Effect of coconut flower nectar on the physical characteristics and probiotics enhancement in ice cream products

Main Article Content

Jurupat Kanjanarong
Natcha Phantuwong
Vijitra Plongbunjong

Abstract

The development of dietary fiber fortified ice cream from coconut flower nectar was studied using coconut flower nectar as a sugar substitute at levels: 25, 50 and 75%. It was found that the formula using coconut flower nectar at 75% most effectively promoted the growth of the probiotic microorganism Lactobacillus acidophilus, which showed a prebiotic activity scores of 1.69±0.05, and overrun of 2.77%, and viscosity of 698.44±5.87 cPs, which were significantly higher (p≤0.05) compared to the control group. Chemical analysis showed that the soluble solids content after storage at -5 °C for 20 days was 15.33 ± 0.58 °Bx, with moisture and fiber contents of 70.61% and 8.42% (dry basis; d.b.), respectively. Ice cream containing 50% coconut flower nectar most effectively promoted the growth of probiotic microorganisms, Bifidobacteria bifidum, with a prebiotic activity score of 1.69±0.07, an overrun of 4.68%, and a viscosity of 600.32±5.11 cPs. Chemical analysis showed that the soluble solids content after 20 days at -5 °C was 14.33±1.15 °Bx, with moisture and fiber contents of 68.34% and 6.31% (d.b.), respectively. This study found that ice cream containing 75% coconut flower nectar was the most suitable formula for promoting the growth of L. acidophilus, while ice cream containing 50% coconut flower nectar most effectively promoted the growth of B. bifidum. Furthermore, an increase in coconut flower nectar concentration significantly increased the dietary fiber content in the ice cream (p≤0.05).

Article Details

How to Cite
Kanjanarong, J., Phantuwong, N., & Plongbunjong, V. (2025). Effect of coconut flower nectar on the physical characteristics and probiotics enhancement in ice cream products. RMUTSB ACADEMIC JOURNAL, 13(1), 25–35. https://doi.org/10.64989/rmutsbj.2025.264728
Section
Research Article

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