Dairy dessert processing: Effect of sugar substitution by date syrup and powder on its quality characteristics

Abstract

Second-grade dates can be valorized by its uses in the production of nutritive foods with health benefits. Date syrup (DS), date powder (DP), and their different concentrations, using D-optimal mixture design, were used for the formulation of dairy desserts: syrup dairy dessert (SDD) and mixture dairy dessert (MDD). The optimized mixture proportions of the best dairy dessert formulation, containing date syrup (14%) and powder (2%) as a sugar substitute (0%), were determined to achieve the desired sensory for the effective formulation process. Significant differences in water, protein, fat, and sugar contents were found between SDD, MDD, and commercial dairy dessert (CDD) used as standard, respectively. SDD exhibited the highest total phenolic content (0.65 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g), DPPH inhibition (4.00 ± 0.82%), and reducing power (2.75 ± 0.10%) followed by MDD and CDD. The absence of germs indicated a high microbiological quality of dairy desserts. Rheological measurements revealed that all samples exhibited a weak gel structure and shear thinning behavior. Desserts supplemented with dates led to desserts with an homogeneous structure. Practical applications The evolution of technological processes, conservation techniques, and distribution has led to the development of a wide range of “milks for consumption”. The success of these fresh dairy desserts is explained by their beneficial effect on health and organoleptic properties that are appreciated by the consumers. The most delicate in the production of dairy dessert is the development of a “formulation” with the choice of ingredients, and their respective proportion; the amount of sugar, aroma, taste, and color. Phoenix dactylifera L. have a vital therapeutic properties, it represents an inexhaustible source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. So the objective of the present study is to formulate new dairy desserts with date syrup and powder (by-products from common date fruits) as a sweetener-ingredient in order to substitute sugars.