Dried algae as potential functional ingredient in fresh cheese

Abstract

Abstract Algae have attracted the attention of researchers and consumers due to their health‐promoting bioactive compounds. In addition, the high content of polysaccharides may confer important technological properties when included in foods with high moisture content, such as fresh cheese. In this study, two dried algae species—Fucus spiralis and Petalonia binghamiae, were added to fresh cheese to improve its functional properties. Syneresis was evaluated by water holding capacity (WHC) and measurement of weight loss of the cheeses during storage at 4°C. Cheeses were also analysed for antioxidant activity, composition, and organoleptic properties. The addition of dried seaweed significantly reduced the weight loss of fresh cheese during storage (p 0.05) when the algae were added to the cheeses. Cheese with the addition of dried F. spiralis showed the best results in the sensory tests, consumer preference, and purchase intention.

Keywords

• antioxidant
• cheese
• Fucus spiralis
• macroalgae
• Petalonia binghamiae
• syneresis