By removing moisture, powdered milk prevents the growth of microorganisms like yeast, mould, and bacteria, making it a shelf-stable option
If you’re thinking about buying a commercial coffee machine for your business, you’ve probably come across all sorts of different kinds whilst doing your research - bean-to-cup, instant or filter machines, fresh milk systems versus powdered milk—and it all starts to feel overwhelming. You want a solution that suits your team, fits your space, and provides consistently great coffee. This article is here to guide you through one of the key decisions: whether to use fresh milk or powdered milk in your coffee machine. Let’s explore the difference between milk powder and milk, benefits, and challenges of each option so you can make the best decision for your business.
What is soluble milk?
One of the options you’ll encounter is powdered milk, also known as soluble milk. This product has a fascinating history. Invented in the 1800s to extend the shelf life of cow’s milk, it became a staple for soldiers thanks to its lightweight, long-lasting nature. The idea of drying food for preservation is ancient, but it remains highly effective. By removing moisture, powdered milk prevents the growth of microorganisms like yeast, mould, and bacteria, making it a shelf-stable option.
How is powdered milk made?
- Spray Drying
First, the milk is pasteurised to kill any bacteria before being steamed. Steaming is the first step in removing the moisture – when steaming, the condensed water vapour is removed, reducing the product mass to 50%. The final stage involves spraying the milk into a drying chamber to remove any remaining water droplets, leaving behind a dry powder.
- Drum Drying
This method involves using a large, rotating cylindrical drum that steams the milk to evaporate all the unwanted liquids, leaving behind milk solids that can be scraped off the drum as dehydrated milk powder.
- Freeze Drying
Freeze drying is a method of dehydration using a process called sublimation, which changes a solid directly into a gas without passing through the liquid state. This method uses low temperatures and low pressure instead of heat, resulting in products that retain most of their nutritional properties, making it ideal for processing military rations and astronaut food where nutrition less of a priority than preservation.
Nutritional Comparison
Cow’s milk is celebrated for its health benefits, containing high levels of essential minerals and vitamins such as calcium, protein, potassium, and vitamins A, D, B2 and B12. Drinking milk has a whole host of positive health benefits, from increased bone strength and brain development to maintaining healthy blood pressure and immune system. Thanks to the freeze-drying process these good nutrients are preserved, so you can rest assured that milk powder and milk protein content are more or less the same.
Use in Beverages
When it comes to workplace coffee, nutrition isn’t the first thing on our mind – it’s all about taste and texture! Milk powder for coffee, such as leading British milk powder brand Milfresh, is specially designed for barista-style coffee machines. In fact, a study by Oxford Brookes University revealed that 64% of participants preferred Milfresh powdered milk over fresh semi-skimmed milk. Remarkably, two out of three participants couldn’t tell the difference between milk powder and milk that had been prepared fresh.
However, for many, fresh milk represents the ultimate coffee experience. Its natural flavour and creamy texture are hard to beat, especially for premium drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
Suitability for Coffee Preparation
Choosing between fresh and dry milk for coffee preparation depends on your workplace’s priorities. If your team values premium quality and you have the resources to manage fresh milk, it’s an excellent option. On the other hand, if convenience, longevity, and space efficiency are your primary concerns, milk powder and milk recipe is a practical alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Shelf Life and Storage: How Long Does Powdered Milk Last vs Fresh Milk?
Powdered milk shines in terms of practicality. It boasts a shelf life of up to 12 months, compared to just 7 days for fresh milk. Plus, powdered milk doesn’t require refrigeration and takes up minimal storage space. These qualities make it an excellent choice for workplaces with limited fridge space or fluctuating coffee consumption.
Deciding between fresh milk and powdered milk ultimately comes down to your office’s needs. Fresh milk provides an authentic, high-quality coffee experience but requires careful management and ample storage. Powdered milk offers a cost-effective, convenient, and reliable alternative that delivers excellent results without the logistical challenges of fresh milk.
By weighing these factors, you can select the option that best supports your team’s coffee preferences and operational requirements. Whether you choose fresh or powdered milk, your workplace is sure to benefit from a well-thought-out coffee solution that keeps everyone energised and satisfied.