Development of functional whey beverage made from apple concentrate: physico-chemical, microbiological and sensorial attributes

Abstract

Special attention is being paid to development of whey beverages made by fermentation with probiotic bacteria. The challenge is the choice of suitable bacterial culture in order to produce a functional beverage with high nutrient value and acceptable quality attributes. The aim of this study was the development of fermented whey-based beverage enriched with an apple concentrate. Beverages were prepared from liquid whey by adding freshly prepared apple concentrates as functional compounds and probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5). Results showed a new functional beverage with special characteristics which exhibits excellent flavor derived from apple.