Impact of high intensity pulsed electric fields or heat treatments on the fatty acid and mineral profiles of a fruit juice–soymilk beverage during storage

Abstract

Effects of high intensity pulsed electric field (HIPEF) (35 kV/cm with 4 μs bipolar pulses at 200 Hz for 800 and 1400 μs) or thermal (90 °C for 60 s) treatments on fatty acid and mineral profiles of a fruit juice-soymilk (FJ–SM) beverage during storage (56 days) at 4 °C were evaluated, having the just prepared beverage as a reference. Linoleic, oleic, linolenic, palmitic and stearic acids were found at highest concentration in the FJ–SM beverages; whereas, Ca and Mg were identified as the most abundant minerals, irrespectively of the treatment applied. Initial concentration of most fatty acids and minerals was not affected by HIPEF or thermal processes; only elaidic and linoleic acid concentration decreased after HIPEF or heat treatments, and Fe and Zn content was significantly enhanced in HIPEF beverages. Along the storage, total fatty acid content showed a significant increase in untreated and treated beverages; whereas minerals remained highly stable. Nevertheless, HIPEF beverages always showed higher concentration of fatty acids and minerals than those heat processed. Hence, HIPEF could be a potential alternative to obtain FJ–SM beverages with a long shelf-life and elevated amounts of health related compounds.