Forms of Casein

Casein is a protein that is found in milk. Often, it is used in foods as a binding agent and is also used by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts as a popular source of protein for shakes and supplements. Casein has no iconic charge, as it is a salt. Casein forms when milk curdles and turns sour. It is a slow-digesting protein, which means that it steadily releases amino acids into the blood, making it a good post-workout protein.

Foods Containing Casein

• Casein is commonly found in dairy products such as milk, cheeses and yogurt. Often, fitness enthusiasts and body builders will consume cheeses such as cottage cheese before bedtime to absorb the slow-release qualities of casein and burn fat during sleep. Unlike other proteins such as whey, soy and meat proteins, casein has a lasting effect and keeps the muscles in recovery.

Uncommon Places to find Casein

• Surprisingly, casein is also found in processed foods, since milk additives are used to create many snacks such as crackers, potato chips, coffee flavorings and foods with caramel coloring. Ingredients beginning with the prefix "lact-" often indicate the presence of casein in processed foods.

Fast Food and Casein

• Fast food companies often use added casein in items such as buns and french fries, as milk-derived additives are cheap and easy to come across. Since casein acts as a binding agent, it is an inexpensive binder for many cheap convenience foods. Casein is now appearing in more and more fast food items that would not typically be considered dairy products.

Casein in Meats

• Many cured and processed meats contain casein due to milk-derived additives. Casein is used both as an emulsifier and a flavoring additive in deli meats. In order to avoid casein or lactose-based products in meats, look for dairy-free or kosher meat products.

The Downsides of Casein

• The presence of casein in nondairy foods is particularly unfortunate for those who are lactose intolerant, as the additive of casein hides lactose in snack foods that are not usually considered dairy products. The consumer who is lactose intolerant might not be used to avoiding nondairy foods and would have to scan the ingredient list of many items to avoid hidden casein.