Preliminary assessment of a yoghurt-like product manufactured from hazelnut slurry: Study using response surface methodology

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using hazelnut slurry in manufacture of yoghurt. A yoghurt-like product was prepared from hazelnut slurry fortified with skimmed milk powder. The effects of the total solids content of the hazelnut slurry (TSCHS, 8-16g100g-1) and the content of milk powder (CMP, 6-9g100g-1) on the proximate composition, physicochemical and sensorial properties, fatty acid composition, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the product were evaluated using response surface methodology. Both the TSCHS and the CMP had a significant effect on the total solids content, b value, syneresis, palmitic and oleic acid content, and FRAP value. Only the TSCHS showed a significant effect on the protein and fat content, a value, water-holding capacity, TPC and ABTS values. Only the CMP showed a significant effect on the carbohydrate and ash content and the acidity. The characteristics of the product generally appeared to be compatible with those of yoghurt. The product was rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, using hazelnut slurry in manufacture of yoghurt may be proposed to enhance the health benefits of yoghurt.