Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of three strains of probiotic Lactobacillus spp. such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr), Lactobacillus casei (Lc), or Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) in co-cultures with Streptococcus thermophilus (St) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Lactis (Ll) on the changes of post-acidification, viability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity of cashew milk (W) - based yogurt (Y) during 0, 7, 14, & 21 days of storage. In addition, sensory evaluation of all yogurt samples was run during the first day of storage. The addition of Lr decreased significantly the pH in cashew milk-based yogurt compared to control-yogurt (C-Y; containing only St and Ll) throughout 21 days of storage. Cashew milk-based yogurt showed an increment in LAB counts, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity content which is relatively dependent on the probiotic Lactobacillus spp. strains. WLp-Y showed lower sensory attributes scores. In conclusion, L. rhamnosus, L. casei, and L. plantarum could be used as a starter culture in cashew milk-based yogurt production with a potential source of natural antioxidants.
•WLr-Y decreased significantly the pH compared to control-yogurt.•WLr-Y exhibited the highest TFC and among other treatments.•WLr-Y exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging activity.•WLp-Y showed the highest FIC and FRAP values at 21 days of storage.•L. plantarum lower taste, flavor, and overall acceptability scores of yogurt.