Tortilla chips made with white sorghum and corn: Comparison of sensory and physicochemical characteristics with corn‐made commercial products

Abstract

Tortilla chips made with mixtures of white sorghum and corn were compared with two commercial products made from corn to determine their physicochemical, sensory characteristics, and acceptance. A higher content of white sorghum generated products with dark-red tones, but which were equally fracturable and exhibited the same hardness, when compared to commercial tortilla chips. The total phenolic content ranged from 50 to 75 mgGAE/100g, and the condensed tannins content was higher as the white sorghum content in products increased (559–1,100 µgCE/g), but there was no difference in the antioxidant activity (900–1,250 µMAEAA/g) among the products. Two groups of consumers who were identified rated commercial products best for overall liking, although Group 1 (n = 102 subjects) rated products made entirely with sorghum as second best, and Group 2 (n = 116 subjects) considered that treatment as the worst. The white sorghum content in products did not affect taste and aroma, but affected its appearance and acceptance for some consumers. Practical applications Tortilla chips are snacks that are widely consumed around the world. Developing foods with health potential to consumers are a current trend in the market. Sorghum grains contain compounds that could provide health benefits, although its tannins content could impart negative visual or astringent effects to products made from them. Tortilla chips made entirely with white sorghum contain a higher amount of condensed tannins than products made with corn, these modifies the appearance of chips affecting the liking of consumers. Despite this, a segment of consumers considered that those products were almost as good as commercial corn made tortilla chips.