Back

Discover CALS

See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

The Science of Yogurt and Cultured Dairy Products: Basic Level

Enhance your expertise in yogurt production and cultured dairy products with our in-depth workshop. This session is designed for industry professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of yogurt attributes, culture microbiology, milk quality, and the intricacies of product evaluation and formulation.

What You Will Learn:

  • Yogurt Production and Attributes: Explore the principles and practices of yogurt production, including the factors that affect the texture, flavor, and quality of the final product. Learn about the different types of yogurt and their unique characteristics.
  • Culture Microbiology: Delve into the role of microbial cultures in yogurt production. Understand how specific bacteria influence fermentation, flavor development, and product quality.
  • Milk Quality and Its Impact: Examine how milk quality affects yogurt and other cultured dairy products. Learn best practices for ensuring milk quality and its direct impact on the end product.
  • Product Evaluation and Defects: Gain insights into evaluating yogurt and cultured dairy products. Identify common defects, learn how to assess product quality, and apply troubleshooting techniques to resolve issues.
  • Ingredients in Cultured Dairy Products: Understand the function of various ingredients used in yogurt and cultured dairy products. Explore how different ingredients contribute to product stability, flavor, and texture.
  • Product Processing and Formulation: Discover advanced processing techniques and formulation strategies for yogurt production. Learn about the science behind processing methods and how they impact product consistency and quality.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Expert-Led Sessions: Benefit from detailed presentations by industry experts on key topics related to yogurt production and cultured dairy products.
  • Interactive Learning: Engage in hands-on activities and discussions to apply your knowledge of product evaluation, defect analysis, and formulation techniques.
  • Practical Insights: Gain practical insights into overcoming common challenges and optimizing yogurt production processes for better product outcomes.

Who Should Attend:

  • Dairy product manufacturers and technologists
  • Quality control and assurance professionals
  • R&D specialists focused on dairy products
  • Anyone involved in yogurt production and cultured dairy product development

Overview

Enhance your expertise in yogurt production and cultured dairy products with our in-depth workshop. This session is designed for industry professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of yogurt attributes, culture microbiology, milk quality, and the intricacies of product evaluation and formulation.

Learning Outcomes

This course will provide attendees with information in key areas that are listed below, along with key learning outcomes in each area:

Milk Quality & Impact on Finished Dairy Products

  • Identify milk components and their influence on finished cultured dairy products
  • Describe characteristics of quality raw milk and how it will influence culture microbiology
  • Determine how quality can be influenced at the production level
  • Explain necessary cleaning protocols in cultured dairy plants

Product Evaluation & Defects:

  • Identify defects in raw milk that may influence finished product quality
  • Describe the different sensory attributes when formulating and tasting cultured dairy products
  • Evaluate the different textural, flavor, and body defects that exist in cultured dairy products

Product Processing & Formulation

  • Describe different starter cultured bacteria involved in cultured product formulation and identify finished product differences
  • Identify bacteriophage and its influence on cultured product production
  • Illustrate the influences of temperatures, air, inoculum, and nutrients on culture in product production
  • Describe different standards of identity and requirements to make specific cultured dairy products
  • Compare the differences between cultured product bacteria and probiotics
  • List the different processes required to make particular cultured dairy products

Attendees that would like a Certificate of Achievement for successful completion of this course, which is required for the Science of Yogurt and Fermented Dairy Products Certificate (Basic Level), will need to pass a test (≥ 70%) that is administered at the end of the course. This open-book test is timed, so there is only limited time to search for information. This course also includes a pre-course test to determine the knowledge of all attendees before the start of the course. Test questions will include multiple choice, short answer, and true/false questions.

Sample Agenda

 

  • Introduction to Cultured Dairy Products
  • Raw Milk Quality
  • Milk Chemistry 
  • Culture Microbiology
  • Batching and Common Unit Operations
  • Processing of Yogurt
  • Processing of Buttermilk, Sour Cream, and Cream Cheese
  • Stabilizers
  • Fruit Preparations
  • Quality and Food Safety in Cultured Dairy
  • Preservation Methods
  • Cleaning and Sanitizing in a Cultured Dairy Facility
  • Cultured Dairy Product Processing
  • Quality System in Yogurt Production
  • Food Processing Development Lab Tours
  • Cornell Dairy Yogurt Production Video
  • Sensory Evaluation of Dairy Products
  • Basic Microbiology
  • Yogurt Flavorings

Fees

  • $725-$880 for in-state registrants
  • $880-$1100 for out-of-state registrants
  • Enrollment is limited to the first 20 participants

Instructors

Rebecca Phillips
Dairy Processing Specialist
alcaine [at] cornell.edu (rlp96[at]cornell[dot]edu)
 

Additional instructors and contributors to this course include guest instructors from industry.

 

Course Dates

  • Hybrid course: online modules and one-day live session (both online and live course participation required.)
    • Online modules open February 7, 2024
    • May 13, 2025, In-person, Cornell University

Course Contact

Louise Felker
Louise Felker

Extension Support Specialist

Dairy Foods Extension

Louise Felker