Impact of solid state fermentation on nutritional, physical and flavor properties of wheat bran

•Wheat bran was fermented at solid state for saving energy in dry process.•Water extractable arabinoxylans were 3–4 times higher than in raw bran.•Total dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber increased after fermentation.•Hydration properties of fermented brans were improved.•Flavor of fermented brans differed greatly from raw bran. To improve the nutritional, physical and flavor properties of wheat bran, yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were used for fermenting wheat bran in solid state. Appearance properties, nutritional properties, microstructure, hydration properties and flavor of raw bran and fermented bran were evaluated. After treatments, water extractable arabinoxylans were 3–4 times higher than in raw bran. Total dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber increased after solid state fermentation. Over 20% of phytic acid was degraded. Microstructure changes and protein degradation were observed in fermented brans. Water holding capacity and water retention capacity of fermented brans were improved. Results suggest that solid state fermentation is an effective way to improve the properties of wheat brans.