Targeted precursor addition to increase baked flavour in a low-acrylamide potato-based matrix

The aim of this study was to increase the baked flavour of low-acrylamide potato products. Strecker aldehydes and pyrazines make an important contribution to the flavour of potato products and are formed alongside acrylamide in the Maillard reaction. However, the Maillard reaction can be directed in favour of aroma formation by selecting appropriate precursors and intermediates based on the fundamental chemistry involved. Selected precursors were added to potato dough prior to baking. Addition of glycine and alanine together doubled high impact pyrazines and addition of 2,3-pentanedione or 3,4-hexanedione also promoted the formation of key trisubstituted pyrazines. Quantitative descriptive profiling of sensory attributes indicated that baked flavour was increased most when both Strecker aldehydes and pyrazines were increased together. This work shows that it is possible to enhance baked flavour in low-acrylamide products by adding a specifically targeted combination of amino acids and key intermediates, without increasing acrylamide concentration.

Automated summary

This study aimed to enhance the baked flavor of low-acrylamide potato products by adding specific amino acids and key intermediates. The results showed that increasing both Strecker aldehydes and pyrazines together led to the highest increase in baked flavor. This work highlights the possibility of improving flavor without increasing acrylamide concentration.