Utilization of powdered fruit pulp probiotic loaders as a functional food: General aspects and perspectives

Abstract

The new processes to add value and increase the shelf life of products generated from fruits, as well as the concern with a healthier diet, have aroused a more innovative profile to the food market. Among the most diverse types of functional foods, probiotics have been highlighted by many recent studies. Traditionally, dairy products are used in the production of probiotic foods, but nowadays the demand for nondairy products has increased due to the growing number of consumers that are vegan, lactose intolerant and/or allergic to milk proteins. The development of probiotics in new matrices has become an increasingly attractive option for the food industry. Therefore, this review article discusses the technological aspects used to analyze the viability of probiotics in fruit pulps. Due to their high moisture content, fruit pulps are highly perishable, requiring a dehydration technique to reduce postharvest losses, protect against degradation reactions, contribute to nutrient concentration, and enable their availability at any time of the year. Thus, general aspects of spouted bed drying are discussed as a possible preservation process of fruit pulp enriched with probiotic cultures.