Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation on the Physicochemical Properties, Nutritional Value, and Sensory Characteristics of a White Kidney Bean-Based Beverage

The increasing demand for sustainable food systems, high-value resource utilization, and dietary diversification has promoted the development of plant-based beverages. This study aimed to develop a white kidney bean-based beverage (WKBB) through lactic acid bacteria fermentation and investigate the effects of different fermentation strategies on its physicochemical properties, nutritional characteristics, volatile compounds, and sensory quality. WKBB was fermented using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and a mixed culture of both strains. The results showed that fermentation significantly modified the quality characteristics of WKBB, including changes in its physicochemical properties and free amino acid composition. Furthermore, fermentation promoted the release of phenolic and flavonoid compounds during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. GC–MS analysis revealed that fermentation altered the volatile composition of WKBB and increased the diversity of volatile compounds, thereby contributing to a more complex flavor profile. Sensory evaluation indicated that fermented samples exhibited improved overall sensory characteristics, with mixed-strain fermentation resulting in a more balanced quality profile. These findings demonstrate that lactic acid bacteria fermentation, particularly mixed-strain fermentation, is a promising and sustainable strategy for the development of a white kidney bean-based beverage and for enhancing the utilization of plant-based resources.