Optimization of a novel, gluten-free bread's formulation based on chickpea, carob and rice flours using response surface design

This study aimed to develop nutritious, gluten-free bread with high quality characteristics using a mixture of chickpea, carob and rice flours as substitutes of wheat flour. To optimize the bread formulation, a Box-Behnken experimental design was conducted to evaluate the effect of the corresponding flour blend addition, proofing time and water amount addition on the physicochemical, technological and sensory properties of the obtained formulated bread. The optimized formulation was calculated to contain 70% of mixture flour and 100% of water, with a proofing time of 40 minutes. This formulation produced bread with greater specific volume (3.73 +/- 0.37 cm3/g) and less baking loss (22.98 +/- 0.94%) than those of control (+) bread (2.93 +/- 0.21 cm3/g and 31.65 +/- 0.72%, respectively). Findings proved that the mixture flour based on chickpeas, carob and rice represents a good alternative to make gluten-free bread with acceptable baking properties.