Stabilization of aerated sugar particle systems at high sugar particle concentrations

Predicting the solubility of mixtures of sugars and their replacers using the Flory-Huggins theory

In this paper we investigate whether the Flory-Huggins theory can describe the thermodynamics of solutions of simple carbohydrates, like sugars and polyols. In particular, we focus on the description of the solubility of the carbohydrates in water. This is investigated for both binary and ternary mixtures, having two types of these carbohydrates. This research question arises especially in the case of bakery products, where one seeks to replace sucrose with other simple carbohydrates - which are often polyols. Based on the model parameters obtained from fitting the theory to the experimental data of binary solutions, we show that the theory can predict (a) solubility data for ternary mixtures, over a broad range of concentrations and temperatures, and (b) the deliquescence point of binary mixtures of carbohydrate crystals as a function of temperature. The theory can even be applied to carbohydrates, which form hydrate crystals. Together with our earlier theories on the thermodynamics of complex food mixtures, we have now a complete thermodynamic framework to describe the phase and state transitions of food materials as confectionery and bakery products, where the question of sucrose replacement is urgent.

Role of Proteins on Formation, Drainage, and Stability of Liquid Food Foams

Foam is a high-volume fraction dispersion of gas into a liquid or a solid. It is important to understand the effect of formulation on shelf life and texture of food foams. The objective of this review is to elucidate mechanisms of formation and stability of foams and relate them to the formulations. Emulsifiers are important in foam formation, whereas proteins are generally preferred to provide long-term stability. Syneresis in foams is a precursor to their collapse in many instances. Intermolecular forces, conformation, and flexibility of proteins play an important role in foam stabilization. An adsorbed protein layer at air/water interfaces imparts interfacial rheology that is necessary to improve the shelf life of foam products. Wettability and spreading of food particles at the interface can stabilize or destabilize foams, depending on their properties. More studies are needed to fully understand the complex interplay of various mechanisms of destabilization in a real-food formulation.

Designer colloids in structured food for the future

Recent advances in the understanding of colloids has enabled the design of food products that are healthier and tastier, in line with consumer expectations. Specifically, emulsion design and hydrocolloid structuring can be used to address the issue of fat reduction in foods by allowing the production of reduced fat products that provide similar sensory attributes. Additionally, various techniques for encapsulating molecules, such as flavour, nutraceuticals or drugs, are now being developed. The application of such techniques in food products can improve micronutrient bioavailability by means of targeted and controlled delivery, increasing the nutritional value. Colloidal structures can also be designed to enhance consumer experience, mimic fat or control satiety. Such novel improvements, as well as their potential translation into commercial food products, are highlighted in this paper, which focuses primarily on the areas of emulsion technologies and hydrocolloids.

Stabilising emulsion-based colloidal structures with mixed food ingredients

The physical scientist views food as a complex form of soft matter. The complexity has its origin in the numerous ingredients that are typically mixed together and the subtle variations in microstructure and texture induced by thermal and mechanical processing. The colloid science approach to food product formulation is based on the assumption that the major product attributes such as appearance, rheology and physical stability are determined by the spatial distribution and interactions of a small number of generic structural entities (biopolymers, particles, droplets, bubbles, crystals) organised in various kinds of structural arrangements (layers, complexes, aggregates, networks). This review describes some recent advances in this field with reference to three discrete classes of dispersed systems: particle-stabilised emulsions, emulsion gels and aerated emulsions. Particular attention is directed towards explaining the crucial role of the macromolecular ingredients (proteins and polysaccharides) in controlling the formation and stabilisation of the colloidal structures. The ultimate objective of this research is to provide the basic physicochemical insight required for the reliable manufacture of novel structured foods with an appealing taste and texture, whilst incorporating a more healthy set of ingredients than those found in many existing traditional products.