Anti-blooming effect of maltitol and tagatose as sugar substitutes for chocolate making

A comprehensive review on natural sweeteners: impact on sensory properties, food structure, and new frontiers for their application

In recent years, the worldwide increase in lifestyle diseases and metabolic disorders has been ascribed to the excessive consumption of sucrose and added sugars. For this reason, many approaches have been developed in order to replace sucrose in food and beverage formulations with alternative sweetening compounds. The raising awareness concerning the synthetic sweeteners due to their negative impact on health, triggered the need to search for alternative substances. Natural sweeteners may be classified in: (i) non-nutritive (e.g., neohesperidine dihydrochalcone, thaumatin, glycyrrhizin mogroside and stevia) and (ii) bulk sweeteners, including both polyols (e.g., maltitol, mannitol, erythritol) and rare sugars (e.g., tagatose and allulose). In this review we discuss the most popular natural sweeteners and their application in the main food sectors (e.g., bakery, dairy, confectionary and beverage), providing a full understanding of their impact on the textural and sensory properties in comparison to sucrose. Furthermore, we analyze the use of natural sweeteners in blends, which in addition to enabling an effective replacement of sugar, in order to complement the merits and limits of individual compounds. Finally, microencapsulation technology is presented as an alternative strategy to solving some issues such as aftertaste, bitterness, unpleasant flavors, but also to enhance their stability and ease of use.

Isomerization of Galactose to Tagatose: Recent Advances in Non-enzymatic Isomerization

The valorization of galactose derived from acid whey to low-calorie tagatose has gained increasing attention. Enzymatic isomerization is of great interest but faces several challenges, such as poor thermal stability of enzymes and a long processing time. In this work, non-enzymatic (supercritical fluids, triethylamine, arginine, boronate affinity, hydrotalcite, Sn-β zeolite, and calcium hydroxide) pathways for galactose to tagatose isomerization were critically discussed. Unfortunately, most of these chemicals showed poor tagatose yields (<30%), except for calcium hydroxide (>70%). The latter is able to form a tagatose-calcium hydroxide-water complex, which stimulates the equilibrium toward tagatose and prevents sugar degradation. Nevertheless, the excessive use of calcium hydroxide may pose challenges in terms of economic and environmental feasibility. Moreover, the proposed mechanisms for the base (enediol intermediate) and Lewis acid (hydride shift between C-2 and C-1) catalysis of galactose were elucidated. Overall, it is crucial to explore novel and effective catalysts as well as integrated systems for isomerizing of galactose to tagatose.

Fortification of chocolate with microencapsulated fish oil: Effect of protein wall material on physicochemical properties of microcapsules and chocolate matrix

Protein stabilized fish oil microcapsules were incorporated into chocolates in order to design fortified product which could bear the nutritional claim "source of or high omega-3 fatty acids". Protein wall material (soy, whey and potato) influenced microcapsules and chocolate performance. Soy protein resulted in the smallest microcapsules with the lowest content of surface oil. Peroxide values were low even after 14 days of microcapsules storage. Incorporation of microcapsules into chocolate led to increase in Casson viscosity and breaking force as well as decrease in melting enthalpy, due to prevalence of particle-particle over fat-fat interactions. Increase in microcapsules concentration resulted in chocolate with poorer snap and higher tendency to fat bloom formation. Whey protein microcapsules, having the largest diameter, resulted in chocolate with the lowest breaking force and melting enthalpy and the highest whitening index. In general, microcapsules addition did not require chocolate production modification and led to sensory acceptable product.

Enrichment of dark chocolate with vitamin D3 (free or liposome) and assessment quality parameters

Liposomes are suitable carrier for bioactive components. Ethanol injection method was chosen for preparation liposomes included vitamin D₃ for addition into dark chocolate [5 µg/serving (10 g)]. Assessment the quality of prepared liposomes were performed by measurement particle size distribution, zeta potential, loading efficiency and FTIR. Loading efficiency was 62.58 ± 1.2%. It could be concluded the chosen method for liposome preparation was suitable. In vitro release of vitamin D₃ from liposome structure showed the release follow Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Fortified chocolate properties included Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), color indexes, casson viscosity and sensory properties were evaluated. According to the results, there was no significant changes in all tested properties in fortified chocolate than control sample. Vitamin D₃ retention during storage time (0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 70 days) were evaluated and results revealed there was better retention of vitamin D₃ in fortified samples with liposomes than free vitamin D₃. Observation showed addition both forms of vitamin D₃ (free or liposome) had no significant impact on color indexes, rheological properties, DSC parameters as well as sensory characteristics.

Analysis of the effect of recent reformulation strategies on the crystallization behaviour of cocoa butter and the structural properties of chocolate

Chocolate is a complex soft material characterized by solid particles (cocoa powder, milk solid particles and sugar crystals) dispersed in a crystallized fat matrix mostly composed of cocoa butter (CB). Important chocolate properties such as snap, and visual appearance are strongly dependent on the internal molecular arrangement (polymorph), size and shape, as well as the spatial distribution of CB crystals within the chocolate mix. In recent years confectionary companies have put increasing effort in developing novel chocolate recipes to improve the nutritional profile of chocolate products (e.g., by reducing the amount of high saturated fat and sugar content) and to counteract the increasing price of cocoa butter as well as sustainability issues related to some chocolate ingredients. Different reformulation strategies can dramatically affect the crystallization thermodynamic and kinetic behaviour of cocoa butter; therefore, affecting the structural and sensorial properties of chocolate. In this review we analyse how different reformulation strategies affect the crystallization behaviour of cocoa butter and, hence, the structural and sensorial properties of chocolate. In particular, this work discusses the effect of: (1) CB replacement with emulsions, hydrogels, oleogels and oleofoams; (2) CB dilution with limonene or cocoa butter equivalents; (3) replacement or reduction of the amount of sugar and milk in chocolate. We found that there is certainly potential for successful novel alternative chocolate products with controlled crystalline properties; however, further research is still needed to ensure sensory acceptance and reasonable shelf-life of these novel products.

Sugar Reduction in Dairy Food: An Overview with Flavoured Milk as an Example

Owing to the public health concern associated with the consumption of added sugar, the World Health Organization recommends cutting down sugar in processed foods. Furthermore, due to the growing concern of increased calorie intake from added sugar in sweetened dairy foods, the present review provides an overview of different types and functions of sugar, various sugar reduction strategies, and current trends in the use of sweeteners for sugar reduction in dairy food, taking flavoured milk as a central theme where possible to explore the aforementioned aspects. The strength and uniqueness of this review are that it brings together all the information on the available types of sugar and sugar reduction strategies and explores the current trends that could be applied for reducing sugar in dairy foods without much impact on consumer acceptance. Among different strategies for sugar reduction, the use of natural non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs), has received much attention due to consumer demand for natural ingredients. Sweetness imparted by sugar can be replaced by natural NNSs, however, sugar provides more than just sweetness to flavoured milk. Sugar reduction involves multiple technical challenges to maintain the sensory properties of the product, as well as to maintain consumer acceptance. Because no single sugar has a sensory profile that matches sucrose, the use of two or more natural NNSs could be an option for food industries to reduce sugar using a holistic approach rather than a single sugar reduction strategy. Therefore, achieving even a small sugar reduction can significantly improve the diet and health of an individual.

Maltitol: Analytical Determination Methods, Applications in the Food Industry, Metabolism and Health Impacts

Bulk sweetener maltitol belongs to the polyols family and there have been several dietary applications in the past few years, during which the food industry has used it in many food products: bakery and dairy products, chocolate, sweets. This review paper addresses and discusses in detail the most relevant aspects concerning the analytical methods employed to determine maltitol's food safety and industry applications, its metabolism and its impacts on human health. According to our main research outcome, we can assume that maltitol at lower doses poses little risk to humans and is a good alternative to using sucrose. However, it causes diarrhoea and foetus complications at high doses. Regarding its determination, high-performance liquid chromatography proved the primary method in various food matrices. The future role of maltitol in the food industry is likely to become more relevant as processors seek alternative sweeteners in product formulation without compromising health.

Production of low-calorie apricot nectar sweetened with stevia: Impact on qualitative, sensory, and nutritional profiles

This study aimed to develop a low-calorie apricot nectar by replacing sucrose with different amount of Stevia rebaudiana bertoni (Rebaudioside A, 98%). Stevia has become very popular as sweetener for the production of low-calorie products but its addition could be a challenge for industry, since it could modify sensory features of the product and consumers' acceptance. To this end, apricot nectars without sugar, with sucrose 10%, and with different amounts of stevia were produced and evaluated for microbiological quality using the pour-plate technique, and physicochemical (pH, TTA, and a w) and nutritional (moisture, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and ash) characteristics. Furthermore, a sensory analysis of the samples was performed by a panel of trained judges using quantitative descriptive analysis. The effect of stevia addiction on the consumers' acceptance was investigated by 102 consumers of fruit juices that evaluated the overall acceptability of the samples using a structured 9-point hedonic scale. Levels of microbial groups in nectars were under the detection limit confirming a good hygienic practice within the production. Nectars produced with stevia resulted in significant reduction in caloric value from 86 kcal (nectar with 10% sucrose) to 49 kcal (nectars with stevia), without altering its typicality. Different sensory profiles among samples were pointed out; all the products are liked, but with a different level of pleasantness. The study highlighted that the apricot nectars with 0.07% stevia are characterized for sweet and liquorice aroma notes and received the same level of consumer acceptability of nectars produced with 10% sucrose.

Properties of dark chocolate enriched with free and encapsulated chlorogenic acids extracted from green coffee

Abstract To increase the functionality of dark chocolate, chlorogenic acids extracted from green coffee were added in free or encapsulated forms at different concentration (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/5 kg of free chlorogenic acids and equal quantity of encapsulated form). The extraction of chlorogenic acids was carried out by maceration of ground green coffee beans in distilled water (30 min at 80 °C), then, cooling, filtration and adsorption by active carbon were done. The final step was filtration and desorption from active carbon and rotary drying (at 60 °C and 120 rpm). Encapsulation of chlorogenic acids was done by coacervation of pectin and gelatin. For quality assessment, several analysis on chocolate samples were performed included color index and melting behavior by Differential Scanning Calorimeter. Flow behavior of the chocolate samples melted at 40 °C was determined using stress or strain controlled rheometer. The microstructure of the chocolate samples was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope technique at 500-1000x magnification. Particle size distribution and sensory evaluation was also performed. Results showed addition of free and encapsulated forms of chlorogenic acids decreased Tonset, Tpeak and ΔH of dark chocolate. Casson viscosity increased in the case of addition chlorogenic acids. Color indexes of chocolate samples were influenced by addition of chlorogenic acids. Particle size distribution decreased with addition of free form and increased when encapsulated form was added. Sensory characteristics were also influenced by chocolate formulation and samples included encapsulated chlorogenic acids exhibit better sensory properties than samples enriched with free form.

Transforming food waste: how immobilized enzymes can valorize waste streams into revenue streams

Food processing generates byproduct and waste streams rich in lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, which contribute to its negative environmental impact. However, these compounds hold significant economic potential if transformed into revenue streams such as biofuels and ingredients. Indeed, the high protein, sugar, and fat content of many food waste streams makes them ideal feedstocks for enzymatic valorization. Compared to synthetic catalysts, enzymes have higher specificity, lower energy requirement, and improved environmental sustainability in performing chemical transformations, yet their poor stability and recovery limits their performance in their native state. This review article surveys the current state-of-the-art in enzyme stabilization & immobilization technologies, summarizes opportunities in enzyme-catalyzed valorization of waste streams with emphasis on streams rich in mono- and disaccharides, polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins, and highlights challenges and opportunities in designing commercially translatable immobilized enzyme systems towards the ultimate goals of sustainable food production and reduced food waste.