Effect of microalgae incorporation on the physicochemical, nutritional, and sensorial properties of an innovative broccoli soup

The aim of this paper was to develop broccoli soups enriched in Spirulina sp., Chlorella sp., or Tetraselmis sp., at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 2.0% (w/v), and to assess the effect of microalgae incorporation on their quality and acceptance. Incorporation of freeze-dried microalgae biomass into the broccoli soup resulted in lower L* values, especially after incorporation of Spirulina sp. and Chlorella sp. Microalgae incorporation also led to an increased content of polyphenols and to a higher antioxidant capacity. Microalgae-containing soups showed a higher amount of bioaccessible polyphenols, calculated after a simulated gastrointestinal digestion (ranging between 32.9 +/- 1.1 and 45.6 +/- 0.5 mg/100 mL). The acceptability index of soups formulated using lower microalgae concentrations was over 70% suggesting that the soups would be well accepted. Indeed, the purchase intention of the soups containing microalgae at 0.5% (w/v) ranged between 3.4 and 4.1 (assessed using a 5-point hedonic scale).