Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse as a source of fiber and fat replacer in ice creams: chemical, microbiological, and sensory evaluation

Abstract Agricultural by-products are relevant sources of valuable bioactive compounds, such as fiber, which its regular ingestion is associated with health benefits. This study evaluated the chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of ice cream using the sugarcane bagasse as a partial fat replacer and fiber-enrichment component. Three ice cream formulations containing 15% (T1); 20% (T2) and 25% (T3) of sieved dried bagasse fiber were produced and compared against a control ice cream (C) without including the by-product. Fat content reduction was 53.40%, 78.88% and 81.99%, respectively; and, the total dietary fiber values increased 14.2%, 19.0% and 24.3%, respectively. Microbiological parameters of all ice cream formulations complied with the requirements established in the Ecuadorian standard for ice creams - NTE INEN 706:2013 and the limits for the mold and yeast count included in the Argentine Food Code. Compared with the control sample (C), formulation T1 did not show a significant statistical difference (p > 0.05) for four out of the five sensory parameters assessed (appearance, texture, flavor, and general acceptance, except taste) using a 9-point structured hedonic scale. The bagasse fiber resulted in a promising food ingredient suitable for reducing fat content and increasing fiber value.