Rheological characterization of thickened protein-based beverages under different food thickeners and setting times.

Food thickeners have been commonly used in the preparation of various thickened fluids with desirable rheological properties for dysphagic patients to elicit an optimal swallow response. However, among various thickened fluids, there is limited rheological information on cold thickened protein-based beverage (PBB) (e.g., whole milk, skim milk, and soybean milk) prepared with various xanthan gum (XG)-based thickeners. Our flow and dynamic rheological results showed that the flow and viscoelastic properties of the thickened PBB samples prepared with different food thickeners were dependent on the PBB type, thickener type, and setting time. These rheological results presented in this study will provide both thickener manufacturers and clinicians with valuable information for thickened PBB products with desirable rheological properties for safe and easy swallowing. New knowledge of the different rheological characterizations of thickened PBB can be practically applied to develop the commercial dysphagia thickeners suitable for PBB in food industry.