Sensory quality of dairy products fortified with fish oil

Our objective was to evaluate the influence of fish oil fortification on the sensory quality of selected dairy products. Yoghurts, fresh, soft and processed cheeses, butter and cream were fortified at different levels. Sensory quality was evaluated using a scaling method and the threshold values of the fortification levels were established. Fortification of dairy products with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) omega-3 by fish oil addition appeared possible; however, the level of fortification was limited. The highest level of fortification was obtained for solid, high-fat dairy products (spreadable fresh cheese, butter and processed cheeses), especially when flavourings were present. Such dairy products maintained a constant sensory quality during 4 weeks of storage. One portion of butter, processed and spreadable fresh cheeses fortified at levels established in the study, might provide 180–360 mg of long-chain omega-3 PUFA, significantly elevating their average level in the diet.