Effects of functional dairy based proteins on nonfat yogurt quality

Production of nonfat yogurt demands a careful control of quality parameters. It is common to use skim milk powder (SMP) to increase the total solid content of nonfat yogurt, but some functional dairy-based proteins, such as casein/caseinates and whey proteins, may improve the quality of nonfat yogurt. The objectives of this study were to use whey protein isolate (WPI), sodium caseinate (NaCn) and yogurt texture improver (TI) in nonfat yogurt manufacture as an alternative for SMP, and to compare their potential influences on the physical, chemical and microbial properties of nonfat yogurts over a 12-day storage. All dry ingredients were added at 1% (w/v) concentration to yogurt milk. Yogurts differed from each other with different hardness values. Acetaldehyde contents of yogurts were in the range of 35-43 ppm. The acetaldehyde content of all yogurt types decreased during storage. The control yogurt had the most tyrosine content, and the WPI-fortified yogurt had the least. Using different dry dairy ingredients did not affect the numbers of starter cultures. In addition, no significant differences were observed among yogurt types regarding their mineral composition. Functional dry dairy ingredients can be used to increase the total solid content of nonfat yogurt instead of using skim milk powder (SMP) or evaporation. Their high protein content, water-binding capacity, texture improvement properties and health benefits make these proteins suited for use in nonfat yogurts. This study compares the possible effects of using whey protein isolate (WPI), sodium caseinate (NaCn) and yogurt texture improver (TI) as an alternative for SMP on the physical, chemical and microbial properties of nonfat yogurts. It was found that substitution of SMP for WPI, NaCn and TI at the level of 1% affected the physical, chemical and microbial properties of nonfat yogurt.