Quinoa flour as a skim milk powder replacer in concentrated yogurts: Effect on their physicochemical, technological, and sensory properties

Milk standardization with solids (i.e., nonfat milk solids, MSNF) for yogurt manufacture is traditionally achieved by the addition of skim milk powder (SMP). However, the addition of SMP to milk-based yogurt increases lactose content and decreases both protein content and gel firmness. Thus, in this work, quinoa flour (QF; 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% w/w) was used to replace SMP in concentrated yogurt. The physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties and microstructure of the yogurt were evaluated during cold storage. Generally, protein content, water-holding capacity, and L* value decreased, while syneresis, textural attributes, and viscosity increased with increasing QF content. The substitution of high levels of QF (>25%, w/w) for SMP led to significantly shorter fermentation times, as compared to the control sample. The scanning electron microscopy observations showed significant changes in the yogurt microstructure as a consequence of QF replacement. Samples with 25% (w/w) substitution of QF and control had the highest scores in overall acceptance. According to the results, QF could be applied as an interesting raw material for concentrating the milk-based yogurt at substitution level of 25% (w/w).

Automated summary

This study found that replacing skim milk powder with quinoa flour in concentrated yogurt production improved texture, taste, and fermentation time, with the best results achieved at a substitution level of 25%.