From:  Production, properties and quality improvements of gluten-free bread from underutilised cereals and legumes

 Technological approaches for structural optimization of gluten-free bread.

Technological approachMechanism of action in gluten-free systemsEffect on bread qualityTypical ingredients/processing toolsKey references
Hydrocolloid incorporationMimics gluten viscoelastic network through water binding and viscosity enhancementImproved gas retention, loaf volume, and crumb softnessXanthan gum, HPMC, guar gum, CMC[112, 113]
Protein enrichmentFormation of protein-starch interactions improves dough cohesionEnhanced structure and nutritional qualityEgg protein, dairy protein, legume protein isolates[114]
Sourdough fermentationOrganic acid production modifies starch behavior and improves matrix formationBetter texture, flavor, and shelf stabilityLactic acid bacteria fermentation[56]
Starch modificationAdjusts gelatinization and retrogradation propertiesImproved crumb structure and softnessPregelatinized or modified starches[115]
Flaxseed + IR‑microwave processingFlaxseed improves moisture retention, gas-cell stability, and dough rheologyHigher loaf volume, softer crumb, better color; quality preserved after frozen storage and IR-microwave bakingFlaxseed (0–5%) with gums; frozen (–20°C), thawed (+4°C), fermented, baked in an IR-microwave oven.[116]
Novel processing technologiesPhysical restructuring of dough during bakingImproved porosity and uniform crumbExtrusion, high-pressure processing[115]

CMC: carboxymethylcellulose; HPMC: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; IR: infrared.