Effects of Different Ingredients and Stabilisers on Properties of Mixes Based on Almond Drink for Vegan Ice Cream Production

A plant-based diet is beneficial not only to human health but also for environmental sustainability. As consumers, we play a vital role in balancing hedonic consumption with long-term sustainable behaviours, such as reduced animal products consumption. As a result of the changeable trend in the food industry, there are considerably more requirements for food manufacturers. This study aimed to determine the influence of different ingredients and selected stabilisers (iota carrageenan and its acid and enzymatic hydrolysates) on the physicochemical properties of ice-cream mixes. The effect of maturation during 24 h on the selected properties was also observed. The particle size distribution, stability, density, viscosity and morphology after preparation and after 24 h of maturation at the temperature of 4 °C were tested. Finally, it was found that the addition of stabilisers and the homogenisation process caused a decrease in the particle size diameter and they contributed to the obtained higher value of viscosity in comparison to samples without stabilisers. Moreover, the use of stabilisers and the homogenisation process negatively affected the stability of the ice-cream mix due to the fact that the stability rate (TSI) was about 6.0. The data provided by this paper are valuable for intensifying the potential application of vegan ice cream. Additionally, this product may be useful to reduce agricultural waste and for fundamental product development as an alternative beneficial food product in the close future.