Synergistic effect of three encapsulated strains of probiotic bacteria on quality parameters of chocolates with different composition

Abstract Among the carriers of probiotic bacteria in the field of non-dairy foods, chocolate is one of the most appealing. Following the contemporary trend impelled with better efficiency, a compilation of three probiotic strains microencapsulated together was incorporated in milk, semisweet and dark chocolates. The determination of viability revealed that bifidobacteria (BB) were less durable than lactobacilli (LA) and streptococci (ST), but the total cell number was high (9–8 log cfu/g) during 360 days, at both tested temperatures. The main objective was to examine the effects of probiotics on the sensory and rheological properties of various types of produced chocolates, as well as to test the suitability of used packaging materials. The obtained data showed that all evaluated samples exhibited excellent sensory quality and, among rheological parameters, yield value was more affected than the viscosity. Seal defect (leakage) of the primary packaging material assumable contributed to the decline of viable probiotic cells.