This study investigates the impact of structural modifications of chocolate ganaches by changes in technological processing and by addition of emulsifier, milk fat, milk protein, and guar gum. ...Ganaches were evaluated by textural analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, frequency sweep rheology, and optical microscopy. Chocolate pralines were manufactured from studied ganaches, followed by sensory and microbial tests for consumer acceptability and shelf-life stability, respectively. Ganache subjected to a 3-min emulsification process exhibited optimal properties and was sensorially rated as the most preferred. Notably, neither the emulsifier application nor extended 6-min emulsification had significant effect on the measured properties. The addition of milk proteins and guar gum resulted in a firm and complex water-binding structure, confirmed by higher viscoelasticity and lower water activity, and resulted in a better shelf-life stability. The preparation process minimally affected melting profiles measured by DSC, however, sample with guar gum exhibited a slight shift to higher temperatures.
•Optimal emulsification time for ganache preparation was found to be 3 min.•The ganache's structure affected viscoelastic properties.•Increasing ganache firmness reduced the sensory preferences of products.•Guar gum or dried milk addition showed potential to prolong microbial stability.
This review aims at the current trends in chocolate ganache production and recipe formulation. Ganache is a blend of chocolate, sugars, dairy, and other ingredients commonly used to fill pralines, ...pastries, etc. In spite of ganache’s popularity in the food industry, a comprehensive review focused on the application of functional substances and ganache processing has not been discussed in the scientific literature. This review addresses the new ways of applying special ingredients, such as vegetable fats and seeds, flavor infusions, oleogels, hemp products, etc., which can be added to the ganache matrix to achieve desirable properties. In particular, the application of sterols and sterol esters as functional substances of oleogels seems to be a very promising method, enhancing the ganache fat profile. The elevated caloric content that is characteristic of ganache can be substantially attenuated through the application of hydrocolloids and/or fruit-based components, thereby offering the potential for caloric reduction without compromising on taste. The various alterations to ganache formulations by the application of natural substances offer a large base for the development of novel ganache variants and relevant food products.