Effect of inulin-type fructoligosaccharides (FOS) from yacon on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of bread

The current food industry drives interest in foods that not only satisfy basic needs, but also promote health. In this context, yacon, with its fructooligosaccharides (FOS)-rich syrup, emerges as a valuable plant source for improving the properties of bread. This study evaluated the effects of FOS addition from yacon on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of bread. A traditional methodology involving bread making with different concentrations of the syrup was employed. The results revealed that the treatments with 0.5% and 1.5% yacon syrup excelled in bulk density, crumb cell shape and crumb appearance. In the sensory evaluation, the 0% and 0.5% treatments scored best in crust colour, texture and flavour. In conclusion, the addition of FOS to bread was shown to significantly improve its physicochemical and sensory characteristics: the addition of 1.5% and 0.5% improved bread density and appearance, while the 0% and 0.5% treatments obtained better sensory ratings.