Rheological and thermal properties of reinforced monoglyceride-carnauba wax oleogels

BACKGROUNDOleogels can be used in the food industry to reduce the consumption of solid fat in the human diet and diminish some of the industrial-technological issues of using oil instead of fat. Regarding the structural weakness of neat monoglyceride oleogel and the waxy mouthfeel of pure carnauba wax oleogel, as a result of the high melting and crystallization points, the present study aimed to diminish these defects. RESULTSCarnauba wax (CBW) was used as a co-gelator with distilled monoglyceride (DMG) at different weight ratios (100:0, 85:15, 70:30, 55:45, 40:60, and 0:100) (DMG: CBW) and two total gelator concentrations (50 and 100 g kg(-1)) to improve the DMG oleogel characteristics. The addition of CBW strengthened the DMG network and decreased the polymorphic transition. Thermal analysis showed just co-crystallization at the 85:15 ratio, whereas, in the other combinations, high melting components of CBW crystalized at first. As a result of the crystal homogeneity and long-time development, the oleogel properties improved at the 85:15 ratio. The low concentration of CBW and the formation of the eutectic system were efficient in the waxy mouthfeel reduction of oleogel at the 85:15 ratio in food applications. CONCLUSIONThe DMG/CBW oleogel at the 85:15 ratio, with better structural and sensorial properties than DMG and CBW oleogels, respectively, has the potential for use instead of fat in food formulations. (c) 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Automated summary

This study aimed to improve the characteristics of neat monoglyceride (DMG) oleogel by adding carnauba wax (CBW) at different weight ratios and concentrations. The addition of CBW strengthened the DMG network and reduced its polymorphic transition. The DMG/CBW oleogel at the 85:15 ratio showed improved properties and reduced waxy mouthfeel in food applications.