Impact of emulsifiers on the quality and rheological properties of gluten-free breads and batters

The effects of the emulsifiers lecithin (LC), di-acetyl tartaric ester of monoglycerides (DATEM), distilled monoglycerides (DM) or sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL) were studied in a gluten-free (GF) batter and bread formulation. Three different levels, i.e. low, medium, and high, were evaluated and compared to a control bread with no emulsifier. The rheological properties of the emulsifiers at their optimum level as well as their effect on starch retrogradation were investigated. Standard baking tests were carried out and the breads were tested over 5 days of storage. Rheological tests suggested that LC reduced the elasticity of the batter and increased the batter consistency during gelatinisation (P < 0.05). A significant increase in the specific volume was found with the addition of the various emulsifiers (P < 0.05). Higher volumes were found for breads with DM whereas lower specific volumes were obtained for the breads with DATEM. With regards to cell size and distribution, significant differences were found across the emulsifiers and the levels used (P < 0.05). Crumb staling revealed significant time effects as well as an increase in the shelf-life by the addition of high levels of DM and SSL. The retrogradation of starch over 5-days did not seem to be affected by the addition of emulsifiers. Overall this study demonstrated that the addition of emulsifiers at their respective optimum level enhanced the quality of the GF breads.