Evaluation of Different Carrier Agents with Respect to Physico-Chemical, Functional and Morphological Characteristics of Spray Dried Nutritionally Rich Honey Powder

The effect of three carriers viz. whey protein concentrate (WPC), gum arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) on physicochemical, functional and morphological characteristics of spray dried honey powder enriched with aonla (Emblica officinalis. Gaertn) and basil (Ocimum sanctum) extract to improve antioxidant activity and vitamin C content was studied. All three carrier agents increased the antioxidant properties and also significantly affected the flow behavior characteristics of honey powder. Highest product recovery of 65.10% was obtained from WPC. Tapped density, hygroscopicity and caking strength of the powders were decreased significantly (P<0.05) in order of WPC