Rheological, pasting and microstructural studies of dairy protein–starch interactions and their application in extrusion-based products: A review

The two biopolymers protein and starch are used to enhance the textural properties of food and play a key role in the formulation of novel food structures. In this paper, the interactions between dairy proteins and starch are discussed with a focus on the recent development on the rheological, pasting, and microstructural properties of these systems. Fortification of extruded cereal based snacks with dairy proteins leads to nutritious and energy dense snack foods. Milk proteins and starch interactions, and their effects on physiochemical and functional properties of extruded products are also explored in this review. Processing parameters of the extrusion process and feed characteristics affect final product quality and act as an important contributor in the determination of overall product texture. Fortification with dairy proteins may result in an acceptable quality of extrusion based ready to eat (RTE) snack foods. This review article will help food technologists to design and predict a product's behaviour during processing and final texture of a starch–protein based food system.