Bee bread boosts probiotic Yoghurt: Unveiling the impact on physiochemical, microbiological, and sensory attributes

This study aimed to investigate the effects of bee bread ratios of 0.5%, 1%, and 2%, respectively on some parameters in probiotic yoghurt production. The bee bread composition contained the elements B, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, and Zn. The analysis of sugar composition revealed the presence of fructose, glucose, and sucrose. The organic acid and phenolic substance content were assessed. The following values were obtained: oxalic acid (1.26 mg/g), malic acid (7.79 mg/g), ascorbic acid (0.91 mg/g), citric acid (2.73 mg/g), p-coumaric acid (15.3 µg/g) and kaempferol (5.562.4 µg/g). The study determined the tocopherol content, specifically alpha (7.09 µg/g), beta (0.4 µg/g), gamma (0.77 µg/g), and delta (0.31 µg/g). A total of 55 distinct components were identified while analyzing the volatile and aroma profiles. This study found that the IC50 value of bee bread was 1.414 mg/mL. Bee bread did not affect physicochemical parameters such as pH, acidity, dry matter, ash, milk fat, and water holding capacity (P>0.05) but affected protein and syneresis (P<0.05). The addition of bee bread positively affected Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 activity was preserved at around 107 kob/g during storage (P<0.05). Adding bee bread affected the color parameters L*, a*, and b* values (P<0.05). Consumers preferred the group to which 0.5% bee bread was offered following sensory analytical evaluation. The study has demonstrated that adding bee bread during yoghurt production can effectively maintain probiotic activity.