Effect of Hydrocolloids on Penetration Tests, Sensory Evaluation, and Syneresis of Milk Pudding

This study evaluated how added gums, starch amounts, and sucrose levels affect the texture, sensory acceptability, and syneresis of milk puddings. The puddings were prepared with four ingredients, namely 0.3% polysaccharide (κ,ι-carrageenan, gellan gum, gelatin, or agar), 2.5-7.5% sucrose, 1-5% modified waxy corn starch, and whole milk. The physical and sensory properties were assessed through measurements of gel strength, breaking point, breaking force, rigidity, and hedonic testing. Results show that syneresis increased in all milk puddings during two weeks of refrigerated storage. Among the five polysaccharides, agar and κ-carrageenan showed the most significant effect on gel rigidity and strength, while gellan gum and ι-carrageenan were more effective at preventing syneresis compared to three commercial milk pudding products after 14 days of storage. As modified corn starch concentration increased (1 to 5%), gel strength, breaking force, and rigidity decreased. Lower modified waxy corn starch concentrations (5% to 1%) led to reduced syneresis when stored at 4 °C for 7 and 14 days. Sucrose significantly increased gel strength and breaking force in puddings containing κ-carrageenan, gellan gum, and agar. Gellan gum improved overall pudding acceptability. Based on sensory and syneresis data, the most acceptable milk pudding formulation contained 5% sucrose, 0.3% gellan gum, and 1% modified waxy corn starch.