Key findings and conclusions: The structural properties, including rheological parameters, of the microgel
suspension depend on the cumulative effect of the type, magnitude and duration of the mechanical
stresses occurring in the different post-processing unit operations. The latter can be optimised to achieve
the desired gel properties and save raw material, mainly protein and stabilisers. It can also be adjusted
for low viscosity at high protein contents. Thus, the efficiency of the process can be improved by
considering the design of the process downstream of fermentation.