Physical characteristics of yoghurts made using exopolysaccharide-producing starter cultures and varying casein to whey protein ratios

This study investigated the physical characteristics of set and stirred yoghurts made at 9% (w/w) total solids with various casein (CN)-to-whey protein (WP) ratios and with exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing starter cultures (capsular or ropy) during storage. The yoghurt was evaluated for composition, firmness and syneresis of set yoghurt, and for the flow curve and the area of hysteresis loop between the upward and downward curve of stirred yoghurt. Viable counts of starter bacteria and concentrations of lactic acid and EPS in the yoghurt were also determined. EPS concentration did not decrease during storage for 28 d. Firmness and syneresis of set yoghurt decreased when the CN-to-WP ratio was reduced from ratio 4:1 to 1:1 and when EPS starter cultures (especially ropy EPS) were used. Stirred yoghurt with a CN-to-WP ratio of 3:1 and made using ropy EPS-producing starter cultures had a higher shear stress and hysteresis loop area than yoghurt made using capsular EPS- or non-EPS-producing starter cultures. The results suggested that the physical characteristics of set and stirred yoghurts can be improved by varying CN-to-WP ratio and by the use of EPS-producing starter cultures.