Strategies to reduce sugars in food

A review of the state of sweeteners science: the natural versus artificial non-caloric sweeteners debate. Stevia rebaudiana and Siraitia grosvenorii into the spotlight

The rapid increase in the worldwide prevalence of obesity and certain non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as: cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, has been mainly attributed to an excess of sugar consumption. Although the potential benefits of the synergetic use of sweeteners have been known for many years, recent development based on synthesis strategies to produce sucrose-like taste profiles is emerging where biocatalyst approaches may be preferred to produce and supply specific sweetener compounds. From a nutritional standpoint, high-intensity sweeteners have fewer calories than sugars while providing a major sweet potency, placing them in the spotlight as valuable alternatives to sugar. Due to the modern world awareness and incidence of metabolic diseases, both food research and growing markets have focused on two generally regarded as safe (GRAS) groups of compounds: the sweet diterpenoid glycosides present on the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana and, more recently, on the cucurbitane triterpene glycosides present on the fruits of Siraitia grosvenorii. In spite of their flavor advantages, biological benefits, including: antidiabetic, anticancer, and cardiovascular properties, have been elucidated. The present bibliographical review dips into the state-of-the-art of sweeteners and their role in human health as sugar replacements, as well as the biotransformation methods for steviol gylcosides and mogrosides apropos of enzymatic technology to update and locate the discoveries to date in the scientific literature to help boost the continuity of research efforts of the ongoing sweeteners.

Sensory optimization of gluten-free hazelnut omelette and sugar-modified chestnut pudding: A free choice profiling approach for enhanced traditional recipe formulations

The Mediterranean region is distinguished by its gastronomic diversity and a wide variety of indigenous nut crops. In line with changing global food consumers' preferences, a noteworthy aspect is the increasing demand to the use of local varieties in recipe formulation. The aim of the present study was to incorporate the Terra Fria chestnut (Portugal) and Negreta hazelnut from Reus (Spain) in traditional Mediterranean recipes. The sensory, technofunctional, nutritional, and shelf-life characterization were investigated in hazelnut omelette (gluten and gluten-free) and chestnut pudding (sugar and sugar-free) formulations. Results conducted by trained assessors using the free choice profiling (FCP) showed that hazelnut omelette samples were described as "creamy," "smooth," and "handmade." In addition, the texture obtained with the hazelnut omelette gluten-free version showed the softest textural profile analysis attributes, with lower values for hardness (2.43 ± 0.36 N), adhesiveness (-0.38 ± 0.00 g s) and gumminess (2.12 ± 0.14). Furthermore, the shelf-life studies revealed a more golden color (>14.43 of a* CIELAB coordinate) and a lower moisture content (25.36%-43.59%) in the hazelnut flour formulation, in addition to the enrichment in terms of protein (8.36 g/100 g), fiber, and healthy fats. In the case of chestnut pudding, it was observed that the study parameters did not differ significantly from its sweetened analogue with positive attributes in FCP ("toasted," "fluffy," and "sweet"), positioning it as a viable alternative to sugar in this application. Therefore, both hazelnut flour in hazelnut omelette and oligofructose in chestnut pudding proved to be promising ingredients in the formulation of gluten-free and sugar-free developed products, offering attractive organoleptic and textural characteristics.

Prebiotic potential of new sweeteners based on the simultaneous biosynthesis of galactooligosaccharides and enzymatically modified steviol glycosides

Prebiotics are known for their health-promoting functions associated with the modulation of the colonic microbiota and the products of fermentation. Recently, single-pot syntheses of galactooligosaccharides in combination with steviol glycosides (mSG-GOS) have been developed. This work was conducted to evaluate their prebiotic effect by using faecal inoculum from healthy human donors during in vitro batch fermentations. Additionally, their relative sweetness was evaluated to determine their suitability as food ingredients. The results showed a significant growth (p < 0.05) of bacteria, including the genera Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides and Clostridium, and a corresponding increase in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in comparison to either positive and negative controls. The sweetness equivalence to 1 % w:v of SG-GOS was 0.8 % w:v when compared to sucrose. Considering the bacteria and organic acids analyses and their sweetness values of these new biosynthesized compounds, SG-GOS could act as a prebiotic sweetener with potential health benefits warranting further evaluation through human studies.

Nutrient Density, Added Sugar, and Fiber Content of Commercially Available Fruit Snacks in the United States from 2017 to 2022

Fruit snacks have become a popular and convenient snacking choice and have the potential to contribute to a well-balanced diet. However, the nutritional quality of fruit snack products has not yet been studied. The objective of the present study is to provide a nutritional assessment of the fruit snack product category. This study used the Mintel Global New Product Database to collect data about fruit snack products launched in the United States from 2017 to 2022. Fruit snack products (n = 2405) are divided into nine product categories based on product characteristics. Nutrition composition was assessed using a comprehensive score, Nutrient Rich Food (NRF) model, and by examining individual components (added sugar and fiber). The results show that dried fruit has the highest nutrient density, fiber content, and the lowest added sugar content. Conversely, fruit-flavored snacks have the lowest nutrient density, fiber content, and added sugar content. Currently, fruit puree, canned fruit with juice, and dried fruit are the only fruit snacks that meet the current recommendations set by the USDA Dietary Guidelines. Future directions for the fruit snack category should consider decreasing the added sugar content, increasing the fiber content, and enhancing their sensory profile to improve the overall nutrient density.

Potential application of bee products in food industry: An exploratory review

Over the past eight years, bee products such as wax, honey, propolis, and pollen have generated intense curiosity about their potential food uses; to explore these possibilities, this review examines the nutritional benefits and notable characteristics of each product related to the food industry. While all offer distinct advantages, there are challenges to overcome, including the risk of honey contamination. Indeed, honey has excellent potential as a healthier alternative to sugar, while propolis's remarkable antibacterial and antioxidant properties can be enhanced through microencapsulation. Pollen is a versatile food with multiple applications in various products. In addition, the addition of beeswax to oleogels and its use as a coating demonstrate significant improvements in the quality and preservation of environmentally sustainable foods over time. This study demonstrates that bee products and apitherapy are essential for sustainable future food and innovative medical treatments.

Beyond sugar: Exploring the influence of health and naturalness framing on attitudes towards products with sweet proteins in Europe

Amidst rising obesity rates in the EU and the significant public health impact of excessive sugar consumption, the debate on reducing sugar through reformulation with sweet proteins derived from precision fermentation gains prominence, presenting a viable alternative to traditional sugars and conventional sweeteners. We conducted two studies to investigate the effects of health (emphasizing sugar reduction) versus naturalness (highlighting sweet proteins as alternatives to artificial sweeteners) message framing on the acceptance of products reformulated with sweet proteins. Study 1 (N = 296, Denmark) evaluated the impact of health and naturalness message framing on attitudes towards such reformulations. Study 2, in a cross-cultural sample (N = 3,000 Denmark, Germany, and Poland), tested the mediating role of health perceptions and the moderating effects of BMI and guilt (Study 2a), as well as naturalness perceptions, sweetener use, and pleasure (Study 2b) on product attitudes. Results of Study 1 indicated that healthiness perceptions had a more persuasive influence than naturalness perceptions. The cross-cultural findings of Studies 2a and 2b revealed that BMI, sweetener usage frequency, anticipatory guilt, and pleasure can modulate these effects. These insights suggest that while both perceived healthiness and naturalness shape attitudes towards sweet protein-enriched products, the significance of health perceptions prevails, with anticipatory emotions of guilt enhancing this influence, particularly when sweet proteins substitute added sugar. Such evidence holds substantial implications for strategies aimed at reducing sugar consumption and fostering the acceptance of products containing alternative sweeteners.

Approaches to Enhance Sugar Content in Foods: Is the Date Palm Fruit a Natural Alternative to Sweeteners?

The current levels of added sugars in processed foods impact dental health and contribute to a range of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This review presents sugars and sweeteners used in food processing, the current possibility to replace added sugars, and highlights the benefits of using dates as a new natural, nutritious and healthy alternative to synthetic and non-nutritive sweeteners. In the context of environmental sustainability, palm groves afford a propitious habitat for a diverse array of animal species and assume a pivotal social role by contributing to the provisioning of sustenance and livelihoods for local communities. The available literature shows the date as an alternative to added sugars due to its composition in macro and micronutrients, especially in bioactive components (fiber, polyphenols and minerals). Therefore, dates are presented as a health promoter and a preventative for certain diseases with the consequent added value. The use of damaged or unmarketable dates, due to its limited shelf life, can reduce losses and improve the sustainability of date palm cultivation. This review shows the potential use dates, date by-products and second quality dates as sugar substitutes in the production of sweet and healthier foods, in line with broader sustainability objectives and circular economy principles.

Phenolics and Sesquiterpene Lactones Profile of Red and Green Lettuce: Combined Effect of Cultivar, Microbiological Fertiliser, and Season

The main goal of our study was to find an optimal combination of tested factors to achieve lettuce rich in bioactive compounds sustaining its pleasant taste. We examined three red and three green cultivars in a greenhouse using two microbiological fertilisers (EM Aktiv and Vital Tricho), and their combination. Plants were grown in three consecutive growing seasons (autumn, winter, and spring). Lactones accumulated in autumn, whereas phenolics' concentration rose during winter. Red cultivars showed higher phenolics and lactone content, where chicoric acid and luteolin-7-glucoside were the most abundant in the 'Gaugin' winter trial. Lactucopicrin was the predominant lactone among tested cultivars with the highest value in the red cultivar 'Carmesi'. Solely applicated, the fertiliser EM Aktiv and Vital Tricho led to significantly higher phenolic acid and dihydrolactucopicrin content, while combined, there were notably increased levels of all detected lactones. Application of single fertilisers had no effect on flavonoid content, while the combination even reduced it. A sensory analysis showed a negative correlation between overall taste and total sesquiterpene lactones, lactucopicrin, caffeoylmalic, and chlorogenic acid, indicating a less bitter taste with decreasing content of these compounds. Our findings indicate that the cultivar, fertiliser, and growing season jointly affected all of the tested parameters, highlighting the differences in the application of EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho, and their combination.

Global nutritional challenges of reformulated food: A review

Food reformulation, the process of redesigning processed food products to make them healthier, is considered a crucial step in the fight against noncommunicable diseases. The reasons for reformulating food vary, with a common focus on reducing the levels of harmful substances, such as fats, sugars, and salts. Although this topic is broad, this review aims to shed light on the current challenges faced in the reformulation of food and to explore different approaches that can be taken to overcome these challenges. The review highlights the perception of consumer risk, the reasons for reformulating food, and the challenges involved. The review also emphasizes the importance of fortifying artisanal food processing and modifying microbial fermentation in order to meet the nutrient requirements of people in developing countries. The literature suggests that while the traditional reductionist approach remains relevant and yields quicker results, the food matrix approach, which involves engineering food microstructure, is a more complex process that may take longer to implement in developing economies. The findings of the review indicate that food reformulation policies are more likely to succeed if the private sector collaborates with or responds to the government regulatory process, and further research is conducted to establish newly developed reformulation concepts from different countries. In conclusion, food reformulation holds great promise in reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases and improving the health of people around the world.

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) as a common sugar substitute and its application in food matrices: an updated review

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) has been employee for developing food products as a substitute for sucrose, low caloric, and natural sweetener. Different studies have evaluated the effect of this ingredient on the physicochemical, nutritional and technological properties of products; their application in dairy products affects some sensory characteristics such as taste; in the case of bread, cookies, and cakes modify the properties of the dough, altering attributes of the manufactured product, including color, texture, and flavor; also the use of stevia reduces gelling and affects the optical properties of the final product; and in beverages cases, the total substitution of sugar has led to bitter and unpleasant flavor. This review presents stevia general information and its employees in dairy, bakery, beverages, and jelly products.

Vitamin-A enriched yogurt through fortification of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima): A potential alternative for preventing blindness in children

Vitamin-A deficiency associated with night blindness in children is a global health problem that could be prevented or reduced by promoting the intake of β-carotene in food. The fortification of β-carotene in yogurt using pumpkin flesh (PF) could be a very cost-effective public health intervention. The current study aimed to analyze the proximate, functional, microbial, textural, and sensory properties of yogurt fortified with PF to evaluate its suitability as a β-carotene enriched food. The research was conducted with three treatments, control set-type yogurt (CSY) with no PF, 15% PF-fortified set-type yogurt (15PFSY), and 20% PF-fortified set-type yogurts (20PFSY) followed by pumpkin pie spice and ground pumpkin seed to improve consumer acceptability. The fortified yogurt with 20PFSY and 15PFSY contained a higher amount of β-carotene, protein, fiber, and ash, and lower carbohydrate, fat, and energy in compression with CSY, which might attract health-conscious people. In addition, viable bacterial count, firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and viscosity index were found better in fortified yogurt. Based on reports of sensory panellists, 15PFSY achieved a significantly (p < 0.01) highest overall acceptability than 20PFSY and CSY. These findings suggest that pumpkin-fortified yogurt could be used widely as a nutrient-enriched fermented food. In addition, as a β-carotene (vitamin-A) fortified yogurt, it could be a potential alternative to prevent or reduce blindness in children with minimal cost.

The Effect of Alternating High-Sucrose and Sucrose Free-Diets, and Intermittent One-Day Fasting on the Estrous Cycle and Sex Hormones in Female Rats

Relationships between diet, sex hormone concentrations, and the estrous cycle are important from the perspective of infertility and estrogen-dependent disease prevention and treatment. Four dietary interventions reflecting modern eating behaviors were explored. The study involved 50 female rats divided into five feeding groups. The impact of the amount of sucrose consumed (9% and 18% of the dietary energy content), alternating high-sucrose and sucrose-free diets, and a high-sucrose diet combined with intermittent one-day fasting on the estrous cycle and sex hormone concentrations in female rats was assessed. Even low amounts of dietary sucrose (9% of the dietary energy content) were found to lead to increased estradiol (E2) concentrations and decreased progesterone (Pg) concentrations. A high-sucrose diet, even when periodically applied, additionally led to a reduced concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH). The largest changes in the hormones tested were observed with one-day fasting coupled with the high-sucrose diet; in addition, the estrous phase was shortened and the estrous cycle was disrupted. The results of this study show that both the amount of dietary sucrose and also its uptake pattern affect the estrous cycle and sex hormone concentrations in female rats.

Jelly formulated with different carbohydrate profiles: Quality evaluation

Jelly is a popular confectionery product but it has a high content of easily digestible sugars, namely 70–85%. Therefore, modern confectioners are trying to develop new formulations of jelly with reduced sweetness and sugar content. One of the ways to achieve that is to use starch syrup instead of white sugar. Another benefit of starch syrup is that it can slow down the drying and staling of jelly. We studied three types of starch syrup (low-conversion, confectionery, high-conversion), glucose-fructose syrup, and sugar-free jelly samples based on them. Jelly based on sugar and confectionery syrup was used as the control sample. The main quality indicators were analyzed against standard values; the sensory parameters were determined by the descriptor-profile analysis; and water activity was measured by using a HygroPalm Rotronic hygrometer. The microbiological safety of the experimental jelly samples was assessed after 12 weeks of their storage in plastic containers. The sample based on confectionery syrup had the most optimal profile, with moderate sweetness and taste richness, good jelly-like texture, viscoelasticity, plasticity, a color similar to that of the control, and no effect of wetting or stickiness. The samples based on starch syrup had a 1.4–2.4-fold decrease in easily digestible sugars and a 1.9–3.4-fold increase in polysaccharides, compared to the control. During storage, the samples based on high-conversion starch syrup and glucose-fructose syrup were less likely to dry out than the others, with their water activity decreasing to a greater extent. The microbiological analysis after storage showed the absence of pathogenic microorganisms and coliform bacteria in three out of the four jelly samples. Using various types of starch syrup and glucose-fructose syrup instead of white sugar allows for a greater range of jelly types with different carbohydrate profiles and a longer shelf life.

Effect of Monosodium Glutamate on Salt and Sugar Content Reduction in Cooked Foods for the Sensory Characteristics and Consumer Acceptability

Three different types of typical Korean foods were studied to investigate the effect of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on the sensory characteristics and hedonic perception of sodium- or sugar-reduced samples. The first consumer test (n = 300) was conducted to evaluate the overall liking (OL) of the samples containing four different levels of salt and sugar contents without added MSG, while the second consumer test (n = 300) was designed to examine the effects of MSG on the samples containing reduced salt and sugar contents with the lowest observed OL in the first consumer test. The results showed that the intensity of the umami taste and saltiness of the samples increased, whereas sourness and bitterness were suppressed with added MSG. The samples with the lowest salt contents were observed to be acceptable to consumers after MSG addition, indicating a 23% reduction in sodium intake. Bitterness was partially masked, while sweetness, umami taste, and saltiness were the main factors affecting the OL after MSG addition. However, no consistent results of added MSG on the sensory attributes of samples with reduced sugar contents were observed, possibly indicating that the effect of umami taste on sweetness depends on the MSG concentration used or the type of food studied. This study could be beneficial to researchers who want to know the optimal level of MSG required to reduce the sodium or sugar contents in cooked food.

Rheological Properties, Particle Size Distribution and Physical Stability of Novel Refined Pumpkin Seed Oil Creams with Oleogel and Lucuma Powder

This research aimed to develop new hazelnut and pumpkin seed oil-based creams and to assess the effect of different fat and sugar phases on the structure and physical properties of those creams at different refining degrees. In this study, three novel spreadable creams were prepared in a stirred ball-mill: CBS with cocoa butter, pumpkin seed oil and saccharose; OS with pumpkin seed oil and carnauba wax-basedoleogel and saccharose; OLS with oleogel, saccharose and Lucuma powder. OS and CBS creams reached a D90 value lower than 30 µm at 150 min of refining, the OLS cream showed the highest D90 value, with a particle size distribution and a rheological behaviour little affected by the refining time. The OS and CBS creams differed in yield stress, indicating that the attractive particle–particle interactions are affected not only by the particle size, but also by fat composition. Moreover, all the creams showed solid-like behaviour and a good tolerance to deformation rate, a high oil-binding capacity and a good physical stability. Thus, it is possible to reformulate spreadable creams with healthier nutritional profiles.

Sugar, salt and fat reduction of bakery products

From the health viewpoint, consumers monitor their food uptake in terms of both quality and quantity, due to awareness of the link between food ingredients and health. Accordingly, many people tend to buy healthy food products that are low in or free of sugar, salt and fat. However, in baked products, the sugar, fat and salt are needed to create unique characteristics. The role of sugar, salt and fat in baked products is discussed in this chapter to understand their functions. The understanding is necessary to design proper techniques to reduce the amount of sugar, salt and fat. Ingredients and additives that can substitute for fat, sugar and salt in bakery characteristics are reviewed in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, alternative processes to reduce the use of fat, sugar and salt are proposed in this chapter.

Physicochemical, Microbiological and Microstructural Characteristics of Sucrose-Free Probiotic-Frozen Yogurt during Storage

Frozen yogurt is known as ice cream with some properties of yogurt. Frozen yogurts are a rich source of sucrose levels between 15% and 28% of total ingredients. Consumers suffering from lactose intolerance and metabolic syndrome are looking for sugar-free products. The current study investigates the sugar replacements by using sweeteners (stevia, sucralose and sorbitol) on physicochemical, microbiological, microstructural and sensory characteristics of probiotic-frozen yogurt. Four different treatments of probiotic-frozen yogurts were studied (control probiotic-frozen yogurt with sucrose (F1), probiotic-frozen yogurt with stevia (F2), probiotic-frozen yogurt with sucralose (F3) and probiotic-frozen yogurt with sorbitol (F4)). The chemical properties were not significantly present p > 0.05) during storage in all treatments. In the F1 treatment, sucrose value was higher (14.87%) and not detected in the F2, F3 and F4 treatments. The highest values of overrun, hardness and viscosity (p < 0.05) were detected in the F2, F3 and F3 samples, but the lowest value was detected in the F1 treatment. Total Str. thermophilus and Lb. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus counts were gradually decreased (p < 0.05) during storage periods. At 1 day, the Bifidobacteria counts ranged from 7.56 to 7.60 log10 CFU g−1 in all groups and gradually decreased during storage, but these bacterial counts remained viable (>6.00 log10 CFU g−1) during storage periods up to 60 d. During storage periods, the highest scores of total acceptability were detected in the F3, F4 and F2 treatments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of all probiotic-frozen yogurt treatments illustrated that the microstructures showed a difference with a fine network, size pores and structure between the frozen yogurt with sweeteners (F2, F3 and F3) and control frozen yogurt (F1).

Role of Flaxseed Gum and Whey Protein Microparticles in Formulating Low-Fat Model Mayonnaises

Flaxseed gum (FG) and whey protein microparticles (WPMs) were used to substitute fats in model mayonnaises. WPMs were prepared by grinding the heat-set whey protein gel containing 10 mM CaCl₂ into small particles (10–20 µm). Then, 3 × 4 low-fat model mayonnaises were prepared by varying FG (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 wt%) and WPM (0, 8, 16, 24 wt%) concentrations. The effect of the addition of FG and WPMs on rheology, instrumental texture and sensory texture and their correlations were investigated. The results showed that all samples exhibited shear thinning behavior and ‘weak gel’ properties. Although both FG and WPMs enhanced rheological (e.g., viscosity and storage modulus) and textural properties (e.g., hardness, consistency, adhesiveness, cohesiveness) and kinetic stability, this enhancement was dominated by FG. FG and WPMs affected bulk properties through different mechanisms, (i.e., active filler and entangled polysaccharide networks). Panellists evaluated sensory texture in three stages: extra-oral, intra-oral and after-feel. Likewise, FG dominated sensory texture of model mayonnaises. With increasing FG concentration, sensory scores for creaminess and mouth-coating increased, whereas those of firmness, fluidity and spreadability decreased. Creaminess had a linear negative correlation with firmness, fluidity and spreadability (R² > 0.985), while it had a linear positive correlation with mouth-coating (R² > 0.97). A linear positive correlation (R² > 0.975) was established between creaminess and viscosity at different shear rates/instrumental texture parameters. This study highlights the synergistic role of FG and WPMs in developing low-fat mayonnaises.

Sodium Alginate and Chitosan as Components Modifying the Properties of Inulin Hydrogels

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of addition of sodium alginate (SA) and chitosan (CH) on the properties of inulin hydrogels. Inulin hydrogels (20 g/100 g) containing various additions (0.0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 g/100 g) of SA and CH were produced. The hydrogels' properties were assessed based on the volumetric gel index, microstructure, yield stress, texture, stability, and color parameters. According to the findings, the inclusion of these polysaccharides had no influence on the gelation ability of the inulin solution. The physical properties of the hydrogels containing SA or CH differed from hydrogels containing only inulin (INU). The obtained microstructural pictures revealed that the addition of SA and CH resulted in the formation of hydrogels with a more compact, smooth, and cohesive structure. Consequently, they had higher yield stress, strength, and spreadability values than INU hydrogels. The addition of chitosan in comparison with sodium alginate also had a greater effect in strengthening the structure of hydrogels, especially at the level of 0.5 g/100 g. For example, the addition of this amount of SA increased the yield stress on average from 195.0 Pa (INU) to 493.6 Pa, while the addition of CH increased it to 745.3 Pa. In the case of the strength parameter, the addition of SA increased the force from 0.24 N (INU) to 0.42 N and the addition of CH increased it to 1.29 N. In the case of spreadability this increase was from 2.89 N * s (INU) to 3.44 N * s (SA) and to 6.16 N * s (CH). Chitosan also caused an increase in the stability of inulin hydrogels, whereas such an effect was not observed with the addition of sodium alginate. The gels with the addition of SA and CH also had significantly different values of color parameters. Inulin-alginate hydrogels were characterized by higher values of the color parameter a *, lower values of the color parameter b *, and in most concentrations higher values of the color parameter L * compared to inulin-chitosan hydrogels. Based on the collected data, it can therefore be concluded that through the addition of sodium alginate and chitosan, there is a possibility to modify the properties of inulin hydrogels and, consequently, to better adapt them to the characteristics of the pro-health food products in which they will be used.

Formulation Optimization of Sucrose-Free Hard Candy Fortified with Cudrania tricuspidata Extract

The aim of the study is to define the optimal formulation of sucrose-free hard candy using D-optimal mixture design as the base for the incorporation of Cudrania tricupidata fruit. Hard candy was produced using three different polyols: isomalt, maltitol syrup, and xylitol. This study examined the effects of polyol mixtures as sucrose and corn syrup substitutes on physicochemical (moisture, color, soluble solid (SSC)), hardness, and sensory features of hard candies. These three polyols had notable effects on quality characteristics in addition to their effects on L* value. Xylitol had an undesirable effect on moisture content and hardness, resulting in decreased texture acceptability, but improved color and clarity. Given the results of our experiments and optimization of variables, we determined that 90.21% isomalt, 8.63% maltitol syrup, and 1.16% xylitol produced a sugar-free candy with high desirability (0.894).

Shelf-Life Stability of Ready-to-Use Green Rooibos Iced Tea Powder-Assessment of Physical, Chemical, and Sensory Properties

Green rooibos extract (GRE), shown to improve hyperglycemia and HDL/LDL blood cholesterol, has potential as a nutraceutical beverage ingredient. The main bioactive compound of the extract is aspalathin, a C-glucosyl dihydrochalcone. The study aimed to determine the effect of common iced tea ingredients (citric acid, ascorbic acid, and xylitol) on the stability of GRE, microencapsulated with inulin for production of a powdered beverage. The stability of the powder mixtures stored in semi-permeable (5 months) and impermeable (12 months) single-serve packaging at 30 °C and 40 °C/65% relative humidity was assessed. More pronounced clumping and darkening of the powders, in combination with higher first order reaction rate constants for dihydrochalcone degradation, indicated the negative effect of higher storage temperature and an increase in moisture content when stored in the semi-permeable packaging. These changes were further increased by the addition of crystalline ingredients, especially citric acid monohydrate. The sensory profile of the powders (reconstituted to beverage strength iced tea solutions) changed with storage from a predominant green-vegetal aroma to a fruity-sweet aroma, especially when stored at 40 °C/65% RH in the semi-permeable packaging. The change in the sensory profile of the powder mixtures could be attributed to a decrease in volatile compounds such as 2-hexenal, (Z)-2-heptenal, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-nonenal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal and (E)-2-decenal associated with "green-like" aromas, rather than an increase in fruity and sweet aroma-impact compounds. Green rooibos extract powders would require storage at temperatures ≤ 30 °C and protection against moisture uptake to be chemically and physically shelf-stable and maintain their sensory profiles.

Development of tropical mixed juice with low added-sugar content: Sensory and nutritional aspects

The aim of the present study was to develop a mixed tropical fruit juice of cashew apple, acerola and melon with low added-sugar content considering sensory and nutritional aspects. Five formulations were developed varying the concentration of the different fruits. A total of 172 consumers rated their overall liking using a 9-point hedonic scale and described their sensory characteristics using a Check-all-that-apply question. In addition, the functional properties of the juices were evaluated by analyzing vitamin C, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Results showed that the addition of sugar and fruit composition affected the sensory characteristics and consumer liking of the formulations. Samples without added sugar and with higher melon concentration showed lower liking scores (p < 0.05). In addition, the highest concentration of acerola had a positive effect on nutritional characteristics. The formulation with 50% of fruit pulp (60% of cashew apple, 30% of acerola and 10% of melon), 47% of water, and 3% of added sugar achieved the best results. The effect of aroma on sweetness perception was investigated by adding identical to natural aromas of melon, apple and pineapple to the selected formulation. However, aroma did not significantly modify sweetness perception, evaluated using a rate-all-that-apply question.

Effect of Sucrose on Physicochemical Properties of High-Protein Meringues Obtained from Whey Protein Isolate

This study reports the possibility of obtaining the WPI-based meringues with the small sucrose content (0–15%). The whey protein isolate (WPI) solution (20%, w/v) was whipped and sucrose was added to foam at the concentrations of 5, 10 and 15%. The surface tension, viscosity, zeta potential of the pre-foam solutions, foam overrun, foam stability and their rheological properties (G′, G″ and tan (δ)) were evaluated. To produce meringues, liquid foams were solidified at 130 °C for 2 h. The surface properties (roughness, contact angles, apparent free surface energy) as well as microstructural ones were determined for the solid foams (meringues). The 15% sugar concentration was detrimental for overrun, stability and rheological properties of liquid foams. The meringue production without sugar was infeasible. The addition of the smallest amount of sucrose (5%) enabled preservation of the aerated structure of the liquid foam during solidification. The 10% sugar concentration increased the stability of liquid foam, its rheology and it was the most effective for air bubbles stabilization during the foam solidification, however, its largest addition (15%) resulted in an increase in the final meringue volume. Larger sucrose concentrations produced a smoothing effect on the meringue surfaces.

Effects of different models of sucrose intake on the oxidative status of the uterus and ovary of rats

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of different models of sucrose intake on carbohydrate-lipid metabolism and changes in oxidant balance in the ovaries and uterus of rats. Animals were divided into three groups: I—basic feed, II—feed contains 8% of sucrose, III—alternately every second week the basic feed and modified feed contains 16% of sucrose. The diet containing 8% of sucrose was found to result in an increased activity of antioxidant enzymes in the blood, with unchanged malonylodialdehyde concentration. Variable sucrose administration pattern intensified oxidative stress in the blood and led to disturbed redox equilibrium in the rat uterus, even at a comparable long-term sucrose uptake as in the group II. This was manifested as a reduced superoxide dismutase activity (in the blood and uterus) and a higher malonylodialdehyde concentration (in the uterus). The changes observed could have been a result of metabolic disorders (higher amount of visceral fat, higher glucose concentration, higher index of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and reduced HDL-cholesterol concentration) and endocrine disorders (higher oestrogen concentrations). Changes in the antioxidant status in the rats kept on the alternating diet, may underpin the failure of fertilised egg implantation in the uterine tissue and pregnancy completion.

Molar mass effect in food and health

It is demanded to supply foods with good quality for all the humans. With the advent of aging society, palatable and healthy foods are required to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden of finance for medical expenditure. Food hydrocolloids can contribute to this demand by versatile functions such as thickening, gelling, stabilising, and emulsifying, controlling texture and flavour release in food processing. Molar mass effects on viscosity and diffusion in liquid foods, and on mechanical and other physical properties of solid and semi-solid foods and films are overviewed. In these functions, the molar mass is one of the key factors, and therefore, the effects of molar mass on various health problems related to noncommunicable diseases or symptoms such as cancer, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, constipation, high blood pressure, knee pain, osteoporosis, cystic fibrosis and dysphagia are described. Understanding these problems only from the viewpoint of molar mass is limited since other structural characteristics, conformation, branching, blockiness in copolymers such as pectin and alginate, degree of substitution as well as the position of the substituents are sometimes the determining factor rather than the molar mass. Nevertheless, comparison of different behaviours and functions in different polymers from the viewpoint of molar mass is expected to be useful to find a common characteristics, which may be helpful to understand the mechanism in other problems.

Gummy candies production with natural sugar source: Effect of molasses types and gelatin ratios

Nowadays, attention has been dedicated towards the development of foodstuffs whose constituents are from natural sources. In this study, grape, mulberry, and carob molasses containing natural sugars were evaluated in order to replace the use of sugar syrup and artificial additives in the production of gummy candy which was prepared by varied gelatin ratios. The molasses which have similar °Brix values (78-79) presented different types and amounts of sugar components. High invert sugar with low sucrose was observed in grape and mulberry but high sucrose with low fructose and glucose appeared in carob molasses. Unlike grape and mulberry, carob based jellies had a whitish appearance possibly as a result of the crystallization due to its high sucrose/invert sugar ratio. For all parameters of TPA, carob candy with 5 g/100 g gelatin and grape candy with 10 g/100g gelatin had the lowest and highest values, respectively. Gelatin concentration dependency trend of hardness, gumminess, chewiness and resilience was determined as grape > mulberry > carob. No significant effect (p > 0.05) on gelling temperatures (21-29 °C) but significant effect (p < 0.05) on melting points (33-39 °C) of molasses types were observed for candies. The properties of grape based candy having higher thermal stability and lower temperature sensitivity were attributed to its higher total sugar contents than other samples. The sensorial acceptability score for molasses gummy candies obtained more than 3.0 on a 5-point hedonic scale. These results illustrate the potential for the use of molasses in a healthier confectionery product development instead of commonly used sugars.

Food Texture Design by 3D Printing: A Review

An important factor in consumers’ acceptability, beyond visual appearance and taste, is food texture. The elderly and people with dysphagia are more likely to present malnourishment due to visually and texturally unappealing food. Three-dimensional Printing is an additive manufacturing technology that can aid the food industry in developing novel and more complex food products and has the potential to produce tailored foods for specific needs. As a technology that builds food products layer by layer, 3D Printing can present a new methodology to design realistic food textures by the precise placement of texturing elements in the food, printing of multi-material products, and design of complex internal structures. This paper intends to review the existing work on 3D food printing and discuss the recent developments concerning food texture design. Advantages and limitations of 3D Printing in the food industry, the material-based printability and model-based texture, and the future trends in 3D Printing, including numerical simulations, incorporation of cooking technology to the printing, and 4D modifications are discussed. Key challenges for the mainstream adoption of 3D Printing are also elaborated on.