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This study presents for the first time functional cookies for diabetics made with 100% organic Cyperus esculentus L. flour, either plain or enhanced with 5% polyfloral honey syrup containing the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SL42. The flour's chemical composition and rheological and functional properties were analyzed, and 33 diabetic and semi-naive panelists assessed the cookies' sensory properties. MRS-cys agar cultures and SEM analysis evaluated SL42 survival and adhesion capacity over 21 days at 25 °C. Results showed that the flour and its extracts are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, indicating strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Both cookie types met international standards when compared to commercial cookies and had similar physical properties. Sensory evaluation on day 1 revealed higher quality indicators for honey syrup-enriched cookies, but after 15 days, control cookies were preferred. The CIE LAB analysis confirmed the dietetic flour's typical dark color, with honey syrup-enriched cookies being darker. Despite textural differences, both cookies maintained detectable crispness over storage. Honey syrup-enriched cookies effectively carried L. rhamnosus SL42, remaining viable at 6.43 Log CFU per cookie after 21 days and adhering to the cookie's surface, as confirmed by SEM analysis. Further research is recommended to better understand the therapeutic value of these cookies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the global challenge of food wastage and high perishability of blackberries, this study evaluated the use of ultrasound-assisted hot air drying (US-HAD) to convert downgraded blackberries into powders, comparing it with traditional hot air drying (HAD). US-HAD reduced the drying time and achieved a final moisture content of 12%. Physicochemical analyses (colourimetry, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and total phenolic content) were conducted on fresh fruit, powders, and fortified cookies. US-HAD cookies exhibited promising antioxidant activity, with ABTS values ranging from 8.049 to 8.536 mmol TEAC/100 g and DPPH values from 8.792 to 9.232 mmol TEAC/100 g, significantly higher than control cookies. The TPC was 13.033 mgGAE/g in HAD cookies and 13.882 mgGAE/g in US-HAD cookies. UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis showed an increase in phenolic compounds content in fortified cookies compared to the control. Sensory analysis highlighted a superior blackberry flavour and overall acceptability in US-HAD cookies, with statistical analysis confirming their superior nutritional and sensory qualities. Integrating US-HAD blackberry powder into cookies helps reduce food waste and enhances the nutritional profiles of baked goods, offering functional foods with health benefits. This work provides a scientific basis for developing enriched functional cookies, offering a healthy and sustainable alternative for utilising damaged fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High nutritional value and antioxidant properties make chickpea flour a valuable substitute for wheat flour, although its texture-forming abilities are different. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of increasing the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties of shortbread cookies by simple partial or complete replacement of wheat flour with chickpea flour without considerable changes in texture, color, sensory properties, or acceptability. Shortbread cookies were made from wheat flour (0% of chickpea flour), wheat flour and chickpea flour (replacement of 25%, 50%, and 75%), and chickpea flour (100%). Generally, the increase in chickpea flour share resulted in an increase in protein, fat, and ash content, as well as antioxidant properties. Polyphenol content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activities increased three- to sixfold in shortbread cookies containing chickpea flour in comparison to wheat cookies. The level of proteins increased about 50% and the antioxidant properties were three to six times higher than in wheat cookies. Cookies containing up to 75% chickpea flour were assessed as very good or good quality, while only cookies without wheat flour were assessed as sufficient quality. It could be concluded that part of the wheat flour content in shortbread cookies can be replaced by chickpea flour. Application of a 25% proportion of chickpea flour increases physicochemical properties without changes in sensory properties. Sensory quality was up to 75% lower, but antioxidant properties were increased. However, complete replacement of wheat flour in shortbread cookies without changing the recipe resulted in a product of slightly lower sensory quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life-long adherence to a dietary pattern able to provide a high amount of polyphenols demonstrating beneficial cardiometabolic effects is demanding for the general population. In this study, red grape pomace (GP) was used as an ingredient to increase the daily polyphenols' intake. The incorporation of crude crushed GP at 20 and 30% (w/w) in a control (CTR) biscuit formula improved the nutritional profile by increasing the fiber and reducing lipid and energy content while providing up to 540 mgGAE of polyphenols per 100 g. Besides anthocyanins, GP contains flavonoids and grape-seed procyanidins, contributing to the remarkable antioxidant capacity of 20- and 30-GP biscuits. Upon in vitro gastro-duodenal enzymatic digestion, the concentration of reducing sugars for 20-GP and 30-GP compared to the CTR biscuits dropped significantly, meaning that the combined action of GP fibers and polyphenols could delay the intestinal absorption of glucose. Overall, 60 volatiles were detected in biscuits. All in all, the content of Maillard reaction products was lower in GP than in CTR biscuits, possibly due to the free radical scavenging ability of polyphenols. Despite the high rates of GP utilized, the sensorial attributes and the overall liking of the GP biscuits—especially the 20-GP ones—were not substantially affected. These findings will support nutritional studies to assess the potential role as functional foods of GP biscuits, and, afterwards, the large-scale production of a food mainly based on a waste ingredient turned into a resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereals are an important source of nutrients, especially used in complementary feeding. The objective of this study is to review the nutritional composition of cereal-based foods for infants from 4 months and toddlers that are offered in Spain and Ecuador, countries selected because of the opportunity to work in them, and due to their socio-economic differences (industrialized and developing countries, respectively). The number of these products was 105 cereals in Spain and 22 in Ecuador. The products were classified as gluten-free cereals, five cereals, eight cereals, multigrain cereals, and cookies. A 25 g serving was used to determine the percentage in which the samples analyzed can cover the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for micronutrients in infants from 7 months and toddlers according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Nutritional information per 100 g of dry product was collected according to medium, minimum, and maximum units, and nutrient density was calculated. The age range in which these products are recommended is different in both countries. The nutritional composition presents some differences; Spanish cereals show a lower content of sodium, added sugars, hydrolyzed cereals, and maltodextrin than Ecuadorian cereals. Commercialized cereals could contribute to satisfying the nutritional needs of infants and toddlers; however, they can also be a source of non-recommended components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An overproducing date fruit with limited industrial utilization leads to significant waste and losses, especially in the early stage of date maturity known as bisr. This study aimed to investigate the potential use of bisr date powder (BDP) at different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%) as a natural sweetener instead of sugar and barley flour as a source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals instead of wheat flour (50%) in biscuit production over storage periods of 7, 14, and 21 days. The analysis revealed that the bisr Al-Khalas powder sample had a moisture content of 11.84%, ash content of 2.30%, and crude fiber content of 10.20%. Additionally, it had a low protein (2.50%) and fat (0.77%) content, with total carbohydrates at 82.59%. The gradual substitution of bisr Al-Khalas in biscuit production resulted in an increased moisture, ash, fat, protein, crude fiber, and iron content, as well as a decrease in total carbohydrate percentage. A chemical analysis of bisr Al-Khalas powder demonstrated high levels of antioxidants, with 248.49 mg gallic acid/g of phenolic compounds, 31.03 mg quercetin/g of flavonoids, and an antioxidant activity ranging from 42.30%, as shown by the DPPH test. The peroxide content was 0.009 mg equivalent/kg. Biscuit samples with different proportions of bisr Al-Khalas showed an improved resistance to oxidation compared to samples without bisr Al-Khalas, with increased resistance as the percentage of replacement increased during storage. Physical properties such as the diameter, height, and spread percentage, as well as organoleptic properties like color, flavor, aroma, and taste, were significantly enhanced with higher levels of bisr Al-Khalas in the mixture. Biscuit samples fortified with 100% pure bisr Al-Khalas powder were found to be less acceptable, while samples with a 25% substitution did not negatively impact sensory properties. In addition, acrylamide and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were not detected in bisr powder and biscuit samples prepared at different concentrations (25%, 50%, and 100%). In conclusion, the study suggests that bisr Al-Khalas powder, an underutilized waste product, has the potential to add value to commercial biscuit production due to its high nutritional value and extended storage period resulting from its potent antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the nutritional and sensory properties of spelt cookies without wild garlic, cookies with fresh wild garlic, cookies with osmodehydrated wild garlic in sugar beet molasses, and cookies with osmodehydrated wild garlic in an aqueous solution of sucrose and salt were evaluated and compared. The tested cookie samples were characterized in terms of total antioxidative activity, the total content of phenols, flavonoids, and thiosulfates, the presence of dominant phenols, the content of betaine and dietary fiber, antioxidant activity after in vitro digestion, and sensory attributes for appearance, taste, smell, and texture. The results proved that the addition of wild garlic leaves osmodehydrated in molasses provided the cookies with the best nutritional and bioactive properties: 1.75 times higher total phenols content, 2.4 times higher total flavonoids content, 1.52 times higher total thiosulfates content, and 1.56 times higher betaine content, and a total quality increase of 54% compared to the control cookies. The cookies enriched with osmodehydrated wild garlic in molasses were rated as pleasant and acceptable, but also more complex compared to other cookies. The production of this nutritionally and sensory-improved cookie would contribute to expanding the assortment of flour confectionery products, especially for consumers who care about health and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People of all age groups consume cookies every day. Consumers' preferences for cookies supplemented with functional plant raw materials have recently increased. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the influence of a mulberry leaf additive on the proximate and mineral compositions, total phenolic and total chlorophyll content, antioxidant activity, and the hardness and color properties of butter cookies. Wheat and rice flour butter cookies were prepared by replacing the flour with mulberry leaf powder at 0, 4, 8, and 12% (w/w). The results revealed that the investigated chemical and physical characteristics of butter cookies depend on the flour used (rice or wheat) and the addition of mulberry leaf powder. Wheat and rice flour cookies with 12% mulberry leaf powder had the significantly highest contents of fiber (20.34 and 20.23%, respectively), ash (1.73 and 1.75%, respectively), K (170.22 and 160.22 mg 100 g−1, respectively), and Ca (170.45 and 160.68 mg 100 g−1, respectively). The rice flour cookies enriched with 12% leaf powder had the greatest amounts of total phenolics (1.48 mg 100 g−1), Zn (12.25 mg kg−1), Mn (6.28 mg kg−1), Cu (1.95 mg kg−1), and antioxidant activity (67.98%). However, the wheat cookies without mulberry leaf powder contained the most B (9.12 mg kg−1), while the no-added rice cookies contained the most Fe (14.30 mg kg−1). Replacing flour with leaf powder increased the cookies' hardness and decreased their lightness. In conclusion, enriching butter cookies with freeze-dried mulberry leaves can improve their nutritional value and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of individuals are eating out due to work and study commitments. This trend directly influences people's food choices, especially those who frequently rely on snacks and pre-packaged foods. Consuming these foods can lead to long-term health consequences. Adding functional foods to vending machines could lead to healthier choices. Our aim is to evaluate the acceptability and willingness to pay (WTP) of workers and students for a snack pack of novel functional biscuits (FBs) made with high amylose contents. We found that the experimental flour used is effective in preventing various non-communicable diseases; two phases of analysis were carried out on 209 participants. The participants blindly tested the products and only after the sensory evaluation were they informed about the biscuits' health contents. Firstly, the blind investigation highlighted the acceptability of the FBs compared to the conventional biscuits. Secondly, the finite mixture model on WTP revealed that some consumers are interested in the health benefits associated with high-amylose test blends and others are focused on hedonistic taste. The design of a communication strategy and industry approach should aim to assist consumers in comprehending the health benefits and sensory aspects of novel functional foods available on the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millet products have garnered global recognition for their exceptional nutritional profile, appealing to various age demographics, and, therefore, fortifying such products with minerals can ensure nutritional security. This research explores the feasibility of utilizing millet as a substitute for refined wheat flour in biscuit production. Three distinct millet varieties were investigated: finger, pearl, and buckwheat. Employing response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal ratio of these flours was determined, resulting in a blend of 1.5:1:1, respectively. The optimized multi-millet biscuits were further enhanced with calcium fortification and subjected to comprehensive physico-chemical analysis. Proximate composition analysis revealed favorable levels of protein (5.472 ± 0.31%), ash (2.80 ± 0.57 g/100 g), and energy density (5.8015 ± 0.004 kcal/g), indicating a significantly higher protein content, enriched mineral profile, and high energy density as compared to refined wheat flour products. Sensory evaluation encompassing attributes such as color and texture and organoleptic assessment using a nine-point hedonic scale demonstrated favorable acceptance. Additionally, the overall acceptability of the biscuits remained consistently high throughout storage, ranging from 8.263 ± 0.65 (day 0) to 8.053 ± 0.85 (day 14). This study underscores the potential of multi-millet biscuits as a nutritious and palatable alternative to traditional wheat-based snacks, offering an avenue for diversifying dietary options and promoting healthier food choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the potential of decolourised Moringa oleifera leaf powder (D-MOLP) in cookies to meet consumer demand for healthier food options, addressing the issue of low acceptability due to its green colour. D-MOLP and its non-decolourised counterpart (ND-MOLP) were incorporated into wheat flour to produce cookies. The results showed that neither decolourisation nor addition level (2.5 or 7.5%) significantly affected water activity or flour functionality, though slight differences in cookie colour were observed. The Moringa-enriched cookies exhibited an improved spread ratio as well as higher protein, phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and in vitro protein digestibility compared to control cookies. The detected phenolic acids included chlorogenic, ferulic, and fumaric acids, with the D-MOLP cookies showing superior nutritional properties, likely due to nutrient concentration and reduced antinutrients. Notably, glutamic acid was the major amino acid in all the cookies, but only lysine significantly increased across the cookie types. This suggests D-MOLP could be a promising alternative for food enrichment. Future research should address the consumer acceptability, volatile components, and shelf-life of D-MOLP-enriched cookies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Africa, the number of children under 5 years old who suffer from stunting and wasting are, respectively, 61.4 and 12.1 million, and to manage situations like these, emergency food products like RUTF and RUSF (ready-to-use therapeutic/supplementary food) are very useful. The aim of this study was to develop an RUSF biscuit using the low-cost food resources usually present in Sub-Saharan Africa (Burundi and the DRCongo in our case study); we conducted chemical characterization, nutritional evaluation, and a stability trial simulating the usual storage conditions in a rural context to demonstrate that RUSF can be functional also using low-cost ingredients and a simple method of production. The obtained recipes showed good potential in supplying protein integration—17.81% (BUR) and 16.77% (CON) (% as food) were the protein contents—and the protein digestibility values were very high (BUR: 91.72%; CON: 92.01%). Moreover, 30% of the daily requirement was achieved with less than 50 g of both recipes in all the considered ages. Finally, a good shelf-life was demonstrated during the 35-day testing period at 30 °C, considering moisture, texture, and lipid oxidation evolution. Recipes like these, with appropriate changes, could be very useful in all contexts where child malnutrition is a serious problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of using a hard (artisanal) margarine (which has a higher lipidic and lower aqueous contents) and using a soft (commercial) margarine (which has a lower lipidic and higher aqueous contents), along with a casein hydrolysate, on the rheological properties of different biscuit short doughs were examined. The characteristic parameters in the linear viscoelastic range (LVER) were analysed by stress sweep at 6.3 rad/s and 25 °C. The two margarines showed similar values of strain amplitude (γmax), but the hard margarine exhibited a significantly higher firmness in the LVER, as expected. An analogous result was found for the biscuit doughs made with hard margarine and soft margarine. The addition of a casein hydrolysate (CH) to both biscuit doughs produced an increase in the loss factor, indicating a loss of the solid-like character in the dough networks. Nevertheless, a different trend in the consistency of the dough, which depended on the type of margarine, was found. While, after adding CH, the dough made with soft margarine showed a significant reduction in rigidity, the dough with hard margarine exhibited an increased firmness upon CH addition. Yield stress tests showed that CH facilitates the transition from elastic to plastic deformation at the yield point more intensely in the dough with soft margarine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the consumption of gluten-free products has increased due to the increasing prevalence of celiac disease and the increased preference for gluten-free diets. This study aimed to make cookies using a mixture of cañihua flour, whey, and potato starch. The use of a Box–Behnken design allowed for flexible ingredient proportions and physicochemical properties, centesimal composition, color, texture, and sensory attributes to be evaluated through consumer tests (Sorting and acceptability). The results highlighted significant variations in physicochemical data, composition, color, and texture across formulations. The blend with 38.51% cañihua flour, 10.91% sweet whey, 25.69% potato starch, 8.34% margarine, 11.10% sugar, 0.19% sodium chloride, 0.51% baking powder, 0.51% vanilla essence, and 4.24% egg exhibited superior sensory appeal. This formulation boasted excellent texture, aroma, flavor, color, and appearance, indicating high sensory and physicochemical quality. The use of cañihua flour, sweet whey, and potato starch not only provides a gluten-free option but also delivers a nutritious and sensorily pleasing choice for those with dietary restrictions. Future research could explore the commercial viability of producing these cookies on a larger scale, as well as investigating the potential health benefits of these ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various drying temperatures impact the texture of pasta and cause different drying defects. These by-products could reflect techno-functional characteristics which are suitable for cereal products. This research addresses the influence of low (LT) and high (HT) drying pasta defects with two granulations on the theoretical and functional characteristics of hard dough biscuits. By shifting from a LT to HT drying temperature, a higher onset and peak temperature was found due to the higher mobility of starch molecules with increasing crystalline stability. The lowest transition enthalpy of biscuit formulation was also observed for higher incorporation of fine HT pasta regrinds. The algebraic model of dough with consistography determined the poor-extensible gluten and a high resistance with a greater value of P/L and P indices for LT regrinds. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a heavy and dense texture with immersed starch granules for additional fine regrinds while coarse samples caused swell granules with greater diameter. Moreover, fine HT regrinds reflected the lowest L* value for biscuit due to heat gradient tension with the hard milling process which leads to protein denaturation with decreasing nitrogenous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presently, there has been an increase in the consumption of the blue–green microalga–spirulina (Arthrospira species), which dominates 99.5% of the total world production of microalgae. Primarily sold as a dietary supplement, it is also incorporated into snacks, pasta, cookies, and bread. Owing to its nutrient abundance, spirulina has a variety of potential applications. Extensive studies have been conducted on the health benefits of spirulina, but its safety in terms of allergy has received limited attention. Therefore, to bridge this knowledge deficit, this review aimed to evaluate the allergenic and antiallergic potential of spirulina. In the PubMed and Scopus databases using words related to allergy, we attempted to detect papers on hypersensitivity to spirulina. A total of 128 records were identified, of which 49 were screened. Ultimately, in this review, we analyzed four case studies, encompassing a total of five patients with allergies to spirulina. We assessed the severity of allergic reactions following World Allergy Organization (WAO) Anaphylaxis Guidance 2020, which varied from mild (grade 2) to severe (grade 4) based on the patient's symptoms. Additionally, our findings indicate that allergy to spirulina is not commonly reported or diagnosed. However, most of the described cases (four of five) regarding allergy to spirulina according to WAO Anaphylaxis Guidance 2020 were classified as anaphylaxis. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that spirulina also possesses antiallergic properties, as evidenced by research studies. Our article delves into both the allergic and antiallergic potential of spirulina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the potential of using waste products from the food industry to create valuable products. It emphasizes the global issue of waste from animal and fruit/vegetable production and the importance of reusing these by-products for environmental and sustainable reasons. The article provides examples of studies that have successfully used waste products to enhance the nutritional value and functionality of new food products, such as using potato pulp in cookies and apple pomace in pasta. It concludes by stating that the possibilities of using waste products depend on the creativity of scientists and food producers and align with the trend of zero-waste technology. [Extracted from the article]

This study aimed to assess the characteristics of flour and cookies produced from composite plantain, breadfruit, and cinnamon blends. Six samples were created by combining the flours (Plantain, Breadfruit, and Cinnamon Composite (PBC)) in the following proportions: 100:0:0, 0:100:0, 65:30:5, 70:25:5, 75:20:5, and 80:15:5. The flours were subjected to proximate, functional, and color analyses using standard methods. The results obtained included moisture content (7.13–9.56%), ash (6.37–7.14%), protein (8.38–12.62%), fat (8.36–12.92%), crude fiber (6.54–7.52%), and carbohydrate (51.84–60.83%). The functional properties of the flour included bulk density (0.66–0.80 g/mol), water absorption capacity (1.91–2.87%), oil absorption capacity (0.88–1.91%), swelling power (3.89–5.30), solubility index (0.01–0.04%), dispersibility (48.55–66.05%), tannin content (1.71–3.98 mg/g), and phytate content (1.57–3.35 mg/g). The analyses revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the proximate composition of the cookie samples. The values ranged from 6.19 to 7.99% for moisture content, 16.06 to 24.75% for crude fat, 3.10 to 8.13% for crude ash, 3.62 to 7.15% for crude fiber, 8.18 to 10.99% for crude protein, and 43.82 to 59.03% for carbohydrates. Substantial changes (p < 0.05) in color analysis and sensory qualities were observed in the cookie samples, and sample B (100% breadfruit flour) had the most appreciable color attributes. However, the cookies produced from 75:20:5 plantain–breadfruit–cinnamon flour had the highest overall acceptability along with improved nutritional properties. These findings suggest that adding breadfruit and cinnamon flour to cookies could improve their nutritional content, particularly in ash, fiber, fat, and protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain food by-products, including not-good-for-sale apples and pomegranate peels, are rich in bioactive molecules that can be collected and reused in food formulations. Their extracts, rich in pectin and antioxidant compounds, were obtained using hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), a green, efficient, and scalable extraction technique. The extracts were chemically and physically characterized and used in gluten-free and vegan cookie formulations to replace part of the flour and sugar to study whether they can mimic the role of these ingredients. The amount of flour + sugar removed and replaced with extracts was 5% and 10% of the total. Physical (dimensions, color, hardness, moisture content, water activity), chemical (total phenolic content, DPPH radical-scavenging activity), and sensory characteristics of cookie samples were studied. Cookies supplemented with the apple extract were endowed with similar or better characteristics compared to control cookies: high spread ratio, similar color, and similar sensory characteristics. In contrast, the pomegranate peel extract enriched the cookies in antioxidant molecules but significantly changed their physical and sensory characteristics: high hardness value, different color, and a bitter and astringent taste. HC emerged as a feasible technique to enable the biofortification of consumer products at a real scale with extracts from agri-food by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on predicting and optimizing the quality parameters of cookies enriched with dehydrated peach through the application of Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. The purpose of the study is to employ advanced machine learning techniques to understand the intricate relationships between input parameters, such as the presence of dehydrated peach and treatment methods (lyophilization and lyophilization with osmotic pretreatment), and output variables representing various quality aspects of cookies. For each of the 32 outputs, including the parameters of the basic chemical compositions of the cookie samples, selected mineral contents, moisture contents, baking characteristics, color properties, sensorial attributes, and antioxidant properties, separate models were constructed using SVMs and ANNs. Results showcase the efficiency of ANN models in predicting a diverse set of quality parameters with r2 up to 1.000, with SVM models exhibiting slightly higher coefficients of determination for specific variables with r2 reaching 0.981. The sensitivity analysis underscores the pivotal role of dehydrated peach and the positive influence of osmotic pretreatment on specific compositional attributes. Utilizing established Artificial Neural Network models, multi-objective optimization was conducted, revealing optimal formulation and factor values in cookie quality optimization. The optimal quantity of lyophilized peach with osmotic pretreatment for the cookie formulation was identified as 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds of "sweet lupins" have been playing an increasing role in the food industry. Lupin proteins may be used for producing a variety of foods, including pasta, bread, cookies, dairy products, and coffee substitutes. In a small percentage of the population, lupin consumption may elicit allergic reactions, either due to primary sensitization to lupin or due to cross-allergy with other legumes. Thus, lupin has to be declared on commercial food products according to EU food regulations. In this study, we investigated the influence of roasting seeds of the L. angustifolius cultivar "Boregine" on the detectability of lupin by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), ELISAs, LC-MS/MS, and real-time PCR. Seeds were roasted by fluidized bed roasting, and samples were drawn at seed surface temperatures ranging from 98 °C to 242 °C. With increasing roasting temperature, the extractability of proteins and DNA decreased. In addition, roasting resulted in lower detectability of lupin proteins by ELISAs and LC-MS/MS and lower detectability of DNA by real-time PCR. Our results suggest reduced allergenicity of roasted lupin seeds used for the production of "lupin coffee"; however, this has to be confirmed in in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The paper has application potential in the bakery and related industries, considering that the proposed solutions offer improved products in terms of the nutritional and functional points of view. This study aimed to compare the nutritional, phytochemical, and sensory characteristics of wheat flour (WF) cookies enriched with different proportions of lupin sprout flour (LSF) and those with different proportions of lupin green sprout (LGS). To achieve this, a control cookie (CC); three cookies with 10%, 20%, and 30% of LSF, respectively, CLSF1, CLSF2, and CLSF3; and three other cookies (CLGS1, CLGS2, and CLGS3) with 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively, were produced. The proximate composition of each cookie was analyzed using AOAC methods. Also, the measurements of the total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, individual polyphenols, glycemic index, and a sensory analysis were carried out using recent and accurate methods. The contribution of the main nutrients from 100 g of product to the required daily dose was also calculated. Data analysis revealed that cookies with LSF were richer than cookies with LGS in protein, fat, and energy values. CLGS3 was 35.12%, 1.45%, and 5.0% lower in protein, fat, and energy content than CLSF3, respectively. On the other hand, CLSF3 was lower than CLGS3, with 48.2% and 12.4% in moisture and mineral substances, respectively. Both cookies were lower in carbohydrates than the CC (65.20 g/100 g). Still on the subject of micro- and macronutrients, cookies with LSF were richer than those with LGS in all the minerals analyzed. The study also revealed improvements in phytochemical properties, such as total and individual polyphenols and antioxidant activity with the percentage of lupin sprout flour addition. The sensory analysis revealed that, for LSF and LGS cookies, the 10% samples were the most appreciated by consumers, irrespective of the sensory attributes studied. The glycemic index of the CLSF2 product was lower compared to the CC. This study shows that the LSF cookies have better nutritional, phytochemical, and sensory values than the LGS cookies. LSF is, therefore, better suited than LGS to the enrichment of bakery products in general and cookies in particular. The paper provides significant information to estimate the contribution of the consumption of functional products based on lupin sprouts to the required daily dose of food nutrients and the impact on the glycemic index of fortified products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides a summary of several studies related to aroma in food products. The studies examine factors that influence aroma, such as composition, processing methods, and storage conditions. The findings emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and innovative techniques in understanding and improving the sensory experience of food products. The results can be valuable for industries involved in producing and processing food, aiding in the selection of better quality raw materials and the development of improved processing techniques. [Extracted from the article]

The potentiality of cv. Malbec grape pomace (GP) as a functional ingredient in the formulation of bakery foods (muffins, biscuits and cereal bars) was studied. The effect of GP addition on the phenolic compounds (PCs) composition, nutritional and sensory properties were evaluated. The addition of GP increased the content of dietary fiber, proteins, ash, total phenolic content (TPC), antiradical capacity (AC), anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin PCs while decreasing the carbohydrates content. The main PCs given by the GP to supplemented foods were quercetin-3-O-glucoside, rutin, caffeic acid, syringic acid and (+)-catechin. For anthocyanins, the acylated derivatives were more stable to heat treatment (baking) in food processing which was evidenced by a higher proportion of these PCs compounds when compared to the same derivatives quantified in GP. In general, when the TPC or individual concentrations of PCs were analyzed in a nutritional or functional context, one portion of the supplemented foods showed levels high enough to satisfy the recommended dose per day of these bioactive compounds. Additionally, the foods were well received by consumers during the sensory evaluation and supplemented biscuits received the highest acceptability. This study demonstrated that GP could be a viable functional ingredient in bakery foods to incorporate components like PCs and dietary fiber into traditional consumers' diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms, due to their basic composition and the presence of numerous mycochemicals, can be used to improve various food matrices. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of replacing wheat flour (2%, 4%, 6% w/w) with mushroom lyophilisates from cultivated mushrooms—A. bisporus and P. ostreatus—on the technological quality, basic nutritional and elemental composition, antioxidant activity (ABTS, FRAP), total polyphenol content (TPC), and sensory evaluation of shortbread cookies. The functional properties of blended flours were also determined, such as bulk density (BD), water- and oil-holding capacity (WHC, OHC), swelling capacity (SW), and water solubility index (WSI). The results show that the amounts of protein, fiber, and ash were higher in cookies enriched with mushrooms than in control cookies. The enriched products, depending on the amount of mushroom powder used and the mushroom species, had a higher content of zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, and copper. The increase in the addition of mushroom powder resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the TPC content and antioxidant properties. The use of composite flours contributed to a significant increase in hardness (at 6% mushroom powder) and a change in color parameters, with lower whiteness and a greater ΔE recorded for cookies with A. bisporus lyophilisate. In the sensory evaluation, the samples enriched with P. ostreatus powder received higher scores compared with control samples, while the cookies with A. bisporus flour were evaluated lower than the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with U.S. FDA Foods Program Regulatory Science Steering Committee guidelines, with this study, we optimized and validated a commercial real-time PCR method for the detection of low amounts of lupin in four classes of food matrices: chocolate cookies, ragù, Olivier salad, and barley and rice flour. DNA extracted from blank (true negative) samples artificially contaminated with lupin (Lupinus albus) flour at 1000 ppm underwent dilutions with the DNA extracted from the true negative samples up to 0.5 ppm. The limit of detection for real-time PCR was 0.5 ppm in the complex matrices (range, Ct 26–34), making this a specific, robust, and rapid method for lupin allergen detection and labeling. Our validation data support the suitability of this commercially available real-time PCR method for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fishing industry produces a significant number of by-products. This study explored two methods of transforming these by-products: fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) and Fishmeal (FM). Physicochemical characterization of these products was conducted and their potential inclusion in biscuits was investigated due to the lack of high biological value protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids of this product. The results identified colour disparities between FPH and FM, with FM displaying lower brightness and a more reddish hue. In FPH, there was also a noticeable decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids, probably associated with the temperature reached in spray-drying. While the incorporation of these by-products in biscuits was feasible, there were challenges, particularly the fishy taste and rancid odour, which were more pronounced in FM biscuits due to the higher fat content. This correlated with the oxidation indexes, such as TBARS and acidity index. Nonetheless, FPH biscuit attributes like typical colour or flavour received positive feedback, attributed to the Maillard reaction. Scanning electron microscopy revealed microstructural differences, which correlated with the results of hardness and fracturability, probably due to the higher fat content in FM. This study revealed the possibility of nutritionally enriching cookies with ingredients derived from fish by-products. However, it would be necessary to go a step further and study alternatives that allow better preservation of saturated fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In banana cultivation, a considerable amount of the production is wasted every year because of various constraints present in the post-harvest management chain. Converting green banana pulp and peels into flour could help to reduce losses and enable the food sector to keep the product for an entire year or more. In order to use green banana fruit and peel flour in the food industry as a raw ingredient such as in bakery and confectionery items—namely biscuits, cookies, noodles, nutritious powder, etc.—it is essential to standardize the process for the production of the flour. As a result, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of pretreatment and temperature on the drying capabilities and quality of dried green banana peel. The green banana peel pieces were pretreated with 0.5 and 1.0% KMS (potassium metabisulfite), and untreated samples were taken as control, and dried at 40°, 50°, and 60 °C in a tray dryer. To reduce the initial moisture content of 90–91.58% (wb) to 6.25–9.73% (wb), a drying time of 510–360 min was required in all treatments. The moisture diffusivity (Deff) increased with temperature, i.e., Deff increased from 5.069–6.659 × 10−8, 6.013–7.653 × 10−8, and 4.969–6.510 × 10−8 m2/s for the control sample, 0.5% KMS, and 1.0% KMS, respectively. The Page model was determined to be the best suited for the drying data with the greatest R2 and the least χ2 and RSME values in comparison with the other two models. When 0.5% KMS-pretreated materials were dried at 60 °C, the water activity and drying time were minimal. Hue angle, chroma, and rehydration ratio were satisfactory and within the acceptable limits for 0.5% KMS-pretreated dried banana peel at 60 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylamide is present in thermally processed foods, and it possesses toxic and carcinogenic properties. L-asparaginases could effectively regulate the formation of acrylamide at the source. However, current L-asparaginases have drawbacks such as poor thermal stability, low catalytic activity, and poor substrate specificity, thereby restricting their utility in the food industry. To address this issue, this study employed consensus design to predict the crucial residues influencing the thermal stability of Corynebacterium glutamicum L-asparaginase (CgASNase). Subsequently, a combination of site-point saturating mutation and combinatorial mutation techniques was applied to generate the double-mutant enzyme L42T/S213N. Remarkably, L42T/S213N displayed significantly enhanced thermal stability without a substantial impact on its enzymatic activity. Notably, its half-life at 40 °C reached an impressive 13.29 ± 0.91 min, surpassing that of CgASNase (3.24 ± 0.23 min). Moreover, the enhanced thermal stability of L42T/S213N can be attributed to an increased positive surface charge and a more symmetrical positive potential, as revealed by three-dimensional structural simulations and structure comparison analyses. To assess the impact of L42T/S213N on acrylamide removal in biscuits, the optimal treatment conditions for acrylamide removal were determined through a combination of one-way and orthogonal tests, with an enzyme dosage of 300 IU/kg flour, an enzyme reaction temperature of 40 °C, and an enzyme reaction time of 30 min. Under these conditions, compared to the control (464.74 ± 6.68 µg/kg), the acrylamide reduction in double-mutant-enzyme-treated biscuits was 85.31%, while the reduction in wild-type-treated biscuits was 68.78%. These results suggest that L42T/S213N is a promising candidate for industrial applications of L-asparaginase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive consumption of simple sugars is responsible for non-communicable diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Xylitol has anticarcinogenic, prebiotic-like characteristics and a lower glycaemic index and caloric value than sugars, which makes it a valuable alternative sweetener. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of storage of volatile compounds and sensory profiles of cookies containing xylitol as a sucrose alternative or sucrose by applying solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and quantitative descriptive analysis. The volatile compound profiles of both kinds of cookies were similar, especially regarding markers of Maillard reactions (Strecker aldehydes, pyrazines) and unfavourable compounds (aldehydes, hydrocarbons, and organic acids). Throughout the period of storage lasting 0–9 months, the total content of hydrocarbons was stable and averaged 10.2% in xylitol cookies and 12.8% in sucrose cookies; their storage for 12 months significantly (p < 0.05) increased the contents to 58.2% and 60.35%, respectively. Unlike sucrose, xylitol improved the stability of the pH and water activity of cookies and sensory attributes such as buttery aroma and texture characteristics during 12 months of storage. The results indicated that 9 months of cookie storage was the maximum recommended period. The inclusion of xylitol in cookies might replace sucrose and high-fructose-corn syrup and synthetic additives commonly used in industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food composition issues represent an increasing concern nowadays, in the context of diverse food commodity varieties. The contents and types of fatty acids are a constant preoccupation among consumers because of their reflections of nutrition and health problems. This study aims to find the best tool for the rapid and reliable identification of similarities and differences among several food items from a fatty acid profile perspective. An acknowledged GC-FID method was considered, while, for a better interpretation of the analytical results, machine learning algorithms were used. It was possible to develop a recognition model able to simultaneously differentiate, with an accuracy of 79.3%, nine product types using the bagged tree ensemble model. The low number of samples or some similarities among the classes could be responsible for the wrong assignments that occurred, especially in the biscuit, wafer and instant soup classes. Better accuracies values of 95, 86.1, and 97.8% were obtained when the products were grouped into three categories: (1) sunflower oil, mayonnaise, margarine, and cream cheese; (2) biscuits, cookies, margarine, and wafers; and (3) sunflower oil, chips, and instant soup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the nutritional value of commonly consumed, cost-effective staple foods, such as bread and biscuits, by fortifying them with Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) and its phenolic-rich extract holds substantial potential for addressing malnutrition. This study evaluated the phenolic extract from MOLP obtained through Soxhlet extraction, focusing on its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties. The resulting extract exhibited a total phenolic content (TPC) of 138.2 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g. The ABTS and DPPH assays presented IC50 values of 115.2 mg/L and 544.0 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, the extract displayed notable α-amylase inhibition and no cytotoxicity towards human fibroblasts. The primary phenolic compounds identified were catechin, epicatechin, and caffeic acid. Subsequently, MOLP and its extract were incorporated into bread and biscuits, replacing 5% of wheat flour, resulting in fortified functional foods. The fortified products exhibited improved TPC and antioxidant activity compared to the non-fortified foods. Furthermore, they displayed the ability to inhibit microbial growth, leading to an extended shelf life. Sensory analysis indicated that the products incorporated with the extract were preferred over those with MOLP. These results have demonstrated the viability of using MOLP and its phenolic-rich extract as an environmentally sustainable strategy for enhancing the quality of cereal-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The paper has application potential in the bakery and related industries, considering that the proposed technological solutions can be implemented in the profile units in order to diversify the assortment range of flour products. To provide people with celiac disease with nutrient-rich gluten-free foods, this study aimed to produce cookies based on buckwheat and baobab flours, which were then subjected to nutritional, phytochemical, and sensory analyses. Results demonstrate that baobab flour (BF) and buckwheat flour (BWF) work together to enhance the nutritional properties of the cookies, in that nutrients that BWF is deficient in, BF provides sufficiently, and vice versa. BF is rich in minerals and carbohydrates, while BWF contains comparatively higher fat and protein levels. As for macro- and micro-elements, potassium (K) is the predominant macro-element in BF and BWF, with 13,276.47 ± 174 mg/kg and 1255.35 ± 58.92 mg/kg, respectively. The polyphenol content is higher in BF than BWF, at 629.7 ± 0.35 mg/100 g as opposed to 283.87 ± 0.06 mg/100 g. Similarly, the total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of BF was greater than that of BWF, while BF exhibited 213.13 ± 0.08 mg/100 g and 86.62 ± 0.04%, in contrast to BWF, which had 125.36 ± 1.12 mg/100 g and 79.72 ± 0.01%, respectively. BF significantly enhanced the phytochemical composition of the cookies, with the richest sample being BBC3 containing 30% baobab. Buckwheat and baobab have the most abundant phenolic compounds of rutin and epicatechin, respectively. About the analysis of sensory attributes of the cookies, the partial substitution of BWF by BF of up to 20% (BWF3) significantly increased the scores for all attributes. Indeed, the appearance (physical aspect of the cookie: whether it is firm or not) and color (influence of baobab addition on cookie coloration) of the cookies were significantly improved with the addition of BF of up to 20%, but above 20% they were less appreciated. Similarly, up to 20% BF, the texture, flavor, and overall acceptability of the cookies were significantly improved. Taste, on the other hand, was not significantly improved, maybe due to the acidic taste provided by the baobab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for greater utilization of byproducts in the food industry has been driven by growing interest in environmental sustainability. This paper examines the market potential and consumer attitudes toward whole-grain and sustainable cookies made with food byproducts and edible films. Additionally, particular attention was given to evaluating levels of sustainability knowledge and nutritional awareness, willingness to purchase environmentally friendly cookies with food byproducts, and to appraise differences in answers between countries and generations. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from Croatian (n = 472), French (n = 166), and North Macedonian consumers (n = 119) aged between 18 and 62, predominantly women (82%) with higher education degrees. Results showed that even if chocolate-coated cookies remain very popular, North Macedonians prefer whole-grain and plain cookies, while the French prefer chocolate-coated cookies and Croats prefer both types of cookie. The majority of consumers (96%) were interested in purchasing environmentally friendly cookies. However, consumers' interest in purchasing cookies with food byproducts was generally low, which may be related to their limited knowledge of byproducts. In conclusion, there is market potential for whole-grain cookies with food byproducts, but brand, price, and consumer education may be critical to their success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of food with functional ingredients, characterized by low energy intake and a variety of phytonutrients with biological activity, is one of the concerns of the population. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of pumpkin powder and its bioactive components on the quality, color and textural properties of shortbread cookies. In the drying process of pumpkin powder (Cucurbita moschata) at 60 ± 2 °C, the physicochemical parameters did not change significantly in relation to fresh pulp. The chromatic parameters L*, a* and b* showed that the pumpkin powder was brighter than the pulp, with a greater presence of yellow pigments. Pumpkin powder presented a rich source of bioactive compounds (polyphenols flavonoids, carotenoids) with an antioxidant potential of 161.52 mmol TE/100 g DW and 558.71 mg GAE/100 g DW. Antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Abony and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria and high antifungal activity against Candida albicans were attested. The sensory, physicochemical, texture parameters and color indicators of shortbread cookies with yellow pumpkin powder (YPP) added in a proportion of 5–20% were analyzed. The optimal score was given to the sample of 15% YPP. The use of 15–20% YPP contributed to improved consistency due to the formation of complexes between starch and protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jackfruit seed flour (JSF) and jackfruit seed starch (JSS) are utilized from agricultural by-products to take advantage of abundant raw materials. In this study, JSF and JSS were utilized to replace wheat flour in cookie products at various ratios of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%, and we assessed their effect cookies on nutritional quality, physicochemical properties, and sensory evaluation of the product. The results showed that JSF and JSS demonstrated significant potential in various cookie recipes. Jackfruit seed flour cookies (JSFCs), in particular, stood out due to their high nutritional content and exceptional physicochemical properties. On the other hand, results from sensory evaluation of jackfruit seed flour cookies (JSSCs) revealed they had a similar taste to wheat flour cookies (CCs) and were highly favored by participants. Notably, JSFCs exhibited a high fiber content of 4.67%, which indicates that JSF could provide numerous health benefits. Furthermore, JSFCs exhibited significantly higher polyphenol content and DPPH radical scavenging activity than JSSCs. The morphological properties of cookies and flours varied considerably among the products. This study supports sustainability by promoting eco-friendly ingredients, reducing the environmental impact compared to wheat flour. It also benefits local economies by repurposing overlooked jackfruit seeds as valuable raw materials, thus minimizing waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive compounds such as polyphenols are ubiquitous in many foods. However, their presence varies in structure, concentration, and action along food manufacturing and digestion. The simulated digestion assays allow for the estimation of variations in bioaccessibility and bioeffectiveness of polyphenols within foods. In this study, a polyphenol-enriched food model was used: sweet cookies with 10% defatted sesame flour (DSF). Polyphenolic extracts were obtained from DSF, a base cookie formulation and cookies enriched with DSF. In addition, extracts of potentially bioaccessible polyphenols from digested cookies in vitro were collected. The HepG2 liver cell line was incubated with all these mentioned extracts and then injured with H2O2. The following parameters were analyzed: intracellular oxidative state and viability by flow cytometry, antioxidant enzymes and glutathione content, and oxidation of proteins and lipids by spectrophotometry. The results show that DSF may be considered for functional incorporation in foods, since it may promote antioxidant response, providing preventive benefits and protective action in an oxidative damage context. This study also demonstrates that DSF actions on redox state vary depending on the food matrix and its degree of digestion. Cookies with DSF presented a pro-oxidant effect that could enhance the antioxidant response. Furthermore, after digestion, these cookies continue to show biological activity, evidencing the possibility of advantages from the consumption of these foods. These data show the need to improve the knowledge of the biological actions carried out by certain metabolites present in food and the impact of their digestion over their effective role in health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wine pomace, also mentioned as grape pomace (GP), is a byproduct of the wine industry, containing about 50% grape skins, 25% grape seeds and 25% stems. These wastes are of great value and great potential as a source of biologically active compounds. This opens up new prospects for the rational use of GP in the food industry. It is no coincidence that numerous new technologies for processing these byproducts have recently emerged to create a wide range of diverse new food products by enriching traditional foods with antioxidants, dietary fiber and mineral compounds. The most popular GP processing products are extracts and powders. Powders do not require special storage conditions, and they are highly adaptable, mixing well with other types of food raw materials, especially loose ones. Therefore, they are widely used in such products as bread, cookies, pasta, muffins, etc. Grape powders improve the structure of the dough, slow down the oxidation of fats, for example, in cookies, and increase the nutritional value of flour products. Finally, we will discuss these perspectives on the use of grape pomace as an ingredient in the formulation of flour-containing food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for allergen-free and reduced-allergen foods has led to an investigation into the potential use of O-free wheat, a low-allergy wheat cultivar, in cookie production. This study focused on assessing the gluten composition of O-free flour and comparing its suitability for cookie making in comparison to flours with varying gluten strengths. Several analyses were conducted, including gluten composition, solvent retention capacity (SRC), thermal and pasting properties, dough-mixing characteristics, and cookie-making performance. The gluten composition of O-free flour by SDS-PAGE confirmed the absence of ω-gliadins and the reduced levels of low-molecular-weight glutenins and γ-gliadins. The SRC values of O-free flour fell between the flours with weak and medium gluten strengths. While thermal and pasting properties showed significant differences in sucrose solution but not across flour types, indicating similar starch structures, mixograms displayed distinct variations influenced by both sucrose solution and flour type, highlighting the importance of gluten quality and composition. Cookies made with O-free flour demonstrated similarities to those produced with weak gluten flour, known for their favorable cookie characteristics. This study emphasizes the significant influence of flour gluten composition on cookie-making performance and advocates for the adoption of O-free flour in the development of allergy-friendly cookies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze-dried pulp from colored potatoes, obtained after starch isolation, is a rich source of polyphenols. Therefore, it can be used to fortify cookies, contributing to a reduction in industrial waste, aligning with the zero-waste technology. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of adding 5% and 10% pulp from two varieties of colored potatoes on the content of polyphenols, antioxidant activity, physical characteristics, nutritional composition, and the levels of hydroxymethylfurfural and acrylamide of the fortified cookies. The findings revealed that colored potato pulp is an outstanding additive for fortifying cookies with polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols (even two to four times in comparison to control). Cookies containing pulp exhibited even two times higher fiber and protein content (up to 17% more), while the fat and ash content remained unchanged compared to control cookies. Furthermore, they contained 30% less HMF and 40% more acrylamide. These cookies also exhibited good physical properties in the final products. The study demonstrated that pulp from the "Magenta Love" potato variety was significantly more effective in enriching cookies with health-promoting compounds and nutrition value compared to pulp from Marleta Blue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lingonberries represent a valuable resource for many sectors of the food industry in a wide variety of both organic and conventional products. In the context of little information on the use of dried and ground lingonberries mixed with flour in bakery processing, this study aimed to evaluate how the use of spelt wheat flour fortified with dried lingonberry powder in the preparation of cookies, muffins, and brioches with different types of dough can improve their nutritional, functional, and sensory properties, and the degree to which the rheological properties of the dough are affected. The results of the proximate composition analysis revealed that the use of fortified flour in the pastries matrix led to a significant increase in mineral content by an average of 9% and a reduction in protein content up to 7% progressively with the concentration of fruit powder in fortified flour, relative to control samples. The phytochemical profile of pastry products led to a statistically significant enhancement by using fortified flour in their manufacturing formula, with results showing increases of 10 times in total flavonoids content, 9.3 times in total phenolic content, up to 2 times in DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical inhibition ability, and for FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power), with values of 14.8 times relative to the control in cookies. The rheological behavior highlighted that the mixing of lingonberry powder with spelt flour is suitable for dough prepared with liquid in order to form gluten up to 15% of fruit addition. The best rated from a sensory point of view were muffins prepared from flour fortified with 10% lingonberry powder. The data resulted from this research suggest that the inclusion of lingonberry powder in spelt wheat flour consists of a promising solution to develop innovative pastry products with improved functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is an important pseudocereal for its high nutritional value, versatility in cooking, gluten-free nature, and potential contribution to food security and sustainable agriculture. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different levels of substitution (10, 20, and 30%) of hydrolyzed quinoa flour (HQF) on the nutritional, physical, and antioxidant characteristics and protein digestibility of cookies elaborated with wheat and broad bean flours. Cookies without HQF were the control (C0). The addition of HQF increased the protein content by between 12 and 68% compared to C0. The increase in HQF improved the cookies' quality according to the spread ratio. Adding HQF resulted in more compact cookies, decreasing their specific volume (1.30 to 1.15 cm3/g) and increasing their hardness (2791 to 6515 g). The total polyphenols increased by 2 to 3 times, and the antioxidant activity increased by more than three times with a 30% addition of HQF with respect to C0. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity with fluoresceine (ORAC-FL) index (stoichiometry or amount of antioxidants) revealed that up to a 20% and 30% addition of HQF increased the antioxidant compounds by up to ~1.5 times. On the other hand, the antioxidant reactivity, according to the oxygen radical absorbance capacity with pyrogallol red (ORAC-PGR) index, increased by 2.4 times with a 30% addition of HQF. Finally, the cookies' digestibility improved with a 10% addition of HQF. Therefore, HQF represents a viable option in the development of cookies with highly reactive antioxidant compounds that are nutritionally improved. This application could be extended to other baked products. However, a 30% addition of HQF affects its textural properties and decreases its digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruits of Arbutus unedo L. have a crimson colour and are enriched with remarkable concentrations of bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins and polyphenols. These fruits are commonly used in the production of a Portuguese Protected Geographical Indication distillate called "Aguardente de Medronho". During this process, a solid pomace is generated and presently discarded without valuable applications. In this work, two strategies have been developed for the valorisation of A. unedo pomace. The first approach considers the extraction of polyphenols from this by-product through the optimization of an ultrasound-assisted method using a Box-Behnken design coupled with response surface methodology. The results indicate that the temperature and the percentage of methanol, along with their interaction, significantly influence the total concentration of polyphenols and the antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained. The optimal conditions identified consider the extraction of 0.5 g of sample with 20 mL of a solvent containing 74% MeOH (aq), at a pH of 4.8, maintained at 70 °C for 15 min. On the other hand, the second valorisation strategy considered the use of A. unedo pomace in the development of functional cookies. The incorporation of 15–20% pomace in the cookie formulation was well-received by consumers. This incorporation results in an intake of ca. 6.55 mg of polyphenols per gram of cookie consumed, accompanied by an antioxidant activity of 4.54 mg Trolox equivalents per gram of cookie consumed. Overall, these results encourage the employment of A. unedo pomace either as a reliable source of extracts enriched in polyphenols or as a nutraceutical active ingredient in functional cookies, thereby positively impacting human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legume flours, which offer high nutritional quality, present viable options for gluten-free bakery products. However, they may have an objectionable flavor and taste for some consumers. In this study, it was aimed to improve the gluten-free cookie formulation by incorporating carob and hazelnut flours to pre-cooked chickpea flour and to investigate the techno-functional properties of the formulated cookies. The flours used in the formulations were assessed for their chemical and physical properties. This study employed a mixture design (simplex-centroid) to obtain the proportions of the flours to be used in the cookie formulations. The rheological characteristics of the doughs and the technological attributes of the baked cookies were determined. The addition of the hazelnut and carob flours had the overall effect of reducing the rheological characteristics of the cookie doughs. Furthermore, the textural attribute of the hardness of the baked cookies decreased as the ratio of hazelnut flour in the formulations was raised. The analysed results and sensory evaluation pointed to a formulation consisting of 30% pre-cooked chickpea/30% carob/30% hazelnut flours, which exhibited improved taste and overall acceptability scores. A total of 16.82 g/100 g of rapidly digestible starch, 5.36 g/100 g of slowly digestible starch, and 8.30 g/100 g of resistant starch exist in this particular cookie. As a result, combinations of chickpea, hazelnut, and carob flours hold promise as good alternatives for gluten-free cookie ingredients and warrant further exploration in the development of similar products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the replacement of butter with soy wax (SW)/rice bran oil (RBO) oleogel in varied proportions in cookie dough and the resulting cookies. The study mainly evaluates the physical, textural, and chemical properties of the butter cookie dough and cookies by replacing butter with SW/RBO oleogel. The dough was assessed using moisture analysis, microscopy, FTIR Spectroscopy (Fourier Transform Infrared) and impedance spectroscopies, and texture analysis. Micrographs of the dough showed that D-50 (50% butter + 50% oleogel) had an optimal distribution of water and protein. D-0 (control sample containing 100% butter) showed the lowest impedance values. Moisture content ranged between 23% and 25%. FTIR spectroscopy suggested that D-50 exhibited a consistent distribution of water and protein, which CLSM and brightfield microscopy supported. Texture analysis revealed that the dough samples exhibited predominantly fluidic behavior. As the amount of oleogel was raised, the dough became firmer. The prepared cookies showed a brown periphery and light-colored center. Further, a corresponding increase in surface cracks was observed as the oleogel content was increased. Cookies moisture analysis revealed a range between 11 and 15%. Minute changes were observed in the texture and dimensions of the cookies. In summary, it can be concluded that replacing butter with oleogel by up to 50% seems to be feasible without significantly compromising the physicochemical properties of cookie dough and cookies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the rheological properties of doughs with 50% brewers' spent grain (BSG) derived from a rye-based (RBSG) and barley-based (BBSG) beer added, and the textural profile of the related baked products. Simple model systems using BSG flour mixed with water were studied. Two bakery products, focaccia and cookies, were made as food systems using BSG in a 1:1 ratio with wheat flour (WF). Their rheological properties and texture after baking were characterized. BSG-added dough exhibited viscoelastic properties with a solid gel-like behavior. The addition of BSG increased G′ > G″ and decreased the dough flexibility. BSG addition in baked RBSG focaccia increased the hardness, gumminess, and chewiness by 10%, 9%, and 12%, respectively. BBSG cookies had a 20% increase in fracturability. A positive correlation was found between the rheological metrics of the dough and the textural parameters of BBSG-added cookies. PCA analysis revealed that complex viscosity, G′, G″, and cohesiveness separated BBSG focaccia from RBSG focaccia and the control. Therefore, the rheological properties of BSG dough will have industrial relevance for 3D-printed customized food products with fiber. Adding RBSG and BBSG to selected foods will increase the up-cycling potential by combining techno-functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for gluten-free and functional products, driven by consumer preferences for healthier and more diverse food choices. Therefore, there is a need to explore new ingredients that can be used as alternatives to traditional gluten-containing grains. Thus, this work evaluated the physical, chemical, technological, and sensorial properties of extrudates and cookies from composite tannin sorghum (rich in resistant starch) and white cowpea flours. Extrudates and cookies were produced from a composite flour made of sorghum and cowpea, at a sorghum:cowpea flour ratio of 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70. Then, raw flours, cookies, and extrudates were characterized (dietary fiber, resistant starch, proteins, antioxidant capacity, pasting properties, etc.). Results obtained for particle size distribution and bulk density indicated that the particles increased and the color changed with the addition of cowpea flour. The raw tannin sorghum flour had a higher resistant starch concentration (36.3%) and antioxidant capacity (211.2 µmolTE/g), whereas cowpea flour had higher levels of proteins (18.7%) and dietary fiber (20.1%). This difference in the raw flour composition contributed to the nutritional value of the extrudates and cookies, especially the cookies which undergo dry heat and had higher retention of resistant starch and antioxidants. Moreover, sorghum flour presented a higher tendency to retrograde (high setback), which was decreased by the addition of cowpea flour. Overall acceptance and intention to purchase were higher for extrudates with 100% sorghum flour (6.52 and 68.3%, respectively) and cookies with 70% cowpea flour (7.03 and 76.7%, respectively). Therefore, nutritious and functional gluten-free extrudates and cookies, of good acceptability, can be produced from composite tannin sorghum and white cowpea flours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, sustainability has promoted new research to develop reformulation strategies for value-added food products by exploiting grape pomace. Grape pomace powder (GP) was used to substitute spelt flour (SF) at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% to obtain three types of fortified pastry products: biscuits and cakes involving a chemical leavening agent, and rolls leavened by yeast. Proximate composition, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) along with physical characteristics and sensory analysis of the enriched products were considered. The retention rate of the functional attributes of formulations in response to baking was also evaluated. Significant improvements in TPC, TFC and both antioxidant tests were achieved in the fortified products by the incremental incorporation of GP. With a substitution of 25% SF by GP, the following increases were recorded in biscuits, cakes and rolls over the control samples: 7.198-, 7.733- and 8.117-fold for TPC; 8.414-, 7.000- and 8.661-fold for TFC; 16.334-, 17.915- and 18.659-fold for FRAP and 16.384-, 17.908- and 18.775-fold for DPPH. The retention rates of TPC, TFC, FRAP and DPPH relative to the corresponding dough were 41–63%, 37–65%, 48–70% and 45–70%. The formulas leavened by yeast revealed higher functionality than those produced with a chemical raising agent. With the increase in GP, the elasticity and porosity gradually decreased for cakes and rolls, while the spread ratio of biscuits increased. Regarding sensory evaluation, all formulations with incorporated GP up to 10% were rated at an extremely pleasant acceptability level. The solutions derived from this study have great practical applicability for the development of new pastry formulations with improved functionality from GP valorisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biscuits are one of the most consumed bakery products that contain a high content of fat, sugar, and different additives that may cause various health problems. This has led to an increased focus on enriching bakery products with plant extracts to improve their nutritional and sensory properties. The objective of the current work was to investigate the effect of replacing wheat flour with plant extracts such as blueberry and cranberry (at concentrations of 3%, 6%, and 9%) and compare with control biscuits regarding the physico-chemical and color parameters. In addition, sensory analysis was conducted to determine the consumer acceptability of the enriched biscuits. The enrichment of biscuits with blueberry powder significantly increased the moisture content and decreased pH values (p < 0.05). Similarly, cranberry-enriched biscuits had a significantly higher moisture content, water activity, and decreased pH values compared to control samples (p < 0.05). On the other hand, enrichment of biscuits with either blueberry or cranberry powder significantly decreased lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), chroma value (C*), and h-value (h) but increased the redness values (a* value) of samples (p < 0.05). Our results showed that with increasing concentrations of plant extract addition in biscuits, the sensory attributes such as odor and taste were significantly improved. The results of the study suggest that the addition of plant extracts to biscuits improved their physico-chemical and sensory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea flour, which is produced in various forms, has high protein and fiber content; therefore, it can be a good ingredient for gluten-free cookies. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the properties of cookies formulated using raw (RCF), cooked (CCF), and germinated (GCF) chickpea flours. The techno-functional properties of these flours were determined, and scanning electron microscope images and mid-infrared spectra were obtained. The rheological properties of cookie doughs were measured along with their mid-infrared spectra. Baked cookies were analyzed for their technological properties as well as their in vitro digestion properties. Sensory analysis was also performed for all the cookies. The most significant difference among the flours was observed in their water retention capacity, and CCF had 119.7% higher water retention capacity compared to RCF. The dough made with CCF had quite different rheological properties from the others. The cookies baked with GCF had the highest baking loss and spread ratio. The CCF-containing cookies had the hardest structure. The cookies made from RCF had a higher resistant starch content followed by the cookies with GCF. All the cookies had similar scores in all aspects tested in the sensory analysis. The use of three different forms of chickpea flour in cookie formulations resulted in products with very different properties; however, their overall acceptability levels were close. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]