Stabilisation mechanism of various inulins and hydrocolloids: Milk–sour cherry juice mixture

Milk–fruit juice mixtures, such as the mainly acidic nutraceutical soft drinks, usually suffer from phase separation due to aggregation of caseins at low pH. In this study, short‐chain inulin (SCI), native inulin (NI), long‐chain inulin (LCI) and a combination of long‐ and short‐chain inulins (LCI:SCI) (MIX) in different ratios (20:80, 50:50 and 80:20) were added (up to 10% w/v) to a milk–sour cherry juice mixture and their stabilisation mechanisms investigated using rheological, microstructural and zeta potential observations. In addition, gum tragacanth (GT) and Persian gum (PG) as adsorbing and guar gum (GG) as nonadsorbing hydrocolloids were combined with inulin to enhance their stabilising properties. Finally, sensory analyses were carried out on the stabilised samples. According to our findings, LCI fully stabilised the mixture (8% w/v), while LCI: SCI and NI only reduced phase separation at very high concentrations, and SCI had no significant effect on the stabilisation. Moreover, no inulin aggregates and rheological changes were observed with SCI. However, LCI, LCI: SCI and NI formed inulin aggregates and the mixtures became even more viscous and thixotropic (LCI > LCI: SCL > NI). Based on these observations, it can be concluded that chain length and concentration are two important factors that affect the functionality of inulin. On the other hand, the combination of inulin with GT and PG did not have any pertinent effect on the stabilisation. However, the mixture of inulin and GG could stabilise the mixtures at certain ratios and concentrations. Furthermore, in mixtures containing GG and SCI, GG played the main role in the stabilisation by increasing the viscosity and forming gel network.     

Carbohydrate-based fat replacers in the modification of the rheological, textural and sensory quality of yoghurt: comparative study of the utilisation of barley beta-glucan, guar gum and inulin

Barley beta‐glucan, partially hydrolysed guar gum and inulin were used in the processing of low‐fat yoghurts. The possible beneficial effects of carbohydrate fat replacers on the rheological, textural and sensory quality of low‐fat yoghurt‐based products were determined. Comparisons were made between the sample yoghurts made from a low‐fat milk base, and full‐fat and low‐fat yoghurt controls. The inclusion of the carbohydrate components reduced product syneresis and improved the texture and rheological properties of the low‐fat‐based products so that their quality characteristics were similar to yoghurt made with full‐fat milk. Both the type and also the amount of carbohydrate component altered product characteristics. Beta‐glucan addition at low level (0.5%) was effective in improving serum retention of the yoghurt and its viscoelastic nature (G′, G′ and tan δ). In contrast, higher levels (above 2%) of inulin and guar gum were needed to exert significant improvements in the textural characteristics of yoghurt. Sensory analysis conducted on the samples illustrated that the inclusion of carbohydrate‐based fat replacers could be successfully utilised to mimic full‐fat products.     

Optimisation of probiotic yoghurt production enriched with phytosterols

To optimise the formulation of phytosterol‐enriched probiotic yoghurt, the effect of different concentrations of phytosterols, fat and the probiotic inoculation rate on the survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA‐5, Bifidobacterium lactis BB‐12 and physicochemical indices over 14 days of storage was explored. Data analysis showed that the phytosterol concentration and fat content were two crucial factors affecting probiotic viability. Addition of phytosterols had no adverse effect on the overall scores for sensory attributes. Regarding maximisation of viability and storage time, the optimum conditions were found to be fat = 8.07% (w/v), phytosterol = 18 g/L, probiotic inoculation rate = 71.42 mg/L and storage time = 12 days.     

The physicochemical properties of yoghurt supplemented with microencapsulated peanut sprout extract,a possible functional ingredient

This study was designed to determine the physicochemical and sensory properties of yoghurt supplemented with powdered peanut sprout extract microcapsules (PPSEM) (3–10 μm) during storage at 4 °C for 16 days. The releasing rates of the polyphenol, resveratrol, from yoghurts were minimised at lower concentrations of PPSEM (0.25 and 0.5%, w/v). The viscosity decreased gradually with higher concentrations of PPSEM added. In the sensory test, there were significant increases in yellowness, peanut and cooked scores (P < 0.05). Based on the results, it is concluded that the low concentrations (0.25 and 0.50%, w/v) could be used to produce PPSEM‐supplemented yoghurt without significant adverse effects on the physicochemical and functional properties.     

Texture of nonfat yoghurt as influenced by whey protein concentrate and Gum Tragacanth as fat replacers

Seven batches of nonfat yoghurt stabilized with different concentrations of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and Gum Tragacanth (GT) were produced to study the effects of WPC and GT as fat replacers on the rheological properties of yoghurt. By increasing the WPC up to 15 g/L, storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G") and complex dynamic viscosity (η*) values were increased and sensory impressions of texture and appearance were improved when compared with the control nonfat yoghurt. Addition of gum above 0.5 g/L led the decrease of G', G", η* and resulted in lower scores for sensory attributes than control nonfat yoghurt.     

Probiotic yoghurt functionalised with microalgae and Zedo gum: chemical,microbiological, rheological and sensory characteristics

In this study, using a central composite design, the effects of addition of Spirulina platensis and Zedo gum to plain and probiotic yoghurt samples were investigated during storage. Lactobacillus paracasei proliferation was directly dependent on the addition of microalgae and was inversely affected by storage time. Probiotic samples containing S. platensis showed the highest antioxidative activity. Maximum stability was obtained at higher amounts of Zedo gum, while organoleptic and rheological attributes improved at 0.25% Zedo gum. Given the importance of probiotic viability, supplementation of probiotic yoghurt with Zedo gum/S. platensis may be consideredas a novel nutraceutical formulation.     

Influence of tragacanth gum exudates from specie of Astragalus gossypinus on rheological and physical properties of whey protein isolate stabilised emulsions

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of Iranian tragacanth gum (Astragalus gossypinus) (0.5, 1 wt.%), Whey protein isolate (WPI) (2, 4 wt.%) and acid oleic‐phase volume fraction (5, 10% v/v) on droplet size distribution, creaming index and rheological properties of emulsions with various compositions. Rheological investigations showed that both loss and storage modules increased with gum and oil contents. However, the viscoelastic behaviour was mainly governed by the gum concentration. Delta degree (storage and loss modules ratio) increased with frequency indicated that liquid like viscose behaviour dominates over solid like elastic behaviour. The shear‐thinning behaviour of all dispersions was successfully modelled with power law and Ellis models and Ellis model was founded as the better model to describe the flow behaviour of dispersions. Droplet size distribution was measured by light scattering; microscopic observations revealed a flocculated system. Increase in gum, WPI and oil contents resulted in decrease in creaming index of emulsions with dominant effect of gum concentration.     

Impact of octenyl succinylated pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) starch addition as fat replacer on the rheological,textural and sensory characteristics of reduced‐fat yoghurt

The current study evaluated the impact of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)‐esterified pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) starch as a fat replacer (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) on various characteristics of reduced‐fat yoghurt (1.5% fat). Firmness, flow point, storage and loss modulus increased with increasing levels of the OSA starch. The Herschel–Bulkley model was best fit for elucidating their pseudoplastic behaviour. Syneresis decreased considerably, whereas sensory acceptability improved with increasing OSA starch level. Owing to this reduced syneresis, improved structural strength and sensory acceptability, OSA‐esterified pearl millet starch functions as a fat replacer in reduced‐fat yoghurt.     

Growth and Viability of Commercial Bifidobacterium spp in Skim Milk Containing Oligosaccharides and Inulin

Two commercial strains of Bifidobacterium spp (Bf ‐1 and Bf ‐6) were cultured in 12% (w/w) reconstituted nonfat dry milk (NDM) containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, or 5.0% (w/v) fructooligosaccharide (FOS), galactooligosaccharide (GOS), and inulin. Inoculated samples were incubated anaerobically at 37° for 48 h. Growth and activity of the cultures in the presence of FOS, GOS, and inulin were determined. Viability of each strain was assessed after 4 weeks of refrigerated storage at 4°. Growth promotion, enhancement of activity and retention of viability were greatest when Bifidobacterium Bf‐1 and Bf‐6 were grown in the presence of FOS followed in a descending order by GOS and inulin. The effects of oligosaccharides and inulin increased with increasing carbohy drate concentration and was maximal at 5% (w/v).     

Effects of pectin and guar gum on creaming stability, microstructure and rheology of egg yolk plasma-stabilized emulsions

The influence of pectin and guar gum on the creaming stability, microstructure and rheological properties of 1.0% (w/v) egg yolk plasma (EYP)-stabilized 25.0% (v/v) soybean oil-in-water emulsions was studied at pH 7.0. Addition of pectin/guar gum decreased creaming percentage, and no creaming was detected in the presence of 0.5% (w/v) pectin/guar gum as a result of increasing viscosity. At the end of 10 h, creaming percentage decreased from 61 to 57% with the addition of 0.05% (w/v) guar gum and to 39% with the addition of 0.2% (w/v) guar gum. Microscopic observations represented the droplet aggregation arising from the presence of nonabsorbing biopolymers. At \mathop g^. \mathop \gamma \limits^{.}  = 10 s⁻¹, a tenfold increase in viscosity was observed in the presence of 0.5% (w/v) guar gum compared to the presence of 0.1% guar gum due to the thickening effect of polysaccharide. Increasing gum concentrations enhanced the viscosity and hence the consistency index. All emulsions, except for those containing 0.5% (w/v) guar gum, reflect the near-Newtonian behaviour with flow behaviour index, n, of 0.9–1.0. All emulsions exhibited a liquid-like behaviour at low frequencies (<7.0 Hz) where G″ values were higher than G′. Both G′ and G″ showed a frequency dependency and these two moduli crossed each other at higher frequencies (>7.0 Hz), G′ became greater than G″ and the system behaved like an elastic solid. Addition of pectin at all levels cause no significant change in G′ and G″ values, whereas addition of guar gum, especially at a concentration of 0.5% (w/v), significantly improved these values.     

Effect of long‐chain inulin on the texture profile and survival of Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei in set yoghurts during refrigerated storage

The effects of adding inulin at 20 g/L as a fat replacer and probiotic bacteria on the physicochemical and textural characteristics of yoghurt were studied. The ability of long‐chain inulin to improve the probiotic (Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei) bacteria viability in yoghurt was investigated. The addition of inulin made the texture (firmness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness and gumminess) of skimmed yoghurt similar to that of whole yoghurt, demonstrating the role of inulin as a fat replacer. However inulin increased syneresis and did not influence the viability of probiotic bacteria in the yoghurts. The addition of probiotic bacteria in yoghurts improved syneresis and increased firmness and gumminess.     

Encapsulation in an alginate–goats’ milk–inulin matrix improves survival of probiotic Bifidobacterium in simulated gastrointestinal conditions and goats’ milk yoghurt

In this work, a new encapsulating matrix, alginate–goats’ milk–inulin, was used to encapsulate Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12. The addition of inulin resulted in capsules with a compact structure, and a higher probiotic cell count under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and in probiotic goats’ milk yoghurt during refrigerated storage. Encapsulation of the probiotic bacteria led to slower post‐acidification yoghurts. The results of this study showed that the alginate–goats’ milk–inulin matrix has potential to be used as a new encapsulation material to encapsulate probiotics for use in goats’ milk‐based probiotic fermented dairy products, avoiding the cross‐contamination caused by using capsules based on cows’ milk.     

Iron fortification of reduced‐fat bioyoghurt containing either short‐ or long‐chain inulin

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding inulin, iron salts and/or their combinations on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of reduced‐fat bioyoghurt. Results revealed that iron and inulin supplementation did not affect the viable counts of the yoghurt starter microorganisms but slightly increased counts of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. Iron and inulin significantly affected the textural attributes of the yoghurt, but did not modify the yoghurt flavour significantly. Also, in vitro assessments on the availability of calcium and iron were conducted and revealed that the supplementation of yoghurt with iron and inulin resulted in significant reduction in calcium and iron availability.     

Stevia‐fortified yoghurt: Stability,antioxidant activity and in vitro digestion behaviour

In this study, yoghurt samples were fortified with 0.25% and 0.5% freeze‐dried stevia extract (FSE). The control and stevia‐fortified yoghurts were evaluated and compared for the viability of the starter cultures, physicochemical properties, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity throughout 30 days of storage. In addition, TPC and antioxidant activity were evaluated during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The results showed that the yoghurt matrix preserved the TPC, antioxidant capacity and total solids during storage, while the acidity, synaeresis and counts of the starter cultures of the final product were not significantly affected. However, addition of 0.5% FSE exerted a buffering effect on the system. After simulated digestion, the values of TPC and antioxidant activity of the fortified yoghurts increased in relation to the undigested fractions. These findings showed the feasibility of employing FSE as a functional ingredient in the manufacture of yoghurts with potential antioxidant properties.     

Effects of various whey proteins on the physicochemical and textural properties of set type nonfat yoghurt

In this study, the changes during storage in the physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of nonfat yoghurts fortified with whey proteins, namely whey protein concentrates (WPC), whey protein isolates and whey protein hydrolysates, were investigated. Enrichment of nonfat yoghurt with the whey protein additives (1% w/v) had a noticeable effect on pH, titratable acidity, syneresis, water‐holding capacity, protein contents and colour values on the 14th day of storage (P < 0.01). The addition of whey proteins to the yoghurt milk led to increases in the hardness, cohesiveness and elasticity values, resulting in improved textural properties. The addition of WPC improved the texture of set‐type nonfat yoghurt with greater sizes in the gel network as well as lower syneresis and higher water holding capacity. This study suggests that the addition of whey protein additives used for fortification of yoghurt gave the best textural and sensory properties that were maintained constant during the shelf life.     

The effects of date syrup and guar gum on physical,rheological and sensory properties of low fat frozen yoghurt dessert

The effect of adding date syrup (0%, 25% and 50% as sugar replacement) and guar gum (0%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% as fat replacement) was examined in respect of physicochemical, rheological and sensory properties of low fat frozen yoghurt. Increasing date syrup and guar gum concentration increased the mixture viscosity and acidity. Guar gum softened the frozen yoghurt whereas date syrup increased the hardness of the product. The control yoghurt was less sticky than samples containing the gum, but date syrup had no significant effect on the samples stickiness. Melt‐down stability of the samples also increased with increase in gum and date syrup concentration. The low fat orange flavoured frozen yoghurt dessert prepared in this study also had good sensory properties.     

Whey protein concentrate and gum tragacanth as fat replacers in nonfat yogurt: chemical, physical, and microstructural properties

The effect of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and gum tragacanth (GT) as fat replacers on the chemical, physical, and microstructural properties of nonfat yogurt was investigated. The WPC (7.5, 15, and 20 g/L) and GT (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 g/L) were incorporated into the skim milk slowly at 40 to 45°C with agitation. The yogurt mixes were pasteurized at 90°C for 10 min, inoculated with 0.1% starter culture, and incubated at 42°C to pH 4.6, then refrigerated overnight at 5°C. A control nonfat yogurt and control full fat yogurt were prepared as described, but without addition of WPC and GT. Increasing amount of WPC led to the increase in total solids, total protein, acidity, and ash content, whereas GT did not affect chemical parameters. Increasing WPC caused a more compact structure consisting of robust casein particles and large aggregates. Firmness was increased and susceptibility to syneresis was decreased as WPC increased. No significant difference was observed for firmness and syneresis of yogurt fortified with GT up to 0.5 g/L compared with control nonfat yogurt. Increasing the amount of gum above 0.5 g/L produced softer gels with a greater tendency for syneresis than the ones prepared without it. Addition of GT led to the coarser and more open structure compared with control yogurt.     

Physiochemical,textural, sensory properties and probiotic survivability of Chinese Laosuan Nai (protein‐fortified set yoghurt) using polymerised whey protein as a co‐thickening agent

A new Chinese Laosuan Nai (protein‐fortified set yoghurt) was developed using polymerised whey protein (PWP, 0.4%, w/v) as a co‐thickening agent. The prototype was analysed for physiochemical, textural, sensory properties and probiotic survivability and compared with a commercial sample. Experimental yoghurts were significantly higher in pH, protein content, hardness and viscosity (P < 0.01). Microstructure indicated a uniform and denser protein network. Probiotics remained stable for Bifidobacterium during a 10‐week storage period. Results indicated that polymerised whey protein may be a novel protein‐based co‐thickening agent for making Chinese Laosuan Nai.     

Carboxymethyl derivatives of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) gum: characterisation and solution rheology

Carboxymethyl ether moieties were introduced to flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) gum (FG) by reacting gum with monochloroacetic acid (MCA). Effects of ether forming reaction conditions, temperature, NaOH concentration and molar ratio of FG (anhydroxylose equivalent) to MCA, on the degree of substitution (DS) were investigated. Treatment at 70 °C, with 7.0 m NaOH, and molar ratio of MCA to FG of 10:1 over 3 h produced a polysaccharide with a DS of 0.824 ± 0.012. Both surface morphology and thermal behaviour were modified. Solutions of FG (0.5–4.0%, w/v) exhibited shear‐thinning behaviour where viscosity decreased with decreased FG concentration. After carboxymethylation, modified polymer solutions also exhibited shear‐thinning behaviour, where dynamic viscosity was lower than that of native FG solutions at the same concentration. The dynamic viscosities were lower for solutions of modified FG with higher DS and also lower for solutions made at lower FG concentrations (0.5–4.0%, w/v). A more liquid‐like behaviour with increasing FG DS was indicated as storage modulus G′ and loss modulus G″ decreased and became more frequency dependent. The substitution of hydroxyl groups with carboxymethyl groups suppressed entanglement between FG polysaccharide chains by reducing intermolecular association.     

Rheological and sensory properties of stirred yoghurt with inulin‐type fructans

This study concerns physicochemical and sensory analysis of stirred yoghurts, in which skim milk powder was partly replaced by different inulins. The composition of basic solutions contained 12% skim milk powder and 4% inulin, while reference yoghurts contained 16% SMP or whole milk powder. Rheological and sensory analysis showed that one‐quarter of milk powder could be substituted by long‐chain inulin in low‐fat stirred yoghurt. Short‐chain inulin and oligofructose can potentially be applied in the production of drinking yoghurt. Sensory evaluation showed that milk fat cannot be successfully substituted by inulin.