This study compared three methods for converting liquid flavors
to powders, namely spray drying, plating onto maltodextrin or
plating onto porous starch, in terms of protection offered to heat
and flavor content over shelf life, as measured both by sensory as
well as chemical analyses. This study shows a clear correlation
between chemical analysis (relative abundance of flavor molecules
present) and sensory analysis (intensity of flavor perceived by
humans). This study also clearly shows the important role of choice
of solvent for carrying liquid flavors onto porous starch; the higher
the affinity between flavor molecules and solvent, in terms of polarity,
the higher the flavor retention over time. The potential
application of porous starch as a carrier for flavorswas confirmed in
an industrial application.