In vitro digestibility and stability of encapsulated yerba mate extract and its impact on yogurt properties

The development of ready-to-eat foods containing bioactive extracts represents an important step to improve food consumption. This study aimed to develop a yogurt containing an encapsulated bioactive yerba mate extract. For this, the lyophilized extract was protected through encapsulation in solid lipid particles (SLPs) of beeswax. An encapsulation efficiency (EE) greater than 90% was achieved with an extract content higher than 20%. The FTIR spectrum of the capsules’ wall material, indicated that beeswax efficiently encapsulated the yerba mate extract. The extract antioxidant potential was protected for 45 days under cold storage, and the encapsulation maintained the viability of the yogurt lactic acid bacteria. The increase in free fatty acids from seven to 33% during in vitro digestion indicated the capsule rupture during the digestion process. Moreover, the extract encapsulation maintained viable lactic acid bacteria in yogurt. The addition of SLPs did not affect the acceptability of the yogurt or the consumers’ intention to buy the product. However, the score attributed to the product evaluators was surprisingly low and portrayed the consumer's preference for foods with added sugar. This work introduced a natural, ready-to-eat and health-promoting food product containing SLP-protected antioxidant compounds. The addition of compounds encapsulated in foods is promising and can benefit consumers.