Rebaudioside A release from matrices used in a yerba maté infusion Original Research Article

The release rates of rebaudioside A from matrices prepared with an agglutinant and yerba maté powder are reported. These matrices were used to delay the release of rebaudioside A when added to yerba maté and consumed as an infusion. Three agglutinants (Arabic gum, tapioca starch and maltodextrin) were used at 5% and 10% concentrations in each matrix preparation. Experimental data of extraction rate were fitted to two models in order to describe the release of rebaudioside A with each extraction. The best results were obtained with a matrix containing 10% maltodextrin. Extraction rate of this matrix and the material currently used by industries (sweetened yerba maté twigs) were compared.