International Journal of Food, Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences ISSN: 2277-209X (Online) An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/jfav.htm 2013 Vol. 3 (1) January-April, pp. 109-116/ Manoharan and Ramasamy Research Article 109 STUDIES ON SENSORY EVALUATION OF ALOE VERA ICE CREAM WITH ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS AND NATURAL CARAMEL COLOUR *Ayyavoo Preamnath Manoharan 1 and D. Ramasamy 2 1 Department Livestock Production and Management, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu – 614 625 2 Institute of Food and Dairy Technology, Koduvalli, Alamathi (post), Chennai – 52, India *Author for Correspondence ABSTRACT In India type -2 diabetic is increasing every year and make the people to go for alternative sugar. Ice cream is fat rich product enjoyed by all age groups. The demand for ice cream production is increasing 12 to 15 per cent every year in India and vanilla is the second largest flavour wished in the world. Natural vanilla flavour being most expensive hence using natural identical flavour much advantage to meet the demand. Natural identical flavours are substances that are chemically identical to natural substances, but which are obtained by chemical processes or by chemical modification of other natural substances like plants. The present investigation was undertaken to prepare herbal (Aloe Vera) ice cream with artificial sweeteners and natural identical vanilla flavour to assess its acceptable level of the resultant product. Aloe vera pulp, artificial sweeteners and natural identical vanilla flavour are added different level in ice cream and prepared ice cream was subjected to sensory analysis to found out the optimum level of inclusionin the ice cream preparation. Then sample were stored at -29C and studied for their sensory scores. Key Words: Ice Cream – Aloe vera – Artificial Sweeteners – Aspartame – Levulose – Sucralose – Flavour – Chocolate flavour – Caramel Colour – Sensory Analysis INTRODUCTION Ice cream is one of the oldest fat rich delicious dairy products relished by all age groups of people throughout the world. In India annual growth rate of ice cream pro 12 – 15% with market value of 2500 cores per year. India, as elsewhere in the world, incidence of diabetes and coronary diseases are on the rise, and hence people have become conscious about their diet. Hence, producing an ice cream with reduced sugar and medicinal herbs and natural colour is deemed to fill a gap in the market and fulfill consumer demand. Hence this study on herbal ice cream with artificial sweeteners was carried out. Aloe vera is one of the oldest known medicinal plants gifted by nature; Aloe vera, often called miracle plant is known by many names. There are over 200 types of Aloe vera and of these only 4 or 5 are commonly used in medicines. The most widely used variety of Aloe vera is Barbadensis millar. It is perennial, succulent plant with stiff fleshy leaves. Aloe vera is a clear thin gelatinous material that comes from inside the Aloe vera leaves. Aloe vera juice also improves blood circulation due to its ability to detoxify. It is also a natural healer, and hence any internal ulcers or lesions will be soothed and healing will be enhanced. Aloe vera leaves have vital ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, polysaccharides, enzymes, plant steroids, saponins, lignin, anthraquinones, salicylic acid, which are necessary for the human body. Aloe vera works as anti-septic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory. It has been reported to cure eczema, diabetes, arthritis and is said to prevent infection. It also improves human immune system and digestive system. Colour becomes the most sensitive part of any commodity not only for its appeal but also it enhances consumer acceptability. In addition, the color of a food substance is important to indicate its freshness and safety that are also indices of good aesthetic and sensorial values. For natural color and additives, adherence to the norms of bio-safety protocol, are limited. The demand for natural source of such