Effects of Apricot Fibre on the Physicochemical Characteristics, the Sensory Properties and Bacterial Viability of Nonfat Probiotic Yoghurts

In this study, the physical, chemical, rheological, and microbiological characteristics and the sensory properties of nonfat probiotic yoghurt produced at two different concentrations of apricot fibre (1% and 2%, w/v) and three different types of probiotic culture (Lactobacillus (L.) acidophilus LA-5, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (Bifidobacterium BB-12), and their mixtures) were investigated. As the fibre content increased, the rheological, structural, and sensory properties of probiotic yoghurt were negatively affected, while counts of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus LA-5, and Bifidobacterium BB-12 increased. When all the results were evaluated, the best results were obtained by using L. acidophilus LA-5 as probiotic culture and adding 1% (w/v) apricot fibre.