Effect of replacement of milk by block freeze concentrated whey in physicochemical and rheological properties of ice cream

Abstract This study’s main highlight to the effect of replacement of milk by different proportions of concentrated whey in the elaboration of ice creams and the characterization of their physicochemical and microstructural properties. Ice creams have high levels of total solids, acidity, and low pH values. All ice creams exhibited Newtonian fluid behaviors while the Power and Casson Law model adequately explained the flow properties. Viscosity and ​​hysteresis area increased as a higher ratio of concentrated whey was added. Ice cream formulations containing a higher proportion of milk showed greater brightness, the ice creams showed a greenish-yellow coloring tendency. The overrun values ​​ranged from 27 to 44%, and ice cream with partial replacement of milk by concentrated whey showed greater resistance to melting. The addition of concentrated whey did not influence the size of the ice crystals, fat globules, and air bubble diameters. However, the higher total solids content influenced the texture of the ice creams, promoting smoother and creamy ice creams. These results highlight the application of concentrated whey on the 50% substitution level, thus being an attractive alternative for the food industry, mainly about the cost-benefit and added value to the product, by enhancing the color, flavor, and texture.