Development of soy kefir (Glycine max) as a functional fermented alternative and productive strengthening strategy for artisan women of Guanajuato, Mexico

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29105/idcyta.v11i2.157

Keywords:

soy kefir, fermentation, soybean, functional foods, rural development

Abstract

Kefir is a fermented beverage recognized for its complex symbiotic microbiota and its nutritional and functional benefits. The present study aimed to develop and experimentally evaluate a soy-based kefir (Glycine max) as a potential productive alternative for rural artisan women in Guanajuato, Mexico. Soy kefir was produced using morphologically characterized kefir grains (n = 3 experimental replicates) and fermented for 24 h at 25 °C. Physicochemical parameters showed a significant reduction in pH (6.7 ± 0.1 to 4.5 ± 0.2; p < 0.001), an increase in titratable acidity, and a decrease in °Brix, confirmed through a paired Student’s t-test. Microbial counts reached 1.2 × 10⁸ CFU/mL of lactic acid bacteria and 3.4 × 10⁶ CFU/mL of yeasts. Sensory evaluation (n = 30) reported an overall acceptance score of 7.8 ± 0.3 on a nine-point hedonic scale. The production model showed an estimated cost of $19.80 MXN per liter, with a high perceived level of commercial feasibility among participants. It is concluded that soy kefir represents a technologically viable, functional, and socially relevant alternative under controlled semi-artisanal conditions.

Keywords: soy kefir; fermentation; soybean; functional foods; rural development.

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References

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Published

2026-08-01

How to Cite

SANCHEZ VALTIERRA, J. A. (2026). Development of soy kefir (Glycine max) as a functional fermented alternative and productive strengthening strategy for artisan women of Guanajuato, Mexico. Revista Investigación Y Desarrollo En Ciencia Y Tecnología De Alimentos, 11(2), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.29105/idcyta.v11i2.157