High-oleic and conventional soybean oil oleogels structured with rice bran wax as alternatives to pork fat in mechanically separated chicken-based bologna sausage

Influence of beeswax-based fish oil oleogels on the mechanism of water and oil retention in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) meat emulsion gels: Filling, emulsification and phase transition

Oleogels have been used in the gelled surimi products to replace animal fats due to its structure characteristics. The effect of structure characteristics in fish oil oleogels on the mechanism of oil/water retention was investigated in meat emulsions. Beeswax assembly improved the oil and water retention. The unsaturation degree of fatty acids lowered the mobility of bound water, immobilized water as well as bound fat in the fish oil oleogel, but enhanced the mobility of free water and protons of unsaturated fatty acids. Beeswax addition and oil phase characteristics could enhance β-sheets, disulfide bonds and hydrophobic force to improve the viscoelasticity, gel strength and oil/water retention. Beeswax assembly facilitated the tight micro-sol network and filling effect, and high unsaturation degree promoted the emulsification effect, thus reducing phase transition temperature and juice loss. The study could lay the foundation for development of gelled shrimp meat products with EPA and DHA.

A review of oleogels applications in dairy foods

The characteristics of dairy products, such as texture, color, flavor, and nutritional profile, are significantly influenced by the presence of milk fat. However, saturated fatty acids account for 65% of total milk fat. With increased health awareness and regulatory recommendations, consumer preferences have evolved toward low/no saturated fat food products. Reducing the saturated fat content of dairy products to meet market demands is an urgent yet challenging task, as it may compromise product quality and increase production costs. In this regard, oleogels have emerged as a viable milk fat replacement in dairy foods. This review focuses on recent advances in oleogel systems and explores their potential for incorporation into dairy products as a milk fat substitute. Overall, it can be concluded that oleogel can be a potential alternative to replace milk fat fully or partially in the product matrix to improve nutritional profile by mimicking similar rheological and textural product characteristics as milk fat. Furthermore, the impact of consuming oleogel-based dairy foods on digestibility and gut health is also discussed. A thorough comprehension of the application of oleogels in dairy products will provide an opportunity for the dairy sector to develop applications that will appeal to the changing consumer needs.

Candelilla Wax and Glycerol Monostearate-Based Oleogels as Animal Fat Substitutes in Bologna Sausages

The aim of this study was to produce Bologna sausages rich in unsaturated fatty acids and to evaluate this replacement on the structural characteristics. For the purpose of a comparative analysis, three different types of sausages were produced, distinct only in the type of fat used: I. sausages obtained with pork backfat (PBF), II. sausages produced with oleogel formed from refined sunflower oil and glycerol monostearate (GM_OG), and III. with candelilla wax oleogel (CW_OG). The meat composition was also analyzed to better understand the process in the dynamics and the finished products were analyzed both uncooked and cooked. The enhanced oil-binding capacity of oleogels suggests their potential value as substitutes for saturated fats (>99%). In terms of meat composition textural analysis, the highest hardness value was registered for PBF_C of 25.23 N, followed by a CW_OG_C of 13.08 N and a GM_OG_C of 12.27 N. However, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, springiness index, and gumminess showed similar values between samples. Reformulation of products with oleogels as a fat source abundant in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids resulted in uncooked products exhibiting reduced hardness values of 49.01 N (CW_OG_US) and 40.51 N (GM_OG_US), compared to 65.03 N (PBF_US). Color results of the cross-section color can indicate the potential for consumer acceptance due to the reduced color differences between the conventional and oleogel samples.

Modification and simplification of Rongey's method for measurement of meat batter stability

The method of Rongey for assessment and quantification of meat batter/emulsion stability has over the years proven useful to many research and industrial laboratories around the world. Unfortunately, its requirement for specialized glassware and a very large centrifugation unit makes the method inaccessible to many modern laboratories. We have, therefore, modified Rongey's original method by adapting it to present-day commercially-available glassware and centrifugation equipment. This modified method was validated by comparing it to Rongey's method on both high-fat (27%) and low-fat (10%) finely comminuted pork batters, each with and without the addition of salt (1.8%) and sodium phosphates (0.5%). This design provided us with batters ranging in stability from very low to very high, thus allowing us to compare the methods across analytical extremes. This modified method:•Utilizes glassware and centrifugation equipment that are commercially-available today.•Maintains the simplicity and speed of the original method of Rongey.•Yields results that are comparable to those of Rongey's traditional method.

Oleogel classification, physicochemical characterization methods, and typical cases of application in food: a review

The harmful effects of trans and saturated fatty acids have attracted worldwide attention. Edible oleogels, which can structure liquid oils, are promising healthy alternatives to traditional fats. Active research on oleogels is focused on the interaction between unsaturated oils with different fatty acid compositions and low molecular weight or polymer oleogels. The unique network structure inside oleogels has facilitated their application in candies, spreads, meat, and other products. However, the micro- and macro-properties, as well as the functional properties of oleogels vary by preparation method and the system composition. This review discusses the characteristics of oleogels, serving as a reference for the application of oleogels in food products. Specifically, it (i) classifies oleogels and explains the influence of gelling factors on their gelation, (ii) describes the methods for measuring the physicochemical properties of oleogels, and (iii) discusses the current applications of oleogels in food products.

Quality Characteristics and Storage Stability of Frying Steak Utilizing Wax-Based Korean Pine Seed Oil

To investigate the disparities in product quality and storage stability between wax-based Korean pine seed oil gel and butter when used for frying steak, a comparative analysis was conducted on cooking loss, color, texture characteristics, sensory evaluation, and volatile flavor substances using headspace solid phase microextraction combined with GM-MS. Furthermore, the storage stability was assessed. The findings revealed that the cooking loss rate of steaks significantly increased with doneness, with butter steak exhibiting a significantly higher loss rate compared to the three oil gel steaks. Hardness, chewiness, and adhesiveness greatly increased as doneness progressed; however, cohesiveness, elasticity, and resilience showed minimal variation. The L* value and b* value of steaks initially increased before stabilizing with increasing doneness levels while the a* value first rose before gradually declining. Medium rare steak received the highest sensory score among all categories tested and 69 volatile flavor compounds were detected. Multivariate data analysis indicated similarities in volatile compounds between butter steak and BW (wax-based Korean pine seed oil gel) steak groups. Additionally, during storage at 4 °C temperature conditions pH level retention water content TVB-N (total volatile basic nitrogen), TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) were evaluated to determine advantages or disadvantages within each group: Beeswax (BW) > Carnauba wax (CW) > Rice bran wax (RBW) > butter based on these parameters' values. It can be concluded that utilizing wax-based Korean pine seed oil gel for frying steaks not only effectively retains significant amounts of unsaturated fatty acids but also preserves steak quality while extending shelf life-a healthier cooking method resulting in reduced oil absorption.

Waxy Oleogels for Partial Substitution of Solid Fat in Margarines

One of the research directions of oleogels is to study the possibility of their practical application in the food industry as an alternative to solid fats. In this work, the possibility of replacing solid fat in margarine (fat content 82.5%) with oleogels was evaluated. The oleogel content varied from 10 to 50% of the fat phase. The concentration of gelator for which beeswax or wax components (9:1 combination of beeswax and hydrocarbons) were used represented 3% in oleogels. The fatty acid composition of the fat components used, their textural characteristics, and their color were studied. The following physicochemical and rheological properties of margarines were determined: color values, textural and thermal characteristics, and sensory properties. The data obtained were processed using principal component analysis (PCA). Oleogels were characterized by lower textural properties compared to commercial fat (CF), but a lower content of saturated fatty acids. When using oleogels, the color characteristics of the margarines changed insignificantly. A decrease in textural and organoleptic properties was shown when using more than 30% oleogel in the composition of margarines. It was found that an increase in the proportion of oleogel leads to a decrease in the melting enthalpy of margarines. The margarines, depending on the ratio of oleogel in the fat phase, were characterized by a content of saturated fatty acids reduced by 7-35% and increased by a 18-92% level of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thus, the application of oleogels in margarine technology makes it possible to adjust the fatty acid composition while improving the physicochemical properties.

Food-Grade Oleogels: Trends in Analysis, Characterization, and Applicability

Currently, a large number of scientific articles can be found in the research literature in the field focusing on the use of oleogels for food formulation to improve their nutritional properties. The present review focuses on the most representative food-grade oleogels, highlighting current trends in terms of the most suitable methods of analysis and characterization, as well as trends in their application as substitutes for saturated and trans fats in foods. For this purpose, the physicochemical properties, structure, and composition of some oleogelators are primarily discussed, along with the adequacy of oleogel incorporation for use in edible products. Analysis and characterization of oleogels by different methods are important in the formulation of innovative foods, and therefore, this review discusses the most recent published results regarding their microstructure, rheological and textural properties, and oxidative stability. Last but not least, issues related to the sensory properties of oleogel-based foods are discussed, highlighting also the consumer acceptability of some of them.

Oleogels as a Fat Substitute in Food: A Current Review

Fats and oils in food give them flavor and texture while promoting satiety. Despite the recommendation to consume predominantly unsaturated lipid sources, its liquid behavior at room temperature makes many industrial applications impossible. Oleogel is a relatively new technology applied as a total or partial replacement for conventional fats directly related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and inflammatory processes. Some of the complications in developing oleogels for the food industry are finding structuring agents Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), viable economically, and that do not compromise the oleogel palatability; thus, many studies have shown the different possibilities of applications of oleogel in food products. This review presents applied oleogels in foods and recent proposals to circumvent some disadvantages, as reaching consumer demand for healthier products using an easy-to-use and low-cost material can be intriguing for the food industry.

Formation and application of edible oleogels prepared by dispersing soy fiber particles in oil phase

Oleogels containing less saturated and trans-fats were considered as an ideal option to replace the solid fats in foods. In this research, oleogel was fabricated by dispersing soy fiber particles (SFP) in soy oil, and further it was used in bread preparation. Effect of the particle size, particle content and the second fluid content on the formation of oleogels were evaluated, based on the appearance and rheological properties. Results showed that the suspension of SFP in soy oil (24%, w/w) could be transformed into gel-like state, upon the addition of the second fluid. The SFP based networks were dominated by the capillary force which was originated from the second fluid. The rheological properties and yield stress of the oleogels could be modulated by particle size and particle content of SFP in oil phase, as well as the second fluid content in the system. When the oleogels were applicated in bread preparation, a layered structure could be formed in the bread, indicating the possibility of replacing the solid fats in bakery products by our oleogels. Our results offered a feasibility approach for oil structuring with natural raw materials, and developed a new approach to replace the solid fats in foods.

Oleogels-Innovative Technological Solution for the Nutritional Improvement of Meat Products

Food products contain important quantities of fats, which include saturated and/or unsaturated fatty acids. Because of a proven relationship between saturated fat consumption and the appearance of several diseases, an actual trend is to eliminate them from foodstuffs by finding solutions for integrating other healthier fats with high stability and solid-like structure. Polyunsaturated vegetable oils are healthier for the human diet, but their liquid consistency can lead to a weak texture or oil drain if directly introduced into foods during technological processes. Lately, the use of oleogels that are obtained through the solidification of liquid oils by using edible oleogelators, showed encouraging results as fat replacers in several types of foods. In particular, for meat products, studies regarding successful oleogel integration in burgers, meat batters, pâtés, frankfurters, fermented and bologna sausages have been noted, in order to improve their nutritional profile and make them healthier by substituting for animal fats. The present review aims to summarize the newest trends regarding the use of oleogels in meat products. However, further research on the compatibility between different oil-oleogelator formulations and meat product components is needed, as it is extremely important to obtain appropriate compositions with adequate behavior under the processing conditions.

Novel biphasic gels can mimic and replace animal fat in fully-cooked coarse-ground sausage

Four biphasic gels (BPG) were developed and tested as pork fat replacers in coarse-ground fully-cooked sausages. An oleogel (OG) phase (92.5% high-oleic soybean oil, 7.5% rice bran wax) and one of two hydrogel (HG) phases (water and 7% or 8% gelatin) were combined in 7:3 or 6:4 OG:HG ratios, for a total of four test formulations. Control sausages were formulated to 27.5% fat and stored at 0-2 °C for 98 d. BPGs allowed for fat reductions of up to 26%. Visually, all BPGs resembled pork fat. There were no differences in external L* and a* but, internally, controls were darker and redder. Except for one control, there were no differences in Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness. Warner-Bratzler Shear (WBS) force was highest in 6:4 samples, which were also highest in Sensory First Bite Firmness and lowest in Smoked Sausage Aroma and Smoked Sausage Flavor. TBARS values remained steady, with no rancid flavors detected by the sensory panel.

Oleogels prepared with low molecular weight gelators: Texture, rheology and sensory properties, a review

There is a growing need for healthier foods with no trans and reduced saturated fat. However, solid fats play critical roles in texture and sensory attributes of food products, making it challenging to eliminate them in foods. Recently, the concept of oleogelation as a novel oil structuring technique has received numerous attentions owing to their great potential to mimic the properties of solid fats. Understanding textural, rheological and sensory properties of oleogels helps predict the techno-functionalities of oleogels to replace solid fats in food products. This research critically reviews the textural and rheological properties of oleogels prepared by low molecular weight oleogelators (LMWGs) and functional characteristics of foods formulated by these oleogels. The mechanical properties of LMWG-containing oleogels are comprehensively discussed against conventional solid fats. The interactions between the oleogel and its surrounding food matrix are explained, and the sensory attributes of oleogel containing reformulated products are highlighted. Scientific insights into the texture and rheological properties of oleogels manufactured with a wide range of low molecular gelators and their related products are provided in order to boost their implication for creating healthier foods with high consumer acceptability. Future research opportunities on low molecular weight gelators are also discussed.

Effects of Using Soybean Protein Emulsion as a Meat Substitute for Chicken Breast on Physicochemical Properties of Vienna Sausage

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of using emulsion manufactured with soybeans (ES) to substitute chicken breast in Vienna sausages. Four types of Vienna sausages (S1: 10% ES and 50% chicken, S2: 20% ES and 40% chicken, S3: 30% ES and 30% chicken, and S4: 40% ES and 20% chicken) for this study were made. The pH, color, proximate composition, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), microphotographs, cooking yields, and texture profile analysis of sausages were examined. The pH value of uncooked and cooked sausages increased significantly with increasing ES content (p<0.05). The crude protein contents of S2, S3, and S4 were significantly higher than that of the control (p<0.05). Furthermore, the SDS-PAGE results showed that α-conglycinin, β-conglycinin, and the acidic subunit of glycinin all increased with increasing ES content. Microphotographs revealed that increasing the ES content decreased the size of fat globules. The cooking yields of samples increased significantly with increasing ES content (p<0.05). The hardness values of ES treated samples were significantly lower than that of the control (p<0.05). Therefore, 30% substitute of chicken breast with ES can improve the quality and structure of Vienna sausage, without inducing critical defects.

Recent advances in the development of healthier meat products

Meat products are an excellent source of high biological value proteins, in addition to the high content of minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. However, meat products contain compounds that can cause a variety of adverse health effects and pose a serious health threat to humans. In this sense, this chapter will address recent strategies to assist in the development of healthier meat products. The main advances about the reduction of sodium and animal fat in meat products will be presented. In addition, strategies to make the lipid profile of meat products more nutritionally advantageous for human health will also be discussed. Finally, the reduction of substances of safety concern in meat products will be addressed, including phosphates, nitrites, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic aromatic amines, as well as products from lipid and protein oxidation.

Effects of partially replacing animal fat by ethylcellulose based organogels in ground cooked salami

Partial fat replacement in cooked salamis was formulated using organogels made with canola oil, ethylcellulose (EC; 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14%) and three types of surfactants; i.e., glycerol monostearate (GMS), stearyl alcohol/stearic acid (SOSA) and soybean lecithin (Lec). Texture profile analysis (TPA) and back extrusion tests indicated that increasing EC polymer concentration leads to harder gels regardless of the surfactant used. However, using GMS resulted in the hardest gel, whereas Lec did not strengthen the gel (mechanical stress test), but plasticized it. In general, gel hardness had a distinct effect on the binding of the organogel particle to the meat matrix, with softer gels adhering better under progressive compression. Substituting animal fat with organogel did not affect the main TPA parameters in most salami formulations, and canola oil by itself was also not significantly different from the pork and beef fat control. Using canola oil resulted in very small oil globules compared to the animal fat control, while structuring the oil yielded a microstructure with larger fat particles/globules, similar to the control. Color evaluation revealed a shift to yellow of the treatments with organogels compared to the control, but lightness and redness were not altered. The results demonstrate the potential use of structured vegetable oil to manufacture coarse ground meat products with lower saturated fat and a more favorable nutritional profile while resembling the traditional ground products.

Future trends of processed meat products concerning perceived healthiness: A review

The 21st-century consumer is highly demanding when it comes to the health benefits of food and food products. In the pursuit of attracting these consumers and easing the rise in demand for high-quality meat products, the processed meat sector is intensely focused on developing reformulated, low-fat, healthy meat products. Meat and meat products are considered the primary sources of saturated fatty acids in the human diet. Therefore, these reformulation strategies aim to improve the fatty acid profile and reduce total fat and cholesterol, which can be achieved by replacing animal fat with plant-based oils; it could be performed as direct inclusion of these oils or pre-emulsified oils. However, emulsions offer a viable option for incorporating vegetable oils while avoiding the multiple issues of direct inclusion of these oils in meat products. Processed meat products are popular worldwide and showing a gradually increasing trend of consumption. Various types of plant-based oils have been studied as fat replacers in meat products. This review will focus on possible methods to reduce the saturated fatty acid content in meat products.

Recent advances on food-grade oleogels: Fabrication, application and research trends

In order to improve the nutritional and quality characteristics of food, solid fats are widely used in food formulations. With the continuous improvement of consumers' awareness of health in recent years, substantial attempts have been carried out to find substitutes for solid fats to reduce saturated fatty acid content in foods. Oleogels have drawn increasing attention due to their attractive advantages such as easy fabrication, superior fatty acid composition and safe use in food products to satisfy consumers' demands for healthy products. This review provides the latest information on the diversified oleogel systems. The feasibility of oleogel and oleogel-based system as nutraceutical vehicles is elucidated. The type as well as concentration of oleogelators and the synergistic effect between two or more oleogelators are important factors affecting the properties of obtained oleogel. Oleogels used in nutraceutical delivery have been shown to offer increased loading amount, enhanced bioaccessibility and targeted or controlled release. These nutrients wrapped in oleogels may in turn affect the formation and properties of oleogels. Furthermore, the future perspectives of oleogels are discussed. The feasible research trends of food-grade oleogel include oleogel-based solid lipid particle, essential oil-in-oleogel system, delivery of probiotics, nutraceuticals co-delivery and microencapsulated oleogel.

Methods for Testing the Quality Attributes of Plant-Based Foods: Meat- and Processed-Meat Analogs

The modern food system is seeing a change in consumption patterns provoked by several drivers-including ethical, health, and environmental concerns-that are increasing the sales of meat analog foods. This change is accompanied by increased research and development activities in the area of plant-based meats. The aim of the present review is to describe methods that are being employed by scientists to analyze and characterize the properties of meat alternatives and to propose standardized methods that could be utilized in the future. In particular, methods to determine the proximate composition, microstructure, appearance, textural properties, water-holding properties, cooking resilience, and sensory attributes, of plant-based meat are given. The principles behind these methods are presented, their utility is critically assessed, and practical examples will be discussed. This article will help to guide further studies and to choose appropriate methods to assess raw materials, processes, products, and consumption behavior of meat analogs.

Recent Discoveries in the Field of Lipid Bio-Based Ingredients for Meat Processing

Current culture and pace of lifestyle, together with consumer demand for ready-to-eat foods, has influenced the food industry, particularly the meat sector. However, due to the important role that diet plays in human health, consumers demand safe and healthy food products. As a consequence, even foods that meet expectations for convenience and organoleptic properties must also meet expectations from a nutritional standpoint. One of the main nutritionally negative aspects of meat products is the content and composition of fat. In this sense, the meat industry has spent decades researching the best strategies for the reformulation of traditional products, without having a negative impact in technological processes or in the sensory acceptance of the final product. However, the enormous variety of meat products as well as industrial and culinary processes means that a single strategy cannot be established, despite the large volume of work carried out in this regard. Therefore, taking all the components of this complex situation into account and utilizing the large amount of scientific information that is available, this review aims to comprehensively analyze recent advances in the use of lipid bio-based materials to reformulate meat products, as well as their nutritional, technological, and sensorial implications.