Development of fortified probiotic dairy desserts with added date extract, whey protein, inulin, folic acid, vitamin D and calcium

This study aimed to develop fortified dairy desserts containing Lactobacillus casei and evaluate the physicochemical, sensory, and microbiological characteristics of the product during 28 days of storage. Seven dairy desserts were formulated by date extract (8%), whey protein (1.56%), inulin (4%(, folic acid (0.00066%), vitamin D (0.002%) and gluconate calcium (0.66%). The addition of date extract and inulin increased total solids while whey protein incorporation into dairy desserts led to the improvement of protein and phosphorous content. Furthermore, all fortified dairy desserts showed higher antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. Fortification of dairy desserts had no negative effect on the sensory acceptability and syneresis was not observed. In addition, the pH reduction and increased acidity did not adversely affect the count of L. casei, which remained above 8 log CFU g−1 during storage. Consequently, the fortified dairy dessert developed in this research is an innovative food product with good acceptability and high nutritional quality.