Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is the most abundant by‐product generated in the beer‐brewing process. This material consists of the barley grain husks obtained as solid residue after the production of wort. BSG is rich in fibre and protein and, to date, the main use for the elimination of this by‐product has been as an animal feed. However, because of its nutritional content, BSG is of interest for application and fortification of human food products, particularly in view of its low cost and availability in large amounts. In addition, the importance of BSG as an ingredient and potential source of health‐promoting bioactive components is beginning to be recognised. The investigation of alternative uses of BSG is pertinent, not only from the perspective of the brewer who can benefit from valorisation of this by‐product, but also from an environmental perspective as the recycling and re‐use of industrial wastes and by‐products has become increasingly important. This review presents the current knowledge on BSG, covering its production, composition and methods for the release of valuable components, and focuses on the potential health benefits attributed to its constituents and the use of this brewer by‐product in food applications. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) have, for centuries, been important microorganisms in the production of fermented foods and beverages such as vinegar, kombucha, (water) kefir, and lambic beer. Their unique form of metabolism, known as “oxidative” fermentation, mediates the transformation of a variety of substrates into products, which are of importance in the food and beverage industry and beyond; the most well‐known of which is the oxidation of ethanol into acetic acid. Here, a comprehensive review of the physiology of AAB is presented, with particular emphasis on their importance in the production of vinegar and fermented beverages. In addition, particular reference is addressed toward Gluconobacter oxydans due to its biotechnological applications, such as its role in vitamin C production. The production of vinegar and fermented beverages in which AAB play an important role is discussed, followed by an examination of the literature relating to the health benefits associated with consumption of these products. AAB hold great promise for future exploitation, both due to increased consumer demand for traditional fermented beverages such as kombucha, and for the development of new types of products. Further studies on the health benefits related to the consumption of these fermented products and guidelines on assessing the safety of AAB for use as microbial food cultures (starter cultures) are, however, necessary in order to take full advantage of this important group of microorganisms.

Exopolysaccharides produced by lactic acid bacteria are a diverse group of polysaccharides produced by many species. They vary widely in their molecular, compositional, and structural characteristics, including mechanisms of synthesis. The physiochemical properties of these polymers mean that they can be exploited for the sensorial and textural enhancement of a variety of food and beverage products. Traditionally, lactic acid bacteria exopolysaccharides have an important role in fermented dairy products and more recently are being applied for the improvement of bakery products. The health benefits that are continually being associated with these polysaccharides enable the development of dual function, added-value, and clean-label products. To fully exploit and understand the functionality of these exopolysaccharides, their isolation, purification, and thorough characterization are of great importance. This review considers each of the above factors and presents the current knowledge on the importance of lactic acid bacteria exopolysaccharides in the food and beverage industry.

The increasing prevalence of coeliac disease (CD) and gluten-related disorders has led to increasing consumer demand for gluten-free products with quality characteristics similar to wheat bread. The replacement of gluten in cereal-based products remains a challenge for scientists, due to its unique role in network formation, which entraps air bubbles. When gluten is removed from a flour, starch is the main component left. Starch is used as gelling, thickening, adhesion, moisture-retention, stabilizing, film forming, texturizing and anti-staling ingredient. The extent of these properties varies depending on the starch source. The starches can additionally be modified increasing or decreasing certain properties of the starch, depending on the application. Starch plays an important role in the formulation of bakery products and has an even more important role in gluten-free products. In gluten-free products, starch is incorporated into the food formulation to improve baking characteristics such as the specific volume, colour and crumb structure and texture. This review covers a number of topics relating to starch; including; an overview of common and lesser researched starches; chemical composition; morphology; digestibility; functionality and methods of modification. The emphasis of this review is on starch and its properties with respect to the quality of gluten-free products.

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