Snack Formulations Research Articles

Proximate, functional and sensory characteristics of blended yellow maize and hard-to-cook cowpea extruded snacks.

Cowpea is a rich source of low-cost protein, but it remains underutilised due to the development of the hard-to-cook phenomenon. However, milling hard-to-cook (HTC) seeds has shown potential for their utilisation in developing food products. Also, yellow maize is a relatively underutilised grain that is rich in nutrients, including vitamin A. Extrusion cooking of blends including yellow maize and HTC cowpea in snack formulations has the potential to improve their utilisation. Therefore, the objective of the study was to formulate a nutritious acceptable extruded snack using a combination of HTC cowpea and yellow maize flours. The results showed that addition of HTC cowpea flour increased ash (0.56-1.47%), fibre (3.56-5.31%) and protein content (10.20-12.38%) for flour blends. While carbohydrate (2.39-1.57%) and moisture content (10.33-9.74%) decreased. Blended formulations had lower fat content (4.17-4.41%) than yellow maize (4.80%). Furthermore, addition of HTC cowpea increased water (21.18-30.07%) and oil absorption capacities (14.12-22.03%) for flour blends. While expansion ratio (2.39-1.57%) of snacks decreased. The formulation with 15% HTC cowpea and 85% yellow maize flour had higher sensory ratings for overall acceptability (6.98). HTC cowpea addition in yellow maize flour improved the proximate and functional properties. Also, blending of yellow maize-based snacks with HTC cowpea improves consumer acceptability. Yellow maize and HTC cowpea flour blends have potential for industrial utilisation and can be useful in food formulations. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mild Approach for the Formulation of Chestnut Flour-Enriched Snacks: Influence of Processing Parameters on the Preservation of Bioactive Compounds of Raw Materials.

Third-generation snacks were developed from a triad of flours made up of chestnut, spelt, and chickpea flour. Optimal snack formulations and processing parameters have been established to ensure acceptable workability of the raw dough while protecting the bioactive components of the raw materials. The parameters examined were mixing time, speed, and temperature. The properties of the snack were evaluated by analyzing the expansion ratio, hardness, moisture content, and phenolic and volatile compounds. The optimal mixing conditions that ensure maximum expansion were a temperature of 30 °C, a speed of 30 rpm, and a time of 6 min. The results showed that the proper percentage of water and sodium bicarbonate was 35% and 2%, respectively, and that the developed snacks had an alveolar and homogeneous structure. The proposed approach brings several advantages, including the preservation of bioactive compounds during the production process. Furthermore, the mild operating conditions prevented the development of unwanted or unpleasant compounds, as confirmed by the analysis of volatile compounds. Therefore, this study opens new perspectives in the food industry, satisfying the growing demand for functional products and healthy snacks.

Second-generation snacks prepared from quinoa with probiotic. Physicochemical properties, in vitro digestibility, antioxidant activity and consumer acceptability

Food security is a pressing issue, emphasizing the necessity for food designs that address the current geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges. This study evaluates the impact of including different percentages (10 %, 20 %, 30 %, and 60 %) of high protein quinoa flour (HPQF) in the development of a new rice-based snack. The aim is to create four snack formulations with a protein content enriched with probiotics, surpassing those currently available in the market. Probiotics Bacillus coagulans were added at a 0.1 % concentration. Once the rice flour and quinoa flour are mixed, they are mixed with the probiotic, to move on to the extrusion process. Following the incorporation of probiotics, the snacks were packaged in a modified atmosphere, and their physicochemical properties, Bacillus coagulans probiotic viability, tolerance to artificial gastroenteric juice (TAGJ), starch digestibility, and sensory acceptance were assessed.Significant differences were observed in the expansion index, with the 60 % inclusion snack exhibiting the least expansion. Despite having a higher density, this snack reached a porosity index similar to that of the 20 % HPQF snack. Achieving a 17 % protein content in the snacks was possible with a 60 % inclusion rate. Texture was notably affected by the inclusion of HPQF, with snacks having higher inclusion levels showing increased hardness. Probiotic viability evaluation consistently remained above 106 UFC/g of snack, while TAGJ exhibited a viability of 75 %. Although HPQF inclusion led to a decrease in the glycemic index (GI), snacks still maintained a GI above 70 %. Regarding antioxidant properties, snacks with 60 % HPQF inclusion displayed superior results, reaching 35.29, 5.52, and 13.74 μmol of AA/g, measured via ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methods, respectively. These findings demonstrate a heightened antioxidant capacity compared to other formulations. Our results indicate that the new probiotic snack serves as a rich source of protein and probiotics and is well-received sensorially. However, it is worth noting that it falls within the category of high GI foods, prompting the need for future studies aimed at reducing this parameter.

Sustainable hybrid snack product: impact of dual fortification with Gracillaria seaweed and pressure‐cooked milkfish broth by‐products on nutritive, physical, texture, and sensory properties

SummaryThe liquid by‐products obtained from the fisheries industry are usually discarded after primary processing. In this study, by‐products of pressure‐cooked milkfish broth were utilised and combined with Gracilaria sp. to create sustainable seaweed stick snacks. By utilising the by‐products of liquid waste from pressurised milkfish processing, combined with the addition of Gracilaria seaweed in snack development, it is expected to obtain a snack products with increased protein and fibre level. This endeavour contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting good health and well‐being, as well as responsible consumption and production. Comprehensive analyses were performed, covering proximate composition, dietary fibre, functional group, thermal properties, colour, microstructure, pore size, viscosity, texture, and sensory evaluation through hedonic testing and check‐all‐that‐apply sensory (CATA) profiling. The FTIR results showed that the inclusion of seaweed and fish broth was recognised and presented in the specific characteristic bands, especially the stretching band in the polysaccharide fingerprint region, and with protein vibration bands blending with the inclusion of broth. The seaweed had an impact on the dough viscosity and product's texture, increasing the firmness, and the amino acids in the broth enhanced the taste of the resulting snack, positively influencing the panellists' preferences. The smoothness, moistness, roughness, and overall texture attributes of the snack were altered by the combination of seaweed and broth additions. According to the sensory, physical properties, and nutrient results, the optimal snack formulations included the addition of 36% seaweed and 4% broth (S36B4). The prominent sensory attributes of the product were also described in the CATA sensory evaluation. Additionally, the inclusion of Gracilaria sp. increased the dietary fibre content, while milkfish broth contributed to higher levels of amino acids, improving the nutritional profile of the snacks. Therefore, this study promoting a new source of protein could be synergistically combined with marine plant‐based fibre to produce hybrid nutrient‐dense snack products, addressing the growing demand for sustainable food trends.

Exploring the potential of mushrooms in ready‐to‐eat snack formulations

SummaryContemporary dining habits have spurred a shift in ready‐to‐eat (RTE) snack production, with mushrooms offering a nutritional boost due to their protein, carbohydrate, fibre and vitamin content. Proximate composition data aid in creating snacks with balanced nutrition. Mushrooms also contribute antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, adding a health dimension. Extrusion cooking, known for adaptability and energy efficiency, improves texture, nutrition and shelf life. Though concerns exist about oil intake, frying remains popular for taste and consistency enhancement, requiring careful management. Baking extends shelf life and preserves flavour while enhancing nutrient availability. Various studies highlight the potential of these techniques to meet consumer preferences for convenient, appealing and health‐conscious snacks by incorporating ingredients like legume protein isolates, nuts and seeds, etc. The RTE snack industry evolves to provide healthier options driven by technological innovations and sustainability practices, with personalised and functional snacks on the horizon. The study aims to explore and highlight the nutritional benefits of incorporating mushrooms into RTE snacks and discusses the unique advantages of extrusion, frying and baking in snack production.

Development and quality cum nutritional assessment based on physical properties for corn extruded snacks enriched with protein and carbohydrates: A remedy to malnutrition for society

Malnutrition is one of the century's most pressing challenges. If malnutrition is not addressed early, people may suffer from non-communicable diseases. A proper, nutritious diet is necessary to overcome diseases like malnutrition. The technology like extrusion can develop rich fortified food products by retaining high nutrition content. In this study, extrusion technology was used to develop protein and carbohydrate snacks with proper nutrition based on the physical properties of commodities by combining different ratios of corn grits, apple pomace, and mung beans. The objectives of the study focused on the development of a food product based on engineering aspects and the quality cum nutritional evaluation of the finished product that can be used as a diet to combat malnutrition. Physical properties like color, rehydration ratio, porosity, bulk density, water solubility index, texture, sensory evaluation, hardness, and crispiness were studied in detail. The energy content of protein and carbohydrates was measured for nutritional assessment using Food Data Central as a standard, provided by the United States of America Department of Agriculture. Results reveal significant variations among treatments, with the addition of apple pomace impacting bulk density, water solubility index, and color attributes. Mung bean supplementation demonstrates a direct correlation with increased hardness and influences porosity. The rehydration ratio is positively affected by apple pomace. Sensory evaluation underscores the substantial impact on color, texture, crispiness, taste, and overall acceptability, providing valuable insights for snack formulation.

Elderly-targeted a branched-chain amino acid-enriched snack incorporated with fermented wheat bran: Assessment on physicochemical and sensory characteristics

There is a lack of specialized food addressing the specific dietary needs of the elderly. To this end, extruded snacks containing fermented wheat bran were developed, and their nutritional, physicochemical, and sensory properties were investigated. Different levels (0, 25, 50, 100, and 150 g/kg) of L. acidophilus-inoculated fermented wheat bran were added to brown rice snack formulations. Their physicochemical properties, amino acid composition, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant property, and sensory profile were investigated. At the highest fermented wheat bran incorporation (150 g/kg), the snacks exhibited higher protein and dietary fiber (86.6 and 112.8 g/kg, respectively) than other samples. The highest amounts of branched-chain amino acids, isoleucine (5.3 mg/kg), leucine (6.7 mg/kg), and valine (13.8 mg/kg) were seen in snacks with 150 g/kg fermented wheat bran. Upon sensory analysis by serving snacks with or without soaking in milk, the preference scores of milk-soaked snacks were significantly higher than those of snacks alone. Snacks containing 25 g/kg fermented wheat bran garnered overall high acceptability. Incorporating fermented wheat bran into snacks could improve their nutritional, textural, and sensory characteristics.

In vitro digestibility and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of solid-state fermented fava beans (Vicia faba L.)

Reducing the content of quickly absorbed carbohydrates and saturated fats in snack formulations while increasing the consumption of high-quality proteins are effective strategies to prevent obesity in childhood. Thus, the nutritional value, digestibility, and functionality of fava beans (Vicia faba L.) fermented with Pleurotus ostreatus were examined as potential ingredients for food design. Solid-state fermentation enhanced the protein content by 16% with a rise in essential (25%) and non-essential (15%) amino acids while decreasing total carbohydrate content and tannin levels. Moreover, fermentation modified the amino acid profile released during digestion, increasing amino acids such as valine, isoleucine, and threonine, which are vital for health and development in childhood. Furthermore, the bioaccessible fraction of the fermented bean showed a 60% of ACE inhibition and improved magnesium bioaccessibility. Consequently, fava beans fermented with Pleurotus ostreatus emerged as a new ingredient in the development of new protein-rich snacks tailored for children and adolescents.

Evaluating the 3D printability of pearl millet flour with banana pulp blends.

Three-dimensional (3D) food printing is a promising method for developing nutritious snack foods with complex and customized structures. In this study, to develop a pearl millet-based snack formulation, the printability of pearl millet flour (PMF) was assessed, without and with the addition of banana pulp (BP), a natural taste and flavor enhancer, at five different levels (PMF:BP of 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100). The water activity significantly decreased with increases in the proportion of BP; higher water activity was exhibited at 100:0 (0.99). The BP proportion influences all the color values (redness: 2-11; yellowness: 17-31.87; total color difference: 2-17). All formulations exhibited shear-thinning behavior (n = 0.02-0.49) and higher hardness (0.2-0.4 N), but not all were printable. A significant decrease in adhesiveness (-0.2 to -0.03 N s) and higher storage modulus (2000-6000 Pa) occurred with an increased proportion of BP. Findings from detailed rheological behavior assessment (static, dynamic and three-interval thixotropy tests) better correlated with trends observed during 3D extrusion printing. The highest yield stress was attained (80 Pa) in the 100:0 formulation. From the thixotropy test, more deformation (>80%) and recovery (>100%) were attained by three of the formulations (100:0, 80:20, 60:40). Overall, the best constructs were obtained (based on the visual sensory characteristics) for the 60:40 formulation printed at 600 mm min-1 printing speed and 240 rpm extrusion motor speed through a 1.22 mm nozzle. The findings of this work will provide valuable insights into the development of novel millet-based 3D printed foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Development of healthy synbiotic corn-based snack: Nutritional composition and effect of agave fructan-alginate coating on survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus

This study aimed to prepare and evaluate synbiotic, healthy snacks called churritos with the incorporation of chickpea flour and agave fructans in the corn dough and a synbiotic, edible coating containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and agave fructans on the churritos' surface. The final products' chemical composition, glycemic index, FTIR spectrum, color, texture profile, and global acceptability were evaluated. The results showed that healthy churritos contain higher levels of protein and soluble fiber but lower content of lipids and sodium than commercial churritos. The snack formulation contained 4% agave fructans and showed a similar appearance and acceptability to commercial products. The addition of agave fructans to the edible coating protects L. acidophilus throughout the edible coating drying process. In addition, it contributes to a partial protective effect during the first days of storage at room temperature.

Wolffia globosa-Based Nutritious Snack Formulation with High Protein and Dietary Fiber Contents.

Wolffia globosa (W. globosa) or duckweed is a small aquatic plant with high protein, dietary fiber, and lipid contents that can be combined with food products to develop nutritious snacks as one strategy to mitigate malnutrition. Here, response surface methodology (RSM) with mixture design was used to develop snacks from W. globosa freeze-dried powder (WP). The physical properties, proximate analysis, amino acid profiles, sensory evaluation, phytochemical analysis, antioxidant properties, and genotoxicity (Ames test) of the snacks were evaluated. The optimal W. globosa snack formula was 64% glutinous rice flour, 10% tapioca flour, and 26% WP, giving a highly desirable liking score of 1.00. Addition of WP increased crude protein, essential amino acids, and dietary fiber compared with the control snack by 51%, 147%, and 83%, respectively. According to the Thai recommended daily intakes, the developed W. globosa snack had high protein and dietary fiber. Phytochemical contents and antioxidant activities of the W. globosa snack such as total phenolic contents (TPCs), total flavonoid contents (TFCs), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) activity were significantly higher than the control snack. The novel combination of WP with snack product ingredients greatly enhanced nutritional value.

Sustainable snack products: Impact of protein- and fiber-rich ingredients addition on nutritive, textural, physical, pasting and color properties of extrudates

The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of incorporating mechanically deboned poultry meat (MDPM) and brewers spent grain (BSG) to corn based extruded snack products. The addition of protein- and fiber-rich ingredients creates nutritionally fortified snack product, however with lower quality of physical and textural characteristics and altered color. Therefore, the impacts of different MDPM (from 4 to 12%) and BSG (from 10 to 30%) concentrations and varying screw speeds (500, 700, 900 rpm) on physico-chemical properties of extruded snack products were investigated. Through optimization, with defined desired nutritional and physical characteristics and within the investigated range of input variables (MDPM, BSG and screw speed), the optimal product was defined. The optimized snack formulation contained 4% MDPM and 14.8% BSG, and it was produced at 900 rpm screw speed. Furthermore, the analysed parameters of the optimal snack demonstrated good agreement with the predicted values, indicating successful optimization.

Assessment of in vitro digestion of reduced sugar biscuits with extruded brewers’ spent grain

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value and potential health claims for reduced sugar biscuits containing extruded brewers’ spent grain (EBSG) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). One traditional biscuit with added sugar and three reduced sugar biscuits containing 15.2 % FOS and EBSG (0, 8 and 17 %), with nutrition claims “high in fiber” and “source of protein” for those containing 17 % of EBSG, were formulated. Biscuits were characterized by analysis of nutrients and bioactive compounds before and after digestion under in vitro enzymatic oral-gastro-intestinal and colonic fermenting conditions. The bioaccessibility of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic compounds in biscuits’ intestinal digests and short-chain fatty acids in colonic samples was analyzed. EBSG-added biscuits showed significantly lower (p < 0.05) glucose intestinal bioaccessibility and significantly higher (p < 0.05) phenolic compounds intestinal bioaccessibility compared to biscuits without EBSG. EBSG-added biscuits showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher in vitro antidiabetic potential than the other did. Moreover, the intestinal digest of biscuits containing 17 % EBSG exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) better in vitro inhibition of intracellular ROS formation and in vitro anti-inflammatory properties. FOS addition (p < 0.05) significantly improved the production of butyric acid while EBSG did for valeric acid which possess chemoprotective effect. In conclusion, the combined use of FOS (15.2 %) and EBSG (17 %) allowed obtaining a human healthier snack formulation for satisfying consumers’ demands and achieving nutrition security.

Kappaphycus alvarezii flours as an ingredient for seaweed‐enriched, rice‐based, snacks: raw algae pretreatment and physical properties of the dough and snacks

SummaryIn this work, the addition of pretreated Kappaphycus alvarezii flour to a rice‐based snack formulation was proposed as an alternative to producing algae‐enriched snacks adding value to this seaweed and improving the quality of the snacks. Dried algae were submitted to multiple washing cycles to allow the reduction of the natural salt concentration of the algae. After, algae were dried and milled to obtain flour. The flour was added in different concentrations (0%, 2%, 5%, and 10%) in the model formulation of rice‐based dough. Rice‐K. alvarezii snacks were produced by baking at 220 °C. The proximate composition of the raw and pretreated algae was determined, as well as the colour, texture, and microstructure of dough and snacks. The pretreatment efficiently allowed for a reduction of 78% of the initial content of sodium and an 85% reduction of potassium. The concentration of 5% and 10% of algae addition presented higher values of hardness and consistency of the dough and lower adhesiveness. At higher concentrations, the seaweed flour acts as a processing aid during the preparation steps of the snacks but does not influence the hardness of the final snacks. The pretreated K. alvarezii flour is an alternative for increasing the quality of rice‐based snacks while preserving the algae's potential health benefits.

Does drying preserve the nutritional quality of small freshwater fish without excessive concentrations of heavy metals?

The potential of drying to preserve the nutritional quality of a small freshwater fish Henicorhynchus siamensis was assessed. Drying time to reach moisture content and water activity of 10 g/100g and 0.65 ranged from 55 h at 50 °C to 20 h at 80 °C, respectively. Dried fish powder is rich in macronutrients (protein, lipid and ash) and essential minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc) due to water removal and despite lipid loss. It is still rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids although docosahexaenoic acid was reduced except at 60°C. Vitamin A was rapidly degraded and manganese was concentrated at high level. However, mean score for the nutritional adequacy of the 15 nutrients (SAIN) and score of nutrients to limit (LIM) show that the fish powder can be used as a food ingredient for example in the formulation of fish snack or instant soup. With the abundance of Henicorhynchus siamensis, dried fish powder from this species could contribute to food security in Cambodia, especially vulnerable people in rural areas.

ANALISA KUALITAS DAN FORMULASI KERUPUK TEPUNG IKAN GABUS DAN BAYAM MERAH SEBAGAI SELINGAN TINGGI PROTEIN DAN ZAT BESI PADA WANITA USIA SUBUR ANEMIA

One of the causes of a high prevalence of WUS anemia is inadequate iron and protein intake that is less than needed. To resolve the issue, snack formulation namely crackers with high protein and iron contents snakehead fish flour, and red spinach. This snakehead fish flour has a high protein content. In snakehead fish meal the total protein content is 76.9 g/100 g. Red spinach is a vegetable high in iron content. In red spinach the Fe content is twice as large as in other vegetables, the iron content in red spinach is 7mg/100g. Both of these ingredients are used as functional food ingredients in patients with anemia because they contain high protein and iron. This study aims to determine the formulation and analyze the quality aspects of cracker products which were carried out by organoleptic tests as well as protein and iron content tests. The research design was an experimental study with a completely randomized design to get the right and proper cracker formula with a balanced formula, namely F1 (85%:15%), F2 (80%:20%), F3 (75%:25%), while to determine The level of preference and product quality was carried out through hedonic tests and for protein and iron content was carried out using Titrimetry and ICP-OES methods. Based on the results of the organoleptic test, there was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the overall organoleptic properties. However, based on the test results, it can be concluded that there is no specific difference between F2 and F3 compared to F1 on the level of color preference. Of the three formulas, F1 (85%:15%) is superior in all aspects. It is recommended that further research on the application of these crackers as an alternative distraction for anemic WUS sufferers is recommended.

Baked mango slices coated with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum immobilized in pectic extracts

The incorporation of probiotic bacteria into plant-based products for the development of functional foods is a challenge because microorganisms must overcome adverse conditions throughout processing, storage and digestive conditions. In this work, baked mango (Mangifera indica L) snacks coated with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CIDCA 83114 were prepared by immobilizing microorganisms into protective matrices composed of pectins and calcium.To achieve this goal, mango slices were firstly cooked at 90 °C for 60 min. Then, they were coated with suspensions containing pectins extracted from mango peels, microorganisms and calcium and submitted to a moderate time/temperature treatment (50 °C/30 min). The final product, containing 9.38±0.51 log CFU/g snack, was stored at 25 °C for up to 45 days at different relative humidities (RH) (22, 33, 44, 85%) and exposed to simulated digestive conditions. During in vitro digestion assays, probiotic counts were > 7 log CFU/g snack in saliva, gastric, and intestinal stages. Bacterial counts along storage were >6 log CFU/g snack in all the conditions assayed and snacks retained their crispness at RH lower than 33%. The addition of probiotics, pectins and calcium did not cause noticeable changes of color, and snacks were sensorily accepted by consumers. These results support the incorporation of L. plantarum CIDCA 83114 in the formulation of snacks submitted to thermal treatments, retaining an overall acceptability in terms of crispness, and sensory attributes.

Effect of oil content and enzymatic treatment on dough rheology and physical properties of 3D-printed cereal snack

Interest in healthier snacks is on the rise. 3D printing of healthier snacks enables the use of alternative ingredients such as grain by-products, but also presents challenges such as dough darkening and post-process deformations. This work aimed to investigate the influence of the amount of oil (10–30% on flour basis), xylanase activity (17–57 U/g on flour-bran basis) and resting time (1–3 h) of the dough on rheology of dough with added glucose oxidase, its 3D printing precision and snack quality (shrinkage, texture, colour). Response surface methodology, partial least squares and artificial neural networks (ANN) were compared for modelling the dough rheology and snack quality. ANN identified the highest sensitivity of the snack formulation to the amount of oil and the lowest to the resting time. Optimal amount of oil was 20%; at lower amounts, dough had higher complex viscosity, yield point and flow point, whereby snacks were harder, darker, redder and yellower. At the optimum xylanase amount of 37 U/g, shrinkage during baking was minimized (5.4%) as the structure scanned by electron microscopy was more complex and compact. ANN showed that rheological properties of the dough can be valuable predictors of shrinkage and colour of 3D-printed snacks, facilitating product development.

Development of a Novel Rice-Based Snack Enriched with Chicory Root: Physicochemical and Sensory Properties.

A novel rice-based snack enriched with chicory root flour (CRF) was developed by twin-screw extrusion. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is one of the promising medicinal plants for the development of innovative food and may be considered a functional food ingredient. Central composite design (CCD) was employed to generate snack formulations by varying feed moisture (M, 16.3–22.5%), screw speed (SS, 500–900 rpm) and CRF content (20–40%). The optimization according to artificial neural network modeling and a genetic algorithm was applied to define optimal process conditions (17.6% moisture, 820 rpm and 24.1% of CRF) for obtaining the product with the highest expansion (3.34), crispiness (3.22 × 10−3), volume (2040 m3), degree of gelatinization (69.70%) and good color properties. Bulk density (110.33 g/L), density (250 kg/m3), and hardness (98.74 N) resulted in low values for the optimal sample. The descriptive sensory analysis evaluated low hardness and bitterness, with high crispiness for the optimal extrudate. This study points to the possibility of a novel chicory enriched extrudate production with desirable physicochemical and sensory properties.

Sensory interaction effects between capsicum heat and seasoning ingredients applied to unsalted potato chips

The hot, spicy perception elicited by capsaicin and capsaicinoids found in chilis is often sought by many consumers. It is estimated that approximately one in four individuals globally consumes hot chilis. Therefore, the hot perception from capsaicin is being increasingly incorporated into several of today’s dishes and food items. However, there is limited research on heat perception in finished food systems. In this study, fourteen (14) potato chip samples were evaluated by a trained descriptive panel to determine heat perception as well as potential flavor interactions between heat and other flavor enhancers commonly used in snack seasonings. Potato chips varied in their capsicum extract, sugar, salt, acid, umami, flow agent and fat content. Twenty-two (22) significant interaction effects (p-value ≤ 0.01) between capsicum and the remaining potato chip ingredients were found. Brown Sugar, Cardboard, Earthy, Heat, Jalapeño, Potato, Sweet and Umami perceptions were enhanced by interactions between capsicum and the potato chip ingredients while Fatty-Buttery, Salty and Vinegar perceptions were suppressed. Overall, the sensory perceptions were enhanced when in the presence of high capsaicin. These results indicate that the perceptions of certain sensory attributes are affected by the interaction between capsicum and other commonly used ingredients in salty snack formulations. This information can prove valuable for formulation efforts regarding seasonings with higher levels of heat as well as for potential brand decisions for salty snack products. Additionally, this information could be promising within the “better-for-you” category especially since capsaicin may impart some benefit around food-related health issues, including sugar and sodium reduction.