The effects of xanthan (XG) and guar gum (GG), used at 2 different concentrations (1.5 and 2.5%), upon
changes in microbiological growth, chemicalephysical and colour parameters of gluten-free (GF) fresh
pasta filled with cheese following pasteurisation and during refrigerated storage was evaluated. The
pasta was designed to be consumed after deep frying. Control wheat flour fresh filled pasta was also
prepared to make comparisons with the GF samples. The pasteurisation treatment resulted in adequate
microbial reduction and allowed a mould free shelf life of 14 days; the best microbiological results were
obtained with GG at both concentrations. The GF dough showed greater adhesiveness compared to
control samples, while the use of XG resulted in a more cohesive dough. Following pasteurization, the
GG-supplemented pasta exhibited contemporary higher and lower aw values for the dough and the
filling, respectively, compared with XG samples. The XG pasta better retained moisture during storage,
resulting in the inhibition of the development of crack fractures on the dough surface, which appeared
on the GG samples after 7 days of storage. Both hydrocolloids strongly reduced the percentage of oil
absorbed during frying with respect to control, while no sensory differences were detected between the
4 GF groups.