| abstract |
The present invention provides a high quality, ready-to-drink, non-cultured nutritional beverage comprising (1) a protein component, (2) an emulsified fat component, (3) a fortification component, and (4) an optional sweetener component. The protein component comprises minimally processed milk; the emulsified fat component comprises dairy fat; the beverage contains about 1.5 to 10 percent total protein and about 0.15 to about 5 percent total fat; the beverage has a first ratio of the minimally processed milk protein divided by the total protein which is greater than or equal to about 0.05; the beverage has a second ratio of the dairy fat divided by the total fat which is greater than or equal to about 0.15; and the fortification component provides at least 10 percent of the daily value per single beverage serving of at least 6 vitamins and minerals. |