Development and optimization of high-protein and low-saturated fat bread formulations enriched with lupin and microalgae

Increased consumer awareness of healthier foods is driving the growth in the functional bread market. In view of this potential, three bread formulations were developed using various types of flour enriched with microalgae. The multigrain breads were composed of lupin and rye (F–R), lupin and spelt (F–S), and lupin, oats, and carob (F-OC) enriched with a mixture of Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris White and C. vulgaris Smooth (4:1)). All breads were high in protein and low in saturated fat. Response surface methodology (RSM) following a central composite design (CCD) was used to evaluate the effect of selected technological parameters, namely water content (64.6–94.6% (w/w of flours)) and microalgae concentration (1.9–3.9% (w/w of flours)) on color, aroma, taste, texture, and overall sensory acceptance of the products. Only water content was found to affect the bread's sensory scores, especially texture, with higher water content increasing bread acceptance. This study allowed the development and optimization of three novel multigrain bread formulations enriched with microalgae that met the requirements of “rich in proteins” and “low in saturated fats” claims.