Inulin as microencapsulating agent improves physicochemical properties of spray-dried aspalathin-rich green rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) extract with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity

•Spray-drying had little effect on aspalathin content of green rooibos extract.•Inulin lowered aw and improved wettability of spray-dried extract powder.•Inulin improved clarity of extract, reconstituted to beverage concentration.•Inulin did not affect α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of extract.