Effects of pine honey on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of probiotic yoghurt

In this study, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of probiotic yoghurt samples added different rates (2%, 4% and 6%) of pine honey on days 1, 7, 14, 21 of refrigerated storage were investigated. pH, serum separation values, water holding capacity decreased and titratable acidity increased with increasing the ratio of the added honey during the storage. Lactobacillus. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus counts were statistically significantly (P<0.01) lower than control samples in honey added yoghurt samples from the beginning to the end of storage. Streptococcus thermophilus counts did not change much during storage and were higher than control samples in yoghurt samples with honey from the beginning. The brightness (L*) decreased with increasing honey ratio. The a* and b* values of all honey-added yoghurt samples were higher than those without honey. Although yoghurt with 2% pine honey had the same points as the yoghurt with 4% pine honey in terms of some sensory properties, it was the most liked yoghurt. For people who do not like to consume plain yoghurt, honey added yogurt can be a good alternative functional food. Producers should produce formulations for this type of yogurt and the consumption of yogurt should be increased.