Application of Annealed Bambara Starch as a Stabilizer in Ice Cream Production

This study investigated the potential of annealed Bambara starch as a locally sourced stabilizer for ice cream, aimed at addressing the high cost of imported stabilizers. Annealed Bambara starch, modified at various temperatures (45, 50, 55, and 60 °C), was incorporated into ice cream formulations and compared with ice cream stabilized using xanthan gum and guar gum. The ice creams exhibited variations in percentage overrun (77.03–124.61%), foam stability (90.88–96.61%), viscosity (24.87–33.26%), and melting resistance. Conventionally stabilized ice cream outperformed in overrun, foam stability, viscosity, and melting rate properties. Descriptive sensory tests showed high intensity scores for color, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and body attributes across all samples, with no weak intensity scores. Considering the performance of conventionally stabilized ice cream, those stabilized with Bambara starch annealed at 45 and 50 °C were recommended as potential alternatives, highlighting the potential of annealed Bambara starch as a cost-effective and locally sourced stabilizer for ice cream. Further studies should investigate the impact of annealing at different temperatures on the structural changes of Bambara starch to gain more insights into its effects on ice cream structure, facilitating its use in other food systems.