Impact of high-pressure processing on rheological, dispersive, and sensorial quality attributes of oat milk

Oat milk has attracted considerable consumer interest because of its high nutritional value, dietary fiber content, and phytochemical content. High-pressure processing (HPP) increases the shelf life of food while maintaining its nutritional value. However, HPP is known to induce rheological changes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the rheological and microbiological characteristics of oat milk and the effect of HPP on various pressure levels. Oat milk was prepared and then treated with high-pressure processing (300–600 MPa) and heat. Subsequently, it was evaluated for its rheological properties, color, microbial content, and sensory attributes. Oat milk processed at 600 MPa was found to have improved viscosity (0.015–0.99, Pa.s), color, protein content, and homogenization compared to other treatments (p ≤ 0.05). The HPP inactivated mesophilic and psychotropic microorganisms, resulting in a 5-log drop in total microbial counts at 600 MPa. The panelists perceived that the sensory characteristics of the sample treated at 600 MPa were similar to those of samples that had been heat-treated (p < 0.05). High-pressure processing at 600 MPa effectively inhibited vegetative cells without negatively impacting the rheological properties of oat milk, in contrast to heat-treated milk.