Ultrasound for Improved Crystallisation in Food Processing

Within the food industry, controlling crystallisation is a key factor governing food structure, texture and consumer appeal, with some foods requiring the promotion of crystallisation in a controlled manner (e.g. chocolate) and others a check (e.g. honey). Sonocrystallisation is the application of ultrasound energy to control the nucleation of a crystallisation process. The use of power ultrasound provides a useful approach to producing crystals with desired properties. Sonocrystallisation facilitates process control by modulating crystal size distribution and morphology. This paper details the governing mechanisms of sonocrystallisation. Proven and potential applications of the process in foods are reviewed including chocolate, honey, fats and frozen foods. Challenges of process adoption such as scale-up are discussed.