COMPRISING ERYTHRITOL

The invention concerns a process for making sweetened fermented products. The process involves adding erythritol in a milk-based composition and then fermenting with lactic acid bacteria.

Sweetened fermented dairy products such as yogurts with sugar are known and appreciated by consumers. There is however a need for sweetened fermented dairy products presenting a lower energy content, with typically a lower amount of sugar. The energy content is usually expressed as kcal. Various sweeteners can be used to provide the sweetness of sugar while providing less energy. Erythritol is a known example.

Fermented dairy products sweetened with erythritol and optionally with further sweeteners, including high impact sweeteners such as stevia extracts, have been described.

Document EP 301502 describes adding 10-20% of mesoerythritol in yogurts, after a fermentation step.

Document JP 2001-321072 describes mixing up to 4% erythritol in a milk-based composition and then fermenting with lactic acid bacteria. The method is said to increase the count of some bacteria and to improve their viability.

Document JP 09-154483 describes a process of making kefir by mixing 6-8% of erythritol, inoculating bacteria and/or yeasts allowing an alcoholic fermentation, and fermenting to obtain a liquid kefir product comprising some ethanol. Kefir is a very specific product that has, inter alia, a very thin consistency. There is a need for other products and processes.

Document JP 06-253734 describes adding a 0.05-1.5 molar concentration of erythritol to bifidus comprising products. The molar concentrations correspond to about 0.6%-18.3%. In the examples a milk-based composition is inoculated by lactic acid bacteria comprising bifidus bacteria and then fermented. The erythritol is then added. The method is said to improve the viability of the bifidus bacteria.

There is a need for other products and other processes. There is a need for processes allowing a different texture of sweetened fermented dairy products. The invention addresses at least one of the problems or needs above with a process for preparing a sweetened dairy fermented composition comprising the steps of:

A) providing a milk-based composition comprising from higher than 4% to 10% by weight of erythritol, preferably from higher than 5% to 10%,

B) inoculating microorganisms comprising lactic acid bacteria in the milk-based composition,

C) allowing a lactic fermentation at a temperature of higher than 30°C to obtain a sweetened white mass, with the provision that the white mass is substantially free from ethanol, and

D) optionally adding a sweetening composition to the sweetened white mass.

The invention also concerns products that are obtained or obtainable by the process. The invention also concerns the use of erythritol in the steps and/or compositions above. The invention also concerns such a use for modifying the texture of sweetened fermented dairy compositions.

It's been found that the process of the invention, especially the erythritol, improves the texture of the products obtained. The invention can allow for example products that are less sticky than products obtained with similar processes preformed with sugar instead of erythritol. The invention can allow for example products that are particularly smooth and/or compact, for example having a high yield and/or a high viscosity. The invention can allow a texture that is disappearing fast in month, providing a new effect. The invention can allow an easy melting in mouth. The invention can allow a sensation of being less full upon ingestion. Meanwhile the invention allows products that are well spoonable. Typically the invention provides a higher viscosity for comparable amounts of proteins and/or fat. The invention can allow reducing the amounts of proteins and fat for a comparable viscosity. The viscosity can be measured with rheometer. A texture parameter can be measured with a TAXT-2 apparatus. All these properties are understood herein, alone or combined, as contributing to a texture improvement. Sweetened dairy fermented composition

The sweetened dairy fermented composition is typically a fermented milk product different from kefir. Fermented milk products are known by the one skilled in the art. Such products are made from a milk-based composition and have undergone a fermentation step. The fermentation is typically done by microorganisms comprising lactic acid bacteria and optionally yeasts, and leads to the production of fermentation products, for example lactic acid, and/or to the multiplication of the microorganisms. The designation "fermented milk" can depend on local legislation, but is typically given to a dairy product prepared from skimmed or full fat milk, or concentrated or powdered milk, having undergone a heat treatment at least equivalent to a pasteurization treatment, and inoculated with lactic acid producing microorganisms such as Lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lb. casei, Lb. plantarum, Lb. reuteri, Lb. johnsonii), certain Streptococci (Streptococcus thermophilus), Bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum, B. longum, B. breve, B. animalis) and/or Lactococci (Lactococcus lactis). The sweetened dairy fermented composition is preferably a yogurt.

The sweetened dairy fermented composition can be a set product, wherein fermentation occurs in the packaging or a stirred or drink product, wherein fermentation occurs in a tank, and is then stirred to lower the viscosity prior to pack.

The sweetened diary fermented composition can comprise some organoleptic modifiers different from sugar, such as colorant, further sweeteners, flavors, fruit juice or fruit preparation, provided that these ingredients are suitable for human or animal consumption. Such ingredients and preparations are known by the one skilled in the art. They are typically selected to meet the consumers' tastes, with different varieties of products. The composition can comprise further ingredients suitable for human or animal consumption, for example ingredients and additives that are usually used in yogurts, icecream, or desserts. These include for example: fibers, minerals, vitamins, fat or fat substitutes, for example vegetal fat, preservatives, etc.

The sweetened dairy fermented composition typically comprises from higher than

4% to 10% by weight of erythritol. The amount of erythritol can be of from 4 to less than 10%. Preferably the amount of erythritol is of from 5 to 10% or less than 10%, preferably from 6 to 10% or less than 10%, preferably from 7 to 10% or less than 10%, preferably from higher than 7.5% to 10% of less than 10%.

Typically the sweetened dairy fermented composition has: - a protein content of from 2.55 to 5.1 % by weight, and/or

- a fat content of from 0.085 to 8.5% by weight.

Typically the sweetened dairy fermented composition has:

- a carbohydrate content of from 3 to 12 % by weight, and/or

- a sugar content of from 3.6 to 11.6 % by weight.

In one embodiment the sweetened dairy fermented composition has:

- a protein content of from 3.4 to 4.2 % by weight, and/or

- a fat content of from 3 to 3.8 % by weight.

In one embodiment the sweetened dairy fermented composition has:

- a carbohydrate content of from 4.8 to 5.6% by weight, and/or

- a sugar content of from 4.4 to 5.2 % by weight.

The protein content, fat content, carbohydrate content and sugar content of the sweetened dairy fermented composition of the invention are expressed in percentage by weight compared to the total weight of said sweetened dairy fermented composition.

Preferably the sweetened dairy fermented composition has, per 100 g:

- an energy content of from 50 to 84 kcal, preferably from 60 to 74 kcal.

It is mentioned that the amounts provided above can be adjusted by selecting the ingredients and the amounts thereof in the various steps of the process.

Step A

The process of the invention involves providing a milk-based composition comprising from higher than 4% to 10% by weight of erythritol. The amount of erythritol can be of from 4 to less than 10%. Preferably the amount of erythritol is of from 5 to 10% or less than 10%, preferably from 6 to 10% or less than 10%, preferably from 7 to 10% or less than 10%, preferably from higher than 7.5% to 10% of less than 10%.

Milk-based compositions useful in the process are known by the one skilled in the art of fermented dairy products. Herein a milk-based composition encompasses milk or milk fractions, and compositions obtained by mixing several previously separated milk fractions. Some water or some additives can be added to said milk, milk fractions and mixtures. Herein milk typically refers to animal milk, for example cow milk. Some alternative animal milks can be used, such as sheep milk or goat milk.

The milk-based composition can typically comprise ingredients selected from the group consisting of milk, half skimmed milk, skimmed milk, milk powder, skimmed milk powder, milk proteins, cream, and mixtures thereof. Some water or additives can be mixed therewith.

The milk-based composition and/or the sweetened white mass can typically have:

- a protein content of from 3 to 6 % by weight, and/or

- a fat content of from 0.1 to 10% by weight.

The ingredients of the milk-based composition and/or the amounts thereof can be selected thereto.

The milk-based composition and/or the sweetened white mass can preferably have:

- a protein content of from 4 to 4.8% by weight, and/or

- a fat content of from 3.5 to 4.3 % by weight.

The ingredients of the milk-based composition and/or the amounts thereof can be selected thereto.

The protein content and fat content of the milk-based composition and/or the sweetened white mass are expressed in percentage by weight compared to the total weight of respectively said milk based composition and/or sweetened white mass.

Step A can comprise sub-steps further to mixing such as heat- treatments, for example pasteurization or sterilization, and/or homogenization. Such steps are known be the one skilled in the art.

Step A) can be performed using conventional equipments such as mixing equipments, heat exchangers, and homogenizers.

In a particular embodiment step A) comprises the following steps:

-step Al) mixing ingredients to provide the milk-based composition comprising erythritol,

-step A2) pasteurizing at a temperature of at least 90°C

-step A3) homogenizing and cooling to a temperature of less than 50°C. Step A) can comprise a homogenization step. This is preferably carried out at step A3). Such operations are well known by the one skilled in the art and can be performed with conventional equipments. The homogenization can be performed at a pressure of at least 25 bars. In a particular embodiment, the homogenization phase is performed at a pressure of at least 100 bars. It is mentioned that the homogenization can be performed in two steps: one at a pressure of 100-200 bars, one at a pressure of 25-50 bars.

Step A) can comprise a heat treatment, such as pasteurization, Ultra High Temperature treatment, or High Temperature treatment. This is preferably carried out at step A2). Such treatments are known by the one skilled in the art, and can be performed with conventional equipments. The heat treatment is typically operated at at least 90°C. Depending on the temperature the treatment time can last typically from Is to 20 minutes.

Step A) can comprise a step of placing the mixture to a fermentation temperature, typically comprised between 30 and 50°C, preferably of 35°C to 45°C. This is typically done by cooling after a heat treatment. This can be done for example at step A3).

Step B

Step B involves inoculating microorganisms comprising lactic acid bacteria in the milk-based composition.

Such an operation is known by the one skilled in the art. Appropriate microorganisms and lactic acid bacteria are known by the one skilled in the art. It is mentioned the microorganisms are typically free of microorganisms appropriate for an alcoholic fermentation, typically used in kefir processes. The microorganisms are typically free of sake yeast.

It is mentioned that lactic acid bacteria are often referred to as ferments or cultures or starters.

Examples of lactic acid bacteria that can be used include:

- Lactobacilli, for example Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, - Streptococci, for example Streptococcus thermophilus, -Bifidobacteria, for example Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium animalis,

- Lactococci, for example Lactococcus lactis,

- mixtures or association thereof.

The lactic acid bacteria preferably comprise, preferably consist of, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus bacteria. The lactic acid bacteria used in the invention typically comprise an association of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. This association is known and often referred to as a yogurt symbiosis.

In a particular embodiment the lactic acid bacteria comprise probiotic bacteria.

Probiotic bacteria are known by the one skilled in the art. Examples of probiotic bacteria include some Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, such as Bifidobacterium brevis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus casei paracasei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp lactis, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp delbrueckii, Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus fermentum. Step C

Step C) involves allowing a lactic fermentation at a temperature of higher than 30°C. This step is also referred to as a fermentation step. Step C) leads to a composition referred to as a sweetened white mass. The white mass is substantially free from ethanol, making the final product typically different from a kefir product. Herein "substantially free from ethanol" typically means lower than 0.3% ethanol, preferably lower than 0.1%, preferably lower than 0.05%, preferably lower than 0.01%, preferably none.

Fermentation operations are known by the one skilled in the art. Fermentation can be typically performed at a temperature between 30 and 50°C, preferably from 35°C to 45 °C. Fermentation can be stopped by cooling and/or breaking the mixture when a breaking pH is reached. The fermentation time is the time between the inoculation and the breaking and/or cooling. The fermentation time can depend on the lactic acid bacteria, on the amount thereof, and on the temperature, and can for example last from 3 hours to 30 hours, for example from 12 to 22 hours.

During fermentation, the pH of the mixture decreases with production of lactic acid by the bacteria. The pH at the end of the fermentation can be typically of 5 or less than 5, preferably of 3.5 to 4.6. In a preferred embodiment the lactic acid fermentation carried out to a pH of from 3.5 to 5 preferably from 3.9 to 4.6.

After fermentation, step C) can comprise a further step of stirring to obtain a composition having a desired viscosity. Such a step can be performed for example with a smoothing valve, for example at a pressure of at least 1.5 bars. This step provides some shear to composition that typically allow a viscosity drop. Such operations are known by the one skilled in the art, and can be operated with conventional appropriate equipments. This step is typically performed at cold temperature, for example at a temperature of form 1°C to 25 °C. It is mentioned that this stirring step is not performed in the case of set products, wherein fermentation is performed in packaging.

Step D

Optional step D) involves adding a sweetening composition to the sweetened white mass. If step D) is implemented, the sweetening composition further sweetens the sweetened white mass. Step D) allows to modify the taste and/or the organoleptic properties of the products, and optionally to provide some additives and/or supplementations. The sweetening composition can be for example a fruit preparation, a syrup, a slurry or a solution.

Such sweetening compositions are known by the one skilled in the art. Typically a sweetening composition can be added in an amount of from 5 parts to 25 parts, preferably from 10 parts to 20 parts, for 85 parts of sweetened white mass.

According to an embodiment the sweetening composition is a fruit preparation comprising fruits or fruit extracts and optionally a high intensity sweetener. The sweetening composition can for example comprise a stevia extract high intensity sweetener, preferably rebaudioside A. It is mentioned that some erythritol can be added in the sweetening composition. Preferably:

- higher than 4% by weight of erythritol is provided in the milk-based composition, and

- up to 3% by weight of erythritol is added in a fruit preparation.

Sweetening compositions having high amounts of erythritol have been found to be unpractical, for examples with crystallization issues. And the process of the invention has been found to be surprisingly efficient and appropriate, with a surprising texture effect, for implementing high amounts of erythritol in sweetened dairy fermented products.

The sweetening composition typically comprises a stabilizing system, having at least one stabilizer. The stabilizing system can comprise at least two stabilizers. Such stabilizers are known by the one skilled in the art. They typically help in avoiding phase separation of solids, for examples of fruits or fruits extracts and/or in avoiding syneresis. They typically provide some viscosity to the composition, for example a viscosity (Bostwick viscosity at 20°C) of from 1 to 20 cm/min, preferably of from 4 to 12 cm/min.

The stabilizing system or the stabilizer can for example be a starch, a pectin, a guar, a xanthan, a carrageenan, a locust bean gum, or a mixture thereof. The amount of stabilizing system is typically of from 0.5 to 5% by weight.

The sweetening composition can typically comprise organoleptic modifiers. Such ingredients are known by the one skilled in the art.

The organoleptic modifiers can be for example flavors (or "aroma"), sugars, sweetening agents, coloring agents, fruits, fruit extracts, cereals and/or cereal extracts.

Examples of sweetening agents are ingredients referred to as High Intensity Sweeteners, such as sucralose, acesulfamK, aspartam, saccharine, rebaudioside A or other steviosides or stevia extracts.

Examples of flavors include for example strawberry flavor, apricot flavor, vanilla flavor, peach flavor, cream flavor, sweet boosters, flavor modifiers, flavor improvers, sweet modifiers, sweetness enhancers, masking flavors, and mixtures thereof. Such flavors are known be the one skilled in the art.

Useful fruits or fruit extracts are known by the one skilled in the art. Fruits and fruits extracts are herein considered as being sweetening agents. Examples of fruits or fruit extract include for example: - frozen fruit cubes, for example 10 mm fruit cubes, for example Individual Quick Frozen fruit cubes, for example strawberry, peach, apricot, mango, apple or pear fruit cubes or mixtures thereof,

- Aseptic fruit cubes, for example 10 mm fruit cubes, for example strawberry, peach, apricot, mango, apple or pear fruit cubes or mixtures thereof,

- fruit purees, for example fruit purees concentrated from 2 to 5 times, preferably 3 times, for example aseptic fruit purees, for example strawberry, peach, apricot, mango, raspberry, blueberry or apple fruit purees or mixtures thereof,

- single aseptic fruit purees, for example strawberry, raspberry, peach, apricot, blueberry or apple single aseptic fruit purees or mixture thereof,

- frozen whole fruits, for example Individual Quick Frozen whole fruits, for example blueberry, raspberry or blackberry frozen whole fruits, or mixtures thereof,

- mixtures thereof.

Other examples of organoleptic modifiers include cacao, chocolate, coffee, nuts such as almond, walnut or chestnut, or extracts thereof or flavors thereof.

The organoleptic modifiers and the amounts thereof are typically such that the composition has a brix degree of from 1 to 65 brix.

The sweetening composition can comprise water. It is mentioned that a part of the water can come from ingredients used to prepare the sweetening composition, for example from fruits or fruit extracts or from a phosphoric acid solution. The amount of water in the sweetening composition is preferably of from 10 to 99%, preferably of from 10 to 87%.

The sweetening composition can comprise pH modification agents such as citric acid.

The sweetening composition can comprise further ingredients, Examples of such further ingredients include some nutrients and/or vitamins. The composition can for example comprise vitamin D, vitamin B and/or vitamin E. The amounts in the composition of such further ingredients can be adjusted for meeting desired amount in a sweetened fermented dairy product.

Packaging Of course the process will typically comprise a step of filling the sweetened fermented composition in a container, such as a cup or a bottle, and then sealing, to obtain a finish product. Sealing can be performed for example with a cap or with a lid. The container can be for example a container of 50 ml (or 50 g), to 1 L (or 1 kg), for example a container of 50 ml (or 50 g) to 80 ml (or 80 g), or 80 ml (or 80 g) to 100 ml (or lOOg), or 100 ml (or 100 g) to 125 ml (or 125 g), or 125 ml (or 125 g) to 150 ml (or 150 g), or 150 ml (or 150 g) to 200 ml (or 200 g), or 250 ml (or 250 g) to 300 ml (or 300 g), or 300 ml (or 300 g) to 500 ml (or 500 g), or 500 ml (or 500 g) to 750 ml (or 750 g(, or 750 ml (or 750 g) to to 1 L (or 1kg). The product can be stored, transported and/or distributed at a chilled temperature of

0°C to 10°C, preferably of 4°C to 10°C.

Use of the composition

The composition is typically to be used as a food product. It is typically used by oral administration. One can typically eat or drink the composition by processing it from a container to the mouth, optionally using a spoon, a glass, or a straw. The container is preferably a cup.

Further details or advantages of the invention might appear in the following non limitative examples. Examples

Example 1 - Preparation of products

Compositions are prepared with the ingredients detailed below. The procedure for preparing the compositions is detailed below.

Unless otherwise specified, the amounts are given in % by weight of ingredients "as is" (as opposed to amounts as dry matter). The ingredients mentioned below were used to prepare the compositions 1) to 6) according to the invention, but the list of ingredients is not in any way limiting and other type of ingredients can be used.

Ingredients

- Skim milk is skim milk having 0,05% fat

- Cream is cream having 36% fat

- Milk Powder is Aria® YO-7700, Aria Food ingredients

- Erythritol is Zerose® Erythritiol STD Gran, Cargill

- Culture is YoFLex® Advanced 2.0, Chr. Hansen

- Fruit preparations are the following:

- Strawberry: Strawberry fruit preparation brix 19 with 0.1% Rebaudioside A 97 (Pure Circle)

- Cherry: Cherry fruit preparation brix 22 with 0.08% Rebaudioside A 97 (Pure Circle)

- Apricot: Apricot fruit preparation brix 17 with 0.1% Rebaudioside A 97 (Pure

Circle)

- Vanilla: Vanilla fruit preparation brix 4,2 with 0.09% Rebaudioside A 97 (Pure Circle)

Preparation

A milk-based composition is prepared by mixing 79.71 parts of Skim milk, 10.57 parts of cream, 1.70 parts of milk powder, and 8.00 parts of Erythritol.

The milk based composition has the following:

- Dry matter: 21%

- Fat: 3.9%

- Proteins: 4.4%

The milk-based composition is pre-heated to 75°C, then pasteurized at 95°C for 9 minutes, then homogenized at 180 bars then 30 bars, then cooled to 40°C. 0.02 parts of the culture is inoculated, then a fermentation is allowed during 12-15 hours at 40°C, to a pH break of 4.5. The obtained white mass is then cooled to 22°C, and then stirred in a smoothing valve at 2,5 bar. 15 parts of fruit preparation are then added, for 85 parts of white mass.

The products obtained are found to have a very good texture: smooth, easy melting in mouth, compact (resistant vs movements) and well spoonable.

The nutritional profiles per 100 g of products are given below in table I:

Table I

Example 2 - Study of erythritol effect on viscosity and comparison with sugar at iso- sweetness White masses compositions are prepared with different amounts of erythritol or with different amounts of sugar, corresponding to the same sweetness. For example 3.5% erythritol has the same sweetness as 2.1% sugar.

Preparation

Milk-based compositions are prepared by mixing 1.70 parts of milk powder, 9.29 parts of cream, erythritol or sugar in amounts reported below, and the reminder of skim milk, the total being 99.95 parts (100 parts with the culture added later).

The milk-based composition is pre-heated to 75°C, then pasteurized at 95°C for 9 minutes, then homogenized at 180 bars then 30 bars, then cooled to 40°C. 0.05 parts of the culture is inoculated, then a fermentation is allowed during 12-15 hours at 40°C, to a pH break of 4.5. The obtained white mass is then cooled to 22°C, and then stirred in a smoothing valve at 2.5 bar.

The viscosities of the compositions are measured in the same conditions after 6 days of storage at 10°C. The viscosity factor, defined as the ratio of the viscosity with erythritol to the viscosity with sugar is reported on table II below

The viscosity is measured by applying a regular shearing strength increase using a rheometer with 2 co-axial cylinders. The rheometer is a RM 180 from METTLER. With these tools, the geometry 12 is used. The 64 s ^"1 shearing is applied during 10 seconds on the product at 10°C.

This example shows that the introduction of erythritol before fermentation can increase or substantially maintain viscosity, compared to sugar at an equivalent sweetness level, provided that the amount of erythritol used during fermentation is above 3.5%, and below 10.5%.

Table II

This example shows that the introduction of erythritol before fermentation can increase or substantially maintain viscosity, compared to sugar at an equivalent sweetness level, provided that the amount of erythritol used during fermentation is above 3.5%, and below 10.5%.

Example 3 - Effect of erythritol on texture

White masses compositions are prepared with respectively 8% erythritol or 8% sugar. The preparation is identical to the preparation of example 2.

The textures of the obtained white masses, after 1 day and after 10 days, are reported on table III below:

The texture is measured with a TAXT2 apparatus, with the following settings:

- Temperature: 10 °C

- Plunger: Cylindrical plunger, 25 mm diameter, 35 mm long

- Value of triggering force: 0.5 g (0.005 N)

- Speed of descent plunger: 12 mm/min (0.2 mm/s)

- Penetration distance: 15 mm

Macro: Yogurt (max. force at the end of the way/distance)

- Cup: diameter 68mm; height 82 mm Table III

This example shows that the introduction of erythritol before fermentation increases texture, compared to sugar.