Highlights
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Dried glucose syrup is better than glucose in combination with protein as encapsulant for probiotics.
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Hydrolysed whey protein and intact whey protein in combination with sugars protect probiotics equally.
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Microencapsulation maintained physical powder flow characteristics and colour during non-refrigerated storage.
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Microencapsulation benefits long term stability under non-refrigerated storage.
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A combination of matrix formulation, packaging and storage is essential for long-term stability.