Abstract:In order to investigate the reasons for the lack of milky flavor in whole milk powder, headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was used for the determination of volatile aroma components in a variety of whole milk powder. The volatile aroma components in the samples were determined in combination with Relative Odor Activity Value (ROAV). The results showed that a total of 87 volatile components including acids, ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, esters and aromatic compounds were detected in the six samples. The content of ketones was 9.65% in the normal sample R, and increased in R1-R5 samples with insufficient milky flavor (increased by 1.11%, 0.85%, 2.97%, 0.18%, and 8.95%, respectively); Meanwhile, the content of esters decreased significantly: the content of esters in sample R was 15.56%, and the content of esters in the R1-R5 samples with insufficient milky flavor decreased by 12.09%, 9.35%, 7.14%, 6.70% and 6.20%, respectively. Since most of the esters have floral and fruity aromas, which has a positive effect on the enhancement of milk powder’s flavour. Therefore, a decrease in the ester content would more likely lead to insufficient milky flavour. Among them, the unique aroma component of the R sample with normal milky flavour was vanillin (its content: 7.30%), which provided a strong milky aroma and an outstanding flavor contribution. Meanwhile, the ROAV value indicated that vanillin and 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone made important contributions to the flavour of the milk powder. These results provide a material basis and mechanistic explanation for further investigation on the causes of the lack of milky flavour in milk powders in the future.