Application and functions of fat replacers in low-fat ice cream: A review

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.

Application of soy protein isolate-naringenin complexes as fat replacers in low-fat cream: Based on protein conformational changes, aggregation states and interfacial adsorption behavior

In this study, changes in the structural and functional properties of soybean protein isolate (SPI)-naringenin (NG) complexes under different amounts of naringenin treatments were explored, elucidating the effect of the complexes as fat replacers at the 15 % substitution level on the properties of low-fat cream. Finally, the correlation between the structure and function of the complex and the properties of low-fat cream was further analyzed. The addition of NG promotes the increase of SPI aggregation and particle size, and reduces the interfacial tension of the complex. Meanwhile, at the mass ratio of 48:3, NG and SPI formed a dendritic network structure suitable for stabilizing cream. The fat properties of cream indicate that low-fat creams stabilized by appropriate proportions of SPI-NG complexes displayed small and dense fat crystal network structures. In addition, low-fat cream stabilized by the SPI-NG complexes have improved whipping time, overrun, firmness, storage stability and rheological properties compared to natural SPI. It is worth noting that the overall quality of the cream stabilized by the SPI-NG complex with a mass ratio of 48:3 was almost close to that of full-fat cream. Therefore, this study promotes the potential applications of protein-polyphenol complexes as fat replacers in the food industry.

Recent trends in design of healthier fat replacers: Type, replacement mechanism, sensory evaluation method and consumer acceptance

In recent years, with the increasing awareness of consumers about the relationship between excessive fat intake and chronic diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, etc., the demand for low-fat foods has increased year by year. However, a simple reduction of fat content in food will cause changes in physical and chemical properties, physiological properties, and sensory properties of food. Therefore, developing high-quality fat replacers to replace natural fats has become an emerging trend, and it is still a technical challenge to completely simulate the special function of natural fat in low-fat foods. This review aims to provide an overview of development trends of fat replacers, and the different types of fat replacers, the potential fat replacement mechanisms, sensory evaluation methods, and their consumer acceptance are discussed and compared, which may provide a theoretical guidance to produce fat replacers and develop more healthy low-fat products favored by consumers.

General Semi-Solid Freeze Casting for Uniform Large-Scale Isotropic Porous Scaffolds: An Application for Extensive Oral Mucosal Reconstruction

Ice-templated porous biomaterials possess transformative potential in regenerative medicine; yet, scaling up ice-templating processes for broader applications-owing to inconsistent pore formation-remains challenging. This study reports an innovative semi-solid freeze-casting technique that draws inspiration from semi-solid metal processing (SSMP) combined with ice cream-production routines. This versatile approach allows for the large-scale assembly of various materials, from polymers to inorganic particles, into isotropic 3D scaffolds featuring uniformly equiaxed pores throughout the centimeter scale. Through (cryo-)electron microscopy, X-ray tomography, and finite element modeling, the structural evolution of ice grains/pores is elucidated, demonstrating how the method increases the initial ice nucleus density by pre-fabricating a semi-frozen slurry, which facilitates a transition from columnar to equiaxed grain structures. For a practical demonstration, as-prepared scaffolds are integrated into a bilayer tissue patch using biodegradable waterborne polyurethane (WPU) for large-scale oral mucosal reconstruction in minipigs. Systematic analyses, including histology and RNA sequencing, prove that the patch modulates the healing process toward near-scarless mucosal remodeling via innate and adaptive immunomodulation and activation of pro-healing genes converging on matrix synthesis and epithelialization. This study not only advances the field of ice-templating fabrication but sets a promising precedent for scaffold-based large-scale tissue regeneration.

Development and Characterization of New Plant-Based Ice Cream Assortments Using Oleogels as Fat Source

The objective of this study was to develop candelilla wax oleogels with hemp seed oil and olive oil and use them as a fat source in the development of new plant-based ice cream assortments. Oleogels were structured with 3 and 9% candelilla wax and characterized by oil-binding capacity, peroxide value and color parameters. The oil-binding capacities of 9% wax oleogels were significantly higher than those of 3% wax oleogels, while peroxide values of oleogels decrease with increasing wax dosage. All oleogel samples are yellow-green due to the pigments present in the oils and candelilla wax. Physicochemical (pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, fat, protein) and rheological (viscosity and viscoelastic modulus) parameters of plant-based ice cream mixes with oleogels were determined. Also, sensory attributes and texture parameters were investigated. The results showed that titratable acidity and fat content of plant-based ice cream samples increased with increasing wax percentage, while pH, soluble solids and protein values are more influenced by the type of plant milk used. The plant-based ice cream sample with spelt milk, hemp oil and 9% candelilla wax received the highest overall acceptability score. The hardness of the plant-based ice cream samples increased as the percentage of candelilla wax added increased.

Fabricating Pea Protein Micro-Gel-Stabilized Pickering Emulsion as Saturated Fat Replacement in Ice Cream

Unsaturated fat replacement should be used to reduce the use of saturated fat and trans fatty acids in the diet. In this study, pea protein micro-gels (PPMs) with different structures were prepared by microparticulation at pH 4.0-7.0 and named as PPM (pH 4.0), PPM (pH 4.5), PPM (pH 5.0), PPM (pH 5.5), PPM (pH 6.0), PPM (pH 6.5), and PPM (pH 7.0). Pea protein was used as a control to evaluate the structure and interfacial properties of PPMs by particle size distribution, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), free sulfhydryl group content, and emulsifying property. PPM (pH 7.0) was suitable for application in O/W emulsion stabilization because of its proper particle size, more flexible structure, high emulsifying activity index (EAI) and emulsifying stability index (ESI). The Pickering emulsion stabilized by PPM (pH 7.0) had a uniform oil droplet distribution and similar rheological properties to cream, so it can be used as a saturated fat replacement in the manufacture of ice cream. Saturated fat was partially replaced at different levels of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%, which were respectively named as PR0, PR20, PR40, PR60, PR80, and PR100. The rheological properties, physicochemical indexes, and sensory properties of low-saturated fat ice cream show that PPM (pH 7.0)-stabilized emulsion can be used to substitute 60% cream to manufacture low-saturated fat ice cream that has high structural stability and similar melting properties, overrun, and sensory properties to PR0. The article shows that it is feasible to prepare low-saturated fat ice cream with PPM (pH 7.0)-stabilized Pickering emulsion, which can not only maintain the fatty acid profile of the corn oil used, but also possess a solid-like structure. Its application is of positive significance for the development of nutritious and healthy foods and the reduction of chronic disease incidence.

Food Hydrocolloids: Structure, Properties, and Applications

Hydrocolloids are extensively used in the food industry for various functions, including gelling, thickening, stabilizing foams, emulsions, and dispersions, as well as facilitating the controlled release of flavor [...].

Thermally treated peanut oil bodies as a fat replacer for ice cream: Physicochemical and rheological properties

This study investigates the potential use of peanut oil bodies as a fat replacer in ice cream. We explored the effects of different treatments, fresh (FOB), heated (HOB), and roasted (ROB) peanut oil bodies on ice cream preparation. Heat treatment altered the intrinsic protein profile on the oil bodies' surface, subsequently influencing the ice cream's properties. Notably, heat treatment increases the oil bodies' size and the absolute value of ζ-potential. The rheological analysis provided information about void volumes, indicating easier air incorporation during whipping for ROB (72 to 300 nm) than FOB (107 to 55 nm). ROB ice cream displays a high overrun and a lower melting rate compared to FOB ice cream. Moreover, thermal treatment reduces the beany flavors, n-hexanal, and 2-pentenylfuran. Overall, this study reveals peanut oil bodies as a promising platform for rational design of fat-substituted plant-based ice creams.

Production and application of xanthan gum-prospects in the dairy and plant-based milk food industry: a review

Xanthan gum (XG) is an important industrial microbial exopolysaccharide. It has found applications in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints and coatings, and wastewater treatment, but especially in the food industry. The thickening and stabilizing properties of XG make it a valuable ingredient in many food products. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the various potential applications of this versatile ingredient in the food industry. Especially in the plant-based food industries due to current interest of consumers in cheaper protein sources and health purposes. However, challenges and opportunities also exist, and this review aims to identify and explore these issues in greater detail. Overall, this article represents a valuable contribution to the scientific understanding of XG and its potential applications in the food industry.

Replacing animal proteins with plant proteins: Is this a way to improve quality and functional properties of hybrid cheeses and cheese analogs?

The growing emphasis on dietary health has facilitated the development of plant-based foods. Plant proteins have excellent functional attributes and health-enhancing effects and are also environmentally conscientious and animal-friendly protein sources on a global scale. The addition of plant proteins (including soy protein, pea protein, zein, nut protein, and gluten protein) to diverse cheese varieties and cheese analogs holds the promise of manufacturing symbiotic products that not only have reduced fat content but also exhibit improved protein diversity and overall quality. In this review, we summarized the utilization and importance of various plant proteins in the production of hybrid cheeses and cheese analogs. Meanwhile, classification and processing methods related to these cheese products were reviewed. Furthermore, the impact of different plant proteins on the microstructure, textural properties, physicochemical attributes, rheological behavior, functional aspects, microbiological aspects, and sensory characteristics of both hybrid cheeses and cheese analogs were discussed and compared. Our study explores the potential for the development of cheeses made from full/semi-plant protein ingredients with greater sustainability and health benefits. Additionally, it further emphasizes the substantial chances for scholars and developers to investigate the optimal processing methods and applications of plant proteins in cheeses, thereby improving the market penetration of plant protein hybrid cheeses and cheese analogs.

Enhancing starch nanocrystal production and evaluating their efficacy as fat replacers in ice cream: Investigating the influence of high pressure and ultrasonication

A preparation method involving the combination of high-pressure homogenization and ultrasound (HPH-US) techniques was employed to produce starch nanocrystals (NCs) from three botanical starch sources: chestnut, corn starch, and potato starch. The optimal conditions, determined using response surface methodology, consisted of a homogenization pressure of 60 MPa and ultrasound at 280 W for 30 min. The utilization of dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) unveiled that the resulting starch particles exhibited nanometric dimensions ranging from 135.36 to 203.47 nm. The mechanical forces generated by the HPH-US treatment significantly enhanced the physicochemical properties of the starch NCs, leading to a partial disruption of the crystalline structure. Moreover, the potential application of the synthesized starch NCs as fat replacers (FRs) was investigated. As the degree of substitution increased, notable improvements were observed in the hardness and viscosity of ice cream, accompanied by a reduction in the melting rate. The overall sensory evaluation indicated that corn starch NCs held substantial promise as a viable alternative FR for enhancing the quality of ice cream.

Low oil Pickering emulsion gels stabilized by bacterial cellulose nanofiber/soybean protein isolate: An excellent fat replacer for ice cream

Food-grade Pickering emulsion gels with different oil phase fractions stabilized by Bacterial cellulose nanofibers/Soy protein isolate complex colloidal particles were prepared by one-step method. The properties of Pickering emulsion gels with different oil phase fractions (5 %, 10 %, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 75 %, v/v) and their applications in ice cream were investigated in the present study. The microstructural results showed that Pickering emulsion gels with the low oil phase fractions (5 %-20 %) were an emulsion droplet-filled gel, where the oil droplets were embedded in the network structure of cross-linked polymer, while Pickering emulsion gels with higher oil phase fractions (40 %-75 %) were an emulsion droplet-aggregated gel, which formed a network structure by flocculated oil droplets. The rheology result showed that the low oil Pickering emulsion gels had the same excellent performance as the high oil Pickering emulsion gels. Furthermore, the low oil Pickering emulsion gels showed good environmental stability under harsh conditions. Consequently, Pickering emulsion gels with 5 % oil phase fraction were used as fat replacers in ice cream and ice cream with different fat replacement rates (30 %, 60 % and 90 %, w/w) was prepared in this work. The results showed the appearance and texture of the ice cream with low oil Pickering emulsion gels as fat replacers was similar to that of the ice cream with no fat replacers, and the melting rate of the ice cream with low oil Pickering emulsion gels as fat replacers showed the lowest value of 21.08 % during the 45 min of melting experiment, as the fat replacer rate in the ice cream reached to 90 %. Therefore, this study demonstrated that low oil Pickering emulsion gels were excellent fat replacers and had great potential application in low calorie food production.

Role of polysaccharide structure in the rheological, physical and sensory properties of low-fat ice cream

Polysaccharides can be used as fat replacers in ice cream, as they contribute to an increase of viscosity. However, no research has clarified the exact role of viscosity from that of the structure of the polysaccharides on the properties of ice cream. In this study, the effect of polysaccharide structure on different properties of low-fat ice cream was investigated. The polysaccharides taken into consideration varied from flexible (locust bean gum and guar gum) to rigid (xanthan gum and iota carrageenan). Relationships between rheological properties of ice cream mixes and microstructural characteristics and sensory perception of the final ice cream were established. To separate the effect of the polysaccharide structure from that of viscosity, two series of ice cream were prepared: one in which the mix viscosity of the various samples was similar (approximately 68.3 mPa· s), and one in which the serum phase viscosity was similar (approximately 15563 mPa· s). Flexible polysaccharides showed a lower degree of shear-thinning and a more liquid-like viscoelastic behavior compared with rigid polysaccharides. In addition, flexible polysaccharides led to higher overrun (47-58%) than other samples (approximately 30%), which resulted in lower hardness of the ice cream (<3.2 MPa). Rigid polysaccharides caused gelation of the serum phase, which made the ice cream more difficult to scoop. Based on the results of the sensory evaluation, flexible polysaccharides could provide higher softness and creaminess-related properties, while rigid polysaccharides resulted in higher coldness and grittiness. Therefore, polysaccharides with a flexible structure are a better choice for improving the textural and sensory properties of low-fat ice cream.

Effect of fat replacement by flaxseed flour on the quality parameters of pork meatballs

To improve the edible qualities of meatballs, various percentages of pork fat in meatballs were replaced by brown flaxseed flour (BFF) to decrease the fat contents and further optimize the fatty acid compositions. Five different meatball formulations that used 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of flaxseed flour additions were used in which the corresponding amounts pork fat were replaced. The proximate compositions, water activity, pH levels, colors, textures, cooking losses, fatty acid compositions, sensory properties, flavors, and oxidation stabilities of these meatballs were analyzed. Increasing the BFF addition amounts improved the protein and dietary fiber contents, pH levels, fatty acid profiles and oxidation stabilities, but decreased the fat contents, moisture levels, cooking losses, n6/n3 ratios, hardness, and lightness. The volatile flavors of meatballs with different BFF replacement levels were significantly different. According to the sensory evaluation, the use of 5% BFF increased the odor of meatballs without significantly affecting the other sensory scores. This work demonstrated that BFF may be a healthier alternative as pork fat replacer for preparing meatballs.

Capsaicin Rich Low-Fat Salad Dressing: Improvement of Rheological and Sensory Properties and Emulsion and Oxidative Stability

This study aimed to investigate the potential use of cold-pressed hot pepper seed oil by-product (HPOB) in a low-fat salad dressing to improve its rheological properties, emulsion, and oxidative stability. The total phenolic content (TPC), the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and CUPRIC reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) values were 317.4 mg GAE/100 g, 81.87%, and 6952.8 mg Trolox/100 g, respectively. The capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and total carotenoid content were 175.8 mg/100 g, 71.01 mg/100 g, and 106.3 µg/g, respectively. All emulsions indicated shear-thinning, viscoelastic solid-like behavior, and recoverable characteristics, which were improved via enrichment with HPOB. The thermal loop test showed that the low-fat sample formulated with 3% HPOB indicated little change in the G* value, showing that it exhibited high emulsion stability. The induction period values (IP) of the salad dressing samples containing HPOB (between 6.33 h and 8.33 h) were higher than the IP values of the control samples (3.20 h and 2.58 h). The enrichment with HPOB retarded the formation of oxidative volatile compounds of hexanal, nonanal, and 1-octene-3-ol. According to the results presented in this study, HPOB could be effectively used in a low-fat salad dressing to enhance its rheological characteristics and oxidative stability.

Modulation of the crystallization of rapeseed oil using lipases and the impact on ice cream properties

We investigated the possibility to use rapeseed as a main oil in ice cream formulations by changing its functionality when using different kinds of lipases. Through a 24 h-emulsification and a centrifugation, the modified oils were further used as functional ingredients. All lipolysis was first assessed as a function of time by ¹³C NMR, where triglycerides consumption and the formation of low-molecular polar lipids (LMPL: monoacylglycerol and free fatty acids, FFAs) were selectively identified and compared. The more the FFAs, the sooner the crystallization (from -55 to -10 °C) and the later the melting temperatures (from -17 to 6 °C) measured by differential scanning calorimetry. These modifications were exploited in ice cream formulations with a significant impact on overall hardness (range of 60-216 N) and flowing during defrosting (from 1.29 to 0.35g/min). The global behavior of products can be controlled by the composition of LMPL within oil.

The Potential Use of Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil By-Product as an Alternative Source in the Production of Plant-Based Drink and Plant-Based Low-Fat Ice Cream: The Rheological, Thermal, and Sensory Properties of Plant-Based Ice Cream

This study aimed to investigate the potential use of cold-pressed coconut oil by-products (COB) as a low-cost alternative source for plant-based drink and ice cream production. Firstly, a plant-based drink was produced from cold-pressed coconut oil by-products (COB drink) and compared with a commercial coconut drink. The fat, protein, and zeta potential values of coconut drink obtained from COB were higher than those of the commercial samples. In addition, the particle size value of the drink obtained from COB was found to be lower than that of the commercial drink. In the second stage, full-fat and low-fat plant-based ice cream samples using COB drink were produced and compared to control ice cream samples (produced by the commercial coconut drink) in terms of rheological, sensorial, and thermal properties. Rheological analysis showed that all plant-based ice cream samples indicated pseudoplastic, solid-like, and recoverable characteristics. Low-fat commercial control ice cream samples (C1) indicated the lowest K value (9.05 Pasⁿ), whereas the low-fat plant-based ice cream sample produced by the COB drink (COB-3) exhibited the highest K value (17.69 Pasⁿ). ΔH_f values of the plant-based ice cream samples varied from 144.70 J/g to 172.70 J/g. The low-fat COB ice cream stabilized with 3% COB and full-fat COB ice cream samples showed lower ΔH_f values than control ice cream samples, indicating that the COB ice cream showed desired thermal properties. The COB drink may be utilized in plant-based ice cream without altering sensory qualities, and low-fat ice cream could be manufactured in the same manner to attain full-fat ice cream quality characteristics. The results of this study demonstrated that COB can be successfully used as an inexpensive raw material source in the production of full-fat and reduced-fat vegetable-based ice cream.

Inulin-type fructans and short-chain fructooligosaccharides-their role within the food industry as fat and sugar replacers and texture modifiers-what needs to be considered!

Inulin and oligofructose are classes of prebiotics belonging to a group of nondigestible carbohydrates referred to as inulin-type fructans. While short-chain fructooligosaccharides are enzymatically synthesized from the hydrolysis and transglycosylation of sucrose. Inulin-type fructans and short-chain fructooligosaccharides act as carbon sources for selective pathways supporting digestive health including altering the composition of the gut microbiota along with improving transit time. Due to their physicochemical properties, inulin-type fructans and short-chain fructooligosaccharides have been widely used in the food industry as partial replacements for both fat and sugar. Yet, levels of replacement need to be carefully considered as it may result in changes to physical and sensory properties that could be detected by consumers. Furthermore, it has been reported depending on the processing parameters used during production that inulin-type fructans and short-chain fructooligosaccharides may or may not undergo structural alterations. Therefore, this paper reviews the role of inulin-type fructans and short-chain fructooligosaccharides within the food industry as fat and sugar replacers and texture modifiers, their impact on final sensory properties, and to what degree processing parameters are likely to impact their functional properties.

β-Glucan as a Techno-Functional Ingredient in Dairy and Milk-Based Products-A Review

The article systematizes information about the sources of β-glucan, its technological functions and practical aspects of its use in dairy and milk-based products. According to the analysis of scientific information, the main characteristics of β-glucan classifications were considered: the source of origin, chemical structure, and methods of obtention. It has been established that the most popular in the food technology of dairy products are β-glucans from oat and barley cereal, which exhibit pronounced technological functions in the composition of dairy products (gel formation, high moisture-binding capacity, increased yield of finished products, formation of texture, and original sensory indicators). The expediency of using β-glucan from yeast and mushrooms as a source of biologically active substances that ensure the functional orientation of the finished product has been revealed. For the first time, information on the use of β-glucan of various origins in the most common groups of dairy and milk-based products has been systematized. The analytical review has scientific and practical significance for scientists and specialists in the field of food production, in particular dairy products of increased nutritional value.

Soybean-Oil-Body-Substituted Low-Fat Ice Cream with Different Homogenization Pressure, Pasteurization Condition, and Process Sequence: Physicochemical Properties, Texture, and Storage Stability

The purpose of this research was to explore the impacts of different homogenization pressures, pasteurization conditions, and process sequence on the physical and chemical properties of soybean oil body (SOB)-substituted low-fat ice cream as well as the storage stability of SOB-substituted ice cream under these process parameters. With the increase of homogenization pressure (10–30 MPa), the increase of pasteurization temperature (65 °C for 30 min–85 °C for 15 min), and the addition of SOB before homogenization, the overrun and apparent viscosity of ice cream increased significantly, and the particle size, hardness, and melting rate decreased significantly. Thus, frozen dairy products of desired quality and condition could be obtained by optimizing process parameters. In addition, the SOB ice cream showed better storage stability, which was reflected in lower melting rate and hardness and more stable microstructure compared with the full-milk-fat ice cream. This study opened up new ideas for the application of SOB and the development of nutritious and healthy ice cream. Meanwhile, this research supplied a conceptual basis for the processing and quality optimization of SOB ice cream.

Virgin coconut oil: A comprehensive review of antioxidant activity and mechanisms contributed by phenolic compounds

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is obtained by processing mature coconut cores with mechanical or natural methods. In recent years, VCO has been widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because of its excellent functional activities. VCO has biological functions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral, and also has potential therapeutic effects on many chronic degenerative diseases. Among these functions, the antioxidant is the most basic and important function, which is mainly determined by phenolic compounds and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). This review aims to elucidate the antioxidant functions of each phenolic compound in VCO, and discuss the antioxidant mechanisms of VCO in terms of the role of phenolic compounds with fat, intestinal microorganisms, and various organs. Besides, the composition of VCO and its application in various industries are summarized, and the biological functions of VCO are generalized, which should lay a foundation for further research on the antioxidant activity of VCO and provide a theoretical basis for the development of food additives with antioxidant activity.

Effects of Soybean Oil Body as a Milk Fat Substitute on Ice Cream: Physicochemical, Sensory and Digestive Properties

Soybean oil body (SOB) has potential as a milk fat substitute due to its ideal emulsification, stability and potential biological activity. In this study, SOB was used as a milk fat substitute to prepare ice cream, expecting to reduce the content of saturated fatty acid and improve the quality defects of ice cream products caused by the poor stability of milk fat at low temperatures. This study investigated the effect of SOB as a milk fat substitute (the substitution amount was 10–50%) on ice cream through apparent viscosity, particle size, overrun, melting, texture, sensory and digestive properties. The results show SOB substitution for milk fat significantly increased the apparent viscosity and droplet uniformity and decreased the particle size of the ice cream mixes, indicating that there were lots of intermolecular interactions to improve ice cream stability. In addition, ice cream with 30% to 50% SOB substitution had better melting properties and texture characteristics. The ice cream with 40% SOB substitution had the highest overall acceptability. Furthermore, SOB substitution for milk fat increased unsaturated fatty acid content in ice cream and fatty acid release during digestion, which had potential health benefits for consumers. Therefore, SOB as a milk fat substitute may be an effective way to improve the nutritional value and quality characteristics of dairy products.

Microbial Risk Assessment of Industrial Ice Cream Marketed in Italy

Ice cream is a frozen dairy dessert consumed worldwide. The frozen state may give a positive impression regarding microbiological safety; however, transmission of foodborne pathogens can also occur through ice cream consumption. A total of 200 samples of milk-based industrial ice cream, with and without inclusions, were purchased at different mass-market retailers in Italy and analyzed for the detection and enumeration of the aerobic colonies, Enterobacteriaceae, coagulase-positive staphylococci, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. Results were classified according to different ranges of acceptability, whose limits were set for each microbiological parameter. Unsatisfactory loads were obtained for two and nine samples as regarded the aerobic colonies and Enterobacteriaceae, respectively. L. monocytogenes was detected in 16 samples, and in three of them, the loads exceeded the legal limit of acceptability (≤100 cfu/g) during marketing. No unsatisfactory loads were obtained for coagulase-positive staphylococci and no Salmonella spp. was detected. The results obtained allow speculation that inclusions may be a relevant source of contamination for industrial ice cream. However, inadequate manufacturing and hygiene practices also threaten the safety of the finished product. Ice cream is a complex food matrix, and a comprehensive approach to the whole production system is required to ensure high standards of quality and safety.

The interactions between anthocyanin and whey protein: A review

Anthocyanins (ACN) are natural pigments that produce bright red, blue, and purple colors in plants and can be used to color food products. However, ACN sensitivity to different factors limits their applications in the food industry. Whey protein (WP), a functional nutritional additive, has been shown to interact with ACN and improve the color, stability, antioxidant capacity, bioavailability, and other functional properties of the ACN-WP complex. The WP's secondary structure is expected to unfold due to heat treatment, which may increase its binding affinity with ACN. Different ACN structures will also have different binding affinity with WP and their interaction mechanism may also be different. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy show that the WP secondary structure changes after binding with ACN. Fluorescence spectroscopy shows that the WP maximum fluorescence emission wavelength shifts, and the fluorescence intensity decreases after interaction with ACN. Moreover, thermodynamic analysis suggests that the ACN-WP binding forces are mainly hydrophobic interactions, although there is also evidence of electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding between ACN and WP. In this review, we summarize the information available on ACN-WP interactions under different conditions and discuss the impact of different ACN chemical structures and of WP conformation changes on the affinity between ACN and WP. This summary helps improve our understanding of WP protection of ACN against color degradation, thus providing new tools to improve ACN color stability and expanding the applications of ACN and WP in the food and pharmacy industries.

The Effect of Cold Press Chia Seed Oil By-Products on the Rheological, Microstructural, Thermal, and Sensory Properties of Low-Fat Ice Cream

This study aimed to investigate the utilization of cold-pressed chia-seed oil by-products (CSOB) in a low-fat ice cream formulation as a fat replacer and stabilizer. In the study, ice cream emulsion mixtures were formulated by using 0.2–0.4% xanthan gum (XG), 2.5–12.5% fat, and 1–3% CSOB. Optimization was performed using the response surface methodology (RSM) and full factorial central composite design (CCD) based on the flow behavior rheological properties of the emulsions obtained from 17 different experimental points. All of the emulsion samples showed non-Newtonian shear-thinning flow behavior. The consistency coefficient (Κ) values of the emulsion samples were found to be 4.01–26.05 Pasⁿ and were significantly affected by optimization parameters (p < 0.05). The optimum formulation was determined as 0.29% XG, 2.5% CSOB, 2.5% fat. The low-fat (LF-IC) and full-fat control samples (FF-IC) were compared to samples produced with an optimum formulation (CBLF-IC) based on the steady shear, frequency sweep, and 3-ITT (three interval thixotropy test) rheological properties, thermal properties, emulsion stability, light microscope images, and sensory quality. CBLF-IC showed similar rheological behavior to FF-IC. The mix of CBLF-IC showed higher emulsion stability and lower poly-dispersity index (PDI) value and fat globule diameters than those of FF-IC and LF-IC. The thermal properties of the samples were significantly affected by the addition of CSOB in an ice cream mix. CBLF-IC exhibited a lower temperature range (ΔT), enthalpy of fusion (ΔH_f), and freezing point temperature (T_f) than those of FF-IC and LF-IC. While CBLF-IC exhibited a higher overrun value than other samples, it showed similar sensory properties to the FF-IC sample. The results of this study suggested that CSOB could be used successfully in low-fat ice cream production. This study also has the potential to gain new perspectives for the evaluation of CSOB as a fat substitute in a low-fat ice cream.

Microstructure and Physicochemical Properties of Light Ice Cream: Effects of Extruded Microparticulated Whey Proteins and Process Design

This study aimed to understand the influence of extruded microparticulated whey proteins (eMWPs) and process design in light ice cream processing by evaluating the microstructure and physicochemical properties. The inulin (T1), a commercial microparticulated whey protein (MWP) called simplesse (T2), a combination (T3), as well as eMWPs (as 50% volume of total particles): d50 < 3 µm (T4), and d50 > 5 µm (T5) were used as fat replacers. The first process design was pasteurization with subsequent homogenization (PH). The second process was homogenization with subsequent pasteurization (HP) for the production of ice cream (control, 12% fat, w/w; T1 to T5, 6% fat, w/w). The overrun of light ice cream treatments of PH was around 50%, except for T4 (61.82%), which was significantly higher (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the overrun of HP was around 40% for all treatments except T1. In both the PH and HP groups, the color intensities of treatments were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The melting behavior of light ice cream was also significantly different. The viscosity of all treatments was significant (p < 0.05) at a shear rate of 64.54 (1/s) for both cases of process design. A similar firmness in both the PH and HP groups was observed; however, the products with eMWPs were firmer compared to other light ice creams.

Quality Characteristics of Beef Patties Prepared with Octenyl-Succinylated (Osan) Starch

Octenyl-succinylated corn starch (Osan) was used to improve the physicochemical properties of ground beef patties. The study involved incorporation of 5 and 15% Osan and storage for 30 or 60 days at −20 °C. The tested parameters included cooking loss, microstructure image, firmness, color, and sensory evaluation of the prepared patties. Along with Osan, native corn starch was used as control and considered the patties with added animal fat. The data showed that Osan reduced the cooking loss and dimensional shrinkage significantly (p < 0.05), whereas the moisture retention, firmness and color of beef patties were improved. The sensory evaluation indicated enhanced tenderness and juiciness without significant alteration of flavor, color, and overall acceptability of the cooked patties. Microstructure images of cooked patties indicated uniform/cohesive structures with small pore size of patties shaped with Osan. Obviously, good storability of the uncooked patties was reflected on the physiochemical, textural, color, and sensory evaluation of the cooked patties, which points to the benefit of using Osan in frozen patties and signifies possible use in the meat industry. The overall sensory acceptability scores were given to cooked patties containing Osan starch as well as the native starch, whereas 15% animal fat was favored too.

Preparation of nanofibrillated cellulose from grapefruit peel and its application as fat substitute in ice cream

Grapefruit peel nanofibrillated cellulose (GNFC) was used as fat substitute in ice cream. GNFC was characterized by TEM, SEM, and XRD. The effects of GNFC on textural profiles, rheological properties, melting resistance, sensory properties, microstructure, and gross energy (GE) of ice cream were investigated. The results showed that GNFC was short rod-shaped crystal. Ice cream added with GNFC exhibited elastic-dominated behavior and better textural properties. The sensory evaluation score reached the highest level with desirable three-dimensional network structure at 0.4 % GNFC addition. GE of ice cream significantly decreased with reducing fat with maximal reduction rate of 17.90 %. Furthermore, the results of in vitro simulated digestion showed that GNFC addition and fat reduction significantly inhibited fat digestibility of ice cream due to coalescence of fat droplets on GNFC. This study provides new sustainable perspectives for the application of GNFC prepared from agricultural waste as fat substitute in food products.

Review on fat replacement using protein-based microparticulated powders or microgels: A textural perspective

Background

Due to the growing rise in obesity and food-linked diseases, the replacement of calorie-dense fat has been a key focus of food industries in the last few decades with proteins being identified as promising fat replacers (FRs).

Scope and approach

This review aims to provide an overview of animal and plant protein-based FR studies that have been performed in the last 5 years. Protein isolates/concentrates, their microparticulated forms and protein microgels in model and real foods have been examined. Special emphasis has been given on the characterisation techniques that have been used to compare the full fat (FF) and low fat (LF) versions of the foods using FRs.

Key findings and conclusions

Microparticulated whey protein (MWP) has been the preferred choice FR with some success in replacing fat in model foods and dairy applications. Plant proteins on the other hand have attracted limited research attention as FRs, but show success similar to that of animal proteins. Key characterisation techniques used to compare full fat with low fat products containing FRs have been apparent viscosity, texture profile analysis, microscopy, particle size and sensory properties with oral tribology being a relatively recent undertaking. Coupling tribology with adsorption techniques (muco-adhesion) can be effective to bridge the instrumental-sensory property gap and might accelerate the development cycle of designing low/no fat products. From a formulation viewpoint, sub-micron sized microgels that show shear-thinning behaviour and have boundary lubrication properties offer promises with respect to exploiting their fat replacement potential in the future.

Desenvolvimento de sorvete com adição de leitelho

Resumo O leitelho, um subproduto da produção de manteiga, é altamente poluente devido à alta demanda bioquímica de oxigênio. Uma das características principais desse resíduo é a presença de fosfolipídeos, que o torna um ótimo emulsificante para ser aplicado em alimentos. Deste modo, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi estabelecer uma formulação para a fabricação de sorvete e verificar na mesma a influência do leitelho na substituição de leite desnatado. Para isso, foram elaboradas três formulações: tradicional (100% leite desnatado); com 50% de substituição de leite desnatado por leitelho, e outra com substituição total do leite desnatado por leitelho (100% leitelho). Esses sorvetes foram submetidos à análise de pH, atividade de água, incorporação de ar (overrun), derretimento e análise sensorial (aceitação, intenção de compra e comment analysis). A amostra de sorvete que teve 100% do leite desnatado substituído por leitelho foi a que apresentou melhores resultados de overrun, derretimento e sensoriais, sendo o sorvete mais aceito e com melhor intenção de compra. Portanto, concluiu-se que o leitelho pode ser indicado como sendo um substituto do leite desnatado na produção de sorvetes, permitindo assim um ótimo aproveitamento desse resíduo.