This paper presents the design and validation of a traceability system, based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and Internet of Things (IoT) services, intended to address the interconnection and cost-implementation problems typical in traceability systems. The RFID layer integrates temperature sensors into RFID tags, to track and trace food conditions during transportation. The IoT paradigm makes it possible to connect multiple systems to the same platform, addressing interconnection problems between different technology providers. The cost-implementation issues are addressed following the Data as a Service (DaaS) billing scheme, where users pay for the data they consume and not the installed equipment, avoiding the big initial investment that these high-tech solutions commonly require. The developed system is validated in two case scenarios, one carried out in controlled laboratory conditions, monitoring chopped pumpkin. Another case, carried out in a real scenario, monitors oranges sent from Valencia, Spain to Cork, Ireland.

Due to the growing interest in improving the nutritional profile of bakery products, we have dealt with the most recent and relevant contributions regarding potential replacements for carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Focusing on the influence of carbohydrates on metabolism, their excess implies obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. However, they are technologically important, since they are responsible for the structure of many bakery products. Regarding of the lipid profile, saturated fats have a great impact on the appearance of cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, nature and the food industry offer alternatives to traditional oils/butters with large amounts of omega 3 and other components that can mitigate these problems. Other relevant aspects are related to allergies concerning egg proteins, gluten or even requirements for vegan consumers. Several studies have been performed in this line, replacing eggs with milk serum, different mucilages obtained from legumes or some gums, etc. In conclusion, many papers have been published showing the possibility of successfully replacing (both at technological and sensory levels) less healthy ingredients with others that are nutritionally better. The challenge now is to combine these better components in a given product, as well as to evaluate possible interactions among them.

The replacement of sucrose by new noncariogenic and low glycaemic index sweeteners (isomaltulose and tagatose) and the addition of natural watermelon juice in jelly have been assessed in terms of composition, texture, colour, antioxidant activity, microbiology, and sensory properties. These analyses were performed initially and after 15 days of storage. Furthermore, the values were compared with those obtained in the analyses of a commercial watermelon jelly. The results showed that the antioxidant activity increased with the storage time in the control sample and in samples combining isomaltulose and tagatose. In addition, noncariogenic and low glycaemic index sweeteners did not affect the instrumental texture. However, the colour changed, especially in the sample containing tagatose only. Finally, the dessert containing tagatose and isomaltulose in equal proportion achieved a similar score in the sensory evaluation as the commercial one, showing the feasibility of using these sweeteners to reformulate watermelon jelly.

The aim of this study was to make mandarin orange marmalades, in which sucrose is replaced by sweeteners, such as tagatose and isomaltulose, which are non-cariogenic and have a low glycemic index. Analyses of rheology, colour, antioxidant activity, microbiology, and sensory properties were carried out on marmalades on their first day, and after 90, 180, and 360 days of storage. The results showed that marmalades made with healthy sweeteners had a less elastic character and were thinner in consistency than those made with sucrose. Lightness was shown to be highest in mandarin orange marmalades made with tagatose, although colour was stable for 180 days to one year of storage. Tagatose also enhanced the antioxidant activity of these marmalades. All marmalades were microbiologically stable. Finally, marmalades made with tagatose alone scored the highest for global acceptance and intention of buying by consumers.

Moringa oleifera plants have an extensive range of bioactive compounds (carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, lipids and fatty acids, proteins and functional peptides). These molecules may be included in several food matrices, such as bakery products, to improve their nutritional values. For that, the aim of this study was to replace the part of wheat flour with 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% of moringa leaf powder in cupcakes, assessing their antioxidant capacity, protein content and sensorial acceptability. The results showed that proteins and antioxidant capacity directly increased with moringa content. However, according to the tasters, these moringa-rich cupcakes were too dark.