Improving physicochemical, rheometry and sensory attributes of fortified beverages using jujube alcoholic/aqueous extract loaded Gellan-Protein macrocarriers.

The use of phenolic bioactive substances in beverages is introduced by novel techniques as a functional food product. Gel beads from jujube extract were prepared by extrusion method using encapsulation and coated by whey protein isolate and soy protein isolate and thus, a functional beverage was prepared from these beads. There were three types of beads, including Gellan, Gellan/whey protein isolate and Gellan/soy protein isolate. The pH, acidity, Brix, turbidity, viscosity and sensory properties were evaluated. Observing the increase in pH is the result of the release of small amounts of fruit extract, the effect of which can be seen in the inverse relationship of acidity next to pH. The results demonstrate that the highest viscosity is related to protein beverages, especially Gellan gum/SPI beads' beverage. Hence, the highest turbidity in Gellan gum/SPI beads' beverage was visible on the 14th day (66.6 NTU). Thereby, there is potential for these Gellan beads beverages with suitable sensory scores to be wholly utilized and developed with the aim of this study. Along with it, this new beverage can attract the opinion of a wide range of consumers. Therewith, the industrialization of such types of products helps to improve the consumer market.