Soy-Based High-Protein Spheric Foods with the Appearance of Familiar Sugary Snacks

TL;DR

Researchers created high-protein, low-sugar soy-based snacks that look and feel like sugary treats to help reduce health risks from excessive snacking.

Contribution

Development of soy-based, high-protein snacks with a sugary snack-like appearance and texture.

Findings

Soy balls contain 57.7% protein and 3.6% sugar, making them a low-carb alternative.

Canola oil addition provides a melty mouthfeel while maintaining crispiness.

3D laser scanning confirmed the snacks' high sphericity and snack-like appearance.

Abstract

Excessive consumption of sugary foods increases the likelihood of obesity, as well as the preventable risk of lifestyle illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Frequent intake of sweet snacks is considered to increase the risk of overweight/obesity in industrial nations. However, we cannot stop snacking against our better judgment. Therefore, in this study, we sought to develop high-protein, low-carb “mock snacks” to satisfy snack lovers’ appetites and nutrition. Soy protein-based, ball-shaped food products with 57.7% (w/w) protein and 3.6% sugar have been developed. The addition of canola oil made them melty in the mouth without sacrificing their crispiness. Moreover, evaluation of the surface topography of the “soy balls” by 3D laser scanning demonstrated their high degree of sphericity. Conclusively, the snacks developed here may be one of the healthy alternatives for the current sugary ones.

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