Technological Performance of Cricket Powder (Acheta domesticus L.) in Wheat-Based Formulations

Simple Summary Considering the chemical composition of cricket powder, specific nutritional goals (such as high protein content) can be achieved by including cricket powder, even at low levels (i.e., 5%). However, when formulating new food products, it is worth assessing the functional properties of the new ingredient and/or formulation. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the technological properties of cricket-enriched wheat flours to be used in the development of staple foods, such as bread or pasta, whose features are also discussed. The recent socio-economic situation requires producers to change the composition of basic foods. The aim of this study was to assess the technological properties of wheat flour enriched with cricket powder (CP) (at 5%, 10%, and 20% levels) for the development of bread and pasta. The hydration (i.e., water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, water absorption index, water solubility index, and swelling power), foaming (i.e., foaming capacity and stability),emulsifying (emulsifying activity and emulsion stability), and rheological (during gluten aggregation, mixing, extension, and leavening) properties were investigated. Finally, bread and fresh pasta were prepared and characterized. Emulsifying activity, stability, and foaming capacity decreased in the presence of CP, whereas foaming stability and water solubility increased. The results on dough rheology highlighted the need to increase the amount of water, and to decrease the mixing and leavening time, to keep an acceptable bread volume. Indeed, 10% CP enrichment led to a product characterized by a similar volume and crumb hardness to the control (wheat flour). Despite the decrease in extensibility caused by CP, it was possible to produce fresh pasta enriched with CP, with the best cooking behavior obtained at a 5% replacement level.