Utilization of hazelnut meal as an ingredient for protein enriched drink

ABSTRACT UTILIZATION OF HAZELNUT MEAL AS AN INGREDIENT FOR PROTEIN ENRICHED DRINK Hazelnut is one of the most popular nuts in the world since it has an impressive nutritional profile due to its protein and fat availability and high contents of fiber and minerals. Hazelnut meal obtained as an industrial by-product from extraction of oil from hazelnuts contains high amount of protein, dietary fibers and minerals. Recently, fortified foods has become a market all around the world because of increasing nutritional awareness among consumers, especially who exercise regularly, and in this market, the demand for high protein food products is increasing day by day. Within this context, hazelnut meal can be a sufficient alternative that meets protein need. The purpose of this study is to determine the suitability of hazelnut meal which is an industrial waste as an ingredient in protein enriched beverage, especially for consumers who exercise regularly. Protein concentrate was obtained depending on the isoelectric point which was pH 4.5 of the hazelnut meal protein. Compositional and functional analysis showed that hazelnut meal protein can be used as a food ingredient. After compositional and functional analysis of hazelnut meal and hazelnut meal protein, comprehensive study for beverages including the protein concentrate in two different concentration (2 percent and 4 percent) had been applied. The quality of these protein enriched beverages had been evaluated by physicochemical and sensory analysis. According to sensory analysis, protein drink with 4 percent of protein was chosen as the most preferred drink after reference protein drink.