Process Technology for the Preparation of Whey-Based Carbonated Beverage

Background:

The dairy industry produces a large volume of whey as a by-product of paneer and cheese making, resulting in substantial nutrient loss and environmental pollution due to its high BOD/COD when discarded. At present, there is a significant gap in the development of consumer-preferred, value-added whey products, particularly in the ready-to-drink functional beverage segment. The proposed innovation addresses this by converting whey into a jeera flavoured carbonated beverage enriched with high-quality proteins, minerals and vitamins, offering both refreshment and health benefits. The formulation incorporates traditional spices and carbonation to create a familiar taste profile that appeals to a wide range of consumers. The technology provides a commercially viable route for dairy industries and beverage manufacturers to utilize whey in high-value product lines instead of waste disposal. Expected end users include children, youth, health-conscious consumers and fitness enthusiasts across rural and urban areas. Considering the growing demand for functional and traditional-flavoured drinks, the product has strong commercial prospects, and even 1–2% capture of the Indian soft drink market can create high demand for whey utilization.

Technology Details:

This innovation addresses whey disposal challenges by converting nutrient-rich whey into a value-added carbonated beverage with Jeera flavour. The process involves clarification, microfiltration of whey to eliminate sedimentation and off-flavours, making it suitable for carbonation. The incorporation of zeera flavour helps in delivering a traditional taste while retaining high-biological-value proteins, minerals and vitamins. A unique feature of this technology is the fusion of carbonation with Indian spice-based flavouring in a whey matrix, which is currently absent in the beverage market. The process of making the beverage is compatible with existing dairy and beverage processing lines, enabling easy industrial adoption. By transforming whey into an appealing, nutritious and affordable soft drink, this solution provides an effective pathway for continuous whey utilization, higher economic returns for dairies and a refreshing functional drink option for consumers.