Evaluation of physicochemical properties and viability of starter culture of liquid cheese whey-based frozen yogurts supplemented with inulin

ABSTRACT: The study aimed to analyze the physicochemical properties and starter culture viability of frozen yogurts produced with liquid cheese whey (LCW) and inulin at different proportions (F0: 66% LCW and 0% inulin; F1: 65% LCW and 1% inulin; F2: 64% LCW and 2% inulin; F3: 62% LCW and 4% inulin). Results demonstrated that the frozen yogurt F3 presented higher total solids and carbohydrates levels. LCW and inulin contributed to the overrun increase (11.8-18.2%) but did not interfere significantly in the retardation of the melting rate and range in the samples’ hardness. Over the storage time, formulation F3 showed lower pH and higher titratable acidity. However, from the sixtieth day of storage, the formulations of frozen yogurts varied in the pH and titratable acidity profile associated with the decline in the viability of starter cultures. Even so, the inulin supplementation positively affected the strains’ viability during storage. Based on our data, the formulation F3 presented better nutritional value, physicochemical characteristics, and stability over the storage period.