Utilization of grape powder in the development of chocolate and caramel coated designer chhana delights

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effect of grape powder on the proximate, physicochemical and sensory quality of chocolate- and caramel-coated chhana (traditional dairy product obtained by acid coagulation of hot milk) delights. Design/methodology/approach The study was designed to evaluate the effect of grape powder on the quality characteristics of chocolate- and caramel-coated chhana delights. The product was developed by incorporating different levels of grape powder (2, 4 and 6 per cent), and further, the product was analysed for proximate, physicochemical and sensory parameters. Findings In chocolate-coated chhana delights, moisture (p = 0.01), ash (p = 0.03) and water activity (p = 0.02) increased significantly at 6 per cent level of grape powder incorporation, whereas pH (p > 0.01) showed a significant decreasing trend at 4 and 6 per cent level of grape powder incorporation. Chocolate coating loss (p = 0.02) was found to be significantly higher at 6 per cent level of addition. Cooking yield (p > 0.01) of chocolate-coated chhana delights increased significantly at 4 and 6 per cent level of grape powder incorporation. In caramel-coated chhana delights, moisture (p > 0.01) and ash (p = 0.02) content increased significantly at 6 per cent level of grape powder addition, and pH (p > 0.01) value decreased significantly at 6 per cent level of grape powder addition, whereas results were found to be vice versa in case of water activity (p = 0.01) and titratable acidity (p = 0.03) at 6 per cent level of grape powder addition. Originality/value Designer confection could be developed for school going children by incorporating grape powder in the formulation of chocolate- and caramel-coated chhana delights.