Effects of different food ingredients and additives on the digestibility of extruded and roller‐dried maize starch and its application in low glycemic index nutritional formula powder

Abstract BACKGROUND Complex interactions that occur among starch, protein, and fat during food processing affect the taste, texture, and digestibility of starch‐based food. The physicochemical properties of starch, in particular its slow digestibility, are greatly influenced by processing techniques such as extrusion and roller‐drying. This study investigated the effects of various food ingredients and additives on the digestion properties of maize starch treated with extrusion and roller drying. It designed a nutritional formula to develop low glycemic index products. RESULTS The extruded group containing raw maize starch, soybean protein isolate, soybean oil, lecithin and microcrystalline cellulose in the ratio of 580:250:58:20:3 had the best slow digestion properties. Nutritional formulas were designed at the above ratio, with supplements including calcium casein peptide, multi‐vitamins, sodium ascorbate, fructooligosaccharides, xylitol, and peanut meal. The sample containing 10% peanut meal and a 1:3 ratio of fructooligosaccharides and xylitol additions obtained the highest sensory evaluation scores. An obvious slow digestion effect was observed in samples produced from the optimal formula. CONCLUSION The results of the present study could contribute to the development and production of a low glycemic index, nutritional powder. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.