Edible food packaging made from milk proteins

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture are developing a packaging film made of milk proteins. The casein-based film is up to 500 times better than plastics at keeping oxygen away from food. Some commercially available edible packaging varieties are already on the market, but these are made of starch, which is more porous. The milk-based packaging has smaller pores and can thus create a tighter network that keeps oxygen out.
The material is edible and made almost entirely of proteins. Nutritious additives such as vitamins, probiotics and nutraceuticals could be included in the future. It does not have much taste but flavorings could be added (News Release ACS, 21 August 2016).
Click here for the news release.
Click here for a video about the research.

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