Artificial intelligence in bread making: Applications in quality control, formulation and sensory prediction

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Artificial Intelligence in Food Processing
• Machine Learning Applications in Baking

Background:

• The bakery industry is increasingly adopting data-driven strategies to improve traditional practices.
• Existing methods for quality prediction, process optimization, and shelf-life assessment have limitations.
• There is a growing need for advanced analytical tools to manage complex interactions in food production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the bakery industry.
• To explore how AI models can enhance accuracy in quality prediction, process optimization, and shelf-life assessment.
• To highlight AI's role in product innovation and sustainable bakery practices.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of various ML algorithms, including Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Random Forests (RF), and Deep Neural Networks (DNNs).
• Analysis of AI's capability to model complex interactions between formulation, processing, and quality attributes.
• Integration of AI with advanced sensory analysis tools (e.g., GC-O, Texture Profiling, E-nose/E-tongue) and digital technologies (e.g., digital twins, IoT).

Main Results:

• AI enables accurate prediction of key bread quality features like loaf volume, crumb structure, staling, and spoilage risk.
• AI facilitates the optimization of product formulations for cost-effectiveness and nutritional enhancement without compromising sensory quality.
• Combining AI with advanced methods and digital systems improves real-time analysis, operational performance, and sustainability.

Conclusions:

• AI, particularly ML, offers significant potential to revolutionize the bakery industry through data-informed decision-making.
• AI integration supports the development of sustainable, less wasteful, and personalized bakery products.
• Future applications of AI in baking promise enhanced efficiency, improved product quality, and innovative product development.