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The complexity of the chocolate matrix leads to it having characteristic rheological properties that may pose difficulties for its industrial manufacture. Many factors influence the flow behaviour of chocolates, such as raw materials, the amount of fat, the moisture content, particle-size distribution, the concentration of emulsifiers, or manufacturing conditions, among others. This study focusses on the rheological properties of an industrially manufactured chocolate with a 48% cocoa content, and the effect caused by the addition of two emulsifiers (soya lecithin and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR)) on the rheological properties. In the case of lecithin, a clear effect has been observed on the plastic viscosity and the yield stress. Plastic viscosity decreases until a concentration of 0.6% lecithin is reached, and thereafter remains relatively constant, while yield stress increases over the studied range. This effect is not observed when PGPR is used as the emulsifying agent. In this case, a small concentration of PGPR decreases the yield stress. Thixotropy was determined using the Casson model, and its behaviour was found to be similar to that of plastic viscosity with respect to changes in the PGPR and lecithin concentrations. Textural determinations were also carried out, relating the rheology characteristics to the texturometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chocolate is one of the most popular treats in the world. Debate over the potential benefits of its consumption has made chocolate a widely researched health topic. This article reviews the general health benefits of chocolate consumption, focusing on its involvement with the oral microbiota, caries development, and biofilm control, and discusses the potential negative consequences of excess chocolate consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recreational use of psilocybin or psilocin-containing products, a chemical found naturally in certain mushroom species, is on the rise across the United States. Several cases of serious clinical effects related to mushroom-containing products have recently been reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The emergence of these new products and their health consequences are not yet well understood. This case series aims to characterize exposures to mushroom-containing chocolate products, including patient characteristics, clinical effects, treatment(s), and clinical outcome severity, reported to a poison center network. This was a retrospective case series conducted in patients exposed to mushroom-containing chocolate products across three poison centers between January 2023 to August 2024. Patients were identified via a database search of ToxSentry®. Patients were included if they were exposed to a mushroom-containing chocolate product. Patients were excluded if they ingested an unrelated product or if there was insufficient information documented within ToxSentry®. The primary endpoint was to describe clinical outcome severity after exposure to mushroom-containing chocolate products. A query of ToxSentry® identified 164 cases; 36 cases met study criteria. The median age of patients in this case series was 17 years old. For most patients (23, 64 %), the reason for the exposure was intentional, with 20 reporting intentional abuse or misuse of the product. Common clinical effects reported included mental status changes (26, 76 %), paranoia/hallucinations (10, 28 %), dysrhythmias (7, 19 %) and gastrointestinal discomfort (6, 17 %). There was one report of seizure. Most clinical effects lasted between 3 and 24 h after ingestion (29, 81 %). Intravenous fluids (18, 50 %) and benzodiazepines (7, 19 %) were the most common treatments given. No fatalities were reported. While most patients in this series experienced minor clinical effects, some developed serious effects after ingestion of a mushroom-containing chocolate product. Findings from this study further characterize the limited patient demographics, clinical effects, and outcomes published thus far. Further characterization in a larger cohort of patients could expand on our initial findings and is needed to better identify factors that may influence clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chocolate is a popular food that may affect the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a single dose of dark or milk chocolate on ANS cardiac control during rest and mental stress induced by the Stroop test (ST). Methods: Healthy participants, divided into DARK or MILK chocolate groups, ingested corresponding type of chocolate (1 g/kg body weight). They underwent measurement of ANS during relaxation and ST before and 2 h after chocolate consumption. ANS control was assessed by determination of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability using parameters related to complex autonomic modulation (TP, SDNN) or primary vagal modulation (HFnu, RMSSD). Results: HR was always increased during ST in both groups. Relaxation HR values after chocolate ingestion were higher only in the DARK chocolate group. During ST, values of TP, SDNN and HFnu decreased before and after chocolate ingestion in the DARK group, but only before chocolate ingestion in the MILK group. RMSSD values decreased during ST before and after chocolate ingestion in both groups. Relaxation TP, RMSSD and HFnu values after chocolate ingestion were lower in the DARK but not in the MILK group. Conclusion: The results suggest that even a single dose of milk chocolate attenuates changes in ANS cardiac control induced by mental stress, whereas a single dose of dark chocolate has an activating effect on the heart via modification of ANS cardiac control at rest. Different levels of sugars and cocoa biologically active compounds in the two types of chocolate could explain the observed effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oleogel technology has grown into a substantial research area over the past decade and development through a body of scientific patents and publications. Despite many exciting improvements in structural mechanisms and system development, promoting this technology from a laboratory study into an industrial production is not an easy task. Successful commercialization is predicated on the oleogel being able to adequately replace the various roles played by conventional plastic fats in complex food systems. To this end, certain inevitable limitations, such as poor plasticity, low structural stability, and intricate production procedures, need to be addressed first. This review gives the freedom‐spaces available for product developments and provides a deeper understanding for researchers in the oleogel technology combining both sides of patents and literatures. An insight analysis regarding research trends, hot topics, influences, and technology life cycle of current inventions has been conducted. Current structural strategies, formulations, and implementation scales are also discussed. Finally, future perspectives on the technology are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During food quality control, NIR technology enables the rapid and non-destructive determination of the typical quality characteristics of food categories, their origin, and the detection of potential counterfeits. Over the past 20 years, the NIR results for a variety of food groups—including meat and meat products, milk and milk products, baked goods, pasta, honey, vegetables, fruits, and luxury items like coffee, tea, and chocolate—have been compiled. This review aims to give a broad overview of the NIRS processes that have been used thus far to assist researchers employing non-destructive techniques in comparing their findings with earlier data and determining new research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was the multi-element determination of Ca, Zn, Sr, Ba, Cu, Mn, Mg, and Cr in handmade chocolate samples after extraction induced by emulsion breakage (EIEB) using optical emission spectrometry with plasma induced by microwaves (MIP OES). After study of each parameter, the most efficient extraction conditions were obtained using 0.250 g of sample, 5.0 mL of extraction solution consisting of HNO3 1.5 mol L−1 and Tween 80 1.5% m/v, submitted to an ultrasonic bath for 5 min, followed by breaking the emulsion by heating at 90 °C in a water bath for 4 min. The detection limits obtained, in mg kg−1, were 0.35 (Cr), 0.013 (Zn), 0.064 (Sr), 0.083 (Ca), 0.46 (Fe), 0.010 (Ba), 0.099 (Cu), 0.016 (Mg), and 0.036 (Mn). Precision, based on the relative standard deviation (RSD%), was less than 9.8% (N = 7). The accuracy was confirmed by analyzing the SRM Baking Chocolate 2384 and comparing the proposed method with a calcination method. The method was applied to samples of chocolate bars made in the southern region of Bahia and containing cocoa contents at 50, 58, 60, 63, 70, 80, and 85%. The average results obtained were 328 to 1424 mg kg−1 (Ca), 561 to 2152 mg kg−1 (Mg), 7.8 to 251 mg kg−1 (Cu), 8.5 to 304 mg kg−1 (Mn), 6.22 to 98.32 mg kg−1 (Fe), 8.38 to 80.2 mg kg−1 (Zn), 3.4 to 175 mg kg−1 (Ba), and 2.15 to 12.79 mg kg−1 (Sr). It was observed that as the percentage increases cocoa, there is a tendency to increase the concentration of the studied elements. The developed method has satisfactory precision and accuracy, and is simple, fast and with low consumption of reagents, has good sensitivity, especially when compared to digestion methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this triple-blind, randomized clinical trial, 60 menopausal women between the ages of 45 and 65 were randomized to receive 78% dark chocolate (12 g/day) or milk chocolate (12 g/day) for eight weeks. The primary outcome was depression scores. Secondary outcomes included sleep quality and anthropometric indices. ANCOVA with baseline adjustment showed that the mean depression score after the intervention in the group receiving dark chocolate was significantly reduced compared to the milk chocolate group (mean difference: -2.3; 95% confidence interval: -3.9 to -0.8; p = 0.003; Cohen's d = -0.54). However, no statistically significant difference in the overall sleep quality score and its subdomains was observed between the two groups after the intervention (p > 0.05). Furthermore, after the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of anthropometric indices, including weight (p = 0.075), BMI (p = 0.137), waist circumference (p = 0.463), and hip circumference (p = 0.114). The study suggests that consuming 78% dark chocolate for eight weeks may contribute to improvements in depression scores, but it does not appear to improve sleep quality or anthropometric indices. Trial registration: IRCT20220926056046N1; December 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we discussed covalent and non-covalent reactions between cocoa polyphenols and proteins (milk and cocoa) and the possible effects of these reactions on their bioaccessibility, considering environmental and processing conditions. Better insight into these interactions is crucial for understanding the biological effects of polyphenols, developing nutritional strategies, and improving food processing and storage. Protein-polyphenol reactions affect the properties of the final product and can lead to the formation of various precursors at various stages in the manufacturing process, such as fermentation, roasting, alkalization, and conching. Due to the complex composition of the chocolate and the various technological processes, comprehensive food profiling strategies should be applied to analyze protein-polyphenol covalent reactions covering a wide range of potential reaction products. This will help to identify potential effects on the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds such as low-molecular-weight peptides and polyphenols. To achieve this, databases of potential reaction products and their binding sites can be generated, and the effects of various process conditions on related parameters can be investigated. This would then allow to a deeper insight into mechanisms behind protein-polyphenol interactions in chocolate, and develop strategies to optimize chocolate production for improved nutritional and sensory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of a long-term study aiming to isolate and identify yeast species that inhabit the surface of leaves and fruits of native fine-aroma cacao in the department of Amazonas, Peru, we obtained multiple isolates of Hannaella species. Yeasts of the genus Hannaella are common inhabitants of the phyllosphere of natural and crop plants. On the basis of morphological, and physiological characteristics, and sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene (LSU) and the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), we identified five species of Hannaella from the phyllosphere of Peruvian cacao. Four have been previously described: H. phyllophila (isolates KLG-073, KLG-091), H. pagnoccae (KLG-076), H. sinensis (KLG-121), and H. taiwanensis (KLG-021). A fifth, represented by eight isolates (KLG-034, KLG-063, KLG-074, KLG-078, KLG-79, KLG-082, KLG-084, KLG-085), is not conspecific with any previously described Hannaella species, and forms the sister clade to H. surugaensis in the phylogenetic analysis. It has 2.6–3.9% (18–27 substitutions, 2–4 deletions, and 1–3 insertions in 610–938 bp-long alignments), and 9.8–10.0% nucleotide differences (37 substitutions and 14 insertions in 511–520 bp-long alignments) in the LSU and ITS regions, respectively, to H. surugaensis type strain, CBS 9426. Herein, the new species Hannaella theobromatis sp. nov. is described and characterised. The species epithet refers to its epiphytic ecology on its host Theobroma cacao. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dark chocolate presents exclusive characteristics that make it a food product with worldwide consumption and also as an ingredient in several food industries. Although chocolate is an energy-dense food, it is also rich in bioactive compounds and recent studies have demonstrated health benefits from a moderate consumption. Therefore, the quantification of the bioactive compounds of different types of cocoa, from different geographical origins, is of great importance to recognize the importance of single origin dark chocolate from the nutritional point of view. Dark chocolate produced from Amelonado variety presented higher values of hardness (5592 g), plastic viscosity (2.87 Pa.s) and yield value (12.91 Pa). Both dark chocolates from Peru, Piura Blanco and Chuncho, presented higher results in total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, caffeine and vitamin E. Additionally, sample Piura Blanco presented a higher content of theobromine (720.7 mg/100 g), lactic acid (1153.2 mg/100 g), succinic acid (679.4 mg/100 g) and oxalic acid (468.5 mg/100 g). On the other hand, chocolate from São Tomé presented a higher content of sucrose (38.22%) and SFA (62.38% of total fat). The results obtained demonstrate the existence of heterogeneity in cocoa varieties, supporting decision-makers in the selection of the most suitable cocoa for specific market needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the health concerns associated with high sugar intake, this study investigates methods to enhance sweetness perception in chocolate without increasing its sugar content. Using additive manufacturing, chocolate structures were created from masses with varying sugar and fat compositions, where hazelnut oil served as a partial cocoa butter replacement. The study found that while variations in sugar content minimally affected the physical properties of the chocolate masses, hazelnut oil significantly modified melting behavior and consumption time. Chocolate masses with higher hazelnut oil content but similar sugar content exhibited a 24% increase in sweetness perception, likely due to accelerated tastant (i.e., sucrose) release into saliva. Multiphase structures, designated as layered, cube-in-cube, and sandwich structures, exhibited less sensory differences compared to the homogeneous control. Nonetheless, structures with hazelnut oil-rich outer layers resulted in an 11% increase in sweetness perception, even without sugar gradients. This suggests that tastant release plays a more critical role than structural complexity in modifying sweetness perception. This research highlights the efficacy of simpler multiphase structures, such as sandwich designs, which offer sensory enhancements comparable to those of more complex designs but with reduced manufacturing effort, thus providing viable options for industrial-scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat‐resistant chocolate is of much interest to confectionery companies for marketing in tropical areas. Methods exist to produce heat‐resistant chocolate by exposing the product to high relative humidity (RH) and increased temperatures. The overall objective of this research project was to explore the curing of white chocolate (30% whole milk powder, 44% sucrose, and 26% cocoa butter) to make it heat resistant and able to be picked up at 33 and 55°C. The curing involved storing solid chocolate samples at 83% RH at 29°C for 1 week. Moisture content before and after curing was measured using the Karl Fischer technique. Force required to penetrate (hardness) was measured at 29°C using a texturometer. Curing samples of white chocolate bars at a lower relative humidity (50% RH at 18°C for 12 weeks or 50% RH at 29°C for 12 weeks) also resulted in a heat‐resistant chocolate that exhibited internal structure, as monitored by SEM. The moisture content in heat‐resistant milk chocolate increased from an average value of 0.84% to 4.6% during the curing process. Curing increased the penetration force, indicating the development of internal structure. This study showed that heat resistance in white chocolate can be achieved by curing solid chocolate samples at controlled humidity and temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating the backdrop of the novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this paper provides a brief introduction to the chemical composition of chocolate. It offers a user-friendly explanation of several mainstream 3D printing technologies and their principles, discussing the advantages of food 3D printing in the food manufacturing industry. Furthermore, it places a particular focus on the historical development, working principles, and sensory aspects of chocolate 3D printing. By merging familiar everyday foods with cutting-edge scientific advancements, this article is presented in an easily understandable and reader-friendly manner, effectively serving the purpose of popularizing science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To satisfy the ever-increasing share of consumers who are lactose intolerant, vegan or require foods with less simple sugars, chocolate companies are constantly looking for new formulations. In the present research, the nutritional and sensory profile of two novel chocolates was evaluated. In the first, milk powder was replaced by coconut copra, almond and isolated soy protein, and in the second dark chocolate-based, sucrose was replaced by coconut sugars, stevia and erythritol, resulting in a reduction in calorific value of about 8%. The substitution of milk powder with vegetal ingredients affected the chocolate mineral profile, with high iron and copper concentrations and less potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The vegan samples showed the presence of medium-chain fatty acids from coconut oil, mainly lauric acid. Esters, the group responsible for the fruity aroma, represented mainly by benzaldehyde, furfural and vanillin, were prevalent in the vegan sample. The novel chocolate without added sucrose provides approximately 2182.6 kJ/hg registering a reduction in caloric value of more than 8% compared to the standard sample. In addition, the presence of coconut sugar, with its low glycaemic index (35), made the novel chocolate healthier than plain sucrose-containing dark chocolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In response to the growing demand for healthier food options, this review explores advances in oleogel systems as an innovative solution to reduce saturated fats in chocolates. Although appreciated for its flavor and texture, chocolate is high in calories, mainly due to cocoa butter (CB), which is rich in saturated fats. Oleogels, three-dimensional structures formed by structuring agents in edible oils, stand out in terms of mimicking saturated fats' physical and sensory properties without compromising the quality of chocolate. This study reviews how oleogels could improve chocolate's stability and sensory quality, exploring the potential of pectin-rich agro-industrial by-products as sustainable alternatives. It also explores the need for physicochemical evaluations of both oleogel and oleogel-based chocolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this triple-blind, randomized clinical trial, 60 menopausal women between the ages of 45 and 65 were randomized to receive 78% dark chocolate (12 g/day) or milk chocolate (12 g/day) for eight weeks. The primary outcome was depression scores. Secondary outcomes included sleep quality and anthropometric indices. ANCOVA with baseline adjustment showed that the mean depression score after the intervention in the group receiving dark chocolate was significantly reduced compared to the milk chocolate group (mean difference: -2.3; 95% confidence interval: -3.9 to -0.8; p = 0.003; Cohen’s d = -0.54). However, no statistically significant difference in the overall sleep quality score and its subdomains was observed between the two groups after the intervention (p > 0.05). Furthermore, after the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of anthropometric indices, including weight (p = 0.075), BMI (p = 0.137), waist circumference (p = 0.463), and hip circumference (p = 0.114). The study suggests that consuming 78% dark chocolate for eight weeks may contribute to improvements in depression scores, but it does not appear to improve sleep quality or anthropometric indices. Trial registration: IRCT20220926056046N1; December 2022.

La exposición alimentaria al cadmio (Cd) es un problema de salud global. Actualmente la industria alimentaria da prioridad a la seguridad y calidad de los productos y la Unión Europea (UE) impulso la nueva regulación con el Reglamento 844/2014 y recomienda un límite máximo de Cd de 0.8 mg kg-1 para el chocolate con al menos el 50% de sólidos de cacao que entró en vigor a partir del 2019. Para abordar el problema del cadmio, se han desarrollado diferentes estrategias para mitigar el Cd en el suelo y reducir su concentración en las almendras de cacao en el proceso postcosecha. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo informar de las investigaciones y tecnologías, utilizadas en planes para reducir efectivamente el Cd en el cultivo de cacao y garantizar la calidad e inocuidad del chocolate. Se reporta la biorremediación con el uso de bacterias y hongos para inmovilizar o degradar el Cd en el suelo, la fitorremediación que involucra el uso de plantas para extraer o estabilizar el Cd en el suelo, las enmiendas del suelo orgánicas y biocarbón (biochar) que ayuda a reducir la disponibilidad del Cd. Finalmente se encontraron las técnicas de postcosecha que consisten en procesos como el escurrido del mucílago y la fermentación prolongada para reducir el contenido de Cd en las almendras de cacao.

Iron fortification in the form of ferrous sulfate is associated with several disadvantages, particularly related to the unpleasant after-taste. In this context, ferrous sulfate must be encapsulated by forming solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), which can be applied to fat-based foods such as chocolate bar. Therefore, this study aimed to provide chocolate bar fortified by SLN-ferrous sulfate with good physicochemical characteristics and sensory acceptability. The process was carried out by providing fats rich in monoacylglycerol (MAG) and diacylglycerol (DAG) from coconut stearin as a lipid matrix and emulsifier, fabricating SLN-ferrous sulfate, and fortifying SLN-ferrous sulfate in the chocolate bar at 0% (control), 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%. The results showed that the fortification significantly affected texture, color, iron content, and sensory acceptability. The addition of SLN-ferrous sulfate of 2.5% produced chocolate bar with good physicochemical properties, which were preferred by the panelists. The chocolate bar contained iron reaching 79.23 mg/kg, a small spherulitic crystal microstructure, dominated by stable β-crystals, and no fat bloom was formed. Furthermore, SLN-ferrous sulfate based on fats rich in MAG and DAG from coconut stearin was compatible with good characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Onion skin is generated in high amounts as food waste that is rich in bioactive components. Thus, the valorisation of onion skin waste in food production following suitable methods of treatment can be regarded as a sustainable strategy in terms of nutrition, economy, and environment. Skin waste from onions (Allium cepa) was ground and exposed to dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (DBDCP) at 40 kV for either 0 or 30 min. Then the cold plasma‐treated onion skin powder (OSP) was added to chocolate at a concentration of 0%, 1%, or 2% (w/w). The DBDCP‐induced changes in the microbial load, colour, water content, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity of OSP were assessed. The TPC, antioxidant activity, and sensory properties of the chocolate samples added with OSP were also monitored. Cold plasma treatment increased the TPC and antioxidant activity of OSP, but it did not affect the water content, colour, and microbial load. The antioxidant activity and TPC of the chocolate samples incorporated with DBDCP‐treated OSP at a level of 2% were higher than the samples with or without untreated OSP. However, the samples with 2% DBDCP‐treated OSP demonstrated lower overall acceptability scores compared to samples without OSP. It can be said that cold plasma can be utilised in the treatment of onion skin waste and valorisation of cold plasma‐treated onion skin waste in the production of chocolate to improve its antioxidant properties. Future studies can focus on the enhancement of the sensory properties of onion skin‐added chocolate products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pacific countries of Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu account for less than 2% of the world's cacao dry bean production. To capitalise on the rapidly expanding origin craft cocoa market, understanding the genetic attributes of Theobroma cacao in the Pacific is essential. A six-year ACIAR-funded project collected 1647 dried leaf samples from research stations and smallholder farms to identify the population ancestry of T. cacao in the partner countries. Using SNP marker profiling, the study identified germplasm high in Amelonado, which represents the majority of material throughout the Pacific. However, the study also identified samples high in the remaining nine genetic groups, including Criollo, Nanay, IMC (Iquitos), Guiana, Parinari (Marañón), Nacional, Ucayali (Contamana), LCT EEN (Curaray), and Purus, which were distributed throughout the Pacific. The results, if utilised in local selection trials, could reposition growers in the Pacific countries, allowing them to supply the growing origin craft cocoa market, with genetically unique beans. Cocoa genetics was one aspect of a project incorporating production and postharvest research to refocus the commodity based cocoa industry to a supplier of high-quality beans of unique Pacific cocoa origin to the rapidly expanding craft 'bean to bar' cocoa industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown a correlation between chocolate sensory profile and certain (bio)chemical components. The aim of this study was to examine the sensorial profile and organic acid content of three lab scale chocolate brands produced from different cocoa genotypes. The sensorial evaluation was examined by a team of 12 panelists and evaluation of aroma volatiles was done by means of HS-SPME-GC-MS. On the other hand, organic acids were assessed using a high-performance ion chromatography coupled with an electrochemical detector (HPIC-ED). Results showed a variability in sensorial profile: SCA12×ICS40 chocolate (vanilla/sweet, spicy, and floral), ICS40 × SCA12 chocolate (fruity, bitter, and dry) and SNK16 × T60/887 chocolate (chocolate, honey-like, woody, sweet). Moreover, some aroma volatiles like (2-methyl, 3-methyl, iso) butanal (ICS), terpenes (SCA), and ketones (acetophenone and 2-nonanone) (SNK) allowed to discriminate dark chocolate sample according to their raw cocoa genetic group. Besides, the organic acid content differed from one chocolate brand to another, and it was obtained a high content of oxalic acid and a low lactic acid content which are good indicators of chocolate quality. Results of the current study highly recommend knowing the variety of cocoa beans with high content of some volatiles and high oxalic and low acetic acid and lactic contents to produce high aromatic (special flavor) chocolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Lately, children's daily consumption of some products, such as cereals and candies, has been rising, which provides a compelling rationale for determining any metallic substances that may be present. Monitoring the concentration of certain metals, like nickel, in these products is necessary due to medical issues in humans when consumed regularly. So, in this work, a novel and highly selective carbon paste as a Ni(II) ion-selective sensor was prepared and investigated using ceramic magnesium aluminum spinel nanoparticles as the ionophore and tritolyl phosphate (TOCP) as a plasticizer. A modified co-precipitation method was used to synthesize the spinel nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope with EDAX, transmission electron microscope, and BET surface area were used to determine the phase composition, microstructure, pores size, particle size, and surface area of the synthesized nanoparticles. The spinel nanoparticle was found to have a nano crystallite size with a cubic crystal system, a particle size ranging from 17.2 to 51.52 nm, mesoporous nature (average pore size = 8.72 nm), and a large surface area (61.75 m2/g). The composition ratio of graphite carbon as a base: TOCP as binder: spinal as ionophore was 67.3:30.0:2.7 (wt%) based on potentiometric detections over concentrations from 5.0 × 10−8 to 1.0 × 10−2 mol L−1 with LOD of 5.0 × 10−8 mol L−1. A measurement of 29.22 ± 0.12 mV decade−1 over pH 2.0–7.0 was made for the Nernstian slope. This sensor demonstrated good repeatability over nine weeks and a rapid response of 8 s. A good selectivity was shown for Ni(II) ions across many interferents, tri-, di-, and monovalent cations. The Ni(II) content in spiked real samples, including cocaine, sweets, coca, chocolate, carbonated drinks, cereals, and packages, were measured. The results obtained indicated no significant difference between the proposed potentiometric method and the officially reported ICP method according to the F- and t-test data. In addition to utilizing ANOVA statistical analysis, validation procedures have been implemented, and the results exceed the ICP-MS methodology.

In this study, in order to investigate the effect of gelation on the hardness, oil-holding capacity and rheological properties of oils and fats, oleogels were prepared by mixing coconut oil and/or palm kernel oil as oil base with candelilla wax. The results showed that candelilla wax enhanced the hardness and oil-holding capacity of oils and fats, and it could overall increase the apparent viscosity and modulus, indicating strong gelation. Furthermore, in order to clarify the effects of wax-based oleogels on chocolate quality, chocolate was made with the oleogels as oil base and stored at fluctuating temperatures of 25/32 ℃. The fatty acid and triglyceride composition, color, crystal form and micromorphology of chocolate were analyzed. It was found that gelation resulted in the generation of a new β’ crystal form, and the formation of feather-shaped and spherical crystals inside the crystal; the oil was encapsulated in the dense crystalline network, preventing its migration, retarding the blooming of chocolate and making the chocolate system more stable. In conclusion, this study provides a theoretical basis for the construction of wax-based oleogels and a reference for the development and application of fat substitutes for chocolate.

The market for fine-flavor cocoa provides significant benefits to farmers. However, identifying the sensory qualities of chocolate under specific environmental conditions and measuring how its chemical compounds may be affected by climate differences and postharvesting practices remain a challenge. This study investigates how fermentation time and agroclimatic conditions in Colombia's fine cocoa-producing region of Arauca influence the sensory profile and volatile compound composition (volatilome) of chocolate derived from cocoa beans. Sensory evaluation was conducted on chocolates fermented for 48, 72, 96, and 120 h, revealing that fermentation time critically affects the development of fine-flavor attributes, particularly fruitiness and nuttiness. The optimal fermentation period to enhance these attributes was identified at 96 h, a duration consistently associated with peak fruitiness under all studied climatic conditions. Analysis of 44 volatile compounds identified several key aroma markers, such as acetoin, 1-methoxy-2-propyl acetate, and various pyrazines, which correlate with desirable sensory attributes. These compounds exhibited varying amounts depending on fermentation time and specific agroclimatic conditions, with a 96 h fermentation yielding chocolates with a higher quantity of volatile compounds associated with preferred attributes. Our findings highlight the complex interaction between fermentation processes and agroclimatic factors in determining cocoa quality, providing new insights into optimizing the flavor profiles of chocolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims at the current trends in chocolate ganache production and recipe formulation. Ganache is a blend of chocolate, sugars, dairy, and other ingredients commonly used to fill pralines, pastries, etc. In spite of ganache's popularity in the food industry, a comprehensive review focused on the application of functional substances and ganache processing has not been discussed in the scientific literature. This review addresses the new ways of applying special ingredients, such as vegetable fats and seeds, flavor infusions, oleogels, hemp products, etc., which can be added to the ganache matrix to achieve desirable properties. In particular, the application of sterols and sterol esters as functional substances of oleogels seems to be a very promising method, enhancing the ganache fat profile. The elevated caloric content that is characteristic of ganache can be substantially attenuated through the application of hydrocolloids and/or fruit-based components, thereby offering the potential for caloric reduction without compromising on taste. The various alterations to ganache formulations by the application of natural substances offer a large base for the development of novel ganache variants and relevant food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chocolate has been a part of human consumption for millennia, serving as a confection, medicine and aphrodisiac. Chocolate consumption is increasing worldwide, and independent of the age or social background. The substantial content of chocolate may provide consumers with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiallergenic, and anticarcinogenic benefits. Beyond such properties, diverse bioactive ingredients are utilised in the creation of functional chocolate products aiming at promoting health and meeting the modern consumers' demands and market orientations. These products are primarily focused on enhancing nutraceutical effects, such as antioxidant activity, protein content and prebiotic effects. Additionally, the use of A2 milk powder in chocolate production holds promising expectations towards enhancing the digestibility of the products. Due to the superior affinity of proteolytic enzymes, A2 milk can be digested more easily than A1 milk. In this way, with the addition of A2 milk to chocolate, it may become more easily digestible. The objectives of this review are a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of chocolate consumption, its health benefits, and the contemporary innovations in chocolate production. Additionally, the potential for developing easily digestible, functional chocolates made from A2 milk, which could rejuvenate functional chocolate production, is discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeding (SD) is a chocolate pre-crystallization technique (PT) that serves as a more efficient alternative to conventional tempering (CT), yielding equivalent characteristics within the category of well-tempered chocolate. However, variability in macroscopic quality attributes may persist. This study aims to discern variations among well-tempered chocolates obtained through various configurations of PTs: CT, SD, and a combination of both (CS), focusing on changes during pre-crystallization, solidification, and subsequent storage at 20 °C. The increased yield stress (> 1.2 Pa) of pre-crystallized chocolate in comparison to non-tempered chocolate, melting peak alignment with the β V cocoa butter (CB) polymorph (29–34 °C) after 6-h storage and fat-bloom resistance up to 9 months, affirm the successful integration of different PTs within the well-tempered chocolate category. However, distinct melt⟶2L⟶3L lamellar packing transition mechanisms for each PT were identified in the first hour of solidification through synchrotron-assisted time-resolved X-ray scattering. Varied polymorphic transition and microstructural growth kinetics were also observed over 28 days of storage, as indicated by melting profiles. CS chocolate exhibited limited transition, remaining stable as β V . In contrast, CT and SD underwent rapid microstructural growth with an indication of a small fraction of CB polymorph transitioning to the undesirable β VI CB polymorph (> 34 °C), linked to fat bloom development. Surface topography observation through accelerated shelf-life test at 26 °C over 9 months marked the link with CB crystal microstructural growth, with fat bloom occurring faster on SD chocolate, then CT chocolate, and finally the CS chocolate. These findings highlight the potential to tailor crystallization kinetics by adapting PT to achieve improved product qualities, such as extended fat-bloom resistance or accelerated solidification while remaining within the well-tempered category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many parameters are effective in obtaining optimum rheological and sensory properties in chocolate. Lecithin, ammonium phosphatides (AMP), and less commonly glycerol monopalmitate (GMP) are typically used as emulsifiers to achieve the desired viscosity in chocolate. In addition to these emulsifiers, polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is used as a complement to regulate the yield value in chocolate. In this review, the properties of these additives, their interactions with each other, and the mechanism of their structural improvement functions in chocolate production are discussed. Depending on the type and amount of emulsifier, adjustments can be made to the flow behavior of molten chocolate, textural, melting character, tempering and tempering index, color and other properties of the chocolate. In addition to the use of emulsifiers, other parameters such as particle size distribution, moisture and fat content should also be taken into account, which can affect all these quality parameters. In this regard, the correct selection of the type of emulsifiers used in chocolate production and their combined usage rates will ensure that the demands of producers and consumers are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The judgment of the Beijing Internet Court recognizing copyrightability of AI-generated images is flawed for three reasons. First, the judgment treats generative AI as a tool of creation akin to a brush, camera or Photoshop. But generative AI is not a passive means for the author to implement the act of creation that directly produce works; instead, it is actively involved in the decision-making process of the substance of the resulting content. Second, the judgment attaches much importance to the creative nature of the text prompts and other inputs of the user of generative AI, while it fails to make the analysis within the framework of the idea/expression dichotomy. Different generative AI systems, and even the same generative AI, may generate completely different images based on exactly the same 'user's inputs'. This fact shows that 'user's inputs' are an unprotectable idea in relation to the outcome of the AI production, because a single creative and original idea may lead to a large number of expressions. Third, while acknowledging that the relationship between generative AI and its users is akin to the relationship between the commissioned party and the commissioner during the creation of a painting, the judgment wrongly attributes user's authorship of AI-generated content to AI's lack of free will and legal personality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we studied chocolate with 100% cocoa without lecithin and traces of milk in the form of chips. The data obtained are in accordance with those obtained from the specialized literature. This article proposes two relations of dependence of log dynamic viscosity on log shear rate. The relations determined by second-order polynomial and exponential fitting can be successfully applied to confectionery products because the obtained correlation coefficients are close to unity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lately, children's daily consumption of some products, such as cereals and candies, has been rising, which provides a compelling rationale for determining any metallic substances that may be present. Monitoring the concentration of certain metals, like nickel, in these products is necessary due to medical issues in humans when consumed regularly. So, in this work, a novel and highly selective carbon paste as a Ni(II) ion-selective sensor was prepared and investigated using ceramic magnesium aluminum spinel nanoparticles as the ionophore and tritolyl phosphate (TOCP) as a plasticizer. A modified co-precipitation method was used to synthesize the spinel nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope with EDAX, transmission electron microscope, and BET surface area were used to determine the phase composition, microstructure, pores size, particle size, and surface area of the synthesized nanoparticles. The spinel nanoparticle was found to have a nano crystallite size with a cubic crystal system, a particle size ranging from 17.2 to 51.52 nm, mesoporous nature (average pore size = 8.72 nm), and a large surface area (61.75 m2/g). The composition ratio of graphite carbon as a base: TOCP as binder: spinal as ionophore was 67.3:30.0:2.7 (wt%) based on potentiometric detections over concentrations from 5.0 × 10−8 to 1.0 × 10−2 mol L−1 with LOD of 5.0 × 10−8 mol L−1. A measurement of 29.22 ± 0.12 mV decade−1 over pH 2.0–7.0 was made for the Nernstian slope. This sensor demonstrated good repeatability over nine weeks and a rapid response of 8 s. A good selectivity was shown for Ni(II) ions across many interferents, tri-, di-, and monovalent cations. The Ni(II) content in spiked real samples, including cocaine, sweets, coca, chocolate, carbonated drinks, cereals, and packages, were measured. The results obtained indicated no significant difference between the proposed potentiometric method and the officially reported ICP method according to the F- and t-test data. In addition to utilizing ANOVA statistical analysis, validation procedures have been implemented, and the results exceed the ICP-MS methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

An increasing number of studies have shown that several factors other than food and drink itself, such as design of packaging, cutlery and plateware, slightly but significantly affect taste/flavor perception of food and drink. This study aimed to broaden the knowledge by investigating the influence of the color of the plateware both on expectation and perception of chocolate taste/flavor by applying a between-participants design. Participants (48 Japanese university students) were presented with four different chocolates, and rated their expected (pre-tasting) and perceived (post-tasting) taste/flavor of the chocolates. While half of the participants were presented with the chocolates on red platewares, the other half on black platewares. The results showed that, whereas the chocolates were expected as more bitter when presented on the red plateware than the black plateware, they were perceived as sweeter when tasted from the red plateware than the black plateware. The observed discrepancy between pre-tasting expectation and post-tasting perception cannot be simply explained by sensation transference (i.e., expectation assimiliation), which would have predict that both expected and percieved sweetness would be enhanced in the red plateware condition. Possible explanations and practical implications are also discussed. Plain language summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the color of plateware on taste perception of chocolates. Participants were asked to taste and evaluate chocolates either from a red or black plateware. Even though the chocolates were expected as more bitter when presented on the red plateware, they were perceived as sweeter when tasted from the red plateware than the black plateware. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate changes in flow behavior of chocolate during chocolate grinding using a stone grinder as affected by chocolate formulation. Three different types of chocolates were evaluated. Two chocolates without milk added (70% chocolate) and two chocolates with milk added and with different amounts of cocoa nibs (30% chocolate and 14% chocolate) were tested. For the 70% chocolates, nibs of two different origins were used; therefore, a total of four samples were evaluated. Chocolates were processed in a stone grinder, and samples were taken as a function of grinding time. For each timepoint, the flow behavior of the samples was measured using a rotational rheometer and fitted to the Casson model. Particle size was measured using a laser scattering instrument. Results showed that yield stress increased linearly while the Casson plastic viscosity decreased exponentially with grinding time (smaller particles). Particle size distribution of the chocolates showed a prominent bimodal distribution for short grinding times (∼9 h) with small (∼15 µm) and large (∼100 µm) particles; with longer grinding time, the population of larger particles decreased. Yield stress values were higher for the 70% chocolate, but they were not very different between the two milk chocolates tested. The Casson plastic viscosity was greatest for the 70% chocolate, followed by the 30% chocolate. The 14% chocolate had the lowest Casson plastic viscosity. Changes of Casson plastic viscosity with particle size were more evident for the dark chocolates compared to the milk ones. These results are helpful to small chocolate producers who need better understanding of how the formulation and grinding of chocolate affect its flow behavior, which will ultimately affect chocolate handling during production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to produce chocolate using roasted (RB) and unroasted cocoa beans (URB). The effect of roasting on the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) values], phenolic compounds, caffeine, oxidative stability [free fatty acid, peroxide, conjugated dienes, conjugated trienes, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)], Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) analysis of both cocoa beans and chocolate samples were analyzed. According to the results, the TPC of URB (24.96 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g sample) was higher than roasted beans (21.32 mg GAE/g sample). Similar results were also seen in the TPC of chocolate samples. Although roasting did not affect the DPPH scavenging activity and caffeine content of cocoa beans, it decreased FRAP and CUPRAC values. (-)-Epicatechin and chlorogenic acid values were higher in unroasted bean and chocolate samples, but the amount of gallic acid increased with the roasting process. Free fatty acid, peroxide, conjugated dienes, conjugated trienes, and TBARS results of unroasted samples were lower than roasted ones, indicating better oxidative stability. The melting temperatures of cocoa beans changed with roasting while it was similar between chocolate samples. Composition of the beans and the chocolate samples were qualitatively determined with FTIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bifidobacteria are widely acclaimed probiotic bacteria, however, the fragile nature of the bacteria has rendered its delivery through food products a challenge. The aim of the present study was to develop probiotic dark chocolate by incorporating Bifidobacterium breve NCIM5671. The probiotic chocolate was prepared by adding B. breve to dark chocolate at the final tempering stage. The chocolate was evaluated for the viability of B. breve upon preparation and during storage period of 90 days. The effect of addition of B. breve on physiological parameters of chocolate such as color, texture, rheology, melting profile, and sensory profile was also determined. The probiotic chocolate developed retained viability of B. breve (9 log CFU/g) for a period of 90 days. No significant differences were observed in physiological parameters of probiotic chocolate compared to control chocolate. Overall the probiotic dark chocolate was found to be a suitable matrix for delivery of B. breve NCIM5671. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted to investigate the motivations and attitudes of consumers to choose chocolate and their effects on purchase intention. For this purpose, the effects of health variables, mood, weight control, chocoholism, sensory, packing, price, and brand trust on the purchase intention of chocolate have been investigated using the structural equation model. The results of this research indicate that only the variable of mood has a positive and significant effect on chocoholism. Additionally, the variables of brand trust, packaging, and price have a positive, direct, and significant impact on the intention to purchase chocolate. Mood and packaging stood out with a notable difference, indicating that these two factors are especially important from the consumer's perspective. Furthermore, attractive packaging has the ability to attract the attention of consumers and convey important information about the product, including taste, ingredients, and nutritional value. Also, most consumers buy chocolate products from their trusted brands, so in this case, famous and reliable brands usually have an advantage, price sensitivity is different in consumer groups. These factors are often interrelated and their importance may vary depending on individual preferences, demographics, and market trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the daily consumption of 50 g of chocolate with 85% cocoa content and the severity of acne lesions. Methods: The study involved 92 participants with acne who were divided into two groups, A (n = 51) and B (n = 41). In the first week, both groups had to follow an anti-inflammatory diet (AID), then for the next 4 weeks, group A continued on with the AID, and group B followed an AID with chocolate. After this time, group B started a 4-week AID without chocolate, and group A started a 4-week AID with chocolate. The severity of acne lesions was assessed using the Investigator's Static Global Assessment scale, where zero points indicated no lesions and five points indicated severe acne. Results: As a result of the consumption of 50 g of chocolate, a statistically significant intensification of acne lesions was observed in both groups. After 4 weeks of following the chocolate diet, the severity of acne lesions increased from 2.5 ± 0.7 to 3.4 ± 0.8 points (p < 0.0001) in group A, and from 2.4 ± 0.7 to 3.5 ± 0.6 points (p < 0.0001) in group B. Overall, chocolate intake contributed to the exacerbation of acne lesions by one point in 65 participants, by two points in 13 participants and by three points in one participant. Conclusions: The obtained results suggest that daily consumption of 50 g of chocolate with 85% cocoa content, even with an anti-inflammatory diet, may intensify acne lesions in this study group. However, it remains unclear which chocolate components may lead to the exacerbation of acne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lecithin is constituted of a glycerophospholipid mixture and is abundantly used as an emulsifying agent in various food applications including chocolate production. However, overconsumption of lecithin may create an adverse effect on human health. Thus, this study aims to replace the lecithin with plant‐based gums. Different ratios of guar and arabic gum (25%–75%) and their blend (25%–75%) were employed as partial replacement of lecithin. Milk chocolate prepared using 40% guar gum (60GGL [guar gum, lecithin]), 25% arabic gum (75AGL [arabic gum, lecithin]), and a blend of 15 arabic gum and 10 guar gum (65AGGL [arabic gum, guar gum, lecithin]) showed similar rheological behavior as compared to control chocolate (100% lecithin). The fat content of 65AGGL (37.85%) was significantly lower than that of the control sample (43.37%). Rheological behavior exhibited shear‐thinning behavior and samples (60GGL‐75GGL‐80GGL, 65AGL‐75AGL, and 65AGGL‐75AGGL) showed similar rheological properties as compared to control. The chocolate samples (60GGL and 65AGGL) showed significantly (p <.05) higher hardness values (86.01 and 83.55 N) than the control (79.95 N). As well, gum‐added chocolates exhibited higher thermal stability up to 660°C as compared to the control sample. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed predominant β‐(1 → 4) and β‐(1 → 6) glycosidic linkages of the gums and lecithin. Sensory evaluation revealed a comparable score of gum‐added milk chocolate in comparison to control samples in terms of taste, texture, color, and overall acceptance. Thus, plant exudate gums could be an excellent alternative to lecithin in milk chocolate, which can enhance the textural properties and shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the effect of the addition of quince and collagen type I and III to dessert chocolate on its functional properties was determined. The study evaluated the antioxidant potential of the tested formulations using the FRAP method and the linoleic acid oxidation test and beta-carotene bleaching test. The tested samples were also evaluated for inhibitory activity against enzymes important in preventive health (inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders) namely: AChE, BChE, GR, GPx, COX, and SOD. The addition of quince and collagen to the chocolate samples resulted in higher activity compared to the control sample, as indicated by the FRAP test. The experiment highlighted the impact of including quince fruit on the antioxidant activity of the chocolate samples. Interestingly, merely increasing the quince fruit amount did not consistently enhance antioxidant potential. Specifically, chocolate samples with a lower proportion of quince fruit (2 g/100 g) exhibited greater antioxidant activity when supplemented with collagen I. Conversely, in samples with higher quince percentages (3 g and 4 g), those enriched with collagen III showed higher antioxidant activity. Similar correlations were observed in the linoleic acid oxidation test. Notably, samples containing 3 g and 4 g of quince and type III collagen demonstrated statistically similar highest antioxidant properties. Regardless of the collagen type used, there was no observed increase in activity towards the tested enzymes for samples with the lowest percentage of quince fruit. Both collagen types exhibited the highest activity in the inhibition assay against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase when combined with 3 g and 4 g of quince. Overall, the experimental incorporation of both fruit and collagen enhanced the chocolates' activity. Similarly to the antioxidant activity findings, chocolates with lower quince fruit quantities showed increased activity when supplemented with collagen III, while those with higher quince content (3 g and 4 g) displayed higher activity with collagen I. Bitter chocolate by itself is an attractive food product, rich in many bioactive compounds. However, enriching it with other attractive raw materials can make its properties and taste even more attractive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The first archaeological mentions of cacao date back nearly 4,000 years and were discovered by researchers in Central America and Mexico. Chocolate is a compound that contains milk powder, cocoa, sugar, vanilla sugar and water. This article presents two rheological equations determined by the method of least squares and whose coefficients depend on the chocolate concentration and temperature. We used a DV-3P Anton Paar digital rotational viscometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White chocolate primarily consists of cocoa butter, sugar, and powdered milk. The addition of probiotics can imbue the new product with functionality, enhancing its commercial appeal. In this regard, the aim of this study was to encapsulate Lactobacillus helveticus in a polymeric matrix (milk powder/maltodextrin/trehalose/fructooligosaccharide/starch) using spray drying and incorporate it into white chocolate. The survival of the encapsulated probiotic was evaluated under different simulated conditions, including variations in pH, sucrose concentration, and temperature, and in the chocolate matrix, survival during storage at 22 °C was assessed. The stored chocolate samples were analyzed for color, pH, acidity, water activity, moisture, probiotic viability, and mathematical modeling of the estimation of probiotic viability during storage at 22 °C. The highest viability of the encapsulated probiotics in a polymeric matrix was 99% after spray drying at 110 °C. The microcapsules had a medium size of 3.04 μm. The encapsulated probiotics displayed stability following a 3 h incubation under simulated conditions, including pH levels of 4.5 and 7.0, at 37 °C, and in solutions with 10% and 25% (w/v) sucrose, retaining a viability exceeding 98%. The Weibull model allowed us to estimate the survival of free and encapsulated probiotic cells in white chocolate, showing them to be viable in sufficient quantity to provide potential consumer health benefits (> 6 log CFU/g) for 90 and 130 days of storage at 22 °C, respectively. Consequently, the findings of this study lay the groundwork for future applications in encapsulating lactic acid bacteria within a polymeric matrix with prebiotic attributes, as well as for large-scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the color and the discriminating compounds for two types of cocoa beans (black and brown beans) related to 70% dark chocolates of black and brown colors from a previous work of our group.MethodsColor analysis and untargeted high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis were performed on eight beans of each type. Mass spectral data processing, univariate and multivariate statistical methods were conducted for classification of beans and selection of discriminant features.Results and discussionThe results showed that the color difference already observed for black and brown chocolates preexists in the beans. Black and brown beans had 45 and 50 discriminant features, respectively, of which 16 and 41 were phenolic compounds. Most of them were also previously identified as discriminating compounds for black and brown chocolates. Black beans predominantly contained glycosylated flavanols, ranging from monomers to trimers, with dimers and trimers being A-type procyanidins, along with a phenolic acid (protocatechuic acid), and an O-glycosylated flavonol (quercetin-3-O-glucoside). In contrast, brown beans mostly contained non-glycosylated B-type procyanidins ranging from dimers to decamers, but also dimers and trimers of A-type procyanidins, and a glycosylated and sulfated flavanol ((epi) catechin hexoside-sulfate). These markers may be useful for quality control purposes and may contribute to the selection of beans that yield black or brown dark chocolates.

Salmonella in raw cocoa beans (n = 870) from main sourcing areas over nine months was analyzed. It was detected in 71 (ca. 8.2%) samples, with a contamination level of 0.3–46 MPN/g except for one sample (4.1 × 104 CFU/g). Using prevalence and concentration data as input, the impact of thermal treatment in cocoa processing on the risk estimate of acquiring salmonellosis by a random Belgian chocolate consumer was calculated by a quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) approach. A modular process risk model from raw cocoa beans to cocoa liquor up to a hypothetical final product (70–90% dark chocolate tablet) was set up to understand changes in Salmonella concentrations following the production process. Different thermal treatments during bean or nib steam, nib roasting, or liquor sterilization (achieving a 0–6 log reduction of Salmonella) were simulated. Based on the generic FAO/WHO Salmonella dose–response model and the chocolate consumption data in Belgium, salmonellosis risk per serving and cases per year at population level were estimated. When a 5 log reduction of Salmonella was achieved, the estimated mean risk per serving was 3.35 × 10−8 (95% CI: 3.27 × 10−10–1.59 × 10−7), and estimated salmonellosis cases per year (11.7 million population) was 88 (95% CI: