This study attempted to lift the technological barrier hindering the development of whey protein-containing apple juice
beverages, especially those fortified with bioactive hydrolysates as novel functional foods. Response surface method
efficiently recognised the critical levels for each formulation ingredient to meet the organoleptic requirements of a sensory panel. The prominent role in sediment formation of beverages belonged to pH as the critical values of 3.15 and
3.47 resulted in no phase separation for WPI-apple juice and WPH-apple juice beverages, respectively. Repulsive
forces established at acidic conditions not only donated a clear appearance to the beverages, but also prevented shear
thinning.