The invention pertains to process for manufacturing whey protein concentrate (WPC) from whey, said process involving (a) providing acidified whey (b) increasing the pH of said acidified whey using one or more carbonate salt(s), preceded and/or followed by ultrafiltration, and (c) subjecting the ultrafiltered carbonate-containing whey to spray drying. A WPC is provided having improved functional properties, particularly increased gel strength and reduced salt sensitivity (i.e. meaning that the functional properties of the WPC are affected by salt to a lesser extent).
