Optimization of spreadable carob cream formulation with mixture design

Abstract
Carob is used as a source of sugar in many product formulations due to its naturally high sugar content. In addition, carob naturally contains a high content of D-pinitol. D-pinitol is an important food ingredient since it regulates glucose metabolism in the body and can be used in the diets of Type 2 diabetic patients. In this study, spreadable cream was produced using carob powder instead of cocoa. Although there are various studies carried out for this purpose in the literature, the optimum formulation was determined for the first time in this study by using optimization methods. The results of the study showed that the formulation has a significant effect on sensorial properties. It was determined that all sensory parameters except consistency increased with increasing sugar syrup ratio. The formulation, which provides the highest overall acceptability (>7), was calculated as 29% carob flour, 32% sugar syrup and 24% fat. It was determined that L *, b * and DPPH radical scavenging activity values could not be statistically modelled. a * and total phenolic content of samples was increased by increment of carob flour in the formulation. As a result, the formulation that maximizes sensorial properties and total phenolic content was calculated as 25% carob flour, 39.3% sugar syrup and 20.7% fat.