Sausage Ingredient? Nonfat dry milk

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Bigtank

Smoking Fanatic
Original poster
SMF Premier Member
Jul 10, 2018
672
562
Algona IA
I'm planning to make some smoked Ring Bologna this weekend. Should I add some non-fat dry milk as a binder? Most recipes don't call for it, but the recipe on Walton's calls for a binder.
 
I'm planning to make some smoked Ring Bologna this weekend. Should I add some non-fat dry milk as a binder? Most recipes don't call for it, but the recipe on Walton's calls for a binder.
Depends on your final fat percentage. If staying around a 80/20 meat then no binder is needed. Even 70/30 meat you can get away without a binder usually, but if going heavy on fat then a binder is a good idea.

I run 80/20 to 70/30 meat and never need a binder.
 
I don't generally find binders necessary, but potato starch is what I use, if I use one.
 
The OG stuff (Troyer) is made near me. Lists phosphate on label. NFDM works great but seems to add a lighter color and ever so slight creamy taste I like but not for stuff like trail bologna. Great for a brat tho. Binders are good "insurance" but not a substitute for a proper mix. Dude with a meat mixer should have no issue at all skipping a binder.
 
I rarely use a binder in my sausages, though I've never made an emulsified sausage. I tend to ensure I get a good protein extraction though mixing and have no issues with bind.

I also stick roughly within the 70/30 ratio (pork shoulder) suggested by SE above.

I did pick up a soy protein binder, but I've only used it a couple of times.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Coreymacc
Should I add some non-fat dry milk as a binder?
Most bologna type formulas use starch if emulsifying . NFDM works against that process , so keep that in mind if you're going to emulsify .
Most recipes don't call for it, but the recipe on Walton's calls for a binder.
Might be other things in those formulas that are taking place of the NFDM .

NFDM binds with the moisture in the product and helps retain it during cooking .

Lean to fat , salt percentage and a proper mixing binds the meat paste .

I use NFDM , Potato starch and phosphates depending on what I'm making . I don't use it at the recommended rates . I'm at less than half of that . I add it in slowly , along with the liquid while mixing . When it comes together I stop .
 
I use it but I've also not used it in both fresh and smoked sausages. i like them both dont have a preference one or the other as SE pointed out with enough protein you should have no issue getting good extraction.
 
I got lost ... left a message in your earlier thread lol. How did you turn out?

Ryan
 
I got lost ... left a message in your earlier thread lol. How did you turn out?

Ryan
Pretty good, I'm not sure if I should grind it a little finer. I used PS collegen casings. The meat seems to stick when they are grilled and seem quite tough. Sausge is realy nice and moist.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Brokenhandle
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Hot Threads

Clicky