The effect of bulking agent and type of chocolate on the physicochemical characteristics of sucrose-free chocolate using stevia as a sweetener

Abstract

The aim of this research is to find out the effect addition of bulking agents on the physicochemical properties of sucrose-free chocolate products using stevia as a sweetener. Sucrose-free chocolate using stevia as a sweetener needs various bulking agents to make the same physical characteristics as the commercial chocolate. The alternative bulking agent that could be used for sucrose-free chocolate is the combination of inulin and erythritol or inulin and sorbitol. The combination of inulin and sorbitol as a bulking agent on dark chocolate can improve the protein and fat content and lower the moisture content than the reference chocolate. Milk chocolate with inulin and erythritol as a bulking agent has a higher protein, fat content but lower carbohydrate content than commercial chocolate. A high concentration of inulin will increase the level of carbohydrate content both in dark and milk chocolate. Higher concentrations of sorbitol can decrease the fat content on sucrose-free dark chocolate. Erythritol with a high concentration will increase the color brightness and reduce moisture. Higher concentrations of inulin will decrease the fat content on sucrose-free milk chocolate.