A probiotic low humid apple snack with potential effect against the infection caused by Helicobacter pylori has been developed from apple (cv. Granny Smith) and mandarin juice with a high microbial content of Lactobacillus salivarius spp. salivarius, by vacuum impregnation and hot air drying techniques. The moisture content reached in the final product (0.144 +/- 0.012 g(water)center dot g(sample)(-1)) ensured stability, and although the drying process affected the microbial content, the concentration in the final product (9.486 +/- 0.013) x 10(7) CFU g(dry) (-1)(sample)) was sufficient to confirm that with this procedure it is possible to obtain a stable probiotic fruit with a low moisture content. Additionally, a preliminary in vivo test with five dyspeptic children was undertaken that suggested the possible effect of this new product on H. pylori as measured by a standard infection indicator. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.