Evaluation of mannitol and xylitol on the quality of wheat flour and extruded flour products.

Summary: Effects of polyols (mannitol and xylitol) on physical properties, pasting properties and dynamic rheological properties of wheat flour and the microstructure, water activity (Aw), radial expansion ratio (ER), oil absorption rate (OAR) and texture of extruded flour products were evaluated in this work. The results show that both mannitol and xylitol can promote gluten network formation, enhance tensile resistance and increase the storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G'') of the dough. More dense and uniform particles were also found on the surface of extruded flour products in the presence of polyols by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the Aw, hardness and chewiness were reduced while the ER and ORA were increased for extruded flour products by incorporation of polyols. Thus, the extruded flour products with improved quality by polyols exhibit great application prospect in food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]