Effect of inulin addition on rheological and sensory properties of fat-free starch-based dairy desserts

The effect of inulin addition on the rheological and sensory properties of fat-free dairy desserts containing different starch concentrations (2.5%, 3.25% and 4%) was compared with the properties of full fat milk samples. All samples showed a thixotropic and shear-thinning flow behaviour. Hysteresis loops of inulin–skimmed milk samples were similar to those of whole milk samples without inulin. Skimmed milk samples showed lower consistency and lower shear thinning than either whole milk or inulin–skimmed milk samples. Inulin addition increased both storage modulus and complex viscosity values and decreased loss angle tangent value, except in the 4% starch sample. Adding inulin to fat-free dairy model desserts increased sweetness, thickness and creaminess. At low starch concentrations, inulin–skimmed milk desserts were perceived as sweeter, with more vanilla flavour and with the same thickness as whole milk desserts, but at 4% starch, the latter were thicker and creamier.