Development of baked snack with fats and proteins powder mixtures as a fresh cheese substitute

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate powder mixtures as substitutes of fresh cheese in traditional manufacturing of a baked snack, due to the cheese variability in its quality properties and its high cost. In the cheese substitute powder mixtures, protein was varied with sodium caseinate/whey protein ratios in ranges from 7.33 to 13.29 and the fat with lecithin/microencapsulated vegetable fat (MVF) ratios from 1.5 to 4. The optimal formulation according to the textural properties was the one composed of sodium caseinate/whey protein ratio of 7.84 and lecithin/MVF ratio of 4. The optimum was compared with a snack control sample prepared in a traditional way using fresh cheese and its porosity, specific volume, texture, microstructure, composition and sensory characteristics were measured, as well as the texture during 30 days of storage. Significant differences were found regarding porosity, specific volume and microstructure. During storage the hardness of both samples increased; however, the control always showed less resistance to cutting and puncture. Snacks made with the powder mixture had higher protein content and less fat; however, its sensory acceptance by consumers was lower compared to traditional samples.