Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop nutraceutical chewing candy (CCN) formulations based on fermented milk permeate (MP) (source of galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and viable lactic acid bacteria (LAB)), psyllium husk (source of desirable hydrocolloids), and apple by-products (source of phenolic compounds). For CCN preparation, gelatin (Gel) and agar were tested; also, to provide CCN prepared using agar with a desirable hard texture, citric acid (cit) was changed to ascorbic acid. To select the optimal quantities of the ingredients, overall acceptability (OA) and emotions (EMs) induced in consumers by different CCN formulations were evaluated. Furthermore, viable LAB count during storage, texture, colour, and antioxidant characteristics were analysed. The highest OA (score 8.5) was shown for samples consisting of MP, psyllium husk (Ph), apple by-products (App), cit and xylitol (Xy); a very strong correlation was found between OA and the EM “happy” (r = 0.907**). After 14 days of storage, Gel+MP+Ph+App+cit samples showed a LAB count higher than 6.0 log10 CFU g−1; however, better antioxidant properties were found for the CCN prepared with agar. Finally, it can be stated that fermented MP, Ph, and App can be used for preparation of added-value CCN in a sustainable manner, and the recommended formulation is Gel+ MP+Ph+App+cit+Xy.
Highlights
Correlation coefficients between the overall acceptability (OA) and EM induced in consumers by the prepared fermented milk permeate (MP), psyllium husk (Ph), and apple by-product combinations are shown in Supplementary file S3
The highest OA was shown for samples consisting of MP, Ph, apple byindex, increase in acidic taste, and changes in some textural properties
The highest OA was shown for samples consisting of MP, Ph, apple byproducts, cit and Xy; a very strong correlation was found between OA and the EM “happy”
Summary
The circular economy has many challenges, of which the most important is the need for attractive technologies for the effective recycling of by-products. Most of the technological solutions for recycling by-products (e.g., extraction) have limitations (use of additional chemicals, a non-desirable residue in the end product, and extracts can be concentrated not just in desirable and toxic compounds, etc.). It is difficult to integrate complex equipment into conventional industrial systems: they need specific qualified professionals for process realization, etc. For these reasons, whole by-product valorization technologies have become very attractive
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
