Modification of gluten-free sorghum batter and bread using maize, potato, cassava or rice starch

Gluten-free sorghum bread was made from cassava, maize, potato or rice starch and sorghum in the ratios 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50. The other baking ingredients, on flour-weight-basis, were water (100%), sugar (6.7%), egg white powder (6%), fat (2%), salt (1.7%) and yeast (1.5%). Increasing starch content changed the batters’ consistencies from soft doughs to thin pourable batters. Increasing starch content decreased crumb firmness and chewiness, and increased cohesiveness, springiness and resilience of all breads. Cassava-sorghum and rice-sorghum breads had better crumb properties than maize-sorghum or potato-sorghum breads. Although the crumb properties of all breads declined (i.e. firmness and chewiness increased; cohesiveness, resilience and springiness decreased) on storage, the formulation containing 50% cassava starch retained the best overall texture.     

The influence of dietary inulin and oligofructose on the cell-mediated and humoral immunity in rats

This paper reviews evidence for the immune-enhancing effects of prebiotics. The influence of inulin and oligofructose on the immune functions and the structure of immune peripheral organs in male Wistar rats was investigated after 4 months feeding. Rats fed isocaloric purified diets contained 10% inulin or oligofructose. The rats of control group had no feeding any prebiotics. The enlargement of a number of T-cells and increasing of major histocompatibility complex (MHC-II) molecule on the surface of an antigen-presenting cells of spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, thymus was noted. The increasing of content interleukin-2 and interleukin-4 in blood was noted in rats fed inulin and oligofructose. The increased activity of peritoneal macrophages was confirmed by enhance superoxid anion production and phagocytosis. The dietary prebiotics do not influence on the apoptosis of immunocytes. The immune-enhancing effects of prebiotics was confirmed by morphological investigation of peripheral lymphoid organs.     

Evaluation of the effects of fat replacers on the quality of wheat bread

The performance of different fat replacers at various levels (Inulin powder, Inulin gel and Simplesse) in wheat bread and dough compared to a control containing block fat was examined. Empirical and fundamental rheological tests were carried out on the doughs. Volume yield, crumb texture, crust colour and crumb image characteristics were measured for the baked loaves. The addition of inulin gel was found to increase water absorption. Dough complex modulus for doughs containing fat was significantly lower (P<0.01) than the doughs containing the replacers. The addition of simplesse and inulin increased the complex modulus (P<0.01). Loaves containing the control fat and inulin gel had similar volume yields, significantly higher (P<0.01) than loaves containing simplesse or inulin powder. Inulin powder and simplesse had adverse effects on crumb hardness, producing slices significantly harder (P<0.01) than slices with the control fat or inulin gel. Overall it was found that breads containing the inulin gel were similar in quality characteristics to the control breads containing fat.     

Combined effects of inulin,pectin and guar gum on the quality and stability of partially baked frozen bread

Many attempts have been made to increase the nutritional value of bread by adding dietary fibre. However, fibre enrichment is usually associated with various technological problems. The aim of this study was to optimise the composition of a blend of inulin, pectin and guar gum to enrich the fibre content of partially baked frozen bread without impairing its technological quality. We prepared 20 formulations following a central composite design, together with 4 control breads. Bread enriched with inulin had higher crumb hardness, lower specific volume, shape, moisture content, and crumb cohesiveness than control bread, but improved flavour. Pectin and guar improved moisture content and crumb cohesiveness. There was no interaction between inulin and pectin for any of the bread attributes investigated, while interactions between inulin and guar were small. In contrast, guar and pectin significantly interacted to decrease volume and increase crumb hardness and chewiness. A desirability function method identified the optimised blend as containing 3% inulin, 0.9–1% pectin and 0.3–0.4% guar. Bread enriched with such blend had the following characteristics: specific volume, 4.06 cm³/g; shape, 0.63; crumb hardness, 189 g; resilience, 0.36; cohesiveness, 0.84; chewiness, 169 g; and flavour score, 4.6. Experimental values were close to the predicted ones, with prediction errors below 10% for all attributes tested. The specific volume, crumb hardness and chewiness of the enriched bread were superior to those of unenriched bread. However, undesirable textural changes occurred in the enriched bread during 12 weeks of frozen storage, and these changes strongly depended on the fibre blend composition.     

Replacing Fat and Sugar with Inulin in Cakes: Bubble Size Distribution,Physical and Sensory Properties

The replacement of fat and sugar in cakes is a challenge as they have an important effect on the structural and sensory properties. Moreover, there is the possibility to incorporate an additional value using novel replacers. In this work, inulin and oligofructose were used as fat and sugar replacers, respectively. Different combinations of replacement levels were investigated: fat replacement (0 and 50 %) and sugar replacement (0, 20, 30, 40 and 50 %). Simulated microbaking was carried out to study bubble size distribution during baking. Batter viscosity and weight loss during baking were also analysed. Cake characteristics were studied in terms of cell crumb structure, height, texture and sensory properties. Fat and sugar replacement gave place to batters with low apparent viscosity values. During heating, bubbles underwent a marked expansion in replaced cakes if compared to the control cake. The low batter stability in fat-replaced samples increased bubble movement, giving place to cakes with bigger cells and less height than the control. Sugar-replaced samples had smaller and fewer cells and lower height than the control. Moreover, sugar replacement decreased hardness and cohesiveness and increased springiness, which could be related with a denser crumb and an easily crumbled product. Regarding the sensory analysis, a replacement up to 50 % of fat and 30 % of sugar—separately and simultaneously—did not change remarkably the overall acceptability of the cakes. However, the sponginess and the sweetness could be improved in all the replaced cakes, according to the Just About Right scales.     

Microencapsulation of bifidobacteria by spray drying in the presence of prebiotics

This study was conducted to evaluate the viability and the physical properties of Bifidobacterium BB-12 microencapsulated by spray drying with partial replacement of reconstituted skim milk (RSM), as encapsulating agent, with the prebiotics inulin, oligofructose, and oligofructose-enriched inulin (at a ratio of 1:1, 200 g L^?1 total concentrations). The viable cell counts of the microcapsules were determined during storage for 180 days at 4 °C and at ? 18 °C. The physical characterization included analysis of morphology, particle size, moisture content, water activity, dissolution, hygroscopicity, color, and thermal properties. All the microcapsules produced in this study showed a high survival rate of bifidobacteria during storage at the temperatures evaluated. The microcapsules produced with inulin and those produced with oligofructose-enriched inulin showed higher initial counts. However, blending oligofructose-enriched inulin with RSM and blending oligofructose with RSM resulted in better protection of bifidobacteria during storage. All microcapsules showed similar morphologies and particle sizes, between 14.45 and 18.78 μm. The partial replacement with prebiotics decreased moisture content and water activity of the microcapsules. The time of dissolution in water was higher for the microcapsules produced with inulin, while the microcapsules produced with oligofructose were more hygroscopic. The value of a* increased in the microcapsules produced with prebiotics. The results of the thermal analysis suggest a higher stability of the microcapsules produced with prebiotics than those produced with RSM only.     

Detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 and M1 by Lactobacillus acidophilus and prebiotics in whole cow's milk

The detoxification ability of Lactobacillus acidophilus and prebiotics was evaluated by a Plackett‐Burman Design to examine the reduction of concentration and bioaccessibility of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and M₁ (AFM₁) in artificially contaminated whole cow's milk. Six variables were evaluated: AFB₁ (3.25–6.0 μg L^?1) or AFM₁ (1.0–2.0 μg L^?1) concentration; incubation time (0–6 h); and inulin, oligofructose, β‐glucan, and polydextrose concentrations (each between 0.00 and 0.75%). All runs achieved reductions of AFB₁ (13.53–35.53%) and AFM₁ (17.65–71.52%). Comparing with the positive control, the AFB₁ bioaccessibility ranged from 23.68 to 72.67% and for AFM₁ was 0%. The probiotic, isolated or combined with prebiotics, was efficient in mycotoxin reduction, while the combination of the two reduced the mycotoxin bioaccessibility. The best experimental condition was the highest concentration of AFB₁ (6.5 μg L^?1) and AFM₁ (2.0 μg L^?1), incubation time of 0 h and the addition of probiotic and inulin (0.75%).     

Flow behaviour of inulin–milk beverages. Influence of inulin average chain length and of milk fat content

The effects of the addition of different types of inulin (oligofructose, native and long chain) at different concentrations (2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%, w/w) on the flow behaviour of milk beverages model systems were studied. The flow of the inulin–milk solutions was Newtonian, except for whole milk samples with higher long chain inulin concentrations (8% and 10%), which were shear thinning. All inulin-κ-carrageenan–milk samples were shear thinning. The viscosity of 3.1% fat whole milk could be approximated by skim milk with 4–10% short chain inulin, or with 6–8% native inulin or with 4–6% long chain inulin. In κ-carrageenan–milk samples the addition of inulin could not replace the effect of milk fat on the viscosity of these systems.     

Crust and crumb characteristics of gluten free breads

Gluten free breads often have poor crust and crumb characteristics and the current study was conducted to help alleviate this problem. A commercial wheat starch (Codex Alimentarius) gluten free flour was supplemented with seven dairy powders (0%, 3%, 6%, 9% inclusion rates based on flour weight). Initially a fixed water level was used (trial 1) and the resulting batters were proofed and baked. The breads were tested 24 h after baking. Powder addition reduced loaf volume by circa 6% (P<0.001). Increasing the inclusion levels of the powders decreased loaf volume (P<0.001) with a decrease of 8% for the highest level. Powder addition generally decreased the crumb L^*/b^* (white/yellow) ratio. Crust L^* values were significantly reduced. All of the powders increased crumb hardness (P<0.001) with the exception of demineralised whey powder. Ten and 20% additional water (trial 2) was added to the formulation and the resulting breads had higher volume, and a much softer crust and crumb texture. Sensory analysis revealed a preference for breads containing skim milk replacer, sodium caseinate and milk protein isolate.     

Effect of water,albumen and fat on the quality of gluten‐free bread containing amaranth

The aim of the research was the development of an alternative formula for gluten‐free bread (GFB) containing amaranth flour. GFBs were prepared using a 2³ factorial screening experimental design. The amount of water, albumen and fat varied in order to evaluate their impact on the textural, structural and sensory characteristics of the final product. Water amount had the greatest influence on bread characteristics. For a 33% water content increase (from 0.6 to 0.8 g g^?1 of flour) the firmness of the crumb decreased to 20% of the initial value. Also, for the same water content increase, the average pore size became 2.5‐fold greater. Albumen addition (from 0 to 0.04 g g^?1 of flour) influenced mainly crumb viscoelasticity (20% increase). Variations in fat amount did not significantly influence any of the response variables investigated. However, the combined addition of fat and albumen resulted in breads that received the best rankings in overall acceptance in sensory evaluation.     

Influence of inulin/oligofructose on the acid‐induced cold aggregation and gelation of preheated soy proteins

BACKGROUND: In recent years inulin‐type prebiotics have attracted much attention due to consumers' awareness of the health benefits of functional foods. Currently no information is available about the possible texture‐modifying effect of these non‐ionizable polar carbohydrates in different soy‐based food systems. In this study, the effect of inulin/oligofructose on the cold aggregation and gelation of preheated soy protein isolate (SPI) and its fractions (7S, 11S, and their mixture), induced by glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL), were evaluated by turbidity (A₆₀₀) and dynamic rheological measurements. RESULTS: Oligofructose significantly delayed the aggregation of all protein samples and decreased the end‐point optical density of 11S fraction and SPI. Inulin, a long‐chain fructan, only delayed the aggregation of 7S globulin and reduced the capacity of aggregation (A₆₀₀) of SPI. While oligofructose showed no significant effect, the addition of 5% (w/v) inulin enhanced the gelation of SPI and the 7S/11S mixture, which was demonstrated by the increase in gel storage modulus up to 13.6% and 10.1% (P < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: Inulin was found to enhance the viscoelastic properties of GDL‐induced cold‐set soy protein gels. It is expected that ‘functional’ cold‐set gel products with improved texture can be prepared from preheated soy proteins and inulin. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

The Effect of Fat Replacers on Batter and Cake Properties

Fat was replaced at 35% to 100% in cakes by maltodextrin (dextrose equivalent = 3), inulin (high performance and granulated), oligofructose, citrus pectin, and microparticulated protein. Fat replacement by 35% did not induce significant differences in general. Above 65% fat replacement resulted in statistically significant (P < 0.05) decreased viscosity (except for pectin) that was followed by statistically significant decrease in air incorporation and broader bubble size distribution. The starch gelatinization temperature showed a statistically significant increase when fat was replaced by fructose oligosaccharides. The cakes presented statistically significant increase of hardness, elasticity, and decrease of volume development as fat replacement increased above 65%. Also cakes with increased fat replacement received lower scores on taste and flavor, whereas at total fat replacement they were evaluated as not acceptable. Nevertheless, at 65% fat replacement, the samples presented acceptable textural, physical, and sensorial attributes.     

Effect of flour blending on functional, baking and organoleptic characteristics of bread

Soybean (full‐fat and defatted) and barley flours were incorporated into wheat flour at 5, 10, 15 and 20% substitution levels. The gluten content, sedimentation value and water absorption capacity of the flour blends and the mixing time of the dough decreased with increase in the level of soybean and barley flour separately and in combinations. Protein and glutelin contents increased significantly on blending of soyflour (full‐fat and defatted) to bread wheat flour. The breads prepared from the blends also varied in their loaf weight, loaf volume and sensory characteristics. The bread volume decreased with increasing amount of non‐wheat flour substitution. The crumb colour changed from creamish white to dull brown and a gradual hardening of crumb texture was observed as the addition of soybean (full‐fat and defatted) and barley flours increased. At the higher levels, the acceptability declined because of the compact texture of the crumb and the strong flavour of the product. The addition of 10% of soyflour (full‐fat and defatted) or 15% of barley flour, full‐fat soy + barley or defatted soy + barley flour to bread flour produced acceptable bread.     

Physical,textural and sensory characteristics of reduced sucrose cakes,incorporated with clean-label sugar-replacing alternative ingredients

High levels of sucrose in foods present a great risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Therefore a low sucrose intake is strongly recommended. Sweet baked products incorporate high levels of sucrose. Sucrose in the original cake formulation was reduced and replaced with apple pomace, whey permeate, oligofructose, polydextrose. An acceptable sucrose reduction of between 21 and 27% was achieved. Cakes containing apple pomace had the lowest specific volume (1.8 cm³/g) and highest crumb firmness (8.60 N) (P < .05). Apple pomace and whey permeate had a significantly decreased L* values of the crust (P < .05). Moisture content of the cake crumb was increased significantly with the addition of oligofructose, whey permeate and polydextrose. All treatments resulted in a significant increase of the water activity of the cake crumb compared to the control (P < .05). Crumb cell structure was maintained as shown by 2-D and confocal imaging. Sensory trials revealed the reformulated cakes were acceptable to panellists.Industrial relevancePublic awareness about the health risks of diets high in sugar have increased dramatically for the last number of years. Governmental and professional groups have recommended sucrose to be reduced in certain food products; therefore the food industry is now seeking ways to reduce the sugar by substituting other materials. However, most people enjoy the taste and texture of high sugar foods, and may not want to give them up. As sugar is present in such significant amounts in cakes, altering the level used will greatly affect dough consistency and final product characteristics. Efforts have made over the last number of years to explore alternative sweetening ingredients including bulk sweeteners (polyols) and high intensity sweeteners as sucrose replacers (Di Monaco et al., 2018). However, recent consumer trends indicate a movement towards a ‘clean label’. Clean label implies a food a low number of ingredients and ingredients with names with the consumer can understand (Skelke, 2018). Polyols and high intensity artificial sweeteners are not considered to be a ‘clean label’ ingredient, and therefore alternatives must be reviewed. This study investigates the use of clean label sweetening ingredients. Apple pomace and whey permeate are by-products of the juice and dairy industry. Both polydextrose and oligofructose can be classified as dietary fibres, and also provide other functional properties to the cake.     

Alginate coating as carrier of oligofructose and inulin and to maintain the quality of fresh-cut apples

The aim of this study was to apply an edible coating containing prebiotics such as oligofructose and inulin to fresh-cut apple wedges. An assessment of the quality, sensory, polyphenol, and volatile attributes of coated and uncoated fresh-cut apple wedges was also undertaken. Fructan analysis showed that all prebiotics remained stable over the 14-d storage period and an intake of 100 g of apple supplies 1 to 3 g of prebiotics. Browning index, firmness, acidity remained stable throughout the 14 d compared to the control while applying prebiotic coatings resulted in an increase in soluble solids. Sensory and visual assessment indicated acceptable quality of apple wedges coated with prebiotics. HPLC analysis showed that levels of polyphenolic compounds were more stable in coated apple wedges (without prebiotic inclusions) than in uncoated control apples. No difference was found between O(2) and CO(2) headspace concentration of coated and uncoated samples. Significant differences (P < 0.001) were found for headspace volatile production between the samples. Most coated samples showed lower volatile production in the headspace than uncoated samples.     

Optimization of a sponge cake formulation with inulin as fat replacer: structure, physicochemical, and sensory properties

The effects of several fat replacement levels (0%, 35%, 50%, 70%, and 100%) by inulin in sponge cake microstructure and physicochemical properties were studied. Oil substitution for inulin decreased significantly (P < 0.05) batter viscosity, giving heterogeneous bubbles size distributions as it was observed by light microscopy. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy the fat was observed to be located at the bubbles' interface, enabling an optimum crumb cake structure development during baking. Cryo-SEM micrographs of cake crumbs showed a continuous matrix with embedded starch granules and coated with oil; when fat replacement levels increased, starch granules appeared as detached structures. Cakes with fat replacement up to 70% had a high crumb air cell values; they were softer and rated as acceptable by an untrained sensory panel (n = 51). So, the reformulation of a standard sponge cake recipe to obtain a new product with additional health benefits and accepted by consumers is achieved. Practical Application: In this study, fat is replaced by inulin in cakes, which is a fiber mainly obtained from chicory roots. Sponge cake formulations with reductions in fat content up to 70% are achieved. These high-quality products can be labeled as "reduced in fat" according to U.S. FDA (2009) and EU regulations (European-Union 2006).     

Image Analysis of Gluten-free Breads Prepared with Chestnut and Rice Flour and Baked in Different Ovens

In this study, the effects of chestnut flour and xanthan–guar gum blend–emulsifier DATEM mixture addition on macro- and microstructure of rice breads baked in conventional and infrared–microwave combination ovens were investigated by using the images obtained by a scanner and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pore area fraction, pore size distribution, and roundness values of pores were determined. The highest pore area fraction values were obtained in breads prepared by replacement of 46 % of rice flour with chestnut flour containing xanthan–guar gum blend–DATEM mixture and baked in an infrared–microwave combination oven. On the other hand, rice breads containing no additives or chestnut flour had the lowest pore area fraction values. Infrared–microwave combination baking increased both pore area fraction values and total number of pores. Infrared–microwave combination baking caused approximately 23–28 % increase in number of the small pores (0–5 mm²) in rice breads and 71 % increase in number of the large pores (>10 mm²) in chestnut–rice breads. The fiber content and larger starch granules of chestnut flour contributed towards the stabilization of gas bubbles resulting in better crumb structure. More homogenous pore distributions were observed when additives and an infrared–microwave combination oven were used. When microstructure of gluten-free breads was investigated, it was seen that starch granules in chestnut–rice breads baked in an infrared–microwave combination oven did not disintegrate completely.     

Developing a prebiotic yogurt: Rheological,physico-chemical and microbiological aspects and adequacy of survival analysis methodology

The addition of prebiotics such as oligofructose to yogurt can result in a product with consumer benefits, since they stimulate growth of benefic bacteria present in the intestine and also provide a low calorie product, since one can add less sugar to the formulation due to their sweetening power. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing concentrations of oligofructose addition on physicochemical, rheological and microbiological characteristics of non-flavored yogurt. Furthermore, it was investigated the reaction of consumers with the use of the survival analysis methodology. The addition of oligofructose showed no influence on the pH, proteolysis or the viability of Streptococcus thermophilus or Lactobacillus bulgaricus during 28 days of refrigerated storage (p > 0.05). According to rheological measurements the yogurt supplemented with oligofructose was characterized as a weak gel, showing thixotropic and pseudoplastic behavior. Survival analysis was used to investigate consumer responses with respect to different levels of supplementation of plain yogurt with oligofructose (0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% wt. v⁻¹). Using the survival analysis and considering a rejection by 25% of the consumers, the level of oligofructose that can be added to the yogurt was shown to be 2.58% wt. v⁻¹.     

Development of potentially synbiotic fresh-cut apple slices

The aim of this study was, to develop potentially synbiotic fresh-cut apple wedges by applying probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) and prebiotics in the form of oligofructose and inulin. An assessment of the quality, sensory, polyphenol and volatile attributes of synbiotic and probiotic samples was also undertaken. Fructan analysis showed that all prebiotics remained stable over the 14 days storage period and an intake of 100 g of apple supplies 2–3 g of prebiotics. All samples sets contained ca. 10⁸ cfu/g over the test period, which is sufficient for a probiotic effect, and is comparable to counts of probiotic bacteria in commercially available dairy products. Browning index, firmness, acidity and dry matter remained stable throughout the 14 days compared to the control while applying prebiotic coatings resulted in an increase in soluble solids. Sensory assessment indicated acceptable quality of probiotic and synbiotic apple wedges. HPLC analysis showed levels of decrease in polyphenolic compounds. No difference was found between O₂ and CO₂ headspace concentration and volatile production of synbiotic samples and samples only treated with probiotics.     

Inulin and oligofructose improve sensory quality and increase the probiotic viable count in potentially synbiotic petit-suisse cheese

The influence of inulin, oligofructose and oligosaccharides from honey, combined in different proportions, on the consumers’ sensory acceptance, probiotic viable count and fructan content of novel potentially synbiotic petit-suisse cheeses was investigated. Probiotic populations varied from 7.20 up to 7.69 log cfu g⁻¹ (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis) and from 6.08 up to 6.99 log cfu g⁻¹ (Lactobacillus acidophilus). The highest fructan contents were achieved by the cheese trials containing oligofructose and/or inulin (above 8.90 g 100 g⁻¹). The control trial showed the lowest mean acceptance (6.63) after 28 days of refrigerated storage, whereas the highest acceptance (7.43) was observed for the trial containing 10 g 100 g⁻¹ oligofructose. Acceptance increased significantly during storage (P<0.05) only for cheeses supplemented with oligofructose and/or inulin. Cheeses containing honey did not perform well enough compared to the cheeses with addition of inulin and/or oligofructose, and the best synbiotic petit-suisse cheese considering sensory and technological functional features was that containing oligofructose and inulin combined, therefore encouraging the commercial product use.