A nutritional formula containing more protein and less cholesterol than cow's milk yogurt, buffalo yogurt is baked for functional innovations, suggests a study cited by DairyReporter.

A new food for many

Popular in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Southern Europe, buffalo yogurt is more of a new food in the USA and Western Europe, where untapped commercial opportunities abound.

With a dense, creamy texture, similar to Greek yogurt, buffalo yogurt has a distinct flavor profile, ranging from mild to tangy, depending on the blend of grass, clover, and straw the animals consume.

The nutritional profile of buffalo milk is also superior to that of cow, sheep, and goat milk. According to the American Association of Water Buffalo, buffalo milk has 58% more calcium, 40% more protein, and 43% less cholesterol than cow's milk. It is also a rich source of iron, phosphorus, and vitamin A and contains high levels of natural antioxidant tocopherol.

These unique sensory and nutritional properties have led a cohort of dairy industry scientists to develop a new functional yogurt made from buffalo milk and fortified with edible essential oils.

"Richer, creamier, more nourishing"

Researchers from the University of Cairo in Egypt, along with colleagues from KU Leuven in Belgium, used marjoram and geranium essential oils to supplement buffalo yogurt samples and find out how the inclusion of oils affected the sensory, functional, and bioactive properties of yogurt.

But, is buffalo milk good for health? Its nutritional value surpasses that of cow's milk. "Buffalo milk - the main ingredient for buffalo yogurt - has higher fat content, protein concentration, and mineral content compared to cow's milk," explained Ahmed M. Hamed, one of the study's authors. "These characteristics make buffalo yogurt richer, creamier, and more nourishing, which can enhance the beneficial effects of fortification with marjoram and geranium oil.

"Additionally, the inherent qualities of buffalo yogurt could enhance the aroma and texture when combined with these essential oils, making it an ideal candidate for creating a new functional food product."

Researchers chose marjoram and geranium because of their "significant health benefits, natural preservation properties, potential for flavor enhancement, cultural relevance, compatibility with dairy products, and scientific innovation opportunities," Hamed told us. "These combined factors make these essential oils ideal candidates for fortifying buffalo yogurt to create a functional food product that meets consumer demand for natural ingredients and health-enhancing properties," he added.

From functional to pharmaceutical potential

Researchers prepared seven samples of pasteurized buffalo milk yogurt - one control sample and three each fortified with different amounts of marjoram and geranium essential oils.

The samples were tested on days 1, 7, and 14 of storage to observe their bioactive properties - e.g., antioxidant and antimicrobial activity; functional properties - e.g., whey separation and viscosity - and sensory appeal, such as texture and taste.

The study found that both essential oils increased the total solids and fat content of the yogurt; increased viscosity and reduced whey separation, especially where larger amounts of essential oils were used. This suggests that essential oils can act as natural stabilizers.

Fortified samples also had an increased shelf life, suggesting that essential oils can be used as natural preservatives, with clean labels, against common bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.

The two essential oils were also found to increase the antioxidant activity of yogurt, especially where marjoram oil was used. The results confirmed similar findings from previous studies, adding to the available evidence supported by science.

Samples were also tested for anticancer activity against liver cancer-causing cells. Here, researchers observed increased anticancer activity in all fortified samples, especially where geranium oil was used, known for its antitumor properties. The way the essential oils worked was by deactivating cancer cells, the study explained, with the highest activity observed on days 1 and 7, decreasing "slightly" after 14 days.

"Incorporating marjoram and geranium essential oils into buffalo yogurt enhances its functional properties, offering significant opportunities for health and brand claims," Hamed told us. "Focusing on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer benefits, producers can target health-conscious consumers, fitness enthusiasts, and those interested in natural remedies. Educational campaigns, strategic partnerships, and clear, compliant health claims can further strengthen the product's position and attractiveness in the market."

"Unusual" flavor opening commercial opportunities

When it came to evaluating the sensory properties of fortified buffalo yogurt, a panel of experts was trained and asked to assess the appearance, taste, texture, and overall acceptability of the samples.

Here, the non-fortified sample scored the highest overall. Evaluators liked the taste and appearance of plain yogurt the most but preferred the creamier texture of the fortified yogurts.

Overall, the essential oils gave the yogurts an "unusual" taste, but taste acceptability was considered satisfactory. This suggests that a commercially acceptable yogurt can be produced fortified with marjoram and geranium oils - although it remains a major question mark.

Would consumers buy yogurt formulated with essential oils?

Ahmed Hamed explained that several factors - from increasing health awareness to demand for unusual flavors - can justify consumer demand for such a functional dairy product.

"Consumers are increasingly aware of the health benefits associated with essential oils," he said. "Essential oils such as marjoram and geranium are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This awareness drives interest in fortified yogurt as a functional food that can contribute to overall well-being."

In particular, the unique nutritional profile of fortified buffalo yogurt, together with the therapeutic and preventive potential of oils, may be of interest to both health-conscious consumers and those looking to manage specific health conditions.

Additionally, yogurt formulated with natural ingredients like essential oils aligns with the demand for foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, said Hamed. "Essential oils, being natural ingredients, can help meet the demand for clean-label products, providing a natural way to enhance yogurt properties," he added.

As buffalo yogurt is less widespread in the USA and Western Europe, there is a new aspect that can be exploited and commercialized. "There is a consumer segment interested in trying innovative and new food products," said Hamed. "Yogurt enriched with essential oils represents a novel approach that can appeal to adventurous eaters and those looking to diversify their diet with functional foods.

"Adding essential oils can enhance the aroma and sensory appeal of yogurt. Marjoram and geranium oils can impart unique flavors and aromas, making yogurt more appealing to consumers looking for new and interesting taste experiences."

What are the barriers to consumer adoption?

While there are strong trend factors favoring consumer adoption, there are several barriers that producers may need to address, suggests the research. This includes the higher cost of raw materials, the taste profile of the prototype yogurt, and how to attract the right consumer groups.

Hamed told us that the most likely target market for yogurt formulated with marjoram and/or geranium essential oils would be health-conscious consumers, people with specific health conditions, early adopters and trend seekers, as well as those interested in natural and organic products.

"Additionally, the aging population, specialty diet adherents, and consumers with dietary restrictions would likely find this product appealing," he added. "Effective marketing strategies focusing on the unique health benefits, natural ingredients, and potential health advantages of yogurt can help attract these target groups."

Other barriers, such as taste preferences, price sensitivity, and label claims and regulations, should also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

"While our expert group found the fortified samples to be acceptable, real-life consumer acceptance and buying behavior are influenced by a range of factors, including sensory preferences, health perception, cultural and regional preferences, price sensitivity, market competition, marketing effectiveness, and regulatory concerns," he explained.

"Understanding and addressing these factors is essential for predicting and improving the market success of essential oil-fortified yogurt."

What is the climate impact of buffalo milk?

According to a 2022 life cycle assessment of three buffalo farms in southern Italy, buffalo milk has a higher carbon footprint than cow's milk, largely because cows produce more milk than buffalo.

Like with cows, enteric emissions were the largest source of emissions from milk-producing buffalo, although this could be reduced through dietary modifications, researchers noted. Other emissions come from indirect sources such as feed, digesters, and machine operations, which can be addressed through precision agriculture techniques, according to the study. (Photo: Freepik)

(Sources:

Enhancing functional buffalo yogurt: Improving physicochemical properties, biological activities, and shelf life using Marjoram and Geranium essential oils Authors: Ahmed M. Hamed, et al Published: Journal of Dairy Science

Life Cycle Assessment of buffalo milk: A case study of three farms in southern Italy Authors: Roberto Chirone, et al Published: Journal of Cleaner Production)