Influence of Different Packaging Materials on the Stability of Omega-3-Enriched Milk Powder During Storage

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the stability of omega-3-enriched milk powder stored at 25 °C/75% RH for 360 days. The product was packaged in four different packaging materials, PETmet/LDPE (metalized polyethylene terephthalate/low-density polyethylene), BOPP/PP (biaxially oriented polypropylene/polypropylene), metal can, and composite can, in the presence of atmospheric air (approximately 21% oxygen). The omega-3-enriched milk powder packaged in the different packages was evaluated for headspace oxygen, moisture content, water activity, color parameter, and omega-3 fatty acid contents (EPA + DHA). The product packaged in BOPP/PP showed an increase in moisture content (from 3.78 to 5.01%), water activity (0.305–0.609), and a decrease in EPA + DHA content (390.2–352.0 mg 100 g−1) at the end of storage, probably due to the low water vapor and oxygen barrier of the material. On the other hand, the composite packages PETmet/LDPE, metal can, and composite can, resulted in few modifications in moisture content, water activity, color parameter and EPA + DHA content throughout storage. Thus, the physicochemical quality of the product packaged in these three packaging systems was not compromised, due to the functional barriers of oxygen and water vapor. The product packaged in the composite can, metal can, and PETmet/LDPE showed high stability during 12 months; thus, it can be classified as a source of omega-3 according to the Brazilian legislation.