Properties and options for the valorization of whey from the artisanal cheese industry

Whey contains a high concentration of milk components. However, a high volume of it continues to be discarded to the environment, leading to a loss in nutrients and pollution problems. The objective of the present review is oriented to provide information on the nutritional, functional and biological properties of the whey generated by the artisanal cheese idustry. Furthermore, scientific evidence supporting the different opportunities for its valorization, revised under different technological approaches is included. The potential of whey valorization, through its recovery or transformation into value-added products, includes its use in a diversity of food products. Whey use includes the production of requesón (whey cheese), fermented beverages, fruit-flavored drinks, sports drinks, alcoholic beverages, whey buttermilk, ice-cream, candies and popsicles. The transformation of whey produced by the artisanal cheese industry, offer a niche of opportunities to make this industry more profitable. The reduction in loss of highly valuable components (e. g., protein, fat and lactose) by using whey, according to their technological capabilities, represents a suitable option to its valorization, by changing the perception of whey as a waste, but as a source of co-products. The recovery, transformation and reincorporation into the processes, would bring beneficial economic effects to artisanal producers and reduce the environmental impact caused by this industry. El lactosuero posee una gran cantidad de los componentes de la leche, sin embargo, una alta proporción del volumen generado se sigue tirando, provocando pérdida de nutrientes y problemas de contaminación. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue proveer información sobre las propiedades nutricionales, funcionales y biológicas del lactosuero, generado por la industria quesera artesanal, así como evidencias científicas recientes que sustentan, bajo distintos enfoques tecnológicos, el potencial de aprovechamiento, mediante su transformación o recuperación para adicionarle valor. Las oportunidades en la valorización del lactosuero, a través de la elaboración de diversos productos lácteos, como el requesón (queso de suero), bebidas fermentadas o con frutas, bebidas para deportistas, bebidas alcohólicas, mantequilla de suero, dulces, helados y paletas, reflejan el nicho de oportunidades para hacer la industria quesera artesanal más redituable. El cambio de paradigmas en los productores artesanales, en percibir al lact