Fluorescence and color as markers for the Maillard reaction in milk–cereal based infant foods during storage

Free and total fluorescence compounds and color formation were measured in three different milk–cereal based infant foods stored at 25, 30 and 37 °C for 9 months to evaluate the advanced and final stages of the Maillard reaction. Milk–cereal infant foods containing honey (B) or fruits (C) had fluorescent values higher than sample (A) without them. This difference could be ascribed to the higher monosaccharide (fructose and/or glucose) content of (B) and (C), which could increase susceptibility to the Maillard reaction. However, for color increase (ΔE), no significant differences (p < 0.05) among the three types of samples were found. During the storage period, a gradual increase in fluorescence and color was observed, and statistically significant differences among the three temperatures studied were detected, the values being greater at 37 °C than at 30 °C and 25 °C.