Optimization of Functional Cocoa Milk Formulation Containing Inulin, Stevia, Chia Seed Gum and Whey Protein

Cocoa milk is one of the most popular non-fermented dairy products, but due to its high levels of sucrose, it might cause diabetes and tooth decay in children. Due to the fact that today the tendency to consume natural foods is increasing with low calories and high shelf life, therefore, replacing sucrose with other sweeteners, especially natural ones, will be important. In this study, the aim is to optimize and achieve the highest percentage of viscosity and overall acceptance as well as reducing the amount of sedimentation and particle size that is one of the important quality indicators of cocoa milk in consumer acceptance.

For this purpose, treatment was performed based on cocoa milk formulation and based on the highest level of response. Independent variables included inulin (2 to 8%), chia seed gum (0.1 to 0.5%), stevia (50 to 100%) and whey protein concentrate (1 to 3%) and response variables, consisting of viscosity, particle size, sediment percentage and overall acceptance were considered. The functional relationship between the parameters affecting the cocoa milk formulation was determined using the Box Behnken experimental design.

Based on the selected models, the optimal formulation was selected by the software consisted of 99.7% inulin, 70% stevia, 0.346% chia seed gum and 1% whey protein.

The presence of inulin, stevia, chia seed gum and whey protein in cocoa milk formula improved the effective properties such as increasing viscosity, reducing sedimentation and cocoa milk particle size in promoting marketability and product acceptance by consumers. Therefore health-promoting in cocoa milk formulation can lead to the production of useful products while maintaining quality and sensory properties.