Biological activity and sensory evaluation of cocoa by-products NADES extracts used in food fortification

Novel approach in food fortification by using natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) was studied. Cocoa by-products were chosen as sustainable source of polyphenols and extracts were prepared following the green extraction principles by using NADES. Antioxidative and biological activities of prepared extracts rich in polyphenols were determined and they were used for fortification of chocolate milk. Furthermore, electronic tongue analysis combined with SIMCA multivariate data analysis was used for the first time, to evaluate the sensory acceptability of chocolate/cocoa drinks with addition of NADES extracts, which is after safety issues, surely one of the most important features for possible application of those extracts in food industry. Based on presented results it is evident that carefully selected NADES could be used for efficient extraction of polyphenols from cocoa by-products and that obtained NADES extracts could be used for fortification in food industry, without removal of extraction solvent, since they are proven safe and estimated as sensory acceptable.