The work is devoted to the study of the functional and technological properties of oat β-glucan in low-fat milky ice cream (2% fat) in comparison with the stabilization system Cremodan® SI 320. β-glucan (0.5%) has a greater effect on the cryoscopic temperature of ice cream mixes than Cremodan® SI 320 in the same amount (decrease by 0.166 °C vs. 0.078 °C), which inhibits the freezing process of free water in ice cream during technological processing in the temperature range from -5 to -10 °C. Microscopy of ice cream samples after freezing and hardening shows the ability of β-glucan to form a greater number of energy bonds due to specific interaction with milk proteins. Analysis of the microstructure of ice cream samples during 28 d of storage confirms the ability of oat β-glucan to suppress the growth of ice crystals more effectively than Cremodan® SI 320. Oat β-glucan gives ice cream a rich creamy taste, increases overrun and resistance to melting, which brings this type of frozen dessert closer to a full-fat analogue (10% fat).
Keywords: cryoscopic temperature; ice cream; ice crystals; microstructure; oat β-glucan; osmolality; overrun; sensory evaluation; water freezing.