Use of inulin in production of processed reduced-fat cheese for the improvement of its functional properties

In this study, the possibility of using inülin, a carbohydrate based fat replacer, in the manufacture of low-fat processed cheese, was investigated. For this purpose, two types of inulin with different polymerization degrees (Orafti®GR ve Orafti®HPX) was used at 1.5% or 3% to manufacture a low-fat processed cheese using with fat-free white-brined cheese and fat-free Kaşar cheese. Functional, microstructural, chemical, and sensory properties of the cheese were determined during 60 days of storage.It was determined that the use of inulin in manufacturing low-fat processed cheese improves the structure and texture of the cheese. Use of inulin caused some decreases in the levels of dry solid and fat and a mild increase in the levels of acidity, total nitrogen, and protein in processed cheese. The cheese with or without inülin showed the same rheological properties. However, use of inulin caused some differences in microstructure of cheese which as determined by scanning electron microscopy. The cheese with inulin had the highest values in terms of melting compared to cheese made using Orafti®GR at a level of 1.5%.To determine the ripening indices of the cheese, water-soluble nitrogen fractions and urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the cheese were evaluated and no significant differences were found among the cheese types studied. Use of inulin in manufacturing low-fat processed cheese had no negative impact on appearance, texture, odour, and flavour scores with exception of inside appearance points for the cheese produced using Orafti®GR at 3%.Results showed that the use of inulin, which has also prebiotic properties, in the manufacture of low-fat processed cheese as a fat replacer may contribute the functional properties of the cheese without any negative effect in the quality.KEY WORDS: Inulin, Processed cheese, rheology, microstructure, melting properties.