Reformulation of spray-dried apple concentrate and honey for the enhancement of drying process performance and the physicochemical properties of powders.

Background: Apple concentrate and honey were spray-dried with traditional carriers (maltodextrin, Nutriose®, Kleptose®) and with skimmed milk powder as a carrier substitute offering added value for the final product.

Results: Skimmed milk powder, although having the lowest glass transition temperature, was the best carrier in terms of the highest powder recovery (higher than 80% was achieved) and with powder physical properties comparable to those obtained with other carriers. Thus, skimmed milk powder was used to produce honey powder of reduced carrier content (to 25% solids).