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The growing population and increasing concerns about food security and sustainability demand innovative solutions to minimize food waste and transform by-products into functional ingredients valuable to the food sector. Brewery by-products, including brewer’s spent grain (BSG) and brewer’s spent yeast (BSY), are underutilized resources despite their high protein contents and potential as sustainable food ingredients. This study aimed to transform BSG and BSY into protein hydrolysates (BSGH and BSYH, respectively) through enzymatic hydrolysis and thus add value to these brewery industry by-products to be used in the food industry. These protein hydrolysates were incorporated into non-alcoholic malt beverages at three different concentrations, and their effects on the physicochemical properties, including color, kinematic viscosity, turbidity, foaming capacity and foam stability, of the non-alcoholic malt beverages were evaluated. Both BSGH and BSYH exhibited higher water solubility (WS) and lower water binding capacity (WBC) values when compared to their native non-hydrolyzed forms, enhancing their suitability as ideal ingredients for protein supplementation of a wide range of food and beverage products. The production of peptides of varying sizes underscored the effectiveness of enzymatic hydrolysis which resulted in an increase in cysteine and methionine levels in BSYH but a decrease in BSGH. The addition of BSGH and BSYH increased the kinematic viscosity and turbidity but reduced the lightness values in color of the non-alcoholic malt beverages. When the properties of the protein hydrolysates were compared, BSYH was more effective than BSGH in forming foams and maintaining their stability for longer periods. These findings highlight the potential of brewery by-products, after enzymatic hydrolysis, as protein-rich ingredients that can support more sustainable food systems and contribute to the nutritional enhancement of various low-protein food and beverage products.

Blowing agent-assisted extrusion cooking is a novel processing technique that can alter the expansion of extruded snacks and, thus, enhance their physical appeal, such as texture. However, to this day, this technique has only been studied for ingredients with limited protein contents (<30%). In this study, protein-enriched snacks were extruded using nitrogen gas as a blowing agent at a wide protein range (0–50%) to better explore the potential of this technique in manufacturing high-protein snacks. The results showed that, with nitrogen gas injection, extrudate radial expansion was significantly (p < 0.05) improved at 10% and 40% protein, while extrudate density was significantly reduced at 30% and 50% protein. Nitrogen gas-injected extrudates, especially at 50% protein, exhibited improvements in texture, including a reduction in hardness and an increase in crispness. Collectively, this study showed the promising potential of nitrogen gas-assisted extrusion in improving the physical appeal of innovative healthy snacks at a high protein level (i.e., 50%).

Industrial applications of pulses in various food products depend on pulse flour techno-functionality. To manipulate the techno-functional properties of yellow pea flour, the effects of flour particle size (small vs. large), extrusion temperature profile (120, 140 and 160 °C at the die) and air injection pressure (0, 150 and 300 kPa) during extrusion cooking were investigated. Extrusion cooking caused the denaturation of proteins and gelatinization of starch in the flour, which induced changes in the techno-functionality of the extruded flour (i.e., increased water solubility, water binding capacity and cold viscosity and decreased emulsion capacity, emulsion stability, and trough and final viscosities). In general, the large particle size flour required less energy input to be extruded and had higher emulsion stability and trough and final viscosities compared to the small particle size flour. Overall, among all of the treatments studied, extrudates produced with air injection at 140 and 160 °C had higher emulsion capacity and emulsion stability, making them relatively better suited food ingredients for emulsified foods (e.g., sausages). The results indicated air injection’s potential as a novel extrusion technique combined with modification of flour particle size distribution and extrusion processing conditions to effectively manipulate product techno-functionality and broaden the applications of pulse flours in the food industry.

The aim of this study was to produce texturized vegetable proteins (TVPs) from faba bean protein via low-moisture extrusion. The effect of extrusion variables including temperature (110, 125, and 140 °C at the die), feed moisture content (30, 35, and 40%), and screw speed (200, 300, and 400 rpm) on the TVP properties were investigated. An increase in feed moisture content or extruder temperature reduced the specific mechanical energy and torque by 40–45% during extrusion. An increase in feed moisture created TVPs with lower bulk densities and rehydration ratios while an increase in extruder temperature or screw speed increased the bulk density of the TVPs. An increase in screw speed also caused a decrease in the water holding capacity of the milled TVP flours. The TVP flours had a 33–70% higher oil holding capacity than the raw material. The texture profile showed that an increase in feed moisture influenced TVP hardness, gumminess, and chewiness with higher values compared to the treatments with lower moisture contents. Springiness, cohesiveness, and resilience were more affected by a change in screw speed with higher values at 200 rpm. The best parameters were selected (125 °C, 40% MC, 300 rpm) to produce TVP to use as a partial (hybrid burger) and complete (vegan burger) replacement of beef in a burger patty. The replacement of 25% beef with TVPs in a hybrid burger increased the cooking yield and moisture retention and decreased the thickness and diameter change compared to the beef burger without TVPs. In a vegan formulation, the faba bean TVP burger had lower cooking yield and moisture retention than commercial products.

Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG; Thinopyrum intermedium), a nutritionally dense and sustainable crop, is a promising novel ingredient in bakery applications. The main aim of this study was to investigate the potential of IWG as a novel ingredient in breadmaking. The second aim was to investigate the characteristics of breads substituted with 15, 30, 45, and 60% IWG flour compared to control bread produced using wheat flour. The gluten content and quality, bread quality, bread staling, yellow pigment, and phenolic and antioxidant properties were determined. Enrichment with IWG flours significantly affected the gluten content and quality and bread characteristics. Increased levels of IWG flour substitution significantly decreased the Zeleny sedimentation and gluten index values and increased the dry and wet gluten contents. The bread yellow pigment content and crumb b* colour value increased with the increasing level of IWG supplementation. IWG addition also had a positive effect on the phenolic and antioxidant properties. Bread with 15% IWG substitution had the highest bread volume (485 mL) and lowest firmness values (654 g-force; g-f) compared to the other breads, including the control (i.e., wheat flour bread). The results indicated that IWG has great potential to be used in bread production as a novel, healthy, and sustainable ingredient.

This study aimed to evaluate how extrusion cooking conditions and microwave heating play a role in enhancing physical and thermal properties of third-generation expanded cellular snacks made from yellow pea (YP) and red lentil (RL) flours for the first time. Increasing temperature and moisture content during extrusion resulted in darker, crunchier and crispier products with higher expansion index (EI). Microwave heating after extrusion led to an increase in cell size and porosity of YP and RL products when qualitatively compared to extrusion alone. Additionally, extrusion followed by microwave heating resulted in extensive damage to starch granular structure and complete denaturation of proteins. Using microwave heating, as a fast and inexpensive process, following partial cooking with extrusion was demonstrated to greatly improve the physical and thermal properties of YP and RL snacks. Microwave heating following mild extrusion, instead of severe extrusion cooking alone, can potentially benefit the development of high quality nutritionally-dense expanded cellular snacks made from pulse flours.

Butterfly pea flower (BP) is a rich source of bioactive components and can potentially be utilized to produce appealing, wholesome foods. Antioxidant and dietary fiber-enriched breakfast cereals were produced by extrusion cooking using blends of BP and yellow pea flour (YP). BP was added to YP at 0%, 5% and 10% levels (w/w), respectively, and extruded at two temperature profiles with die temperatures of 130 and 150 °C. Incorporation of BP significantly (p < 0.05) improved the total phenolics content, antioxidant properties, and insoluble and total dietary fiber content of the extrudates, with 10% BP extrudates showing the highest values. At a die temperature of 150 °C, the extrudates had a higher expansion ratio, a lower dry hardness, and a higher dry crispiness as compared to those at 130 °C. The color of BP-incorporated extrudates was darker and bluer as compared to the no-BP extrudates. The 10% BP extrudates retained relatively more of their hardness, crispiness, and crunchiness after soaking, indicating a better bowl-life and, therefore, better suitability of this blend formula for breakfast cereal production. Overall, this research shows that healthier breakfast cereals with appealing color and relatively longer bowl-life can be produced using BP, making BP a potential novel ingredient for extrusion formulations.

Tarhana, a traditional fermented food made from cereal flours, yogurt, vegetables, and spices, is recognized for its rich nutritional value and prolonged shelf life. This study investigated the effect of pea protein isolate (PPI) enrichment on select compositional, physical, techno-functional and nutritional properties of tarhana. Six different formulations were prepared by blending PPI and wheat flour (WF) in varying PPI: WF ratios from 0:100 (control) to 100:0. The protein content of the tarhana samples increased proportionally with the PPI concentration, reaching 76.6% in the PPI: WF of 100:0 PPI tarhana compared to 25.1% in the control tarhana. The total phenolic content (TPC) varied, ranging from 534.1 to 702.9 mg GAE/100 g dry basis (db), with higher values observed in PPI enriched tarhana samples. PPI enrichment significantly ( p  < 0.05) enhanced the antioxidant capacity, measured by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. PPI-enriched tarhana powders showed improved levels of key polyphenols, including gallic acid, quercetin and ferulic acid. Pasting profile of the tarhana samples showed a decrease in peak viscosity with increasing PPI, indicating the decrease in starch concentration. In-vitro protein digestibility of tarhana samples improved with PPI incorporation, showing values exceeding 84% for all PPI enriched formulations. The glycemic index (GI) of the tarhana samples decreased with increased PPI levels. Tarhana soups made from PPI: WF of 80:20 and 100:0 showed GI values 50.5 and 42.6, respectively, enabling them to be classified as low-GI foods. This research highlighted the potential of PPI to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of traditional tarhana.

Barley, primarily used for malting and animal feed, holds untapped potential as a human food source. Plant-based meat analogues, aimed at mimicking attributes of animal meats, typically rely on refined ingredients like soy protein or wheat gluten. To address ingredient sustainability and diversification in the plant-based food sector, this study used protein-enriched ingredients from two dry-fractionated barley varieties. Blends of pea protein and protein-enriched barley flour from two varieties (CDC Austenson and CDC Valdres) were extruded under high moisture conditions. The effects of two barley inclusion levels (15 and 30% w/w) and three feed moisture levels (47.5, 52.5, and 57.5% wb) were investigated on meat analogue’s physical and techno-functional properties. Barley’s inclusion led to texturized meat analogues with sufficiently fibrous characteristics and texture comparable with recent studies on meat analogues. Meat analogues containing 15% of protein-enriched barley flour from CDC Austenson and processed at 57.5% feed moisture had the highest anisotropy index (1.57). An increase in barley inclusion in the formulation led to an increase in the hardness, gumminess, and chewiness of the meat analogues. However, increasing moisture content led to a decrease in hardness, gumminess, chewiness, density, and color change. In terms of techno-functionality, extrusion led to a reduction in the water and oil holding capacities of the meat analogues compared to the raw formulations. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the effective inclusion of protein-enriched barley flours as ingredients for high moisture meat analogues. Findings are expected to encourage the usage of barley in human food applications and promote ingredient diversification.

Bioactive peptides that are derived through the enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins have garnered significant attention for their diverse health‐promoting properties. This article delves into the technology behind plant‐derived bioactive peptide production by emphasizing the principles of enzyme hydrolysis. Furthermore, the review highlights the refinement techniques, employing membrane ultrafiltration and various forms of column chromatography to isolate and purify these peptides effectively. The bioactive properties of protein hydrolysates encompass a range of health benefits, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti‐diabetic, anti‐obesity, and neuroprotective effects. Additionally, bioactive peptides demonstrate promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth, supporting bone health, and modulating immune responses. These properties hold immense potential for revolutionizing approaches to various health conditions. Continued research in this field promises further insights and breakthroughs, propelling bioactive peptides to the forefront of nutrition and healthcare innovation. The convergence of advanced technology and the multifaceted bioactivity of peptides present an exciting avenue for improving human well‐being and addressing a wide array of health challenges. Plant proteins can be readily digested to release peptides that exert positive influence on human health when consumed as part of a regular food or in the form of supplements. The health benefits are mediated through the regulation of physiological reactions associated with nutrient bioavailability, cardiovascular functions, bone metabolism, cell division, immune functions, adipose tissue weight, and immune reactions.