Effect of hydrocolloids on gluten-free batter properties and bread quality

The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of the addition of different hydrocolloids on gluten-free batter properties and bread quality and to obtain information about the relationship between dough consistency and bread quality. Breads were made of rice, corn and soy flours and 158% water. Following hydrocolloids were added: carrageenan (C), alginate (Al), xanthan gum (XG), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and gelatine (Gel). Batter consistency, bread specific volume (SV), crumb analysis, crust colour, crumb hardness and staling rate were determined. Hydrocolloids increased batter consistencies: the highest value was obtained with XG, which doubled that of control batter, followed by CMC. Breads with hydrocolloid presented higher SV than control, especially with XG whose SV was 18.3% higher than that of control bread. A positive correlation was found between SV and batter consistency (r = 0.94; P < 0.05). Crumbs with Gel, XG and CMC presented higher cell average size. XG and CMC crumbs looked spongier. Breads containing hydrocolloid evidenced lighter crusts. Crumb firmness was decreased by XG and CMC addition, and staling rate was slower. Overall, XG was the hydrocolloid that most improved gluten-free bread quality. These results show that, in formulations with high water content, batter consistency is strongly associated with bread volume.