Dried algae as potential functional ingredient in fresh cheese

Algae have attracted the attention of researchers and consumers due to their health-promoting bioactive compounds. In addition, the high content of polysaccharides may confer important technological properties when included in foods with high moisture content, such as fresh cheese. In this study, two dried algae species—Fucus spiralis and Petalonia binghamiae, were added to fresh cheese to improve its functional properties. Syneresis was evaluated by water holding capacity (WHC) and measurement of weight loss of the cheeses during storage at 4°C. Cheeses were also analysed for antioxidant activity, composition, and organoleptic properties. The addition of dried seaweed significantly reduced the weight loss of fresh cheese during storage (p < 0.05), which is normally associated with a loss of sensory properties. A significant increase (p < 0.05) in antioxidant activity was also observed in the cheeses with the addition of both algae. Except for the cheese with the addition of F. spiralis (1 g/100 g), the chemical composition did not change (p > 0.05) when the algae were added to the cheeses. Cheese with the addition of dried F. spiralis showed the best results in the sensory tests, consumer preference, and purchase intention.