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.     

Effects of milk supplementation with skim milk powder, whey protein concentrate and sodium caseinate on acidification kinetics, rheological properties and structure of nonfat stirred yogurt

Milk supplementation with milk proteins in four different levels was used to investigate the effect on acidification and textural properties of yogurt. Commercial skim milk powder was diluted in distilled water, and the supplements were added to give different enriched-milk bases; these were heat treated at 90 °C for 5 min. These mixtures were incubated with the bacterial cultures for fermentation in a water bath, at 42 °C, until pH 4.50 was reached. Chemical changes during fermentation were followed by measuring the pH. Protein concentration measurements, microbial counts of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, and textural properties (G′, G″, yield stress and firmness) were determined after 24 h of storage at 4 °C. Yogurt made with milk supplemented with sodium caseinate resulted in significant properties changes, which were decrease in fermentation time, and increase in yield stress, storage modulus, and firmness, with increases in supplement level. Microstructure also differed from that of yogurt produced with milk supplemented with skim milk powder or sodium caseinate.     

Effect of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. (yam) supplementation on physicochemical and sensory characteristics of yogurt

A study was conducted to examine the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties of yogurt made by supplementing powdered yam Dioscorea opposita Thunb. (YPT) at different concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8%, wt/vol) into milk, which was pasteurized and then fermented at 43°C for 6 h and stored for 16 d. The pH values of all samples decreased, whereas viscosity values and mean microbial counts increased during storage. The L* and a* color values (indicators of lightness and redness, respectively) of yogurt samples were not remarkably influenced by adding YPT, whereas the b* values (indicating yellowness) significantly increased with the addition of YPT at all concentrations at 0 d of storage, probably due to the original yellow color of yam powder. In functional component analyses, when the concentration of YPT increased, the amount of allantoin and diosgenin proportionally increased. The content of allantoin was 3.22 and diosgenin 4.69 μg/mL when 0.2% (wt/vol) YPT was supplemented and did not change quantitatively during the storage period (16 d). The sensory test revealed that the overall acceptability scores of YPT-supplemented yogurt samples (0.2 to 0.6%, wt/vol) were quite similar to those of the control throughout the storage period of 16 d. Based on the data obtained from the present study, it was concluded that the concentrations (0.2 to 0.6%, wt/vol) of YPT could be used to produce YPT-supplemented yogurt without significant adverse effects on physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties, and enhance functional components from the supplementation.     

Effect of the addition of pulse ingredients to milk on acid production by probiotic and yoghurt starter cultures

Pulses contain carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins which are essential requirements in the human diet and which could also serve as growth nutrients for probiotic and yogurt starter cultures. In this study, milk supplementation with pulse ingredients is examined as a means to increase the nutritional properties of yogurt and probiotic type beverages. The acid production rate of two yogurt starters (A and B) and two probiotic cultures (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus) was followed in milk supplemented with the following soy and pulse ingredients: pea protein, chickpea flour, lentil flour, pea fibre, soy protein concentrate and soy flour. The pulse ingredients had no negative effect on the acidification trends of the fermented milks. On the contrary, with yogurt culture B, pea fibre, pea protein and lentil flour significantly enhanced the acidification rate. All ingredients used for supplementation improved the acidification rate of probiotic cultures, and the highest effects were obtained with lentil and soy flour. Lentil flour had the lowest pH after 12 h which was significantly lower than the product enriched with the same quantity of skim milk powder. The effect of ingredient supplementation on the microbial composition (ratio of cocci to bacilli) of the yoghurt products was also examined. The ratio of cocci to bacilli was between 1.8 and 2.5 for all supplemented yogurt samples obtained with culture A, and these variations were not judged to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). With yogurt products obtained from culture B, however, there was a higher proportional level of lactobacilli in all supplemented samples, as compared to the milk control; the enhanced growth of the lactobacilli was particularly noted when lentil flour was added to milk.     

Changes in yogurt fermentation characteristics, and antioxidant potential and in vitro inhibition of angiotensin-1 converting enzyme upon the inclusion of peppermint, dill and basil

The present study investigated the effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita), dill (Anethum graveolens) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) on yogurt formation, proteolysis and inhibition of angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE). Herbal-yogurts had faster rates of pH reduction than plain-yogurt. All herbal-yogurts had higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant activities than plain-yogurt, both at the end of fermentation and throughout the storage period. The o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) peptides in herbal-yogurts increased by 28-36% after 7 days of storage. All herbal-yogurts showed higher anti-ACE activity than plain-yogurt at corresponding storage periods. M. piperita yogurt had highest inhibitory effect on ACE activity throughout the storage period. Peppermint, dill and basil may be used to modify microbial fermentation of milk with the intention of producing dairy products with higher antioxidant and enhanced anti-ACE activities.     

Effect of trisodium citrate on rheological and physical properties and microstructure of yogurt

The effect of trisodium citrate (TSC) on the rheological and physical properties and microstructure of yogurt was investigated. Reconstituted skim milk was heated at 85° C for 30 min, and various concentrations (5 to 40 mM) of TSC were added to the milk, which was then readjusted to pH 6.50. Milk was inoculated with 2% yogurt culture and incubated at 42° C until pH was 4.6. Acid-base titration was used to determine changes in the state of colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) in milk. Total and soluble Ca contents of the milk were determined. The storage modulus (G′) and loss tangent (LT) values of yogurts were measured as a function of pH using dynamic oscillatory rheology. Large deformation rheological properties were also measured. Microstructure of yogurt was observed using confocal scanning laser microscopy, and whey separation was also determined. Addition of TSC reduced casein-bound Ca and increased the solubilization of CCP. The G′ value of gels significantly increased with addition of low levels of TSC, and highest G′ values were observed in samples with 10 to 20 mM TSC; higher ( > 20 mM) TSC concentrations resulted in a large decrease in G′ values. The LT of yogurts increased after gelation to attain a maximum at pH ∼5.1, but no maximum was observed in yogurts made with ≥ 25 mM of TSC because CCP was completely dissolved prior to gelation. Partial removal of CCP resulted in an increase in the LT value at pH 5.1. At low TSC levels, the removal of CCP crosslinks may have facilitated greater rearrangement and molecular mobility of the micelle structure, which may have helped to increase G′ and LT values of gels by increasing the formation of crosslinks between strands. At high TSC concentrations the micelles were completely disrupted and CCP crosslinks were dissolved, both of which resulted in very weak yogurt gels with large pores obvious in confocal micrographs. Gelation pH and yield stress significantly decreased with the use of high TSC levels. Lowest whey separation levels were observed in yogurt made with 20 mM TSC, and whey separation greatly increased at > 25 mM TSC. In conclusion, low concentrations of TSC improved several important yogurt characteristics, whereas the use of levels that disrupted casein micelles resulted in poor gel properties. We also conclude that the LT maximum observed in yogurts made from heated milk is due to the presence of CCP because the modification of the CCP content altered this peak and the removal of CCP eliminates this feature in the LT profiles.     

An excessively high Lactobacillus acidophilus inoculation level in yogurt lowers product quality during storage

The effect of manufacturing yogurt with a wide variation in Lactobacillus acidophilus inoculation level while holding the yogurt culture inoculation level constant on the properties of the resulting yogurt was determined to find out if any problems can occur if an excessively high level of L. acidophilus is used in yogurt production. Four batches of plain, set-style yogurt were manufactured with skim milk, nonfat dry milk, yogurt cultures, and with or without L. acidophilus (0, 0.0239, 0.238, or 2.33 g/100 g). After homogenization, pasteurization, and cooling, yogurt mixes were inoculated, poured into containers, incubated to pH 4.5, and cooled. Lactobacilli and L. acidophilus counts, pH, amount of syneresis, color, apparent viscosities, and sensory scores were determined during storage. The yogurt inoculated with 0.238 g/100 g L. acidophilus had the highest L. acidophilus counts from 4 to 7 wk. Yogurts inoculated with 2.33 g/100 g L. acidophilus generally had lower lactobacilli counts, L* values, apparent viscosities, and sensory scores but more syneresis and higher a* and b* values than the remaining yogurts. An excessively high inoculated level of L. acidophilus (2.33 g/100 g) resulted in an inferior quality yogurt.     

Effect of heat treatment of skim milk and final fermentation pH on graininess and roughness of stirred yogurt

The effects of heat treatment of skim milk (95°C/80 s, 95°C/256 s, 110°C/40 s, 110°C/180 s, 130°C/20 s and 130°C/80 s) and final fermentation pH of yogurt (4.8 and 4.4) on physical characteristics of stirred yogurt were investigated. Physical properties, including graininess and roughness, of stirred yogurt were determined during storage at 4°C for 15 days. Number of grains, perimeter of grains, visual roughness, storage modulus and yield stress decreased, when heating temperature or final fermentation pH increased. For practical applications, processing parameters such as heat treatment and fermentation pH can be optimized to improve quality or modified to create fermented milk products with different physical properties.     

Probiotic Milk Supplementation with Pea Flour: Microbial and Physical Properties

The effect of skim milk probiotic (L. rhamnosus AD200) fermented beverage supplementation with 1–3 % (w/v) pea flour (PF) or skim milk powder (SM) on acid production, microbial growth, physical properties (pH, syneresis, and color), and rheological properties (dynamic oscillation temperature sweep test at 4–50 °C) after production and during 28-day storage was studied. Acid production and microbial populations (CFU) were enhanced after production and 28-day storage especially for 3 % PF-supplemented sample. The average pH in all samples decreased from 4.5 to 4.04 over 28 days of storage. Syneresis in 1–3 % PF-supplemented probiotic was significantly lower than all other samples. PF supplementation slightly changed the color by increasing yellowness in the final product. PF-supplemented (1–3 %) probiotic fermented milk showed higher storage (G') and loss (G'') moduli in comparison with samples supplemented with 1–3 % SM and the non-supplemented control.     

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.     

Effects of polymerized goat milk whey protein on physicochemical properties and microstructure of recombined goat milk yogurt

Goat milk whey protein concentrates were manufactured by microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF). When MF retentate blended with cream, which could be used as a starting material in yogurt making. The objective of this study was to prepare goat milk whey protein concentrates by membrane separation technology and to investigate the effects of polymerized goat milk whey protein (PGWP) on the physicochemical properties and microstructure of recombined goat milk yogurt. A 3-stage MF study was conducted to separate whey protein from casein in skim milk with 0.1-µm ceramic membrane. The MF permeate was ultrafiltered using a 10 kDa cut-off membrane to 10-fold, followed by 3 step diafiltration. The ultrafiltration-diafiltration-treated whey was electrodialyzed to remove 85% of salt, and to obtain goat milk whey protein concentrates with 80.99% protein content (wt/wt, dry basis). Recombined goat milk yogurt was prepared by mixing cream and MF retentate, and PGWP was used as main thickening agent. Compared with the recombined goat milk yogurt without PGWP, the yogurt with 0.50% PGWP had desirable viscosity and low level of syneresis. There was no significant difference in chemical composition and pH between the recombined goat milk yogurt with PGWP and control (without PGWP). Viscosity of all the yogurt samples decreased during the study. There was a slight but not significant decrease in pH during storage. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus acidophilus in yogurt samples remained above 10⁶ cfu/g during 8-wk storage. Scanning electron microscopy of the recombined goat milk yogurt with PGWP displayed a compact protein network. Results indicated that PGWP prepared directly from raw milk may be a novel protein-based thickening agent for authentic goat milk yogurt making.     

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.     

Effect of fermentation temperature on the properties of exopolysaccharides and the acid gelation behavior for milk fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus strains DGCC7785 and St-143

We investigated the effect of fermenting milk with 2 strains (DGCC7785 and St-143) of Streptococcus thermophilus, which are known to produce different types of exopolysaccharide (EPS) structures. The yields and physical properties of these ropy EPS were monitored during the fermentation of milk at different temperatures. We wanted to understand how these types of EPS properties affected yogurt gelation. Reconstituted skim milk was fermented at 33, 39, or 45°C until pH values reached 5.2, 4.9, 4.7, and 4.5. Molar mass of ropy EPS samples was determined using size exclusion chromatography coupled with multiangle laser light scattering. Rheological properties of fermented milk gels were analyzed using small-strain dynamic oscillatory measurements. In both strains, concentrations of ropy EPS increased during fermentation and at all temperatures. Fermentation times, by both strains, were shortest at 45°C and longest at 33°C. For both strains, molar mass of ropy EPS ranged from 2 to 4 × 10⁶ g/mol during fermentation. A major proteinaceous contaminant that was co-isolated with the ropy EPS fraction by our isolation method was identified as a milk-derived phosphoglycoprotein PP3. Increase in fermentation temperature from 33 to 45°C significantly decreased the storage modulus values (from 170 to 41 Pa) for milk gelled by strain DGCC7785, whereas the gels made with St-143 had very low storage modulus values (11–17 Pa) regardless of fermentation temperatures. For both strains, the values of maximum loss tangent in the milk gels increased with fermentation temperature; the maximum loss tangent occurred at higher pH values when milk was fermented by strain DGCC7785. The specific type of EPS produced appeared to be responsible for the differences in yogurt texture rather than the concentration or molar mass of the EPS.     

Iron-Lactoferrin Complex Reduces Iron-Catalyzed Off-flavor Formation in Powdered Milk with Added Fish Oil

Abstract: The iron–lactoferrin complex (FeLf) is useful for dietary iron supplementation. However, the effects of FeLf on iron‐catalyzed off‐flavors in lipid‐containing food products have not been reported. In this study, we investigated the effects of FeLf on off‐flavors development during the production and storage of powdered milk with added fish oil. Powdered milk samples were formulated with FeLf or iron (II) sulfate, then stored at 37 °C for 5 mo. A sensory evaluation revealed that FeLf delayed the development of oxidized flavor and reduced metallic taste in the powdered milk compared with iron (II) sulfate. Headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed that oxidized volatile compounds, such as pentanal, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, 1‐penten‐3‐one, (Z)‐4‐heptenal, (E, E)‐2,4‐heptadienal, and (E)‐2‐octenal, were less developed in the powdered milk containing FeLf than in that containing iron (II) sulfate. Iron and lactoferrin (Lf) were retained in the high‐molecular‐weight (>10000 Da) fraction of the reconstituted FeLf‐containing powdered milk after its manufacture and storage, whereas the antigenicity of Lf was lost after ultrahigh‐temperature processing at 120 °C for 5 s. These results suggest that FeLf reduces the iron‐catalyzed off‐flavors that develop during the production and storage of powdered milk. The stable iron‐holding property of FeLf contributes to the inhibition of oxidized and metallic volatile formation, although the loss of Lf antigenicity did not affect the stability of FeLf and the iron‐catalyzed formation of off‐flavors in the powdered milk. Consequently, FeLf is a suitable candidate for the simultaneous supplementation of a single food with iron and fish oil. Practical Application: The supplementation of food products with iron and fish oil is a useful approach to redressing their inadequate intake in many populations. The iron–lactoferrin complex can protect food products against the off‐flavors caused by iron‐catalyzed lipid oxidation. Our results show that the iron–lactoferrin complex is useful for the simultaneous fortification of foods and nutraceuticals with iron and fish oil because this complex also reduces the formation of iron‐catalyzed off‐flavors in powdered milk enriched with fish oil.     

Autochthonous adjunct culture of Limosilactobacillus mucosae CNPC007 improved the techno-functional,physicochemical, and sensory properties of goat milk Greek-style yogurt

We evaluated the performance of Limosilactobacillus mucosae CNPC007 as an autochthonous adjunct culture in the production of goat milk Greek-style yogurt. The techno-functional, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics of the control yogurt (containing only starter culture, CY) and the probiotic yogurt (with the probiotic strain added, PY) were assessed during 28 d of refrigerated storage. Furthermore, we determined the survival of the strain throughout the gastrointestinal tract under simulated conditions. The PY yogurt had a lower extent of proteolysis index and a higher depth of proteolysis index. These results indicate that the proteolytic enzymes of L. mucosae may have a possible action in PY. The PY formulation exhibited viscosity almost 1.5 times as high as CY over the refrigeration period, probably due to higher production of exopolysaccharides by the probiotic strain, which directly interferes with the microstructure, texture, and viscosity of the product. The PY formulation received higher scores for color, flavor, and global acceptance at 1 d of storage and higher texture scores at 28 d. The counts of L. mucosae remained high (>7 log cfu/g and >8.5 log cfu/g) throughout mouth-ileum digestion and storage, respectively, in PY. The autochthonous adjunct culture of L. mucosae CNPC007 can be used for production of a novel potentially probiotic goat yogurt without negatively affecting the general characteristics of the product quality, adding value associated with maintaining its functional potential.     

Effect of increasing the colloidal calcium phosphate of milk on the texture and microstructure of yogurt

The effect of increasing the colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) content on the physical, rheological, and microstructural properties of yogurt was investigated. The CCP content of heated (85°C for 30 min) milk was increased by increasing the pH by the addition of alkali (NaOH). Alkalized milk was dialyzed against pasteurized skim milk at approximately 4°C for 72 h to attempt to restore the original pH and soluble Ca content. By adjustment of the milk to pH values 7.45, 8.84, 10.06, and 10.73, the CCP content was increased to approximately 107, 116, 123, and 128%, respectively, relative to the concentration in heated milk. During fermentation of milk, the storage modulus (G′) and loss tangent values of yogurts were measured using dynamic oscillatory rheology. Large deformation rheological properties were also measured. The microstructure of yogurt was observed using fluorescence microscopy, and whey separation was determined. Acid-base titration was used to evaluate changes in the CCP content in milk. Total Ca and casein-bound Ca increased with an increase in the pH value of alkalization. During acidification, elevated buffering occurred in milk between pH values 6.7 to 5.2 with an increase in the pH of alkalization. When acidified milk was titrated with alkali, elevated buffering occurred in milk between pH values 5.6 to 6.4 with an increase in the pH of alkalization. The high residual pH of milk after dialysis could be responsible for the decreased contents of soluble Ca in these milks. The pH of gelation was higher in all dialyzed samples compared with the heated control milk, and the gelation pH was higher with an increase in CCP content. The sample with highest CCP content (128%) exhibited gelation at very high pH (6.3), which could be due to alkali-induced CN micellar disruption. The G′ values at pH 4.6 were similar in gels with CCP levels up to 116%; at higher CCP levels, the G′ values at pH 4.6 greatly decreased. Loss tangent values at pH 5.1 were similar in all samples except in gels with a CCP level of 128%. For dialyzed milk, the whey separation levels were similar in gels made from milk with up to 107% CCP but increased at higher CCP levels. Microstructure of yogurt gels made from milk with 100 to 107% CCP was similar but very large clusters were observed in gels made from milk with higher CCP levels. By dialyzing heated milk against pasteurized milk, we may have retained some heat-induced Ca phosphate on micelles that normally dissolves on cooling because, during dialysis, pasteurized milk provided soluble Ca ions to the heated milk system. Yogurt texture was significantly affected by increasing the casein-bound Ca (and total Ca) content of milk as well as by the alkalization procedure involved in that approach.     

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.     

Effect of Lactococcus lactis Immobilized Within Pineapple and Yam Bean Segments, and Jerusalem Artichoke Powder on Its Viability and Quality of Yogurt

Lactococcus lactis cells were immobilized within pineapple segments, yam bean segments, and Jerusalem artichoke (JA) powder, and immobilized cells were used separately as adjuncts in producing probiotic yogurt. In parallel, yogurt with free L. lactis cells and yogurt only from starter cultures were also produced. The resulting yogurt samples were stored at 4 °C. Immobilization of cells increased the viability of L. lactis cells compared to free cells during storage of yogurt within pineapple segments, JA powder, yam bean segments, and free cells (43.77 %, 63.62 %, 80.11 %, and 87.14 %, respectively). The pH values of all yogurt samples decreased during storage; however, the pH values of yogurt supplemented with immobilized cells were higher than samples with free L. lactis cells. The increase in lactic acid content during storage was not different among the yogurt samples with added immobilized cells within segments of pineapple, yam beans, and free cells. However, the lactic acid content increase was greater with samples containing immobilized cells within JA powder. The immobilized cells within pineapple segments resulted in a decrease in b* color values (indicating yellowness) and an increase in a* color values (indicating greenness) whereas immobilized cells within yam bean segments resulted in a decrease in b* color values. Immobilized cells within JA powder resulted in a decrease in L* color values (indicating lightness) and an decrease in a* color values when compared to free cells. During storage, the concentration of γ-aminobutyric acid had a tendency to increase, which was not statistically significant. The sensory test revealed that the overall acceptance scores of yogurt with immobilized cells added were quite similar to those of the samples with free cells and controls throughout the storage period of 28 days.     

Comparison of micellar casein isolate and nonfat dry milk for use in the production of high-protein cultured milk products

High protein levels in yogurt, as well as the presence of denatured whey proteins in the milk, lead to the development of firm gels that can make it difficult to formulate a fluid beverage. We wanted to prepare high-protein yogurts and explore the effects of using micellar casein isolate (MCI), which was significantly depleted in whey protein by microfiltration. Little is known about the use of whey protein-depleted milk protein powders for high-protein yogurt products. Microfiltration also depletes soluble ions, in addition to whey proteins, and so alterations to the ionic strength of rehydrated MCI dispersions were also explored, to understand their effects on a high-protein yogurt gel system. Yogurts were prepared at 8% protein (wt/wt) from MCI or nonfat dry milk (NDM). The NDM was dispersed in water, and MCI powders were dispersed in water (with either low levels of added lactose to allow fermentation to achieve the target pH, or a high level to match the lactose content of the NDM sample) or in ultrafiltered (UF) milk permeate to align its ionic strength with that of the NDM dispersion. Dispersions were then heated at 85°C for 30 min while stirring, cooled to 40°C in an ice bath, and fermented with yogurt cultures to a final pH of 4.3. The stiffness of set-style yogurt gels, as determined by the storage modulus, was lowest in whey protein-depleted milk (i.e., MCI) prepared with a high ionic strength (UF permeate). Confocal laser scanning microscopy and permeability measurements revealed no large differences in the gel microstructure of MCI samples prepared in various dispersants. Stirred yogurt made from MCI that was prepared with low ionic strength showed slow rates of elastic bond reformation after stirring, as well as slower increases in cluster particle size throughout the ambient storage period. Both the presence of denatured whey proteins and the ionic strength of milk dispersions significantly affected the properties of set and stirred-style yogurt gels. Results from this study showed that the ionic strength of the heated milk dispersion before fermentation had a large influence on the gelation pH and strength of acid milk gels, but only when prepared at high (8%) protein levels. Results also showed that depleting milk of whey proteins before fermentation led to the development of weak yogurt gels, which were slow to rebody and may be better suited for preparing cultured milk beverages where low viscosities are desirable.     

Effects of the addition of microencapsulated Bifidobacterium BB-12 on the properties of frozen yogurt

Samples of frozen yogurt were added with microcapsules containing Bifidobacterium BB-12 produced with different contents of carrier agents (reconstituted skim milk and inulin). The viability of this probiotic culture was evaluated, as well as the effect of addition of microcapsules on the chemical and rheological properties of frozen yogurt during 90 days of storage. The counts of bifidobacteria maintained practically constant in the samples added with the microcapsules, while the frozen yogurt added with free bacteria showed a decrease of about 34% after 90 days. The addition of the microcapsules increased the total solids content and the overrun values. The highest pH values were noted in the samples containing microcapsules produced with reconstituted skim milk. All the melted frozen yogurts showed non-Newtonian behavior with shear thinning characteristics. The samples added with microcapsules had greater apparent viscosity and those added with microcapsules produced with inulin showed a larger hysteresis area at the end of storage period.