Impact of spay-dried banana powder incorporation and incubation duration on sensory attributes of yoghurt

Banana is a widely consumed fruit known for its natural sweetness, rich aroma, and functional properties. Incorporating banana-derived ingredients into dairy products like yoghurt can enhance sensory quality while offering potential health benefits. This study investigates the effect of spray-dried banana powder incorporation (0%, 20%, 25%, 30%) and incubation time (4h, 6h) on the sensory attributes of yoghurt, including appearance, aroma, taste, texture, and overall acceptability. Sensory evaluation, conducted using semi-trained panelists, revealed that banana powder significantly enhanced all sensory parameters compared to control samples (0% banana). The best-rated formulations, A2 (20% banana, 6h) and C2 (30% banana, 6h), exhibited improved flavour balance, a creamy texture, and high overall acceptability. In contrast, yoghurts without banana powder (D1, D2) had the lowest scores, likely due to their higher acidity and lack of fruit-based sweetness. A longer incubation time (6h) further improved taste and aroma retention, possibly due to increased fermentation-derived volatile compounds. Additionally, banana powder contributed to enhanced thickness and viscosity due to its fiber and pectin content, improving texture. These findings suggest that banana powder at 20–30% with a 6-hour incubation period enhances yoghurt's sensory quality, making it a promising functional ingredient for dairy products.