Functional properties of fermented milk produced with plant proteins

- Using of plant protein additives (soy, pea and rice protein and wheat gluten) in non-fat fermented milk drink formulations improved the physico-chemical and technological properties.
- Plant protein additives increased amino acid levels and improved the nutritional value.
- Highest essential amino acid content was found in drinks containing soy protein isolate.
- Plant protein additives improved the sensory attributes of the milk drinks.

In this study, storage-related changes in the physico-chemical and sensory properties of non-fat fermented milk drinks that contain soy protein isolate (SPI), pea protein isolate (PPI), wheat gluten (WG) and rice protein (RP) were investigated. The addition of plant protein additives to milk beverage affected the pH, titratable acidity %, syneresis, viscosity, dry matter, ash, color (L, b values), protein and amino acid contents (p < 0.01). During storage, the viscosity values showed an increase and protein additives increased amino acid levels in fermented milks beverage. The highest essential amino acid content was found in drinks containing SPI, with the most prevalent amino acids being lysine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine and threonine. The taste of fermented milks with PPI was preferred. In general, plant protein additives improved the sensory attributes. (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the use of plant protein additives in non-fat fermented milk drink formulations was shown to improve the physico-chemical and sensory properties and to increase the nutritional value of the formulations and therefore could be an alternative strategy for the development of new healthy dairy products.