A symbiotic dessert composed of yam (Dioscorea sp.) and Ubá mango pulp (Mangifera indica L.)

Technological and health properties and main challenges in the production of vegetable beverages and dairy analogs

Lactose intolerance affects about 68-70% of the world population and bovine whey protein is associated with allergic reactions, especially in children. Furthermore, many people do not consume dairy-based foods due to the presence of cholesterol and ethical, philosophical and environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and social and religious beliefs. In this context, the market for beverages based on pulses, oilseeds, cereals, pseudocereals and seeds and products that mimic dairy foods showed a significant increase over the years. However, there are still many sensory, nutritional, and technological limitations regarding producing and consuming these products. Thus, to overcome these negative aspects, relatively simple technologies such as germination and fermentation, the addition of ingredients/nutrients and emerging technologies such as ultra-high pressure, pulsed electric field, microwave and ultrasound can be used to improve the product quality. Moreover, consuming plant-based beverages is linked to health benefits, including antioxidant properties and support in the prevention and treatment of disorders and common diseases like hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, and depression. Thus, vegetable-based beverages and their derivatives are viable alternatives and low-cost for replacing dairy foods in most cases.

Lactic acid bacteria viability in different refrigerated food matrices: a systematic review and Meta‑analysis

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine which variables affect the viability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) added to different types of refrigerated foods during the first 28 days. Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Reviews databases were searched from 1997 to April 2022. A total of 278 studies, which showed randomized and controlled experiments published in peer reviewed journals, were included. The viability of LAB in different moments during the storage process was synthesized as mean point estimate (MPE) via random-effects meta-analyses and the effect of multiple factors on the LAB´s viability was evaluated by multiple meta-regression. The meta-analysis showed that the decrease in LAB viability will be more abrupt the greater the initial dose. The physical structure of food may influence bacterial viability. Fruit was the type of product that most quickly lost viability. Co-culture of two or more species did not affect viability. Preservation methods had an unfavorable effect and prebiotics had a beneficial effect on bacterial viability. Viability was genus dependent. The data obtained in this study provide an overview of the factors to be taken into account for the design of new foods.

Technological applications of phenolic-rich extracts for the development of non-dairy foods and beverages

Fruits and other vegetables are sources of bioactive compounds, especially carotenoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. With the focus on sustainability, these compounds' recovery has become a research trend in the last 20 years. However, the correct use of solvents and the steps required to assess the extracts' suitability to be added in food models have been poorly described. Thus, in this review, we attempt to show the pathways and provide guidance on the tailored-made use of solvents for recovering bioactive polyphenolic compounds from food matrices. Special attention is given to the toxicological safety of polyphenol-rich extracts and also their impacts on bioactivity and sensory acceptance of foods and beverages. Practical examples are described and commented on the applications of polyphenol-rich extracts in non-dairy foods and beverages. In summary, the alliance among food science, food technologies, biochemistry, and pharmacology are required to make the development of non-dairy polyphenol-rich foods feasible.