Improved mapping of in-mouth creaminess of semi-solid dairy products by combining rheology, particle size, and tribology data

The effects of fat, protein, and casein to whey protein ratio on lubricating properties of stirred yogurt were determined and the relation of those to the sensory properties graininess, viscosity, and creaminess was assessed. Results demonstrated decreased friction effects with increasing fat and protein level, and decreasing proportion of whey protein. The predictive ability of in-mouth viscosity (r(2) = 0.91) and inmouth creaminess (r(2) = 0.97) could be improved by combined assessments of rheological, particle size, and tribological characteristics. Graininess was not affected by friction data. To this end, the applicability of generated models has been tested. This study depicts a better understanding of the key drivers for creaminess and enables food manufacturers to develop fat-reduced dairy products without compromise on sensory properties. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.