Alternative Tempering of Sugar-Free Dark Chocolates by βv Seeding: Sensorial, Micro-Structural and Some Physical Properties and Volatile Profile

Abstract

In this study, sugar-free dark chocolate was produced from isomalt and maltitol by beta(V) seeding technique as an alternative to conventional tempering process. The effect of beta(V) seed concentrations on the particle size distribution, textural, rheological and melting properties of the end products was studied, and the results were compared with those of conventional sugar-free dark chocolates. For this aim, conched dark chocolates were melted and crystallized with beta(V) seeds added at different concentrations (0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 and 1.0 %, m /m). Conventional tempering process was performed by using temper machine (47-27-32 degrees C). Brightness, chroma, whiteness index and tetramethyl pyrazine content (as marker compounds of dark chocolate volatile compound) were not influenced by seeding technique compared to conventional tempering method. The water activity of the dark chocolate samples was substantially affected by beta(V) seed level according to used bulk sweetener. However, all the values were determined below 0.4 which is critical limit for chocolate. Regarding overall acceptability, sugar-free dark chocolates tempered by beta(V), seeds had very close scores compared with conventional one, implying that sugar-free chocolates can be produced by beta(V), crystals with desired quality characteristics similar to conventional samples. Results of this study showed that it is possible to produce sucrose-free dark chocolates by using beta(V) seeds with desired quality similar to chocolate produced by using conventional tempering.