Characterization and shelf stability of sweetened condensed milk formulated with different sucrose substitutes during storage

•The effect of sucrose replacement of sweetened condensed milk under different storage times was investigated.•Sucrose replacement increased the antibacterial effect.•Substitution with different formulation resulted in similar physiochemical, microbiological and sensory properties. Sweetened condensed milk (SCM) is a value-added milk product with extended shelf life and high levels of nutrition. The high level of sucrose may lead to health problems. Many studies have focused on the reduction of sucrose but seldomly on different combination of sugar substitutes. This study aims to find an ideal sucrose substitution through physiochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of SCM under different storage times. The results demonstrated that substitution with 20% trehalose, 5% lactulose and 15% erythritol resulted in similar sensory and color as control group. The volatile flavor analysis showed that substitution with 30% trehalose, 5% lactulose and 5% polyols was the most similar and hexanoic acid was the symbolistic flavor. Sucrose replacement increased the antibacterial effect and Staphylococcus, Penicillium, Apiotrichum and Candida were widely present. Substitution with 30% trehalose, 5% lactulose and 5% polyols resulted in the most similar water activity, texture, aroma and microbial diversity.