Prebiotic and rheological effects of Jerusalem artichoke inulin in low-fat yogurt

Inulins extracted from Jerusalem artichoke (Ja) tubers were tested for their prebiotic and fat-replacement properties and compared to commercial inulin, Beneo ST, extracted from chicory roots. Each inulin type was incorporated into skim milk at a level of 4% for the production of low-fat yogurts. Viable counts of probiotic and yogurt cultures as well as texture and rheology of the yogurts were investigated during refrigerated storage for 28 days. Overall, yogurts with added Ja-inulin showed better retention of probiotics viability (Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus) than yogurts made with Beneo ST. Textural and rheological studies indicated that Ja-inulin could function as a fat replacer in low-fat yogurt to mimic the properties of full-fat yogurt.