A system, processes, and milk-based food products made from the system and
processes, in which cream is separated from milk to produce an ultra-low
fat milk product. The milk product is microfiltered to produce a
retentate that is ready to drink and is high in protein and has no or
substantially no fat. The permeate from the microfiltration process is
ultrafiltered to produce a retentate that is high in protein with few
other solids. The permeate of the ultrafiltration step, or other milk
salt containing fluid may be used to perform diafiltration on the
retentate of the microfiltration process. The permeate may also be used
to provide protein fortification to other food and beverage products, and
is especially useful in its liquid form for such fortification.