Phospholipo-proteins which have been enzyme modified may be used as an
emulsifier to improve the emulsion stability of frozen products, e.g.,
during the freeze thaw and vacuum cool processes. Especially preferred is
use of the enzyme phospholipase A to modify egg yolk and to use the
modified egg yolk as an emulsifier in frozen products. Creation of a more
stable emulsion can be expected to improve the overall appearance of the
final product both in the frozen state and after the product has been
reheated. Although egg yolk is preferred, examples of other
phospholipo-protein containing substances include casein, skim milk,
buttermilk, whey, cream, soybean, yeast, whole egg, blood serum and wheat
proteins. Egg yolk and/or other sources of phopholipo-protein can be
subjected to the action of phospholipase A or other enzyme, and then the
modified product incorporated into the products of the invention.
Alternatively, it is possible to isolate the phospholipo protein from its
source and subject the isolated protein to the action of phospholipase A,
after which the modified phopholipo-protein is incorporated into the
frozen food products of the invention.