Sensory evaluation as a tool in assessing the quality of new fermented products

Ten starter cultures of lactic acid bacteria were used to ferment five mixtures of milk and pea protein (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of pea) to select the cocktail that can lead to products similar to traditional yogurt. Product quality evaluation was performed by comparing the sensory profile of 49 formulated products with the profile of a milk fermented by commercial lactic ferments. The sensory profiles were analyzed by means of three-way ANOVAs and a principal component analysis (PCA). Substitution of cow milk protein with 40% of pea proteins reduce starter cultures effects and decrease product quality. In contrast, until 30% of pea protein, starter cultures show positive and negative effects. For example, products fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus + Lactobacillus acidophilus with 30% pea protein have positive characters like creamy and smooth, but Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus + Lactobacillus rhamnosus caused bad quality and negative characters like bitter and astringent even with 100% cow milk.