Effect of natural colorants on the quality attributes of pea protein-based meat patties

The effects of natural colorants, i.e., 1.5% (v/v) caramel, 12% (v/v) tomato powder, and 4.7% (v/v) grape skin powder, on the quality attributes of pea protein-based meat patties were investigated. These patties consisted of texturized pea protein, coconut oil and corn flour, serving as plant-based meat alternatives. The changes in quality attributes for 10 days storage at 4 °C and after cooking were analysed. The results showed that the incorporation of natural colorants led to a decrease in lightness (L*) in the patties, with tomato powder causing a significant increase in redness (a*) and yellowness (b*). Furthermore, the addition of natural colorants increased the total phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and FRAP activity, which could have contributed to the inhibition of lipid oxidation in the products. This was confirmed by the lower TBARS values in natural colourants added pea protein meat patties. Additionally, the incorporation of natural colorants affected the texture profile of the pea protein meat patties. These findings may expand the application of natural colorants such as tomato powder and grape skin powder in the plant protein-based meat industry.