The current investigation focuses on the effect of different concentrations of green coffee bean powder (GCBp) on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of whole wheat bread (WWB). C1 bread formulation (containing 1% GCBp) exhibited the highest loaf volume, suggesting optimal fermentation. Moisture analysis revealed minor alterations in the moisture retention attributes of the bread formulations. Impedance analysis suggested that C1 exhibited the highest impedance with a high degree of material homogeneity. Swelling studies suggested similar swelling properties, except C5 (containing 5% GCBp), which showed the lowest swelling percentage. Furthermore, color and microcolor analysis revealed the highest L* and WI in C1. Conversely, higher concentrations of GCBp reduced the color attributes in other GCBp-containing formulations. FTIR study demonstrated an improved intermolecular interaction in C1 and C2 (containing 2% GCBp) among all. No significant variation in the overall textural parameters was observed in GCBp-introduced formulations, except C2, which showed an improved gumminess. Moreover, the TPC (total phenolic content) and microbial analysis revealed enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in GCBp-incorporated formulations compared to Control (C0, without GCBp). The sensory evaluation showed an enhanced appearance and aroma in C1 compared to others. In short, C1 showed better physicochemical, biological, and sensory properties than the other formulations.

There is a high demand for new techniques and applications, which are typically used in materials science for food product development. As a novel food example, sourdough bread (SDB) has been previously evaluated for its prolonged shelf life, positive health effects, and distinctive flavor, yet conventional fermentation is time-consuming. The influence of dough hydration on the properties of SDB prepared using symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) derived from black tea Kombucha and how SCOBY reduced the overall time of the starter preparation to ∼16 h were studied. This decrement in the fermentation period, aided by the metabolically active microbial association in SCOBY, acts as a suitable alternative to conventional sourdough cultures that need extended fermentation periods. Several characterization techniques were employed to elucidate the effect of hydration levels (70–90%) of the samples, including impedance profile analysis. Results have revealed that the SDB with an 80% hydration level (SB80) displayed optimal characteristics concerning porosity, starch crystallization, texture, total phenolic content, and viscoelasticity. These findings suggest that SB80 attained a stable matrix with enticing nutritional and mechanical attributes, thereby emerging as an ideal candidate for developing novel bakeries with improved properties. Higher hydration levels enhanced the moisture retention ability and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, FTIR studies confirmed hydration-mediated molecular interactions, thereby affecting gluten structure and the process of starch gelatinization. Stress relaxation studies have revealed the superior mechanical strength of SB80, thus demonstrating improved texture and mouthfeel attributes. Electrical impedance spectroscopy studies further displayed hydration-driven modifications in water distribution and starch arrangement. These findings open a new dimension in utilizing SCOBY as an alternative in formulating novel SDBs to create sustainable, functional food products.

This study explores the effect of date palm gum (DPG) as a novel functional ingredient for whole wheat bread (WWB) to enhance its physicochemical and textural properties. Herein, samples containing varying concentrations of DPG (0–3% w/w) were prepared and analyzed, out of which D2 (containing 1% w/w DPG) exhibited superior qualities. Microscopic studies showed that D2 exhibited improved crumb aeration, suggesting better fermentation than the others. Moisture analysis revealed that D2 retained a higher quantum of moisture (50.06 ± 0.41%). Further, the colorimetric study showed that increasing DPG concentration led to a corresponding decrease in L* values (46.69 ± 0.13) due to the combined effect of Maillard browning and the inherent color of DPG. Analysis of FTIR spectra confirmed stable interactions of DPG and starch–protein complexes in D2. Stress relaxation exhibited that D2 had the highest initial (F₀; 162.95 ± 1.70 g) and residual (F₆₀; 95.81 ± 3.94 g) forces, indicating that it maintained its structure under stress. In gist, DPG exhibited strong potential as a natural hydrocolloid that could be explored to develop functional bakery products.