KWB was prepared with varying TS level of reconstituted whey (%), sugar (% w/w of whey) and Kokum syrup (% w/w of whey) as suggested by Response Surface Methodology to choose the best combination for manufacture of an acceptable product.
Optimization of kokum whey beverage
Process optimization for the development of KWB was carried out with the objective of determining the best possible combination(s) of different levels of factors
viz. TS level of reconstituted whey (%), level of Kokum syrup (% w/w of whey) and level of sugar (% w/w of whey), that would lead to the most acceptable product in terms of sensory scores. The goals that were set for obtaining the best possible combination are illustrated in Table 1. The data were analyzed in Design Expert Package 13.0.1.0. Considering the constraints and their limits, the RSM suggested the one most suitable solution.
A larger R
2 value suggests a better fit of the quadratic model. The adequate precision measures the signal to noise ratio, a ratio greater than 4 is desirable. The adequate precision value for flavour score, consistency score, acidity score, sweetness score, colour and appearance and overall acceptability were 0.85, 0.65, 0.79, 0.88, 0.76 and 0.85 respectively, which were greater than 4, hence, it is considered to be supporting the suitability of the model to navigate the design.
Effect of TS level of reconstituted whey, level of sugar and kokum syrup on sensory scores of kokum whey beverage
The experimental design matrix as per their run order is shown in Table 1 while P values and partial coefficients of regression equation of suggested depicted in Table 2. The scores of flavour, consistency, acidity, colour and appearance, sweetness and overall acceptability were well fixed in quadratic model. The quadratic model for sensory parameters were obtained through successive regression analysis. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R
2) shown in Table 3 which reflects the proportion of variability in data explained or accounted by the model for flavour, consistency, acidity, sweetness score, colour and appearance and overall acceptability were respectively.
As seen in Table 1, the flavor score of KWB ranged from 6.0 to 8.5. The coefficient of determination (R
2) is the proportion of variability in the data explained or accounted for the model and 0.85 value of R
2 (Table 3) indicate a better fit of the model to the data. Also the adequate precision value (APV) of 8.29 recommends the use of this response to navigate the design. At linear level of sugar (B) showed its significant (P<0.05) positive effect on flavour score. However, TS level of reconstituted whey (A
2) and level of sugar (B
2) and level of Kokum syrup (C
2) had significant (P<0.05) negative effect on flavor score at quadratic level. The higher TS level of reconstituted whey (A
2), level of Kokum syrup (C
2) and level of sugar (B
2) showed significant (P<0.05) negative effect on acidity score of KWB at quadratic level.
Also at higher TS level of reconstituted whey (A
2), level of sugar (B
2), Kokum syrup (C
2), showed significant (P<0.05) negative effect on sweetness score at quadratic level. The level of sugar (B) showed significant (P<0.05) positive effect on colour and appearance score in linear terms. At extremely higher TS level of reconstituted whey (A
2) and level of Kokum syrup (C
2) showed significant (P<0.05) negative effect on colour and appearance score of KWB at quadratic level. In similar studies, the interaction effect of level of lemon juice and sugar (L × S) was found non-significant on colour and appearance score of lemon flavoured whey beverage (
Patel, 2015). The interaction of various treatment combinations of Kokum juice and sugar had non-significant effect on colour and appearance of Kokum whey beverage (
Rupnar et al., 2008); who reported that flavor of paneer whey beverage was influenced by level of Kokum juice significantly (P<0.05).
Patel (2015) also observed the consistency score of lemon flavored whey beverage was non-significantly affected by addition sugar in whey beverage. In another study conducted by
Begum et al. (2019), 30% watermelon juice is recommended for whey beverage drink.
At higher TS level of reconstituted whey (A
2), level of sugar (B
2) and Kokum syrup (C
2) showed significant (P<0.05) negative effect on overall acceptability score at quadratic level. From Fig 2, Fig 3 and Fig 4 it can be observed that with increase in the level of sugar and level of Kokum syrup, TS of reconstituted whey there was increase in overall acceptability score to certain level then there was decrease in score at higher level. Thus, this study indicated a definite influence of TS level of reconstituted whey (%), level of sugar (% w/w of whey) and level of Kokum syrup (% w/w of whey) on the colour and appearance score of KWB. Addition of Kokum in the form of syrup gave a light pinkish colour to the Kokum whey beverage, which was liked by panelists.
Comparison of predicted v/s actual values of responses selected
The final product was manufactured employing this suggested formulation and the actual results obtained were compared with these predicted values of the criteria/responses selected for process optimization. The calculated values of‘t’ for all the parameters are reported in Table 4.
Comparing the predicted values of the responses being studied with the actual values of the selected responses when the product was practically produced using the suggested process parameters, it is confirmed that the selected combination is the best in terms of the sensory score responses defined at the beginning of the study. The results are also validated statistically by t- test. The values for ‘t’ test being less than the table values, it is inferred that there was non-significant difference between the predicted and actual values of responses as shown below.
Based on the results obtained in this study the standardized procedure for Kokum whey beverage involved preparing reconstituted whey using (10.27% from DM-40 whey powder) at 50
oC, then the pH of whey adjusted to 4.5, then the contents were mixed and allowed for hydration till 2 h, after 2 h sediments were settled at the bottom, these sediments were removed by passing through double layer muslin cloth, for the obtained clear whey, addition of Kokum syrup at 6.72 % w/w of reconstituted whey, sugar @ 10.92 (% w/w of reconstituted whey) and a blend of stabilizer (MCC:Pectin 0.05:0.05 @ 0.1 %) and mixed, finally heating to 85
oC for 5 min, filtered through single layer muslin cloth to remove any hydrated particles and hot filling the beverage into sterile glass bottles and crown corking. Then the bottles were sterilized at 100
oC for 5 min and finally bottles were cooled and stored at 7±2
oC. The physico-chemical properties and composition values of optimized Kokum whey beverage was given in Table 5.
Proximate composition and physico-chemical properties of optimized product
The proximate composition and physico-chemical properties of Kokum Whey Beverage (KWB) are depicted in Table 5. These parameters provide essential insights into the quality, stability and nutritional attributes of the beverage.
pH and acidity
The pH of the KWB was recorded as 4.07±0.15, indicating a mildly acidic nature. This is in line with the expected acidity levels of fruit-based whey beverages, contributing to its refreshing taste and stability. The corresponding acidity, expressed as % citric acid, was found to be 0.39±0.01. The moderate acidity level ensures the preservation of the beverage while contributing to the tartness imparted by the kokum fruit. The acidic environment also helps in maintaining microbiological stability and enhances the shelf life of the beverage.
Compared to the study conducted by
Bafna (2014), who reported a pH of 3.8 and acidity of 0.98% citric acid for a kokum RTS beverage, the pH of KWB was slightly higher, while the acidity was lower, making it less tart. This milder acidity could enhance consumer preference for a more balanced flavour profile. On the other hand, when compared to
Rupnar (2008), who reported a pH of 4.68 and acidity of 0.42% in a Kokum paneer whey beverage, KWB exhibited a lower pH and acidity, suggesting that it may have a more pronounced tangy flavour.
Viscosity
The viscosity of the KWB was measured at 20
oC and obtained as 6.01±0.01 cP. This relatively low viscosity reflects a thin, liquid consistency, which is typical of fruit-based beverages with whey. The consistency of the drink is essential for consumer acceptance, as overly thick beverages can be unappealing in the context of whey-based drinks.
Brix and total solids
The total soluble solids (TSS) of the beverage, measured in Brix, was found to be 19.50±0.1, indicating a moderate sweetness that likely results from the combination of whey and kokum extract. The total solids content was slightly higher, recorded at 20.00±0.01%, which contributes to the body and mouthfeel of the beverage. The total solids value also indicates the concentration of the combined whey proteins, kokum constituents and added sweeteners or solids in the beverage. In contrast,
Rupnar (2008) reported a total solids content of 16.44%, which was lower than the TS found in KWB, suggesting that KWB contains more solids, likely enhancing its nutritional value and texture.
Fat and protein
The fat content of KWB was relatively low, at 0.44±0.01%, reflecting the low-fat nature of whey-based beverages, which makes them appealing to health-conscious consumers. The protein content was also low, measured at 0.52±0.00%. Whey is naturally a source of high-quality proteins and though the protein content in KWB is modest, it still contributes to the beverage’s nutritional profile. However, compared to
Bafna (2014), KWB exhibited higher protein levels, making it nutritionally superior in terms of protein contribution.
Ash
The ash content, which represents the total mineral content, was found to be 0.55±0.01%. This value indicates that the beverage contains a reasonable amount of minerals, which are primarily derived from whey, making the drink not only refreshing but also nutritionally valuable.
Carbohydrate
The carbohydrate content in KWB was 18.49±0.01%, which was lower than the 20.34% as reported by
Bafna (2014) for kokum RTS beverage. This slight reduction in carbohydrates may make KWB more appealing to health-conscious consumers looking to reduce sugar intake while still enjoying a flavourful drink.
In overall, the physico-chemical properties of the Kokum Whey Beverage suggest that it is a nutritious, low-fat and refreshing drink with a balanced composition of acidity, sweetness and viscosity. The presence of carbohydrates and minerals enhances its energy and nutritional content, while its low fat and moderate protein levels cater to health-conscious consumers. The pH and acidity contribute to its stability and shelf life, making it a promising functional beverage in the dairy and fruit-based beverage market.