Functional Food Ingredients
Hydrocolloids are functional food ingredients, primarily derived from natural sources such as plants, seaweed, and microbial fermentation, used to improve the texture, stability, and consistency of dairy products. They have the ability to bind water, increase viscosity, and form gels, which helps in achieving the desired mouthfeel and structure
These ingredients play a vital role in dairy applications such as yoghurt, ice cream, and flavoured milk by preventing separation, enhancing creaminess, and extending shelf life. Their multifunctional properties make them essential for maintaining product quality and consumer appeal.