Modelling the survival of Listeria monocytogenes in oat plant-based milk alternatives: The synergistic potential of HHP and nisin

The growing popularity of plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs), particularly oat-based beverages, is driven by consumer demand for sustainable, vegan, and lactose-free options. High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) is a non-thermal technology capable of extending shelf life and enhancing microbial safety, especially when combined with natural antimicrobials such as nisin. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the inactivation of L. monocytogenes strains LO28 and 10403S in oat-based PBMA treated with HHP alone or in combination with nisin (500 IU/mL). Inoculated oat PBMA samples with or without nisin were subjected to 300, 350, and 400 MPa (20 °C) for different holding times, up to 40 min. Inactivation followed a log-linear behavior at 300 MPa and biphasic kinetics at 350 and 400 MPa. The addition of nisin significantly ( p