Instant properties of ingredients used for point of consumption production of high-moisture food structures selectively fortified with protein and dietary fibre

• Published in: Journal of food engineering Vol. 263; pp. 204 - 212
• Main Authors: Calton, Alex, Ma, Hairan, Nordlund, Emilia, Poutanen, Kaisa, Sozer, Nesli
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2019
• Subjects: Instant food preparation; Powder properties; Protein isolates; Spoonable and drinkable products; Starch and fibre; Viscosity; Protein isolates; Viscosity; Spoonable and drinkable products; Starch and fibre; Powder properties; Instant food preparation
• ISSN: 0260-8774; 1873-5770
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2019.06.020

This study aimed to understand the powder properties of ingredients (whey and potato protein isolates, fine and coarse non-digestible maltodextrin, instant waxy maize and potato starches) that allow point of consumption machine-production of protein and fibre fortified products of varying consistency. Common characteristics of ingredients suitable for instant food preparation and use included free powder flow (avalanche angles of 42.2–46.4°), large particle size with narrow size distribution (d50 = 177–309 μm), high porosity and rapid de-agglomeration into primary particles in contact with water. Instant production of liquid (<0.1 Pa s) and semi-solid (1–4 Pa s) model products enriched with high protein and/or high dietary fibre, at concentrations justifying nutrition claim, was demonstrated. Texture of semi-solid products was modulated with waxy maize starch that appeared as densely packed swollen granules in a solution of non-viscous whey protein and/or non-digestible maltodextrin.
•Instant properties of ingredients were critical for point of consumption production.•High moisture snacks with protein and dietary fibre claims were instantly produced.•Free-flowing, porous, well dispersing powders were best for instant production.•Agglomerated waxy maize starch texturized better than pregelatinized potato starch.