Sensory Characteristics of Maillard Reaction Products Obtained from Sunflower Protein Hydrolysates and Different Sugar Types

Abstract The effect of different sugar types on the sensory characteristics of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) obtained from sunflower protein hydrolysates was evaluated. MRPs were prepared at 120 °C for a time of 2 h and a pH of 7.4. Results showed that the browning intensity, colour development and free and total amino acids of MRPs were highly affected by the sugar types. Peptide-xylose-cysteine (PXC) were more dark-brown in colour with lower free and total amino acid (FAA and TAA) content compared to the other MRPs. However, PXC showed great mouthfulness and continuity taste with stronger meat-like flavour and umami taste compared to MRPs. MRPs from hexose except PGaC, showed acceptable mouthfulness and continuity taste while PLC and PMC and PGaC showed higher caramel-like flavour and bitter taste. Furthermore, pentose sugars (xylose) were the great precursor of sulphur-containing compounds. It could be concluded that sunflower peptides, xylose, cysteine model system could be a good precursor of flavour enhancers.