Ice cream as a carrier of Lactobacillus acidophilus
Ice cream is a product with specific composition and properties that are highly valued by a wide range of consumers. Peculiarities of ice cream composition and production technology make it possible to consider the product as a promising carrier and means of biologically active compounds and useful microorganisms supply. The article reveals morphological, biochemical, physiological, genetic and technological characteristics of L. acidophilus. It systematizes information on the existing methods used for production of ice cream with L. acidophilus. The author shows the influence of various forms of the introduced acidophilus bacteria and methods for their adaptation on ice cream quality indicators. The article provides the data on the properties of ice cream fermented and unfermented with this cultures. It reveals information on the impact of various technological, physicochemical and physiological factors on the survival capacity of pure culture L. acidophilus and its combination with other microorganisms in the process of ice cream production, storage and consumption. The author considers perspective ways of acidophilic ice cream production using various combinations of prebiotics, dietary fibers, replacing refined sugar with honey and unrefined sugars, introducing whey proteins, fruit puree, grain additives and other ingredients. The article presents the data on the influence of functional components on the production process and properties of ice cream containing acidophilus bacteria. The author systematized information on ice cream production using different strains of L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp. replacing cowʼs milk with vegetable analogues. Methods for producing ice cream with L. acidophilus and other starter cultures, including yogurt cultures are described. The review justifies practicability of L. acidophilus application in ice cream production. It reveals trends and issues in the area of functional use ice cream production.