Degradation kinetics of ascorbic acid in encapsulated spray-dried honey powder packaged in aluminium laminated polyethylene and high-density polyethylene

The present study evaluated the stability of nutritionally rich encapsulated spray-dried honey powders in terms of hygroscopicity, glass transition temperature, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid using maltodextrin, gum arabic, and whey protein concentrate as carriers during a storage period of 180 days using high-density polyethylene and aluminium laminated polyethylene as packaging materials at 25°C (room temperature) and 35°C (accelerated temperature). The results revealed that temperature caused a negative influence on the glass transition temperature and stability of ascorbic acid. The kinetics of ascorbic acid degradation followed a first-order reaction with a reaction rate constant dependent on temperature and packaging material. Honey powder developed with whey protein concentrate as carrier agent and stored in aluminium laminated polyethylene pouches at 35°C possessed the highest antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid due to the presence of phenolic compounds in honey, aonla (Emblica officinalis. Gaertn), and basil (Ocimum sanctum) extract. The honey powders stored in aluminium laminated polyethylene pouches showed comparatively better antioxidant properties (total phenolic content, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity) and minimum hygroscopicity than the powders stored in high-density polyethylene at both the storage temperatures.