Chemical, microbiological and sensory viability of low-calorie, dairy-free kefir beverages from tropical mixed fruit juices

The use of non-dairy matrices for probiotic delivery can be beneficial for vegetarian, vegan and lactose intolerant consumers. Stevia rebaudiana extract can be used as sweetener to replace sucrose for glucose intolerants. This research evaluated the use of kefir grains to prepare a low-calorie, fruit-based kefir beverage. Fermentation was carried out by inoculating kefir grains into a mixture of mango and umbu pulps. Two beverages, one...