Interaction of Bioactive Mono-Terpenes with Egg Yolk on Ice Cream Physicochemical Properties

Using natural multi-function phytochemicals could be one of the best solutions for clean-label production. In this study, dairy ice creams were prepared containing 14% egg yolk and 0.1% of thymol (THY), trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), menthol (MEN), or vanillin (VAN). Then, the physical, chemical, and structural characteristics were evaluated. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis (a rapid, chemical-free, and non-invasive tool) was carried out to evaluate the water distribution. A multivariate analysis was conducted among all studied variables. According to the results, the overrun of the MEN ice cream was significantly increased as compared to the control sample. The density was also reduced in the MEN sample. Meanwhile, the spreadability (%) of VAN was significantly increased after 6 min as compared to the control treatment. MRI analysis revealed that water distribution was significantly changed in the THY group. The firmness and viscosity of THY samples were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that viscosity index and consistency were the top parameters affected by THY. The authors concluded that THY and VAN are promising stabilizers for ice-cream clean production.