Textural and structural properties of a κ ‐carrageenan–konjac gum mixed gel: effects of κ ‐carrageenan concentration, mixing ratio, sucrose and Ca 2+ concentrations and its application in milk pudding

Background Mixtures of carrageenan and konjac gum are useful for specific applications in gel-based foods. Focusing on the changes of textural and structural properties, the effects of κ-carrageenan and konjac ratio and sucrose and Ca2+ concentrations on mixed gels were studied in this research. Furthermore, application of κ-carrageenan-konjac gum mixed gel to milk puddings was investigated. Results There was a better synergistic effect when the ratio of κ-carrageenan and konjac was 7:3. The mixed gel containing 10 g kg-1 κ-carrageenan-konjac gum was characterized by higher hardness, chewiness, adhesiveness and resilience and denser network structure. Besides, the addition of 5-10 wt% sucrose or 0.02 wt% Ca2+ could enhance the hardness, chewiness and adhesiveness of the mixed gel, as well as affording a denser network structure. For milk pudding, moderate hardness, chewiness and resilience could be obtained by adding 1.5 g kg-1 κ-carrageenan-konjac gum mixture. Conclusions This research provides useful information for the formation of κ-carrageenan-konjac gum gel and its application in milk pudding. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.