to dairy research and development of food products, whey protein can be found in powders,drink mixes, energy bars,yogurt, and other foods.Whey protein powder is very convenient and can be added to smoothies,oatmeal,soups,sauces,dips,baked goods, or other common foods.

Dairy Makes Sense

Whey to Go

Our dairy farm schedule doesn't permit a lot of sitting around like Miss Muffit 'eating her curds and whey' but thanks to dairy nutrition research, it is now possible to have Whey to Go!


Whey is one of the two complete high quality proteins in cow's milk that is seperated out from the casein protein during cheese making. It is used in a variety of products such as infant formulas,food supplements,sport bars, and beverages to meet the health goals for people of all ages. According to the National Dairy Council, whey protein:

• Contains all of the essential amino acids ("building blocks") for your body needs.
• Is one of the best sources of amino acids to help increase muscle protein.
• Helps increase protein synthesis,which can help the body funciton properly.

Whey protein can be consumed in an energy or meal bar, a drinking beverage with whey protein or dropping a scoop of whey powder into your milk,yogurt,cereal, or smoothies. Whey powder can boost protein intake without adding excess calories to everyday foods and can also be:

• Stirred into hot foods (not boiling) immediately after cooking
• Used as an ingredient in baked goods
• Added to ground meats before cooking
• Included in savory or sweet dips
• Stirred into hot cereal or creamy soups and sauces
• Added to peanut or other nut butters

Whey to Go is definitely an important addition to our nutritional tools regardless of age or activity level. You can find recipes and  more information about whey protein at http://www.wheyprotein.nationaldairycouncil.org.