BackgroundSour cherry juice concentrate powder can serve as a modern phenolics‐rich merchandise in easy‐to‐handle form; however, its transformation into powdered form requires an addition of carriers. In line with the newest trends in food technology, the study valorizes the usage of dairy by‐products (whey protein concentrate, whey, buttermilk and mixes with maltodextrin) as carriers. A new multiply approach for higher drying yield, phenolics retention (phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins) and antioxidant capacity of powders with simultaneous decrease of drying temperature due to the drying air dehumidification and lower carrier content were tested during spray drying.ResultsDairy‐based carriers were effective for spray drying of sour cherry juice concentrate ‐ drying yield was increased, retention of phenolics was higher when compared to maltodextrin. Dehumidified air application, which enabled to lower drying temperature, positively affected drying yield, particles morphology and retention of phenolics (approx. 30% higher content of phenolics when compared to spray drying).ConclusionsThe study proved the possibility for application of dairy‐based by‐products to produce sour cherry juice concentrate powders with profitability of lowering the spray drying temperature and carrier content. The dehumidified air spray drying can be recommended for the production of fruit juice concentrate powders with improved physicochemical properties.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.