Formulation of Vegan Health Beverage using Coconut Milk and Fortifying it with Flaxseed Oil

Abstract

Coconut milk is a vegan beverage and its fortification with flaxseed oil is an approach towards filling the nutritional gap of ω-3 fatty acids in vegan/vegetarian diets. Various formulations of coconut milk beverage were devised including variations in coconut meat: water ratios, guar gum concentration as stabilizer, sugar concentration (table sugar and zero-sugar sweetener) and flaxseed oil concentration and flavor (cardamom and coffee) concentration. The optimum level for these concentrations was analyzed through sensory evaluation at each step. Homogenization conditions (RPM value and time of homogenization) were optimized for flaxseed oil in milk. The alpha-linolenic acid content retained in the beverage was analyzed using Gas chromatography technique while camera microscopy was used to determine the emulsion stability, each day, when samples were stored in refrigeration for 5 days. The fortified milk was oxidatively stable and sensorially acceptable.