In this work the effect of the addition of aqueous phenolic extracts, from olive and grape pomace, to
fermentation media of the skim milk was investigated with the aim to produce a novel functional
product. Additionally, Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was assessed as a rapid and alternative method to
traditional identification methods for the characterization of the new product. Results herein indicated
that phenolic compounds are stable during the fermentation and they did not interfere with the
manufacturing process. By extracting the information contained in the NIR spectra using the multivariate
analysis, it was possible to discriminate between samples of probiotic milk according to the type of
extract added and to evaluate the ‘stability’ of the product confirming NIR spectroscopy as a valid support
to classical analysis. We concluded that, after sensorial evaluation of the product, fermented milk fortified
with natural antioxidants could be considered a novel functional dairy product with health
beneficial properties.