- Caseins Guide: https://michigancarp.com/milk-caseins-for-boilie-making-sodium-calcium-micellar-acid-rennet-complete-guide/
- Whey Powders Guide: https://michigancarp.com/whey-powders-in-boilie-mixes-wpc-34-35-wpc-80-wpi-wph-whey-gel-alpha-lactalbumin/
- Milk Powders Guide: https://michigancarp.com/milk-powders-in-boilie-making-skim-whole-buttermilk-full-cream-coconut-milk-powder-michigan-guide/
- Lactose Guide: https://michigancarp.com/lactose-milk-sugars-in-boilies-what-they-do-when-they-help-and-when-to-back-off/
Start here (internal links): Boilie School Hub • Casein Powders Guide • Whey Powders Guide • Milk Powders Overview • Reading Dairy Protein Spec Sheets
Direct Answer
If you don’t set a “milk budget,” dairy powders creep up until the bait becomes hard to roll, inconsistent, or too soft in water. The fix is simple: build dairy in modules and keep total dairy where you want it (many anglers run a cap like ~30% of a 1 kg dry base).
Quick Start: The 3 Modules
- Casein module (control): 1 caseinate + 1 structure casein (sometimes + micellar)
- Whey module (workhorse): one main whey (WPC-80 or WPC-34/35)
- Tool slot (optional): WPH (speed) or whey gel (toughness) or WPI (density)
Everything else (milk powders, lactose) is supporting cast—used only if it earns its place.
Step-by-step: Build Your Dairy Stack with Discipline
Step 1) Build casein control first
Choose structure first (acid/rennet), then add a caseinate (calcium or sodium) only as needed. That stops “soft bait panic” later.
Step 2) Add one main whey
Pick WPC-80 for a clean, high-protein workhorse. Pick WPC-34/35 if you specifically want a more “milky/lactose” style and lower cost.
Step 3) Add only one tool slot
Don’t stack WPH + whey gel + WPI unless you already tested them individually. Most of the time, one tool solves the problem.
Common Mistakes
- Adding powders because they’re “good” instead of because they have a job
- Stacking too many fast/soluble ingredients and losing water time
- Stacking too many hardeners and making baits overly tough
Michigan Notes
Michigan conditions expose sloppy bait fast: warm water + nuisance fish will shred soft baits; cold water exposes baits that are too “dead” and slow to start. Modules let you tune without re-inventing the whole mix.
FAQ
Why set a milk budget at all?
Because it prevents ingredient creep and keeps the base rollable and repeatable.
Do I need milk powders if I already have casein + whey?
No. They’re optional—use only if you can explain their job.
Can I run a 4-casein blend inside the budget?
Yes, if you keep the totals sensible and the bait still rolls and water-tests properly.