The Effect of Selected Additives on the Oil Uptake and Quality Parameters of Fried Instant Noodles

The scope of the paper includes the analysis of various quality parameters of fried instant noodles depending on the type and amount of the additive added to the basic recipe. For the analyzed instant noodles, the effect of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCG), maltodextrin, and psyllium on the quality parameters (oil uptake, moisture, water activity, color, and acoustics) were determined. Results show that the quality parameters of instant noodles significantly depend on the type and amount of additives. The addition of HPMC and MCG resulted in decrease absorption, while the use of maltodextrin and psyllium increased the fat absorbed during frying. There is a significant relationship between the type of additive and the color of instant noodles. Color brightening was observed for instant noodles with the HPMC and MCG, while the addition of maltodextrin and psyllium contributed in the darkening of instant noodles (reduction of the L* parameter). The type of additives significantly influenced the texture of the instant noodles. The samples with a 3% addition of maltodextrin had a softer texture than the control sample, while the instant noodles with the HPMC, MCG, and Psyllium were characterized by a harder texture. For instant noodles with the addition of HPMC, MCG, and Psyllium larger number of acoustic events and higher breaking force were observed than for the control one. The frying temperature significantly influenced the texture of analyzed instant noodles (acoustic and mechanical properties). Increasing frying temperature from 160–170 °C caused a significant increase in acoustic descriptors and force