Effect of Three Types of Drying on the Viability of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Foam-Mat Dried Yogurt

In this research, foaming technology was applied to obtain powdered yogurt from commercial yogurt at lower temperatures than the typical temperatures used during the dehydration process; the viability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was evaluated after the application of different drying techniques (conventional drying, freeze drying, and vacuum drying). Three different formulas (F1, F2, and F3) based on a foaming agent (albumen), stabilizers (guar gum), and prebiotics sources (inulin and agave syrup) were developed. Foam stability was evaluated at different pH values through optimum time of foam (OTF), medium drainage time (MDT), and drainage volume (DV). Foam expansion (FE) and foam density (FD) were measured. The OTF ranged from 6 to 10 min. The MDT ranged from 4.3 to 27.3 min, depending on pH, while the DV varied from 14.1 to 16.2 mL only in F1. No drainage was evidenced in F2 and F3, showing the best stability. The F2 and F3 produced the best FE and FD values. The dried yogurt with different techniques showed a survival rate (SR) of up to 85% Log-CFU/mL, even with the conventional drying method. Sensorial trials were carried out in reconstituted product, with the freeze-dried yogurt showing higher scores. The foam formulas developed demonstrate the efficacy of both the dehydration of yogurt and the preservation of LAB.