Conventional and sugar-free probiotic white chocolate: Effect of inulin DP on various quality properties and viability of probiotics

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of inulin DP on viability levels (0-90 days) of the different probiotics (Lactobacillus paracasei and L acidophilus) and the main chocolate quality parameters (texture, water activity, thermal properties, rheological properties, color) in sugared and sugar-free white chocolates. For this purpose, 9.00 log cfu/25 g probiotic microorganisms were inoculated into the chocolate samples after conching process. At the end of the 90 day period, probiotic viability was determined above 6.61 log cfu/25 g and L. acidophilus showed higher levels of viability in all samples. Sucrose including samples had higher hardness value ranging between 4343 and 5145 g. L. paracasei and inulin with higher DP including maltitol chocolate showed the highest melting temperature as 35 degrees C. Inulin DP and the presence of probiotic had significant effects on chocolate quality parameters other than rheological properties, however, these effects were found to be tolerable.