Using blackcurrant pomace, for instance, in bread, prevents wasting this by-product of fruit juice production, thereby also taking advantage of its nutritional benefits. This study investigated the effects of blackcurrant pomace incorporation in wheat dough and the quality of the resulting breads. Two concepts were addressed: (a) adjusting the water level based on the dough consistency and (b) preparing pre-hydrated pomace by applying the determined water content prior to dough preparation and using it for bread making. Samples with wholegrain spelt flour were used for additional comparison. This study revealed that instant pomace incorporation with an adjusted water level diminished the dough stickiness and baking loss, but resulted in stiffer dough with delayed proofing and a decreased bread volume. The kneading resistance pointed to continued swelling after kneading, concomitant with a lower amount of available free water. Counteracting the competition for water of the flour components and pomace fiber by applying pre-hydrated pomace turned out to be successful. The deteriorating effects were reduced to a larger extent by pomace hydrated in hot water. Despite a similar composition, the products of wholegrain spelt flour deviated from the pomace formulations as well as from wheat breads (producing the highest water absorption but smallest loaves). As the water absorption of pomace fiber largely influences the product properties, a pre-hydration of pomace to be included in wheat dough can be highly recommended to enhance processing properties and product quality.

Juice‐pressing residues, among them blackcurrant pomace, are valuable materials for being upgraded in food products. Their excellent nutritional profiles in line with their functional properties allow a wide range of applications. The current study was performed to evaluate the overall liking of a pomace‐enriched thin crispy‐baked bread product in five European countries, and to obtain suggestions for improvements. Moreover, data on the frequency of snack consumption, openness to new foods and an opinion on residues in food applications were acquired. Four hundred and sixty‐six consumers from United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, Italy and Germany were involved. On a 9‐point hedonic scale, the pomace cracker was rated towards the direction of liking with 5.94 ± 1.90 on average. Contingency tables showed that the overall‐liking correlated highly significant (p < 0.01) with the country of origin and sex of the respondents and their openness to new products. Significantly higher liking scores were provided by British and Spanish consumers and, among these respondents, savoury snacks were stated to be consumed most frequently. Therefore, the snack consumption frequency also appeared to be a driver for cross‐national differences in hedonic responses. The consent for using pomace in food products was remarkably high (>90%) in all countries and stresses consumer awareness in terms of healthy longevity and sustainability.

Exploring the use of seedless blackcurrant pomace, a fibre-rich by-product of juice pressing, in foods is favourable due to its nutritional profile but also for economic and sustainability aspects. Current applications are limited to products in which rapid fibre swelling, high water solubility or low sedimentation is not essential. In this study, functional properties of seedless blackcurrant pomace were modified by thermo-mechanical treatments using extrusion cooking or micronization in a planetary ball mill. A full factorial design showed that low pomace moisture (11 g/100 g) had the highest impact on swelling capacity (+ 20.6%) and water solubility index (+ 23.2%), whereas variation in extrusion temperature exhibited only minor effects. After milling for 4 h, the median particle size was reduced by 98% to 4 µm and the specific surface area increased from 0.1 to 2.5 m²/mL. Swelling capacity was highest after this time with 7.6 mL/g pomace and, although the amount of extractable sugars was reduced, water solubility increased to 7.6 g/100 g. In contrast to extruded samples, the red colour of the pomace was intensified after milling. Both treatments appear as promising to extend the applicability of fruit by-products in foods, as micronized pomace may counteract sedimentation in liquids, whereas increased swelling capacity after extrusion may have stabilizing effects on yoghurt-like systems.

Dietary fiber may contribute to increasing the nutritional value of “unhealthy food”—for instance, spreads with high fat and sugar content. The high amount of fiber and the presence of phenolic compounds, organic fruit acids, and aroma compounds make currant pomace a promising ingredient to be used in a wide range of foods. However, the particle size of this by-product is a key factor influencing texture, rheology, physical stability, and sensory properties of the final commodities. Wet planetary ball milling of seedless currant pomace suspended in oil resulted in particles <30 µm, which is required for a creamy texture. Spread stiffness and viscosity were adapted by lowering the solid fat content in a way that the fruity spreads with 16 g/100 g pomace resembled a sweet commercial nut spread. The pomace showed stabilizing effects, as oil separation was reduced and a viscosity increase during storage was prevented. Principal component analysis after sensory flash profiling of five formulations highlighted differences in fruitiness, sweetness, greasiness, and viscosity. Hence, depending on the pomace level and fat composition in the formulation, the properties of sweet spreads can be specifically designed to fulfill the respective requirements. Additionally, sweet and savory wafer fillings provide great potential to be enriched with fruit pomace.