Development and characterization of dehydrated peanut–cowpea milk powder for use as a dairy milk substitute in chocolate manufacture

A Review of Plant-Based Drinks Addressing Nutrients, Flavor, and Processing Technologies

Plant-based drinks have garnered significant attention as viable substitutes for traditional dairy milk, providing options for individuals who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy proteins, and those who adhere to vegan or vegetarian diets. In recent years, demand for plant-based drinks has expanded rapidly. Each variety has unique characteristics in terms of flavor, texture, and nutritional composition, offering consumers a diverse range of choices tailored to meet individual preferences and dietary needs. In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the various types of plant-based drinks and explore potential considerations including their nutritional compositions, health benefits, and processing technologies, as well as the challenges facing the plant-based drink processing industry. We delve into scientific evidence supporting the consumption of plant-based drinks, discuss their potential roles in meeting dietary requirements, and address current limitations and concerns regarding their use. We hope to illuminate the growing significance of plant-based drinks as sustainable and nutritious alternatives to dairy milk, and assist individuals in making informed choices regarding their dietary habits, expanding potential applications for plant-based drinks, and providing necessary theoretical and technical support for the development of a plant-based drink processing industry.

Physicochemical Properties and Characterization of a New Product: Spray Dried Hempseed Milk

The objective of the present study was to investigate the physicochemical properties and powder characterization of hempseed milk powders obtained by whole hempseed and cold-pressed whole hempseed paste (de-oiled). Whole hempseed and de-oiled hempseed paste were used to produce plant based milk powder applying spray drying process. The influence of oil content on physicochemical features, emulsion and rheological properties of the powders was examined. Results showed that dry content, total protein, loose density, tapped density, viscosity, foaming capacity and foaming stability of sprayed-powders produced in milk obtained using whole and de-oiled hemp seeds were not statistically different from each other (p > 0.05). By using de-oiled hempseed cake in feed solution preparation, spray dryer process efficiency increased from 31 to 44% without using any carrier agents. Hempseed powder product with improved properties such as apparent density, solubility, hygroscopicity and emulsion stability index was obtained.

Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Yoba Fermentation on Physicochemical Properties, Amino Acids, and Antioxidant Activity of Cowpea-Peanut Milk

The global renewed interest in plant-based milk and products is increasing amongst health-conscious consumers. There is increased utilisation of generic probiotics in the processing of legume milk as alternatives to dairy milk are scarce in Africa. This study evaluated the probiotic potential, physicochemical, and sensory properties of novel fermented cowpea-peanut milk with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Yoba. A 3 × 1 factorial design as ratio of cowpea-peanut milk (1 : 1, 2 : 1, 3 : 1v/v) and the application of 2% w/v L. rhamnosus Yoba obtained from Yoba for Life Foundation, Netherlands, was used. The chemical and mineral contents of the fermented cowpea-peanut milk was analysed using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Quality parameters such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging rate, total antioxidant activity, antinutrient, and amino acids content were determined. The fermented cowpea-peanut milk samples had 7.7–8.1 log CFU/mL viable L. rhamnosus Yoba cells after fermentation. Nutrient content range was given in g/100 g: carbohydrate 5.18–6.05, crude fat 3.3–3.5, crude protein 5.6–7.1, ash 1.04–1.26, crude fibre 0.72–1.18, and total reducing sugars 1.80–2.20. Lysine, leucine, and methionine content was 6.30–7.31, 6.60–8.75, and 1.7–1.86 g/100 g, respectively. Phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor content range was 0.3–0.34 mg/100 g and 0.86–1.12 TIU/mg, respectively. Iron and potassium content (mg/100 g) was 0.48–0.58 and 202–243 with pH 4.1–4.2. DPPH free radical scavenging, and total antioxidant rate was 56–59% and 49–54%, respectively. Physicochemical parameters were significantly different ( $p$  < 0.05). The fermented cowpea-peanut milk had an acceptance rating of 78%. The successful application and consumer acceptability of the fermented cowpea-peanut milk has the potential to increase the utilisation of these legumes and enhance their market value.

Analysis of the effect of recent reformulation strategies on the crystallization behaviour of cocoa butter and the structural properties of chocolate

Chocolate is a complex soft material characterized by solid particles (cocoa powder, milk solid particles and sugar crystals) dispersed in a crystallized fat matrix mostly composed of cocoa butter (CB). Important chocolate properties such as snap, and visual appearance are strongly dependent on the internal molecular arrangement (polymorph), size and shape, as well as the spatial distribution of CB crystals within the chocolate mix. In recent years confectionary companies have put increasing effort in developing novel chocolate recipes to improve the nutritional profile of chocolate products (e.g., by reducing the amount of high saturated fat and sugar content) and to counteract the increasing price of cocoa butter as well as sustainability issues related to some chocolate ingredients. Different reformulation strategies can dramatically affect the crystallization thermodynamic and kinetic behaviour of cocoa butter; therefore, affecting the structural and sensorial properties of chocolate. In this review we analyse how different reformulation strategies affect the crystallization behaviour of cocoa butter and, hence, the structural and sensorial properties of chocolate. In particular, this work discusses the effect of: (1) CB replacement with emulsions, hydrogels, oleogels and oleofoams; (2) CB dilution with limonene or cocoa butter equivalents; (3) replacement or reduction of the amount of sugar and milk in chocolate. We found that there is certainly potential for successful novel alternative chocolate products with controlled crystalline properties; however, further research is still needed to ensure sensory acceptance and reasonable shelf-life of these novel products.

Sensory Acceptability and Proximate Composition of 3-Blend Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives

Limitations of plant-based dairy alternatives as sustainable foods are their relatively low protein content and low sensory appeal. In this study, we used a consumer-led product development approach to improve the sensory appeal of existing prototypes of 3-blend dairy alternatives produced from melon seeds, peanuts and coconut. We used Relative Preference Mapping (RPM) and consumer acceptance testing using the 9-point hedonic scale to respectively identify innovative flavours and deduce the effect of ingredient components on consumer sensory appeal. Mixture design was used as the formulation tool to obtain optimized prototypes of the 3-blend dairy alternatives. Proximate analysis of the new prototypes, instrumental color assessment and consumer testing provided a basis to select a sustainable 3-blend dairy alternative. This prototype had a relatively high protein content (2.16%), was considered innovative by target consumers and also had a moderate liking score (6.55 ± 1.88) on the 9-point hedonic scale. Prototypes with higher protein content had low sensory appeal and were not considered innovative. Other prototypes with innovative sensory appeal had low protein content. By combining different plant raw materials and utilizing different sensory testing methods, we were able to design sustainable plant-based dairy alternatives which can be further optimized.

Characterization of Hazelnut Milk Powders: A Comparison of Spray-Drying and Freeze-Drying

Production of hazelnut milk powder (HMP) was investigated using maltodextrin (MD) as supporting material. Spray-drying and freeze-drying techniques were used to obtain the powder material. MD was added at concentrations of 5%, 10% and 15% (w/w) prior to drying. The powder properties were evaluated by determining flowing properties (Hausner ratio and angle of repose), thermal behaviour using DSC, molecular properties using FTIR, solubility and zeta potential. Hausner Ratio for both spray dried (SDHMP) and freze-dried (FDHMP) samples varied from 1.30 to 1.64 corresponding to very poor flow. The FDHM powder samples exhibited slightly lower Hausner Ratio values than SDHM powders. FTIR spectras showed that both SDHM and FDHM exhibited similar absorbance characteristics with slight differences. Lower endothermic transition temperatures were recorded from FDHMP when compared to SDHMP. The solubility in water for both powder samples ranged from 20 to 65 % depending on the drying method and MD content. Based on the residual moisture content, water activity, solubility and flowability, spray drying process was found to produce better quality powders compared to freeze drying process.

Past, present and future: The strength of plant-based dairy substitutes based on gluten-free raw materials

Plant-based foods are gaining popularity and the market is developing fast. This trend is based on several factors, like the change of lifestyle, interest in alternative diets, and the increasing awareness about sustainable production of food and especially proteins. Plant-based dairy substitutes can serve as an option to traditional food products, meeting many of these interests. However, the market is in its infancy and needs to progress. Trends show, that the market will change from being focused on mainly soya, almond and rice-based products, due to their unsustainable farming, and nutritional concerns, like genetic modification and low protein content. The market is likely to shift towards alternative plants to meet consumers' needs and desire for healthy, flavourful and intriguing products. In this regard, the aspect of allergy-free, like gluten-free products gain in importance. Research studies are approaching the nutritional quality of plant-based dairy substitutes, such as improving the protein quality and glycaemic properties. Furthermore, the application of these products or plant proteins as functional ingredients or substitutes for cow's milk in dairy products like cheese and yoghurt are disseminated. However, there is still a need for much more diversified studies in order to overcome stability, textural, nutritional and sensory problems.

Spray dried melon seed milk powder: physical, rheological and sensory properties

Melon seed milk (MSM) powder was produced by aiming to get alternative vegetable milk from crushed Kırkağaç (Cucumis melo subsp. melo cv. Kırkağaç) and Çeşme (C. melo subsp. melo cv. Çeşme) type melon seeds. MSM was converted to powder form via spray dryer at inlet air temperature of 150 °C, air flow rate of 473 l · h(-1), aspiration ratio of 24 m(3) · h(-1)and feed flow rate of 8 ml · min(-1) in order to extend the shelf life and usage area. The moisture content and water activity of samples changed in range of 2.1 to 2.4 % and 0.260 to 0.310, respectively. Bulk densities and the tapped densities of powders were ranged from 340 to 360 kg · m(-3) and 730 and 740 kg · m(-3). MSM powders showed poor flow behavior as determined from Carr Index. The particle densities of powders ranged between and 1069 kg · m(-3). Wettability time of powders was found as 7 s. The Bingham model was the best model fitted to rheological data of MSM beverages. Sensory evaluation test results showed that, the beverage obtained from reconstituted Kırkağaç powder achieved the highest score by panelists.

Potential of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) milk as a probiotic beverage-a review

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterraenea (L.) verdc) (BGN) is a legume; its origin have been traced back to Africa, and it is the third important legume; however, it is one of the neglected crops. It is highly nutritious, and has been termed a complete food. Its seed consist of 49%-63.5% carbohydrate, 15%-25% protein, 4.5%-7.4% fat, 5.2%-6.4% fiber, 3.2%-4.4% ash and 2% mineral compared to whole fresh cow milk 88% moisture, 4.8% carbohydrate, 3.2% proteins, 3.4% fat, 0.7% ash, and 0.01% cholesterol. Its chemical composition is comparable to that of soy bean. Furthermore, BGN has been reported to be a potential crop, owing to its nutritional composition, functional properties, antioxidant potential, and a drought resistant crop. Bambara groundnut milk (BGNM) had been rated higher in acceptability than milk from other legumes like soybean and cowpea. Probiotics have been defined as live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host. These benefits have been reported to be therapeutic, suppressing the growth and activity in conditions like infectious diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. The nutritional profile of BGNM is high enough to sustain the growth of probiotics. BGNs are normally boiled and salted, eaten as a relish or roasted, and eaten as a snack. Hence, BGNM can also be fermented with lactic acid bacteria to make a probiotic beverage that not only increase the economic value of the nutritious legume but also help in addressing malnutrition.

Optimisation of chocolate formulation using dehydrated peanut-cowpea milk to replace dairy milk

BACKGROUND

The rheological properties of chocolate, based upon its acceptability by consumers, are determined largely by the ingredients and their proportions used in the formulations. Milk chocolates are very popular because milk provides flavour and smooth texture to the product. This study aimed to determine the optimal ingredient formulation for vegetable milk chocolate using peanut-cowpea milk as a substitute for dairy milk. The study followed a four-component constrained mixture design, with cocoa liquor, vegetable milk, cocoa butter and sugar as the components. Lecithin and vanillin were added at a constant amount to all formulations. Critical attributes of the chocolates were evaluated using descriptive sensory tests and instrumental techniques.

RESULTS

Regression models were fitted to the data, and the optimum ingredient formulation for acceptable vegetable milk chocolate was determined. The vegetable milk had significant (P = 0.05) influence on flavour, mouth feel, hardness and after taste of chocolates.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimum ingredient formulation for acceptable vegetable milk chocolates was determined to be cocoa liquor (18.00%), sugar (30.75%), peanut-cowpea milk (28.93%), and cocoa butter (22.32%). The results demonstrate that it is feasible to use vegetable source milk for chocolate. The findings also provide clues for scale-up criteria for large-scale production of vegetable milk chocolate.