Pea Protein Isolate in Dairy-Free Yogurt: Gelation Behavior, Protein Fortification, and Texture Optimization
Pea Protein Isolate in Dairy-Free Yogurt: Gelation Behavior, Protein Fortification, and Texture Optimization Incorporating pea protein isolate (minimum 80% protein) into dairy-free yogurt matrices delivers strong gel network formation, high protein fortification (up to 10g per serving), and a smooth, spoonable texture. By managing pH, ionic strength, and thermal denaturation, food technologists can eliminate grittiness, syneresis (wheying-off), and leguminous off-flavors in plant-based spoonable cultured products. For R&D teams and brand managers, the dairy-free yogurt sector represents a high-growth category driven by health-conscious consumers seeking allergen-free, high-protein alternatives to traditional dairy. However, replicating the natural acid-induced gelation of bovine casein without