Textural, Color and Sensory Features of Spelt Wholegrain Snack Enriched with Betaine

The influence of different extrusion parameters, including screw speed (250-750 rpm), feed rate (15-25 kg/h) and feed moisture content (15-25%), on the textural and color properties of spelt wholegrain snack products produced on a co-rotating twin-screw extruder with added betaine was investigated. In order to determine the relative influence of input variables in the artificial neural network (ANN) model, Yoon's interpretation method was used, and it was concluded that feed moisture content has the greatest influence on L* values, while screw speed has the greatest influence on a* and b* values. The softest samples were obtained at the lowest moisture content. Sensory analysis was carried out on selected samples, and it showed that betaine addition did not intensify the bitter taste. The sample with the largest expansion exhibited the lowest hardness and chewiness before and after immersion in milk, and this sample is the most suitable for enrichment with betaine.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of different extrusion parameters on the texture and color properties of spelt wholegrain snack products with added betaine. It was found that feed moisture content had the greatest influence on L* values, while screw speed had the greatest influence on a* and b* values. Additionally, the addition of betaine did not intensify the bitter taste.