Fermented foods and beverages possess various nutritional and therapeutic properties. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play a major role in determining the positive health effects of fermented milks and related products. The L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria spp are known for their use in probiotic dairy foods. Cultured products sold with any claim of health benefits should meet the criteria of suggested minimum number of more than 10⁶ cfu/g at the time of consumption. Yoghurt is redefined as a probiotic carrier food. Several food powders like yoghurt powder and curd (dahi) powder are manufactured taking into consideration the number of organisms surviving in the product after drying. Such foods, beverages and powders are highly acceptable to consumers because of their flavor and aroma and high nutritive value. Antitumor activity is associated with the cell wall of starter bacteria and so the activity remains even after drying. Other health benefits of fermented milks include prevention of gastrointestinal infections, reduction of serum cholesterol levels and antimutagenic activity. The fermented products are recommended for consumption by lactose intolerant individuals and patients suffering from atherosclerosis. The formulation of fermented dietetic preparations and special products is an expanding research area. The health benefits, the technology of production of fermented milks and the kinetics of lactic acid fermentation in dairy products are reviewed here.

Summary The study deals with two whey‐fruit‐based energy drink mixes developed using freeze drying. D‐optimal mixture design with 2 factors at 5 levels was used for the optimisation of ingredients. The responses studied were overall acceptability and acidity of the formulations. The whey/grape juice and whey/pomegranate juice ratios selected on the basis of response analysis was 49:51 and 40:60, respectively. The energy drinks were freeze‐dried and packed in paper/Al foil/polythene (PFP) pouches were stored at ambient temperature as well as 37 ○C. Periodic evaluation revealed that whey‐grape and whey‐pomegranate energy drink mixes had a shelf life of 9 and 8 months, respectively. The addition of caffeine at 200 ppm level did not impart any adverse change in sensory quality.

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Freeze dried probiotic pineapple lassi powder was developed using Bifidobacterium bifidum (NCDC 235). Quality aspects were determined in terms of physico-chemical parameters, vitamin composition and probiotic viability. Storage changes were monitored at 25±20 °C and -18±20 °C for one year. The reconstituted lassi has carbohydrate content of 22.2 per cent, thiamin 2 mg which meets 2/3 rd of suggested micronutrient intake goal for those working either in cold or at high altitudes. The niacin content in the product is 2.27 mg, riboflavin 0.375 mg and pyridoxine 67.5 mg. An increasing trend in ΔE values 0 to 6.06 was observed at 25±2 °C while no significant difference (p<0.05) was observed at -18±20 °C. pH decreased from 4.71 to 4.1 at 25±2°C and to 4.3 at -18±2°C after 12 months. Browning in terms of absorbance increased significantly (p<0.05) from 0.015 to 0.061 at 25±2°C. Bifidobacterium bifidum count decreased from 9.55 log 10 cfu.ml -1 to 8.87 log 10 cfu.ml -1 and 8.95 log 10 cfu.ml -1 after 12 months at 25±2 °C and -18±2 °C respectively. Probiotic viability did not change significantly throughout the storage period at both the temperatures. This instant powder can also be utilised as a health drink mix with reduced bulk suitable for combat conditions and in high altitudes to overcome logistic problems.

Fibre and protein enriched chicken wheat crisps were evaluated for their adsorption behaviour at a temperature range of 5 °C - 40 °C and a water activity range of 0.1-0.9. Sigmoid type II isotherm was obtained for the product and the sorption data was fitted to 3 models namely BET, GAB, and Peleg model. Each model was statistically evaluated by means of root mean square (%) and coefficient of determination (R2). Peleg and GAB gave the best fits for the moisture sorption data evaluated on the basis of regression analyses and goodness of fit. Surface area of adsorption was evaluated using parameter values obtained from the BET model and the surface area decreased with increase in temperature. Equilibrium moisture content at a particular water activity and isosteric heat of sorption were seen to decrease with increasing temperature. We conclude that the chicken wheat crisps can be stored at 25 °C for a better shelf life.