Czech J. Food Sci., X:X | DOI: 10.17221/16/2026-CJFS

Drying effects on physicochemical and techno-functional properties of Terminalia arjuna leaf mucilagein set yoghurt Original Paper

R.R.G.H.N. Senarathna, T.C. Kananke ORCID...
Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka

Stabilisers are widely used in yoghurt production to improve texture, consistency, and gel stability while minimising syneresis. Although gelatine is commonly applied for this purpose, ethical and sustainability concerns have increased interest in plant-based alternatives. This study evaluated Terminalia arjuna leaf mucilage powders as a natural stabiliser in set yoghurt. Mucilage was dried by freeze drying, microwave drying, and oven drying, incorporated at 0.6–1.0% (w/w), and compared with gelatine-stabilised yoghurt for physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties. The drying method and concentration significantly affected yoghurt quality. Yoghurt containing 1.0% freeze-dried mucilage powder showed the highest water-holding capacity (58.40 ± 0.10%) and lowest syneresis (22.10 ± 0.10%), with sensory and proximate characteristics comparable to the gelatine control. These results demonstrate that freeze-dried T. arjuna leaf mucilage, at an optimised concentration, is a promising plant-based alternative to gelatine in set yoghurt.

Keywords: fermented dairy product; gelatine substitute; plant hydrocolloid; syneresis; water holding capacity

Received: January 24, 2026; Revised: June 7, 2026; Accepted: June 22, 2026; Prepublished online: July 29, 2026 

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