One significant food group that is part of our daily diet is the dairy group, and both research and industry are actively involved to meet the increasing requirement for plant-based dairy alternatives (PBDAs). The production tendency of PBDAs is growing with a predictable rate of over 18.5% in 2023 from 7.4% at the moment. A multitude of sources can be used for development such as cereals, pseudocereals, legumes, nuts, and seeds to obtain food products such as vegetal milk, cheese, cream, yogurt, butter, and different sweets, such as ice cream, which have nearly similar nutritional profiles to those of animal-origin products. Increased interest in PBDAs is manifested in groups with special dietary needs (e.g., lactose intolerant individuals, pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly) or with pathologies such as metabolic syndromes, dermatological diseases, and arthritis. In spite of the vast range of production perspectives, certain industrial challenges arise during development, such as processing and preservation technologies. This paper aims at providing an overview of the currently available PBDAs based on recent studies selected from the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus. We found 148 publications regarding PBDAs in correlation with their nutritional and technological aspects, together with the implications in terms of health. Therefore, this review focuses on the relationship between plant-based alternatives for dairy products and the human diet, from the raw material to the final products, including the industrial processes and health-related concerns.

Moringa oleifera Lam. has gained a lot of attention due to its potential use as a functional food not only for human health but also for animal health. Its bioactive molecules include carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, fatty acids, essential amino acids, and functional peptides. Despite significant efforts to isolate and characterize bioactive metabolites with health functions, few effective metabolites are accessible. The current review aims to describe the main processes for extracting and encapsulating bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera for potential impact on food science and public health. Researchers have shown that different extraction techniques significantly impact the Moringa polysaccharides’ molecular structure and biological activity. Encapsulation has been proposed to reduce oxidative stability and entrap active agents within a carrier material to deliver bioactive molecules into foods. Currently, polysaccharides and proteins, followed by lipids, are used for material encapsulation. Recent techniques include spray drying, cross-linking gelation, freeze-drying, nanoencapsulation, electrospinning, and electrospraying. Moreover, these encapsulations can overlap concerns regarding the Moringa oleifera compounds’ cytotoxicity. Future studies should prioritize the effect of new encapsulation materials on Moringa extract and develop new techniques that consider both encapsulation cost and efficiency.

Nowadays, edible materials such as polysaccharides have gained attention due to their valuable attributes, especially gelling property. Polysaccharide-based edible gels (PEGs) can be classified as (i) hydrogels, (ii) oleogels and bigels, (iii) and aerogels, cryogels and xerogels, respectively. PEGs have different characteristics and benefits depending on the functional groups of polysaccharide chains (e.g., carboxylic, sulphonic, amino, methoxyl) and on the preparation method. However, PEGs are found in the incipient phase of research and most studies are related to their preparation, characterization, sustainable raw materials, and applicability. Furthermore, all these aspects are treated separately for each class of PEG, without offering an overview of those already obtained PEGs. The novelty of this manuscript is to offer an overview of the classification, definition, formulation, and characterization of PEGs. Furthermore, the applicability of PEGs in the food sector (e.g., food packaging, improving food profile agent, delivery systems) and in the medical/pharmaceutical sector is also critically discussed. Ultimately, the correlation between PEG consumption and polysaccharides properties for human health (e.g., intestinal microecology, “bridge effect” in obesity, gut microbiota) are critically discussed for the first time. Bigels may be valuable for use as ink for 3D food printing in personalized diets for human health treatment. PEGs have a significant role in developing smart materials as both ingredients and coatings and methods, and techniques for exploring PEGs are essential. PEGs as carriers of bioactive compounds have a demonstrated effect on obesity. All the physical, chemical, and biological interactions among PEGs and other organic and inorganic structures should be investigated.

The presence of physical, chemical, or microbiological contaminants in beer represents a broad and worthy problem with potential implications for human health. The expansion of beer types makes it more and more appreciated for the sensorial properties and health benefits of fermentation and functional ingredients, leading to significant consumed quantities. Contaminant sources are the raw materials, risks that may occur in the production processes (poor sanitation, incorrect pasteurisation), the factory environment (air pollution), or inadequate (ethanol) consumption. We evaluated the presence of these contaminants in different beer types. This review covers publications that discuss the presence of bacteria (Lactobacillus, Pediococcus), yeasts (Saccharomyces, Candida), moulds (Fusarium, Aspergillus), mycotoxins, heavy metals, biogenic amines, and micro- and nano-plastic in beer products, ending with a discussion regarding the identified gaps in current risk reduction or elimination strategies.

The area of functional beverages made from plant-based or non-dairy milk is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. The microalgae Chlorella vulgaris is a source of functional ingredients, with a large spectrum of healthy compounds, such as canthaxanthins, astaxanthins, peptides, and oleic acid. The study aimed to investigate the suitability of C. vulgaris biomass as a substrate for Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus development and fermentation in vegetal soy beverages and to evaluate the fermented product in terms of bacterial viability, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro bio-accessibility. During fermentation, a bacterial concentration of 8.74 log10 CFU/mL was found in the soy beverage with C. vulgaris and L. rhamnosus, and 8.71 log10 CFU/mL in beverage with C. vulgaris and L. fermentum. Polyphenol content and dietary antioxidant capacity significantly improved after fermentation soy drinks. On the other hand, through the digestibility of the beverages, the bacterial viability significantly decreased. To comprehend the components responsible for the efficient delivery of bacteria across the gastrointestinal tract, further investigation is required on probiotic encapsulation methods.

In a quest to meet the rising demand for nutrient-rich products, this study delves into the realm of innovative bars enriched with Aronia melanocarpa by-product powder. By repurposing waste material from fruit pressing, the research unveils a sustainable approach to enhancing the health profile of food products. Two variants of bars were used: one as a control and the other enriched with freeze-dried aronia by-product powder. Both bars had similar nutrient content, containing approximately 10% fibre, 12.20% protein, 20.51% fat, and 429–430 kcal calories. The investigation showcases a remarkable 61% increase in antioxidant activity in bars enriched with freeze-dried aronia powder compared to traditional bars. In vitro digestion tests demonstrated enhanced nutrient release in aronia powder-enriched bars. Moreover, a 70-day storage analysis demonstrated the microbiological stability of the bars, which is essential for their commercial viability (final total viable cell count 4.41 log₁₀ CFU/g). Also, total fungi-yeast and moulds increased to 4.17 ± 0.131 log₁₀ CFU/g for aronia bars and to 3.91 ± 0.107 log₁₀ CFU/g for control bars after 70 days of storage. This collaborative research effort not only sheds light on the nutritional and physico–chemical characteristics of the innovative bars but also propels the development of functional food products with heightened antioxidant content and bioactive compounds.