In the present work, gluten-free formulations for
breadmaking, destined to celiac people, were studied. A
base blend of tapioca starch and corn flour (80:20) and
typical bread ingredients such as yeast, salt, sugar and water
were utilised. Ingredients such us vegetable fat, hen egg,
and soybean flour were incorporated in different levels by
means of an experimental design of three factors. Bread
quality was analysed throughout physical (specific volume,
weight loss percentage) and textural (firmness, elasticity
and firmness recovery) parameters. The optimum bread
selected, the bread with highest levels of fat and soybean
flour and one egg, presented low values of firmness
(≤100 N) and elasticity (>65%) and the lowest variation
of these parameters with storage. Overall acceptability of
this bread was 84% for habitual consumers of wheat bread
and 100% by celiac people. Therefore, tapioca starch-based
breads with spongy crumb, high volume and a good
sensory acceptance were obtained.
This study has demonstrated that gluten-free breads with high
acceptability can be made from tapioca starch and corn flour.
These breads were totally natural, without chemical additives.
Analysis of interaction between components (fat, egg, soybean
flour) at different levels of fresh and stored breads was
performed. Bread with the highest content of F, E and S
showed the highest specific volume and lowest crumb
firmness and elasticity, but a great weight loss. The optimum
formulation (b10), selected according to physical and texture
data, presented a similar response than the best breads but with
only one egg in its formulation. In addition, b10 presented low
firmness and elasticity changes after 1-day storage. Sensory
evaluation with bread consumers and especially celiac people
confirmed the proposed objectives. Bread with 100% of
acceptance, prepared with local raw materials, enriched in
proteins due to soybean flour incorporation and natural (free of
additives and preservatives), was able to be obtained.