Ultrafiltered milk, also known as UF milk, UF skim, or diafiltered milk, is a subclassification of

milk protein concentrate Milk protein concentrate (MPC) is any type of concentrated milk product that contains 40–90% milk protein. The United States officially defines MPC as "any complete milk protein (casein plus lactalbumin) concentrate that is 40 percent or more ...

that is produced by passing

milk Milk is a white liquid food produced by the mammary glands of mammals. It is the primary source of nutrition for young mammals (including breastfed human infants) before they are able to digest solid food. Immune factors and immune-modula ...

under pressure through a thin, porous membrane to separate the components of milk according to size. Specifically, ultrafiltration allows the smaller lactose, water, mineral, and vitamin molecules to pass through the membrane, while the larger protein and fat molecules (key components for making cheese) are retained and concentrated. (Depending on the intended use of the UF milk product, the fat in whole milk may be removed before filtration.) The removal of water and lactose reduces the volume of milk, and thereby lowers its transportation and storage costs.

Ultrafiltration Ultrafiltration (UF) is a variety of membrane filtration in which forces such as pressure or concentration gradients lead to a separation through a semipermeable membrane. Suspended solids and solutes of high molecular weight are retained in the ...

makes cheese manufacturing more efficient. Ultrafiltered milk is also sold directly to consumers under brands like Fairlife and Simply Smart (discontinued producing and selling it May, 2022), who tout its higher protein content, lower sugar content, and creamier taste.

References

{{Milk navbox Milk Membrane technology