Yogurt is an ideal source of gut microbes. Newly formulated six yogurt samples
apart from control were prepared using 10 % and 20 % of coconut milk as partial
substitute of milk; followed by incorporation of date molasses (10 %, 15 % and 20
%). Samples were analyzed for physicochemical properties such as moisture, ash,
fat, protein, total solids (TS), total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity, total
phenolic contents (TPC) along with microbial and sensory properties. pH, acidity
and microbiological characteristics were examined on the 1st and 7th day
(refrigeration at 4⁰C). A significant (p<0.05) decrease in moisture content (ranged69.06% to 76.12%) in enriched samples was observed in comparison with control
(80.33%). Significant (p<0.05) positive effect of treatment in TS, TSS, fat, protein,
ash and TPCs of yogurt samples had been noticed. pH and acidity for each
treatment level were not significant (p<0.05) in paired comparison (1st day and 7th
day) but the significant effect of treatments in pH and acidity (p<0.05) was marked.
The total coliform count was observed as nil in control and experimental yogurt at
1st and 7th day (storage at 4⁰C). For all developed samples, total viable bacteria
count at 7th day was significantly higher than that of at 1st day (p-value < 0.05).
However, these results were significantly lower than in controlled sample. Yogurt
formulated using 10% coconut milk followed by 20% date molasses revealed
significant higher value for taste, flavor and overall acceptability (p<0.05) but color
and texture change were not significant (p<0.05)