Effect of D-Psicose Used as Sucrose Replacer on the Characteristics of Meringue

Excessive intake of sugar-rich foods leads to metabolic syndrome. d-Psicose (Psi) not commonly found in nature, is noncalorie sweetener with a suppressive effect on the blood glucose level. Thus, Psi has the potential to be utilized as a sucrose (Suc) replacer in sugar-rich foods, including meringue-based confectionery (MBC). In this study, we investigated the effect of Psi on the physical and chemical properties of meringue. Meringue was made by whipping egg white and Suc (at a weight ratio of 1:1) and baking at 93 degrees C for 2 h. Thirty percent of the total weight of Suc was replaced with d-ketohexoses such as Psi, d-fructose, d-tagatose, and d-sorbose. The meringues containing d-ketohexoses had higher specific volume than the meringue not containing d-ketohexoses (Ct-meringue). Baking of meringue caused differences between Psi and the other d-ketohexose meringues. Meringue containing Psi (P30-meringue) had the highest breaking stress (7.00 x 10(5) N/m(2)) and breaking strain (4.40%), resulting in the crunchiest texture. In addition, P30-meringue also had the highest antioxidant activity (491.84 M TE/mg-meringue determined by ABTS method) and was the brownest due to a Maillard reaction occurring during baking. The replacement of Suc with Psi improved the characteristics of baked meringue. Thus, Psi was found to be useful in modifying the physical and chemical properties of MBC. Practical Application d-Psicose, a noncalorie sweetener with a suppressive effect on the blood glucose level, can be utilized as a sucrose replacer in sugar-rich foods such as meringue-based confectionery (MBC). d-Psicose creates a crunchy texture and enhances the antioxidant activity of baked meringue. Thus, d-psicose may be useful in modification of MBC.