Margarine‐Like Emulsions Prepared with Coconut and Palm Oils: Analysis of Microstructure and Freeze–Thaw Stability by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Insights into the Stability and Lipid Oxidation of Water-in-Oil High Internal Phase Emulsions: Roles of the Concentration of the Emulsifier, Aqueous Phase, and NaCl

Water-in-Oil high internal phase emulsions (W/O HIPEs) have great potential in developing novel healthy food products. However, the high content of the aqueous phase poses great risks in physical stability and lipid oxidation. This study aimed to understand the relationship between physical stability and lipid oxidation of W/O HIPEs, focusing on the roles of emulsifiers, aqueous phase volume, and NaCl concentration. The findings revealed that increasing the polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) concentration (10 wt%) significantly enhanced physical stability and slowed lipid oxidation at various temperatures. W/O emulsions with varying aqueous phase volumes (30-80%) maintained good physical stability; however, a higher aqueous phase volume significantly accelerated lipid oxidation. Furthermore, the inclusion of NaCl (10-300 mM) improved the physical stability of W/O HIPEs but also accelerated lipid oxidation. Notably, W/O HIPEs with 50 mM NaCl showed both optimal physical and oxidative stability. Additionally, based on the fitting equation of the primary oxidation products, it was predicted that the oxidation reaction of the W/O emulsion followed a zero-order oxidation kinetics model. By altering the structure of the emulsion system, the physical stability and lipid oxidation stability of the emulsion could be regulated, thereby extending the storage time of food products. Overall, these findings emphasized the critical role of interfacial properties in lipid oxidation, providing new insights for optimizing food formulations to enhance long-term stability.

Effect of honey addition on physical properties, oxidative stability, and digestibility of margarine

The present study investigated the effect of adding honey on the physicochemical properties, oxidative stability, lipid digestion, and price of margarine produced on a pilot scale. The margarine containing honey (MH) was compared to a control commercial margarine (MC). Honey addition modified margarine color, pH, humidity, and solid fat content, which, however, were within the ranges set for margarine standards. MH also showed higher elastic modulus (G)' values than MC, which, however, did not impair margarine spreadability. Polarized light microstructural analysis showed that honey addition increased crystal dimension. Under accelerated storage conditions (45 and 60 °C for up to 90 days), the oxidative stability of MH was significantly higher than that of MC. In addition, the presence of honey improved the efficiency of lipid digestion (66 %) compared to that of MC (54 %). Despite the higher price of MH (3.20 €/kg) than that of MC (2.75 €/kg), honey presents high potential application prospects in margarine, driven by its ability to increase product oxidative stability and to modulate lipid digestibility.

Analytics and applications of polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR)-Current research progress

Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is a synthetic food additive containing a complex mixture of various esters. In recent years, there has been a growing trend to use PGPR-stabilized water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions to replace fat in order to produce low-calorie food products. In this respect, it is essential to comprehensively characterize the PGPR molecular species composition, which might enable to reduce its required amount in emulsions and foods based on a better understanding of the structure-activity relationship. This review presents the recent research progress on the characterization and quantitative analysis of PGPR. The influencing factors of the emulsifying ability of PGPR in W/O emulsions are further illustrated to provide new insights on the total or partial replacement of PGPR. Moreover, the latest progress on applications of PGPR in food products is described. Current studies have revealed the complex structure of PGPR. Besides, recent research has focused on the quantitative determination of the composition of PGPR and the quantification of the PGPR concentration in foods. However, research on the quantitative determination of the (poly)glycerol composition of PGPR and of the individual molecular species present in PGPR is still limited. Some natural water- or oil-soluble surfactants (e.g., proteins or lecithin) have been proven to enable the partial replacement of PGPR in W/O emulsions. Additionally, water-dispersible phytosterol particles and lecithin have been successfully used as a substitute of PGPR to create stable W/O emulsions.

Margarines: Historical approach, technological aspects, nutritional profile, and global trends

Margarines are an expanding market worldwide due to large-scale commercial, lower cost, growth of bakery and confectionery markets, and seasonal independence. The fatty acid composition, solid fat content, consistency, and melting point of the fats used in margarine determine their functional properties. Due to its proven association with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the enactment of laws in several countries to eliminate industrially produced trans fatty acids (TFA) have resulted in the prohibition or progressive reduction in the use of partially hydrogenated fat. However, issues related to high levels of TFA and saturated fatty acids still constitute a challenge in the formulation of this product category. Current trends on margarine production addition of phytosterols, non-lipid components, organogels, and new interesterified fat bases are reviewed. This review aims to present a historical view and the technological evolution of margarines, including their production processes, formulations, and physical and nutritional characteristics, as well as legislation, and main trends.