Microencapsulation protects sensitive nutrients, masks flavors, or enhances delivery. Ratios of maltodextrin and γ-cyclodextrin (20:0, 19:1, and 17:3% w/w) were dissolved in water and mixed with pomegranate juice for spray drying with inlet temperatures of 120, 140, and 160°C. The effects on physical properties (water activity, % water content, color, pH, soluble solids (Brix), and methyl cellulose precipitable tannin assay (MCPTA) were examined. Based on the principle component analysis, formulation influenced color parameters and pH accounted for 46.8% of the variation in the data. Temperature influenced Chroma and water-holding capacity with 31.8% of the variation. The pH of the reconstituted spray-dried powder significantly influenced color. Blending of γ-cyclodextrins to maltodextrins slightly increased the water-holding capacity, increased pH, slightly affected color, and preserved the color over time, slightly better. Increased inlet temperature affected color, decreased water-holding capacity, and decreased astringency index. Small additions of γ-cyclodextrin affect spray-dried powders.
Keywords: Pomegranate juice; astringency; maltodextrin; spray drying; γ‐cyclodextrin.