This study demonstrated the effect of adding healthpromoting
ingredients into a yogurt drink system. The
prebiotics inulin, soluble corn fiber, and polydextrose
were shown to alter the sensory properties of the yogurt
drink when incorporated at different levels. When probiotics
were incorporated, additional sensory changes
were identified. This study can be used as a reference
for yogurt manufacturers looking to incorporate novel
prebiotics and probiotics in their products for the sensory
effects of the ingredients at relevant levels. The viability
study revealed a 2- to 3-log decrease in survival
of the probiotics, with or without prebiotics, after 30
d of refrigerated storage. It is recommended that additional
methods or ingredients be used to ensure the
viability of probiotics in the product because several
studies now prove their low survival rate. Future research
could include microencapsulating the probiotics
to determine if their survival rate is increased in the novel prebiotic yogurt drink and to determine if the
sensory characteristics of the drink become affected.