MODIFIED WHEAT STARCHES USED AS STABILIZERS IN SET-STYLE YOGURT

Yogurt was formulated with gelatin; native wheat starch (NWS); and modified wheat starches (MWS) (acetylated cross‐linked, hydroxypropylated, or hydroxypropylated cross‐linked). Yogurt samples were evaluated for chemical (fat, total solids, pH, titratable acidity); microbiological (yeasts/molds and lactic acid bacteria); and physical (rheological, textural, color, syneresis) properties during 60 days of refrigerated storage. Yogurt formulated with NWS exhibited a significantly greater storage modulus (G′) and firmness compared with yogurts prepared with MWS. Minimal syneresis was measured in all yogurt samples. The titratable acidity of yogurt samples increased and pH decreased during storage. Yeasts/molds were not detected while lactic acid bacteria counts decreased ～ 1 log CFU/g by day 60 in all yogurt samples. This study showed that the characteristics of yogurt formulated with NWS and gelatin were similar, so NWS may be used as an alternative stabilizer. The MWS stabilized yogurts were stable but had different consistencies than gelatin‐ and NWS‐stabilized yogurts.     

Effects of Extruded Sugar Bagasse Blend on Yogurt Quality

Extruded blends (EB) of whey protein concentrate 35 (WPC 35)–corn starch–sugarcane bagasse with 0%, 25%, and 50% substituted yogurt formulations were evaluated for some functional characteristics. Yogurts substituted with EB showed higher viscosity and lower syneresis index than that without EB. During storage for 48 h, the syneresis values of yogurt with and without EB decreased. The pH values and color differences (ΔE) decreased slightly in the yogurts formulated with EB. However, the color differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) and were also acceptable to the judges. In general, yogurts substituted with EB at different levels had sensory attributes of taste, acidity, texture, and viscosity scores similar to those observed for yogurt with no EB. Scores of yogurts were not affected significantly with substitution of EB at all the levels.     

Fat-free plain yogurt manufactured with inulins of various chain lengths and Lactobacillus acidophilus

ABSTRACT:  Inulin is a prebiotic food ingredient that increases the activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus , increases calcium absorption, and is a good source of dietary fiber. The objective was to determine the effect of short, medium, and long chain inulins on the physicochemical, sensory, and microbiological characteristics of fat-free plain yogurt containing L. acidophilus . Inulins of short (P95), medium (GR), and long (HP) chain lengths were incorporated at 1.5% w/w of the yogurt mix. Viscosity, pH, syneresis, sensory properties (flavor, body and texture, and appearance and color), L. acidophilus counts, and color ( L *, a *, and b *) of yogurts were determined at 1, 11, and 22 d after yogurt manufacture. The P95 containing yogurt had a significantly lower pH than the remaining yogurts, higher flavor scores than the yogurt containing HP, and comparable flavor scores with the control. The yogurts containing HP had less syneresis than the control and a better body and texture than the remaining yogurts. Yogurts containing prebiotics of different chain lengths had comparable L. acidophilus counts with each other but higher counts than the control. However, inulins of various chain lengths did not affect viscosity, color, and product appearance. Chain length of prebiotics affected some quality attributes of probiotic yogurts.     

Microbial, physical and sensory properties of yogurt supplemented with lentil flour

In this study, skim milk (9.5% w/v solid content) was supplemented with 1-3% (w/v) lentil flour or skim milk powder, inoculated with a yogurt culture, fermented and stored at 4 °C. Acid production during the fermentation, microbial growth, physical properties (pH, syneresis, and color), rheological properties (dynamic oscillation temperature sweep test at 4-50 °C), during 28 days of refrigerated storage and also sensory properties (flavor, mouth feel, overall acceptance and color) after production, were studied. Milk supplementation with 1-3% lentil flour enhanced acid production during fermentation, but the microbial population (CFU) of both S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus were in the same range in all lentil flour and skim milk powder supplemented yogurts. The average pH of samples decreased from 4.5 to 4.1 after 28 days storage. Syneresis in 1-2% lentil flour supplemented yogurts was significantly higher than all other samples; however, greater lentil supplementation (3%) resulted in the lowest syneresis during the 28 days storage. With respect to color, “a” and “L” values did not significantly differ in all samples and remained constant after 28 days whereas “b” value increased as a result of lentil supplementation. Yogurt with 3% lentil flour showed higher storage (G') and loss (G?) moduli in comparison with samples supplemented with 1-3% skim milk powder and the non-supplemented control yogurt. Storage modulus (G') was higher than loss modulus (G?) in all samples and at all temperatures between 4 and 50 °C and they showed a hysteresis loop over this temperature range when the samples were heated and cooled. 1-2% lentil flour supplemented yogurt showed comparable sensory properties in comparison with 1-2% skim milk powder supplemented yogurt and the control sample.     

Effect of folic acid fortification on the characteristics of lemon yogurt

Development of dairy products with new flavors and health benefits helps the dairy industry increase sales of products as well as provide consumers with products they enjoy. Folic acid is used in the prevention of neural tube defects, heart defects, facial clefts, urinary tract abnormalities, and limb deficiencies. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different concentrations and stage of addition of folic acid on the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of lemon yogurt over a storage period. Lemon yogurts were manufactured with 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the RDA of 400 μg folic acid per 224 ml cup. Folic acid was added before and after pasteurization of yogurt mix. Moisture, ash, fat, and protein concentrations were measured at week 1 only. Folic acid concentration was measured at weeks 1 and 5. Viscosity, pH, TA, syneresis, color, and sensory analysis were measured at weeks 1, 3, and 5. Mean folic acid content values were higher when folic acid was added post-pasteurization. Average mean viscosity values were lower when folic acid added post-pasteurization. Greater syneresis was seen in samples where folic acid was added post-pasteurization. Less viscous yogurts had more free whey resulting in higher syneresis values. Level of folic acid impacted flavor scores. As level of folic acid increased, flavor scores decreased.     

Syneresis and rheological behaviors of set yogurt containing green tea and green coffee powders

This study aimed to investigate the effect of added green coffee powder (GCP) and green tea powder (GTP) on syneresis behavior and consistency of set yogurts. Adding GCP (1 or 2%) decreased syneresis rate. The effect of GTP on the syneresis rate was concentration dependent. In comparison to the control, GTP decreased syneresis rate when it was added at 0.02%, but it caused an increase when added at 2%. No significant difference was observed in the syneresis rates when GTP was added at 1 and 0.01%, until 14 and 7 d of storage, respectively. The Herschel-Bulkley model parameters indicated that the consistency of control was considerably lower than that of GCP yogurts during 14 d, whereas it was higher at the end of storage. The GTP yogurt results showed that the consistency coefficients of GTP yogurts were different from those of control samples until 14 d of storage. In conclusion, GTP and GCP behaved differently in acidified gel networks of set yogurt, modifying its rheological behavior, as they have different profiles and concentrations of polyphenols.     

Lutein Is Stable in Strawberry Yogurt and Does Not Affect its Characteristics

ABSTRACT:  The impact of various levels of lutein on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of yogurt over its shelf life was determined. Nonfat strawberry yogurts were prepared with 0, 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 mg lutein per 170 g serving (20% overages were included to account for processing losses). The lutein was incorporated prior to homogenization of the yogurt mix. Stability of lutein, viscosity, pH, syneresis, standard plate counts, coliform counts, color (L*, a*, b*), and sensory evaluation (flavor, body and texture, and appearance and color) were measured at weeks 0, 1, 3, and 5 after product manufacture. The interaction effect between levels of lutein and storage time was significant for a* (redness-greenness) values. Lutein levels remained above target throughout the 5-wk storage study. Lutein did not affect viscosity, pH, syneresis, L* (lightness) and b* (yellowness-blueness) values, standard plate counts, coliform counts, flavor, body, texture, appearance, and color scores. These results suggested that lutein was suitable for inclusion in functional yogurts. The skin and eye health benefits provided by lutein can easily be incorporated into yogurt to complement inherent nutritional properties.     

Impact of a plant extract on the viability of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus in nonfat yogurt

The effect of a plant extract (prepared from olive, garlic, onion and citrus with sodium acetate as a carrier) on the viability of yogurt starter cultures was studied. Nonfat yogurt was prepared with various levels of supplements: plant extract (0, 0.5 or 1.0%, w/v) or l-cysteine HCl (0.014 or 0.028%, w/w). Microbial and physicochemical analyses were conducted weekly for 50 days. Fermentation time increased for supplemented yogurts compared with the non-supplemented yogurt. Lactobacillus bulgaricus counts in supplemented yogurts were >6 log cfu mL^?1 for a longer time (7–21 days) compared with the non-supplemented yogurt. Streptococcus thermophilus counts in all yogurts were > 6 log cfu mL^?1 throughout the storage. Overall, redox potential and titratable acidity of yogurts on day 50 were greater compared with day 1, but pH and syneresis were less. Plant extract at 0.5% enhanced L. bulgaricus viability in nonfat yogurt while least affecting the physicochemical characteristics.     

Probiotic viability and storage stability of yogurts and fermented milks prepared with several mixtures of lactic acid bacteria

Currently, the food industry wants to expand the range of probiotic yogurts but each probiotic bacteria offers different and specific health benefits. Little information exists on the influence of probiotic strains on physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics of yogurts and fermented milks. Six probiotic yogurts or fermented milks and 1 control yogurt were prepared, and we evaluated several physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity, texture, color, and syneresis), microbial viability of starter cultures (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) and probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus reuteri) during fermentation and storage (35 d at 5°C), as well as sensory preference among them. Decreases in pH (0.17 to 0.50 units) and increases in titratable acidity (0.09 to 0.29%) were observed during storage. Only the yogurt with S. thermophilus, L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, and L. reuteri differed in firmness. No differences in adhesiveness were determined among the tested yogurts, fermented milks, and the control. Syneresis was in the range of 45 to 58%. No changes in color during storage were observed and no color differences were detected among the evaluated fermented milk products. Counts of S. thermophilus decreased from 1.8 to 3.5 log during storage. Counts of L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus also decreased in probiotic yogurts and varied from 30 to 50% of initial population. Probiotic bacteria also lost viability throughout storage, although the 3 probiotic fermented milks maintained counts ≥10⁷ cfu/mL for 3 wk. Probiotic bacteria had variable viability in yogurts, maintaining counts of L. acidophilus ≥10⁷ cfu/mL for 35 d, of L. casei for 7 d, and of L. reuteri for 14 d. We found no significant sensory preference among the 6 probiotic yogurts and fermented milks or the control. However, the yogurt and fermented milk made with L. casei were better accepted. This study presents relevant information on physicochemical, sensory, and microbial properties of probiotic yogurts and fermented milks, which could guide the dairy industry in developing new probiotic products.     

Evaluation of physical properties during storage of set and stirred yogurts made from ultra-high pressure homogenization-treated milk

The effects of ultra-high pressure homogenization (UHPH) on cow's milk were investigated and its suitability for yogurt manufacturing was compared with the conventional process currently applied in the yogurt industry. Yogurts were prepared from UHPH-treated milks at 200 and 300 MPa at 40 °C, and yogurts prepared from heat-treated milk at 90 °C for 90 s, homogenized at 15 MPa and enriched with 3% of skim milk powder were used as control samples. This study included determination of titrable acidity, water-holding capacity (WHC), and textural and rheological evaluation of gels in both set-type and stirred yogurts. In order to follow the evolution of yogurts during storage at refrigeration temperature (4–6 °C), all analyses were carried out weekly (1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days). Results showed that yogurts from UHPH-treated milk presented higher WHC and firmness values compared with the conventional yogurts. However, the disruption of the network from UHPH-treated milk into stirred gels resulted in yogurts with higher consistency, less syneresis but coarser structure than the conventional ones.     

Quality attributes of yogurt with Lactobacillus casei and various prebiotics

The objective was to determine the effect of chain length of inulins on the characteristics of fat-free plain yogurt manufactured with Lactobacillus casei. Probiotic fat-free plain yogurts were manufactured using Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and L. casei. The treatments were inulins of short (P95), medium (GR) and long (HP) chain lengths. The inulins were incorporated at a concentration of 1.5 g/100 g yogurt mix. Inulins of various chain lengths did not affect viscosity, L*, a*, b* and appearance of yogurts manufactured with L. casei. Yogurt with HP had less syneresis compared to the control, while yogurt with P95 had syneresis comparable to the control. Yogurt with P95 had a significantly lower pH than the control, while the pH of the yogurts with other treatments was not different from the control. Flavor scores of the control were comparable to yogurt with P95. The flavor scores for yogurts with P95 were significantly higher than for yogurts with HP. The yogurts with HP had better body and texture compared to the control and P95. Chain length of prebiotics affected some characteristics of the yogurts.     

Individual and sequential effects of stirring,smoothing, and cooling on the rheological properties of nonfat yogurts stirred with a technical scale unit

Few studies have considered the impact of unit operations during stirred yogurt manufacture because their operational sequence is difficult to replicate at the laboratory scale. The aim of this study was to investigate the individual and sequential effects of stirring in the yogurt vat, smoothing, and cooling on the rheological properties of yogurts, using a technical scale unit simulating some industrial conditions. The yogurts were prepared from a milk mixture that was standardized to contain 14% total solids, 0% fat, and 4% protein, and then homogenized, heated (94.5°C, 5 min), and inoculated at 41°C with the same thermophilic lactic starter. The operating parameters under investigation were 2 stirring durations in the yogurt vat (5 or 10 min), 2 cooling systems (plate or tubular heat exchanger), and 2 smoothing temperatures (38°C for smoothing before cooling; 20°C for smoothing after cooling). Sampling valves were installed at critical points on the technical scale unit so that the effect of each operation on the properties of stirred yogurt could be quantified individually. Syneresis, apparent viscosity, firmness, and consistency were analyzed after 1 d of storage at 4°C. In general, as the yogurts moved through the technical scale unit, the properties of the yogurts (evaluated after 1 d) changed: viscosity increased but syneresis, firmness, and consistency decreased. The individual effects of the operations showed that smoothing and cooling, compared with stirring duration, made the greatest contribution in terms of modifying yogurt properties. The stirring parameters (5 or 10 min) had similar effects on the yogurts. The use of a plate heat exchanger promoted a decrease in syneresis, whereas a tubular heat exchanger had a greater effect in terms of increasing firmness and consistency. The type of cooling system had no effect on stirred yogurt viscosity. Smoothing at 38°C had a greater effect on the increase in firmness, whereas smoothing at 20°C contributed more to a decrease in syneresis and increases in viscosity and consistency. This study confirms that each unit operation has a defined effect on the rheological properties of a nonfat stirred yogurt, which also depends on the operation sequence.     

Physiochemical Properties,Microstructure, and Probiotic Survivability of Nonfat Goats’ Milk Yogurt Using Heat‐Treated Whey Protein Concentrate as Fat Replacer

There is a market demand for nonfat fermented goats’ milk products. A nonfat goats’ milk yogurt containing probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium spp.) was developed using heat‐treated whey protein concentrate (HWPC) as a fat replacer and pectin as a thickening agent. Yogurts containing untreated whey protein concentrate (WPC) and pectin, and the one with only pectin were also prepared. Skim cows’ milk yogurt with pectin was also made as a control. The yogurts were analyzed for chemical composition, water holding capacity (syneresis), microstructure, changes in pH and viscosity, mold, yeast and coliform counts, and probiotic survivability during storage at 4 °C for 10 wk. The results showed that the nonfat goats’ milk yogurt made with 1.2% HWPC (WPC solution heated at 85 °C for 30 min at pH 8.5) and 0.35% pectin had significantly higher viscosity (P < 0.01) than any of the other yogurts and lower syneresis than the goats’ yogurt with only pectin (P < 0.01). Viscosity and pH of all the yogurt samples did not change much throughout storage. Bifidobacterium spp. remained stable and was above 10⁶CFU g^‐1 during the 10‐wk storage. However, the population of Lactobacillus acidophilus dropped to below 10⁶CFU g^‐1 after 2 wk of storage. Microstructure analysis of the nonfat goats’ milk yogurt by scanning electron microscopy revealed that HWPC interacted with casein micelles to form a relatively compact network in the yogurt gel. The results indicated that HWPC could be used as a fat replacer for improving the consistency of nonfat goats’ milk yogurt and other similar products.     

Textural properties of yogurts with green tea and Pu‐erh tea additive

Set‐style yogurts enriched with green tea or Pu‐erh tea infusions in three concentrations, that is, 5%, 10% and 15% (v/v), and the nonsupplemented yogurts were produced. The obtained cultured milk treatments were subjected to the analyses of acidity, viscoelastic properties, back extrusion parameters, susceptibility to syneresis and instrumental colour analysis. As revealed by the performed HPLC and spectrophotometric studies, the two types of tea differed greatly in their polyphenolic composition which was further reflected in the physicochemical properties of yogurt gels. Results indicate that yogurts varied as regards textural properties depending on the type of tea applied as well as tea concentration. Green tea incorporation, which contained significantly higher amounts of catechins, produced yogurts with increased titratable acidity, better mechanical properties and less susceptible to syneresis, while yogurt gels with Pu‐erh tea were firmer, less elastic and with visible syneresis at higher (10%, 15%) tea concentrations.     

Physicochemical,microbial, and sensory properties of nanopowdered eggshell-supplemented yogurt during storage

This study was carried out to investigate the possibility of adding nanopowdered eggshell (NPES) into yogurt to improve the functionality of yogurt and the effects of adding NPES on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties of the products during storage. The pH and mean lactic acid bacteria counts of NPES-added (0.15–0.45%, wt/vol) yogurt ranged from 4.31 to 4.66 and from 6.56 × 10⁸ to 8.56 × 10⁸ cfu/mL, respectively, whereas these values ranged from 4.13 to 4.44 and 8.46 × 10⁸ to 1.39 × 10⁹, respectively, for the control samples during storage at 5°C for 16 d, which indicates a prolonged shelf-life with NPES-supplemented yogurt. Color analysis showed that the lightness (L*) and position between red and green (a*) values were not significantly influenced by the addition of NPES. However, the position between yellow and blue (b*) value significantly increased with the addition of the concentration (0.45%, wt/vol) of NPES at d 16 of storage. Sensory evaluation revealed that NPES-added yogurts showed a notably less sourness score and a higher astringency score than the control. An earthy flavor was higher in 0.45% NPES-supplemented yogurt compared with the control. Based on the results obtained from the current study, the concentration (0.15 to 0.30%, wt/vol) of NPES can be used to formulate NPES-supplemented yogurt without any significant adverse effects on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties.     

Determination of antioxidant activity of bioactive peptide fractions obtained from yogurt

In this study, physicochemical and microbiological properties of traditional and commercial yogurt samples were determined during 4 wk of storage. Proteolytic activity, which occurs during the storage period of yogurt samples, was also determined. Peptide fractions obtained from yogurts were investigated and the effect of proteolysis on peptide release during storage was determined. The antioxidant activities of peptides released from yogurt water-soluble extracts (WSE) and from HPLC fractions were determined by 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. The antioxidant activity of WSE from traditional yogurt was greater than that of WSE from commercial yogurts. In analysis by the ABTS method, mean values increased from 7.697 to 8.739 mM Trolox/g in commercial yogurts, and from 10.115 to 13.182 mM Trolox/g in traditional yogurts during storage. Antioxidant activities of peptides released from HPLC fractions of selected yogurt samples increased 10 to 200 times. In all yogurt samples, the greatest antioxidant activity was shown in the F2 fraction. After further fractionation of yogurt samples, the fractions coded as F2.2, F2.3, F4.3, and F4.4 had the highest antioxidant activity values. Total antioxidant activity of yogurts was low but after purification of peptides by fractionation in HPLC, peptide fractions with high antioxidant activity were obtained.     

Microstructural, textural, and sensory characteristics of probiotic yogurts fortified with sodium calcium caseinate or whey protein concentrate

The influence of milk protein-based ingredients on the textural characteristics, sensory properties, and microstructure of probiotic yogurt during a refrigerated storage period of 28 d was studied. Milk was fortified with 2% (wt/vol) skim milk powder as control, 2% (wt/vol) sodium calcium caseinate (SCaCN), 2% (wt/vol) whey protein concentrate (WPC) or a blend of 1% (wt/vol) SCaCN and 1% (wt/vol) WPC. A commercial yogurt starter culture and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 as probiotic bacteria were used for the production. The fortification with SCaCN improved the firmness and adhesiveness. Higher values of viscosity were also obtained in probiotic yogurts with SCaCN during storage. However, WPC enhanced water-holding capacity more than the caseinate. Addition of SCaCN resulted in a coarse, smooth, and more compact protein network; however, WPC gave finer and bunched structures in the scanning electron microscopy micrographs. The use of SCaCN decreased texture scores in probiotic yogurt; probably due to the lower water-holding capacity and higher syneresis values in the caseinate-added yogurt sample. Therefore, the textural characteristics of probiotic yogurts improved depending on the ingredient variety.     

The effect of starch based fat substitutes on the microstructure of set-style yogurt made from reconstituted skimmed milk powder

Seven different types of starch based fat substitutes were used for the production of set-style yogurt from reconstituted skimmed milk powder. The yogurt milks contained 14.0–15.8% total solids, 7.3–9.1% carbohydrates, 5.3–5.6% protein and 1.0–1.2% ash. The fat content of all the batches was 0.1% except the control (1.5%), which was made with anhydrous milk fat. Yogurts made with P-Fibre 150 C and 285 F contained 0.5 and 1.1% fibre respectively. Decrease in whey syneresis and increase in firmness in all the yogurts were observed during 20 days' storage at 5°C. Yogurt made with P-Fibre 150 C had the least amount of whey syneresis. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed subtle differences in the microstructure of set-style yogurts due to the different starch based fat substitute used. 'Spikes' and 'hair' like structures were evident around the casein micelles in the milk base. They were lightly stained when compared with the caseins. Their detection in the yogurt was very difficult and only P-150 C and P-285 F substitutes were visualized whereas the others could not be detected even when their concentration was increased to 5%. Yogurt made with Lycadex® 100 was more porous and had slightly larger void spaces filled with milk serum. The use of a higher concentration (5%) of fat substitutes increased the firmness, but impaired the flavour and mouth feel of the yogurts.     

Smoothing temperature and ratio of casein to whey protein: Two tools to improve nonfat stirred yogurt properties

Consumers are not always ready to compromise on the loss of texture and increased syneresis that nonfat stirred yogurts display compared with yogurts that contain fat. In this study, we investigated milk protein composition and smoothing temperature as a means to control nonfat yogurt microstructure, textural properties, and syneresis. Yogurts were prepared with different ratios of casein to whey protein (R1.5, R2.8, and R3.9). Yogurts were pumped through a smoothing pilot system comprising a plate heat exchanger set at 15, 20, or 25°C and then stored at 4°C until analysis (d 1, 9, and 23). Yogurt particle size and firmness were measured. Yogurt syneresis and water mobility were determined, respectively, by centrifugation and time domain low-frequency proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-LF-NMR). Increasing the smoothing temperature increased gel firmness and microgel (dense protein aggregates) sizes independently of the whey protein content. Also, yogurt microgel sizes changed with storage time, but the evolution pattern depended on protein ratio. Yogurt R1.5 showed the largest particles, and their sizes increased with storage, whereas R2.8 and R3.9 had smaller microgels, and R3.9 did not show any increase in microgel size during storage. Micrographs showed a heterogeneous gel with the empty area occupied by serum for R1.5, whereas R2.8 and R3.9 showed fewer serum zones and a more disrupted gel embedding microgels. Induced syneresis reduced with greater whey protein content and time of storage. This is in agreement with ¹H-LF-NMR showing less bulk water mobility with increasing whey protein content during storage. However, ¹H-LF-RMN revealed higher values of spontaneous serum separation during storage for R1.5 and R3.9 yogurts, whereas these were lower and stable for R2.8 yogurt. Microgels play an important structural role in yogurt textural attributes, and their characteristics are modulated by whey protein content and smoothing temperature. Optimization of these parameters may help improve nonfat stirred dairy gel.