Ultrasound-assisted processing of soybean meal enhances the nutritional quality and functionality of plant-based nuggets

Current study optimizes ultrasonication frequency (20, 30, 40 kHz) and time (10, 20, 30 min) for efficient valorization of soybean meal through nutritional enhancement and utilization in development of plant-based nuggets. Ultrasonication improved soybean meal by boosting protein, fiber, and unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, $\alpha$-linolenic, oleic) while reducing anti-nutrients. Furthermore, ultrasonicated soybean meal (USSM) exhibited improved stability (oxidative/microbial) and functional properties, including emulsification, protein solubility, and oil/water retention. Owing to these nutritional enhancements, USSM-based nuggets (25–100% inclusion) were evaluated for quality and shelf life during a 28-day refrigerated storage study. USSM incorporation significantly (p < .05) enhanced protein, fiber and ash contents. Furthermore, nuggets retained higher total phenolics exhibiting an increase of 46.35%, 175.85% and 4.24% in DPPH activity, water-holding capacity, and cooking properties, respectively. During 28 days of storage, the hardness and chewiness of control nuggets increased considerably from 3.89–19.67 N and 2.22–7.47 N, respectively. In contrast, USSBMN-100 nuggets maintained notably lower textures values, with hardness ranging from 1.08–3.91 and chewiness from 0.31–0.82. Total viable count increased progressively across all treatments; however, the increase was lowest in USSBMN-100 (110.78%), compared to control (123.5%) and other treatments. During 28 days, sensory scores for appearance, aroma, taste, tenderness and overall acceptability decreased from 9 to 6.8 in CCN compared to USSBMN-100. USSM nuggets maintained textural and sensory properties comparable to the control, but with a lower microbial load throughout storage. Hence, it can be established that ultrasonication causes nutritional enhancement of soybean meal and increases its suitability for implication in plant-based products.