This study investigated the stability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in
cocoa juice. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was encapsulated separately with
sodium alginate and sodium alginate+gum Arabic, and incorporated into cocoa
pulp juice. Un-encapsulated LGG (free cell) served as a control. The
viability of free and encapsulated LGG in cocoa juice and simulated
gastrointestinal conditions was evaluated. The juice was stored at 4 ?C for
28 days and its chemical composition was determined weekly. Colour
attributes and sensory properties of the freshly prepared juice were also
determined. The percentage yield of LGG encapsulated with sodium alginate
and sodium alginate+gum Arabic was 80.8 and 89.9%, respectively. Sodium
alginate+gum Arabic encapsulated LGG showed higher viability in cocoa juice
and simulated gastrointestinal conditions than free cell and LGG
encapsulated with sodium alginate only. There was no significant (p>0.05)
difference in the pH of cocoa juice that contained sodium alginate only
(CJSA) and the one that contained sodium alginate+gum Arabic (CJAG).
Titratable acidity of CJAG was significantly (p<0.05) higher than CJSA
throughout the storage. Significantly higher pH, total soluble solids, and
sugar were recorded for cocoa juice that contained the free cell (CJFC)
compared to CJSA and CJAG. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference
between CJSA and CJAG in terms of the degree of lightness, however, the
samples differed significantly (p<0.05) in terms of chroma, and colour
intensity. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference between CJFC and
CJAG in terms of colour, appearance, aroma, taste, and consistency. This
study showed that the encapsulation of LGG with sodium alginate and gum
Arabic improved its stability in cocoa juice.