Enrichment of Milk Chocolate by Using EPA and DHA Originated from Various Origins: Effects on Product Quality

In this study, milk chocolate was enriched with different forms of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA after conching process followed by tempering process. Total EPA and DHA contents of the milk chocolate samples increased to 168.1 and 13.8mg/25g chocolate, respectively. The main quality properties (melting, rheological, textural colour, a(w) and sensory) of the milk chocolate samples were also determined. Viscosity and yield stress values of molten milk chocolates ranged between 7685-15,600mPas and 79.1-237.5Pa, respectively. The results indicated that rheological parameters were influenced by the addition of various forms of EPA/DHA sources in different levels (P<0.05). Also, EPA/DHA source component addition did not significantly affect the T-onset and T-end of the samples. According to the sensory analysis results, chocolate with microencapsulated form of EHA/DHA source had the highest overall acceptance among the enriched chocolate samples. Usage potential of milk chocolate as a delivery agent of EPA and/or DHA was confirmed.