A micro scale syneresis assay, using the natural optical density of the whey released as a trace, is reported. This assay is suitable for use with raw, reconstituted skim-milk (RSM) or artificial milk. Using RSM the reproducibility and accuracy of the method compared favourably with larger scale laboratory assays. When the method was used to investigate the syneresis properties of artificial micelle milk (AMM), the rate and extent of syneresis and response to a major variable such as pH were very similar to those of RSM. This suggests that the assay used in conjunction with AMM is suitable for investigating the mechanism of syneresis at a molecular level.