High-pressure processing (HPP) can induce gelation of egg-white protein and improve physical and physicochemical properties of egg-white pudding. Interestingly, one step, including production and pasteurisation, is accomplished to produce a ready-to-eat snack. An ideal healthy snack in the elderly population consists of low-sugar and fat, high fibre and vitamin levels, is tasty, creamy-soft, and refreshing. Our strawberry-flavoured egg-white pudding contains high protein and fibre from inulin, zero fat, and a soft texture produced for various groups, from healthy to older people. After HPP at different high-pressure levels (450, 475, and 500 MPa) and different times (5, 10 and 15 min), this study investigated the physical quality and physicochemical properties of strawberry-flavoured egg-white pudding, such as texture, colour, syneresis, microstructure, secondary structure of protein, and microorganism growth. The results indicate increasing high-pressure levels, and/or holding time treatment caused significantly (p < 0.05) higher hardness values and lower syneresis, as well as surface hydrophobicity. Moreover, many micropores and thicker wall structures were clearly observed for increasing high-pressure levels. Furthermore, HPP altered the β-sheet and β-turns structure of strawberry-flavoured egg-white pudding. In conclusion, increasing high-pressure levels and/or holding time treatment at 450, 475, and 500 MPa for 5, 10, and 15 min affected the physical, physicochemical, and biochemical properties of strawberry-flavoured egg-white pudding.
Keywords: egg white; high pressure processing; microstructure; protein structure.