Is it possible to produce a low-fat burger with a healthy n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio without affecting the technological and sensory properties?

Effect of flaxseed-derived diglyceride-based high internal phase Pickering emulsion on the quality characteristics of reformulated beef burgers

The study aimed to fabricate healthier beef burgers using high internal phase Pickering emulsion (HIPPE) as animal fat substitute. In this context, HIPPE stabilized by modified soy protein isolates was produced with flaxseed-derived diglycerides (DAGs). Beef burgers were prepared by substituting beef backfat with HIPPE at varying levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). Reformulated burgers showed a significant decrease in WHC (from 89.75 to 77.38%), pH (from 5.73 to 5.58), L* values (from 53.5 to 44.5), and b* values (22.9 to 21.8), while a significant increase in a* values (from 24.4 to 6.7), cooking loss (from 20.25 to 30.62), and cooking shrinkage (from 11.27 to 13.05). Texture attributes, including hardness, chewiness, and gumminess, decreased up to 50% fat substitution and increased with increasing levels of fat substitution. Moreover, the rheological properties (G' and G'') and T2 relaxation time were increased with increasing fat replacement. The reformulation with HIPPE resulted in a decrease in SFA (from 3896 to 1712 mg/100 g), ω-6/ω-3 ratio (from 5.29 to 0.47), atherogenic index (from 0.57 to 0.13), and thrombogenic index (from 1.46 to 0.15) and increase in PUFA/SFA ratio (from 0.20 to 2.79). Notably, burgers with 50% fat substitution were more preferred regarding tenderness, while those with 100% fat substitution obtained higher scores for color and flavor than all other treatments. In conclusion, 50% fat replacement using flaxseed-derived diglyceride-based HIPPE improved beef burgers' textural profile and fatty acid composition without compromising the sensory characteristics.

Efficacy of Chitosan, Pectin and Xanthan as Cold Gelling Agents in Emulsion Gels Stabilized with Legume Proteins to Be Used as Pork Backfat Replacers in Beef Burgers

This study aimed to develop stable emulsion gels enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids, formulated with a mixture of olive (75%) and linseed (25%) oils, by incorporating two different stabilizers-pea and soy protein isolates-and three different cold gelling agents-chitosan, pectin and xanthan-to be used as pork backfat replacers in beef burgers. The color, pH, stability and textural properties of the emulsion gels were analyzed as affected by cold storage (4 °C, 7 days). Proximate composition, fatty acid content, technological and sensory properties were determined after burger processing. Meanwhile, color, pH, textural parameters and lipid oxidation were monitored in burgers at 0, 5 and 10 days of storage at 4 °C. A reduction of the fat content between 21.49% and 39.26% was achieved in the reformulated burgers as compared with the control, while the n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio decreased from 5.11 to 0.62. The highest moisture and fat retention were found in reformulated burgers made with xanthan, both with pea and soy proteins; however, their textural properties were negatively affected. The reformulated burgers made with chitosan were rated highest for sensory attributes and overall acceptability, not significantly different from the controls.

Elevating meat products: Unleashing novel gel techniques for enhancing lipid profiles

Rising health concerns and the diet-health link drive demand for healthier foods, prompting meat manufacturers to reformulate traditional products. These manufacturers have reduced fat content to enhance nutritional quality, which is essential for maintaining desired product features. As a result, numerous strategies have emerged over recent decades to decrease fat and enhance the lipid profiles of meat products. Among these strategies, using hydrocolloids, emulsification, encapsulation, or gelation of oils to produce fat substitutes stands out. Using gels allows fat replacers with characteristics similar to animal fat (similar rheological, physical, or appearance properties) but with a much healthier lipid profile (by incorporating highly unsaturated oils). Therefore, this manuscript aims to comprehensively describe the main fat replacers used to prepare meat products. In addition, an in-depth review of the latest studies (2022-2023) that use novel gels to reform meat products has been made, indicating in each case the implications that the reformulation produces at a physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory level. Given the reported results, it seems clear that the strategy of using bigels or emulgels is very promising and allows obtaining nutritionally highly improved meat products without affecting their sensory or physicochemical properties. However, the best conditions to obtain a novel gel suitable for use as a fat substitute for each meat product still need to be studied and correctly defined. Moreover, these advancements can pave the way for more extensive studies on using novel gel techniques in other food industries, expanding their applicability and leading to healthier consumer options across various food categories.

Influence of different cooking methods on quality characteristics and nutritional value of gluten-free beef burger patties formulated with walnut oil, safflower oil and buckwheat

In this study, it was aimed to develop gluten-free beef burger patties with walnut and safflower oils and to examine the effects of different cooking methods on the quality and nutritional value of the product. Two different cooking methods (oven and pan cooking) and 60 days of storage were applied to the patties that were produced by replacing 50% animal fat content with walnut and safflower oils and using buckwheat flour instead of rusk. The highest MUFA+PUFA and MUFA+PUFA/SFA values were determined in walnut oil added oven cooked samples at the beginning of the storage and safflower oil added oven cooked samples at the end of the storage (P < 0.05). The nutritional quality indexes (NVI, HH, AI, HPI) of fat of beef burger patties improved with the replacement of fat with safflower and walnut oil and preserved better with the oven-cooked method according to the pan cooking method. The addition of walnut oil significantly increased the vitamin E values compared to those of the control sample and these values were preserved during storage (P < 0.05). However, the flavor and overall acceptability scores of the safflower oil samples were higher than those of the walnut oil samples during 30 days of storage (P < 0.05). It was concluded that safflower-added samples could be preferred in terms of lower hardness, oxidation value, total saturated fatty acid, higher cooking yield and sensory evaluation scores.

Replacing Animal Fat with Gels of Psyllium Fiber and Combined Linseed Oil-Psyllium Fiber in Salamis: Impacts on Technological, Nutritional, Oxidative, and Sensory Properties

This study produced two gels: one solely using psyllium fiber (GP) and another combining this fiber with linseed oil (GL+P). Both gels replaced 15% and 30% of the animal fat content of salamis. The objective was to evaluate the impact of this lipid reformulation on the technological, nutritional, oxidative, and sensory properties of the salamis. The lipid reformulation did not alter the evolution of pH and lactic acid bacteria during processing. The addition of GL+P did not interfere with the product's drying process. However, replacing 30% of animal fat with the GP resulted in greater weight loss and a lower final Aw value. The lipid reformulation minimally affected the color of the salamis but significantly enhanced their nutritional profile. This improvement was marked by a decrease in fat content and an increase in protein. Specifically, in the samples with GL+P, there was a rise in linolenic acid content and a reduction in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Adding GP did not affect the salamis' oxidative stability and sensory profile. However, substituting 30% of the animal fat with GL+P increased the TBARS values, and volatile compounds derived from lipid oxidation hampered the products' sensory profiles. A reduction in these negative effects was observed when replacing 15% of the fat with GL+P, suggesting this to be the ideal dosage for balancing the nutritional benefits with maintaining the product's oxidative stability.

Techno-Functional Properties of Burgers Fortified by Wild Garlic Extract: A Reconsideration

The aim of this research was to examine the chemical properties of freshly squeezed wild garlic extract (FSWGE) and its use as an additive in burgers (BU). Technological and sensory properties of such fortified burgers (BU) were determined. LC-MS/MS analyses identified thirty-eight volatile BAC. Allicin prevalence (11.375 mg/mL) is the key parameter determining the amount of FSWGE added in raw BU (PS-I 1.32 mL/kg, PS-II 4.40 mL/kg, and PS-III 8.79 mL/kg). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of the FSWGE and evaporated FSWGE (EWGE) were determined against the six microorganisms using a microdilution method. The data indicated that using FSWGE can result in a reduced risk of Serratia marcescens (MIC = 50 mg/mL; MBC = 60 mg/mL), Listeria monocytogenes (MIC = MBC = 90 mg/mL), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 90 mg/mL; MBC ≥ 100 mg/mL), and Salmonella enteritidis and Enterococcus faecium (MIC = 100 mg/mL; MBC > 100 mg/mL) in BU. Changes in antioxidant (AOX) capacity were followed during cold storage (up to 10 days) and freezing (90 days). It was shown that PS-III had the highest level of AOX capacity during the entire period of cold storage, revealing 8.79 mL FSWGE/kg BU as the most suitable effective concentration. Adding FSWGE did not negatively affect the technological and physico-chemical properties during both cold and freeze storage. Regarding sensory evaluation, modified BU received mostly higher scores compared to control. The results of this study have demonstrated the great potential of wild garlic extract usage in the creation of safe products with prolonged shelf life.

Quality and Oral Processing Characteristics of Traditional Serbian Ćevap Influenced by Game Meat

This study analyzes the influence of two different types of game meat (deer and wild boar) in relation to quality characteristics and oral processing attributes of skinless sausage. The goal of this study was to compare grilled game-meat-based "ćevap" with conventional pork-meat-based samples. Research comprised of color analysis, evaluation of textural components, testing degree of difference, temporal dominance of sensations, calculation of main oral processing attributes, and examination of particle size distribution. The results show that oral processing attributes are similar in between samples and concur with results of the pork-based sample. This confirms the working hypothesis that it is possible to make game-meat-based "ćevap" fully comparable with conventional pork meat products. In parallel, color and flavor characteristics are influenced by the type of game meat in the sample. Most of the dominant sensory attributes that occurred during mastication were game meat flavor and juiciness.

Effect of vegetable oil hydrogel emulsion as a fat substitute on the physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile, and color stability of modified atmospheric packaged buffalo burgers

Buffalo burgers were prepared with 50% or 100% buffalo backfat substitution using walnut, and peanut oil emulsion gels (EGs) blended with chia flour. Burgers were stored at 2 °C in modified atmosphere packaging for 12 days. The fat replacement decreased total fat by 26% and increased ash by 34%. Hardness and chewiness decreased with increasing the fat replacement; however, it did not affect springiness and cohesiveness values. Burger reformulations led to an increase in cooking yield (10%). Walnut oil EGs increased PUFA level up to 458%. Both oils enhanced PUFA/SFA and ω-6/ω-3 ratios and atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. Concerning color attribute, about 66% reduction was observed in redness values during the storage period of 12 days. Moreover, the sensory scores for all attributes, i.e., appearance, odor, flavor, and juiciness, were in the acceptable range of five or above in the reformulated burgers. In conclusion, 50% fat substitution using walnut and peanut oil EGs improved the nutritional profile of buffalo burgers without compromising the technological and sensory characteristics.

Healthier Oils: A New Scope in the Development of Functional Meat and Dairy Products: A Review

In the present day, it has been widely established that a high intake of animal fat that contains a high content of saturated fatty acids may cause several life-threatening diseases, including obesity, diabetes-type 2, cardiovascular diseases, as well as several types of cancer. In this context, a great number of health organizations and government agencies have launched campaigns to reduce the saturated fat content in foods, which has prompted the food industry, which is no stranger to this problem, to start working to develop foods with a lower fat content or with a different fatty acid profile. Nevertheless, this is not an easy task due to the fact that saturated fat plays a very important role in food processing and in the sensorial perception of foods. Actually, the best way to replace saturated fat is with the use of structured vegetable or marine oils. The main strategies for structuring oils include pre-emulsification, microencapsulation, the development of gelled emulsions, and the development of oleogels. This review will examine the current literature on the different (i) healthier oils and (ii) strategies that will be potentially used by the food industry to reduce or replace the fat content in several food products.

Raspberry Extract as a Strategy to Improve the Oxidative Stability of Pork Burgers Enriched with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Hydrogelled emulsions (HEs) of linseed oil and pea protein (PP) were produced with four levels (0, 5, 7.5, and 10%) of raspberry extract obtained by a green extraction technique (microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity-MHG). HEs were applied in burgers to replace 50% of pork backfat content. The products' technological, nutritional, oxidative, microbiological, and sensory properties were evaluated. Besides reducing the fat level by approximately 43%, the reformulation reduced the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio to healthy levels, decreased the diameter reduction by 30%, and increased the cooking yield by 11%. Including 7.5 and 10% of raspberry extract in the HEs decreased the oxidative defects caused by the enrichment of the burgers with omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, the raspberry extract did not cause alterations in the mesophilic aerobic count and the burgers' sensory profile.

Effects of incorporating processed Acacia seed as an emulsifying agent on the quality attributes of beef sausage

In this study, partial or full replacement of 6% soy protein isolate (SPI) with 2, 4 and 6% roasted Acacia seed flour (ASRo) and Acacia seed protein concentrates (ASPC) in emulsified beef sausage were investigated. Emulsion stability and cooking loss were lower in samples formulated with ASPC at all levels and control samples compared to ASRo formulated samples. ASRo generated softer and less chewy sausages than ASPC. Cooked 2% ASPC sausages had similar L* and a* values as the control but with lower colour difference (ΔE) values that were similar to cooked 6% SPI sausages' values. An organized protein network structure was observed in the sausages formulated with ASPC at all levels and in the control samples. Therefore, ASPC, particularly at 2 and 4% inclusion, can be used as a functional ingredient to prepare emulsified beef sausages with good quality attributes.

Substitution of Pork Fat by Emulsified Seed Oils in Fresh Deer Sausage ('Chorizo') and Its Impact on the Physical, Nutritional, and Sensory Properties

Meat products are consumed worldwide, but their high content of saturated fatty acids requires a reformulation of that type of food. In this regard, the objective of this study is to reformulate 'chorizos' by replacing the pork fat with emulsified seed oils from seeds (50%, 75%, and 100%). Commercial seeds (chia and poppy) and other seeds considered wastes from the agri-food industry (melon and pumpkin) were evaluated. Physical parameters, nutritional composition, fatty acid profile, and consumer evaluation were analyzed. The reformulated chorizos presented a softer texture but a better fatty acid profile due to their decrease in saturated fatty acids and their increase in linoleic and linolenic fatty acids. Regarding consumer evaluation, all the batches were positively evaluated in all the parameters studied.

A Review of Regulatory Standards and Advances in Essential Oils as Antimicrobials in Foods

As essential oils (EOs) possess GRAS status, there is a strong interest in their application to food preservation. Trends in the food industry suggest consumers are drawn to environmentally friendly alternatives and less synthetic chemical preservatives. Although the use of EOs has increased over the years, adverse effects have limited their use. This review aims to address the regulatory standards for EO usage in food, techniques for delivery of EOs, essential oils commonly used to control pathogens and molds, and advances with new active compounds that overcome sensory effects for meat products, fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices, seafood, dairy products, and other products. This review will show adverse sensory effects can be overcome in various products by the use of edible coatings containing encapsulated EOs to facilitate the controlled release of EOs. Depending on the method of cooking, the food product has been shown to mask flavors associated with EOs. In addition, using active packaging materials can decrease the diffusion rate of the EOs, thus controlling undesirable flavor characteristics while still preserving or prolonging the shelf life of food. The use of encapsulation in packaging film can control the release of volatile or active ingredients. Further, use of EOs in the vapor phase allows for contact indirectly, and use of nanoemulsion, coating, and film wrap allows for the controlled release of the EOs. Research has also shown that combining EOs can prevent adverse sensory effects. Essential oils continue to serve as a very beneficial way of controlling undesirable microorganisms in food systems.

Effects of Pork Backfat Replacement with Emulsion Gels Formulated with a Mixture of Olive, Chia and Algae Oils on the Quality Attributes of Pork Patties

This paper reports on the development of new emulsion gels containing a mixture of olive, chia and algae oil emulsified with soy protein isolate and stabilized by two different cold gelling agents, gelatin (EGEL) and chitosan (ECHIT), and to evaluate their potential use as pork backfat replacers in cooked pork patties. Reformulated patties were produced by half and full pork backfat replacement and compared to normal fat patties and reduced fat content patties made by replacing half of the added fat with water. Color parameters, pH and thermal stability of the emulsion gels were determined at processing and after 10 days of refrigerated storage. Proximate composition, fatty acid profile, technological properties and sensory attributes were evaluated after patty processing, while color parameters, pH and lipid oxidation were monitored in patties during 15 days of refrigerated storage (4 °C). Reformulated patties showed significant improvements of the lipid profile (lower saturated fatty acid content and n-6/n-3 ratio and higher long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid content) as compared to the controls. In terms of technological properties, chitosan was more effective than gelatin as a stabilizer of the emulsion gel. All reformulated patties showed a good evolution of lipid oxidation during storage and acceptable sensory attributes.

Effect of Partial Meat Replacement by Hibiscus sabdariffa By-Product and Pleurotus djamor Powder on the Quality of Beef Patties

The effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle; Hs) by-product (2-5%) and Pleurotus djamor (pink oyster; Pd) powder (5-7.5%) as meat replacers on the physicochemical and sensorial properties of beef patties were analyzed. The addition of these non-meat ingredients significantly decreased moisture and increased fiber content, and did not affect the protein level of the product. The antioxidant effect of the roselle by-product was limited, while Pleurotus djamor favored the oxidation processes. The samples supplemented with roselle by-product and mushroom powder presented significantly lower microbial counts (total viable counts, enterobacteria, and Pseudomonas) than control, but texture and sensorial parameters were significantly affected. The patties darkened due to the presence of the Hibiscus by-product, while the color of the samples containing 5% Pleurotus djamor was hardly modified. These samples, together with the control samples, were the most sensorially appreciated. The addition of these ingredients provoked a decrease in texture parameters, being less pronounced in the samples with only 2% of roselle by-product. In spite of the good antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Hibiscus by-products, its inclusion in meat should be moderate (2-2.5%) to avoid consumer rejection when Pleurotus djamor is also included in the formulation.

Combined Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure, Sous-Vide Cooking, and Carvacrol on the Quality of Veal, Plant-Based, and Hybrid Patties during Storage

The effect of carvacrol added to patties stored at 4 °C for 14 days, previously pressurized and vacuum-cooked (HPP-SVCOOK), was investigated. Three formulations were prepared (veal, plant-based product, and hybrid product). An emulsion made with olive and linseed oils was added. The physicochemical and microbiological qualities were assessed. Microbial tests indicated negligible growth of spoilage organisms in treated patties. No significant effect of carvacrol on the microbial loads of patties was noticed. Sulfite-reducing clostridia and Enterobacteriaceae were absent in the treated patties, whereas, in the treated veal and hybrid samples, 3 and 2 units of log cfu/g reduction for lactic acid bacteria and molds and yeasts were noted, respectively. On day 7 of storage, veal patties exhibited a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the L* (53.9−49.3), hardness (32.3−21.4 N), springiness (0.8−0.7 N), cohesiveness (0.49−0.46), and chewiness (12.2−7.1) and a hike in the a* value (5.3−9.4). No significant changes in L* (59.1−58.6), a* (8.57−8.61), hardness (11.6−10.6 N), or cohesiveness (0.27−0.26) were observed in plant-based patties over the storage times, whereas reductions in springiness (0.5−0.4), chewiness (1.9−1.3), and b* (26.6−29.1) were noted in them. In hybrid patties, the L* (53.9−52.5) and b* values (24.9−24.3) were consistent but had a significant decrease in a* value (5.9−3.5) along the days of storage under study. The texture parameters of the hybrid patties altered were similar to those of veal patties during the 14-day storage time. In all samples, pH decreased with storage time. HPP-SVCOOK was effective on rendering safe and shelf-stable, ready-to-eat patties regardless of their matrix formulation. The addition of carvacrol had limited effects on the textural qualities of the HPP-SVCOOK products. Future studies need to be undertaken to assess the treated patties’ consumer acceptability and sensory profile. The study provides the basis for the development of novel meat-based and plant-based products that are microbiologically safe, with minimum physicochemical alterations during storage.

Seaweed for climate mitigation, wastewater treatment, bioenergy, bioplastic, biochar, food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics: a review

The development and recycling of biomass production can partly solve issues of energy, climate change, population growth, food and feed shortages, and environmental pollution. For instance, the use of seaweeds as feedstocks can reduce our reliance on fossil fuel resources, ensure the synthesis of cost-effective and eco-friendly products and biofuels, and develop sustainable biorefinery processes. Nonetheless, seaweeds use in several biorefineries is still in the infancy stage compared to terrestrial plants-based lignocellulosic biomass. Therefore, here we review seaweed biorefineries with focus on seaweed production, economical benefits, and seaweed use as feedstock for anaerobic digestion, biochar, bioplastics, crop health, food, livestock feed, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Globally, seaweeds could sequester between 61 and 268 megatonnes of carbon per year, with an average of 173 megatonnes. Nearly 90% of carbon is sequestered by exporting biomass to deep water, while the remaining 10% is buried in coastal sediments. 500 gigatonnes of seaweeds could replace nearly 40% of the current soy protein production. Seaweeds contain valuable bioactive molecules that could be applied as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer, contraceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulants, and in other cosmetics and skincare products.

Rheology of dispersions and emulsions composed of chia mucilage and the application of chia in food

Chia mucilage (CM) is an emerging resource in food applications. However, the mechanism of this biopolymer as a stabilizer/emulsifier ingredient has not yet been well defined. A non-uniform viscoelastic tridimensional network was observed on emulsions with CM, while the surface activity of the CM ingredient has been associated with its protein content. To understand its functionality in food, this review focused on discussing and summarizing the rheological properties of dispersions and emulsions composed of CM under different conditions, such as pH, temperature, salt content, and mucilage content. For example, emulsions and dispersions with CM showed pseudoplastic behavior. An increase in the CM concentration increased the viscosity and the consistency index and decreased the behavior index. The consistency index of dispersions with CM increased with pH. The future evaluation of emulsions and dispersions properties, such as viscoelastic properties and microstructure, is particularly important for the successful use of CM in the food industry. The principal studies have evaluated the use of CM in dairy and meat systems as an emulsifier, stabilizer, or lipid replacer. The nutritional quality of the products with CM was maintained or improved, but sometimes an undesirable darkening was observed. Future evaluation of the cold extraction method of CM might improve the color and overall sensory acceptability of food products with CM. Integrated chia seed processing, including mucilage, oil, and protein extraction could be carried out to make chia seed industrial processing viable. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Understanding the main factors that influence consumer quality perception and attitude towards meat and processed meat products

Meat and meat products consumer behaviour is becoming less predictable. The objective of this review was to determine the attributes associated with the consumer's perception of quality and identify factors influencing the perception and consequent attitude. In conclusion, the findings showed that factors impacting nutritional quality, chemical and biological hazards, animal welfare, beliefs, and fraud could affect consumers' perception of how safe meat products are. Consumers positively perceive sensory attributes and recognize meat's nutritional value, still concerned with fat. Animal welfare and environmental impact have become significant drivers of consumer perception. The presence of chemical additives is a severe concern. Information received by consumers through media strongly influences perception and behaviour. The negative stigmatization of meat and meat products and beliefs often not scientifically-based shapes consumer perception. Their sensory impact and price frame the acceptance of animal production or processing modifications.

Effect of including oilseed grains in bovine diets on fatty acid profile, lipid stability, and sensory aspects of burgers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of including different oilseed grains in the diets of cattle on the qualitative and sensory characteristics and fatty acid profile of burger over a storage period of up to 120 days. The soybean diet increased 30% of ether extract in burgers when compared to the control diet. The inclusion of oilseeds in the bovine diet did not change the n-6/n-3 and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, as well as the cholesterol levels in the burgers. The smallest flavor and aroma note scores were attributed to burgers produced with meat of bovine fed with cottonseed (4.35 and 4.67, respectively). The sunflower diet resulted in smaller lipid oxidation (1.03 mg/kg). The storage period increased lipid oxidation (0.43 and 1.97 mg/kg of malonaldehyde at 0 and 120 days, respectively). The inclusion of oilseeds in the diet of cattle does not change the ratios of fatty acids in burgers, which are important to human health. It is recommended to use soybean and sunflower grains in cattle diets to improve the sensory quality of burgers. A 30-day storage period is recommended to maintain the flavor and juiciness of beef burgers.

Olive oil oleogels as strategy to confer nutritional advantages to burgers

The effect of bovine back fat replacement by oleogels containing pork skin and olive oil on the oxidative stability, physicochemical, technological, nutritional, and sensory parameters of burgers was evaluated. Four different hamburger (H) were manufactured: with 90 % of lean beef and 10 % of bovine back fat (control, HC), or with 10 % of pork skin/water/virgin olive oil (HVOO), stripped olive oil added of an olive leaf extract (HESOO) or stripped olive oil (HSOO) oleogels, at 20:60:20 ratio. Physical-chemical stability was assessed after storage for 7 days at 4 °C and for 90 days at -20 °C, under non-vacuum and vacuum packaging. A reduction in the fat content by 80 % and in the energy content by 35 %, an increase in the protein content by 15 % and a better fatty acid profile were achieved in the oleogel containing burgers. After processing at 180 °C (grill), hardness, chewiness, sensory parameters and overall acceptability were high and comparable to control. All burgers were oxidative stable during 7 days at 4 °C. After storage for 90 days at -20 °C, only HSOO samples stored under non-vacuum packaging were oxidized. The antioxidant content in samples HVOO and HESOO efficiently prevented the oxidation of these samples.

The Effect of Partial Substitution of Beef Tallow on Selected Physicochemical Properties, Fatty Acid Profile and PAH Content of Grilled Beef Burgers

The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of partial replacement of beef tallow with sunflower, canola, linseed, olive oil and milk fat on physical properties, oxidation stability, fatty acid profile and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) content of beef burgers. Studies have shown a strong relationship between the fatty acid profile and the PAH content (especially of the heavy PAHs). The partial replacement of beef tallow with oils and milk fat (MF) contributed to a change in the fatty acid profile and a reduction in the hardness of the burgers. The highest PAH content was found in samples with canola oil (CO), which had the highest levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and in the control group (CON) without fat substitution, which had the highest levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans conformations. Substitution of animal fat with vegetable oils contributed to a change in the color of the burgers’ surface, as there was a statistically significant increase in the L* color component and a decrease in the a* component. The burgers with canola oil (CO) and linseed oil (LO) were the most susceptible to oxidation, whereas the burgers with reduced fat content (CON_LOW FAT) were the most stable in terms of oxidation, where the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was 32.8% lower compared with the control group (CON). The studies confirm that partial replacement of beef tallow with vegetable oils and milk fat and reduction in fat content in burgers to be grilled can be an effective way to change their fatty acid profile and reduce the cyclization reaction of organic compounds leading to the formation of PAH. Correlation coefficient analysis showed that there is a relationship between fatty acid profile and the presence of selected PAHs in grilled beef burgers. The results of this study indicate that replacing beef tallow with vegetable oils is a promising approach in designing meat products with controlled PAH content.

Quality of Beef Burgers Formulated with Fat Substitute in a Form of Freeze-Dried Hydrogel Enriched with Açai Oil

The growing number of people at high risk of cardiovascular disease development contributed to both changes in diets by consumers and the reformulation of food products by food producers. Cardiovascular diseases are caused by the i.a. consumption of meat that contains animal fat rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA). The use of fat substitutes in meat seems to be a promising tool for the reduction of cardiovascular disease occurrence. In the presented study, beef fat was replaced at 0 (CO), 25 (S-25%), 50 (S-50%), 75 (S-75%), and 100% (S-100%) by a fat substitute in a form of a lyophilized hydrogel emulsion enriched with encapsulated açai oil. The chemical (TBARS, volatile compound profile, fatty acid profile, pH), and physical (TPA, consumer rating, L*a*b* color, cooking loss) analyses were performed on raw and grilled burgers subjected to storage at cold conditions (4 °C) in days 0 and 7. Burgers formulated with hydrogels had a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of about 32% (p < 0.05) and reduced SFAs by 22%. Reformulation of the burger resulted in lower nutritional indices of the atherogenicity index (AI) (0.8 for CO, 0.3 for S-100%, p < 0.05) and thrombogenicity index (TI) (1.8 for CO, 0.6 for S-100%, p < 0.05), as well as led to an increased h/H ratio (1.3 for CO, 3.9 for S-100%, p < 0.05). Furthermore the application of freeze-dried hydrogels reduced cooking loss. Moreover, consumers did not observe significant differences (p < 0.05) between the control and S-25% and S-50% burgers. Thus, the use of lyophilized hydrogels formulated with konjac flour and sodium alginate and enriched with encapsulated acai oil can be successfully applied as a fat substitute in beef burgers.

Sugar, salt and fat reduction of bakery products

From the health viewpoint, consumers monitor their food uptake in terms of both quality and quantity, due to awareness of the link between food ingredients and health. Accordingly, many people tend to buy healthy food products that are low in or free of sugar, salt and fat. However, in baked products, the sugar, fat and salt are needed to create unique characteristics. The role of sugar, salt and fat in baked products is discussed in this chapter to understand their functions. The understanding is necessary to design proper techniques to reduce the amount of sugar, salt and fat. Ingredients and additives that can substitute for fat, sugar and salt in bakery characteristics are reviewed in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, alternative processes to reduce the use of fat, sugar and salt are proposed in this chapter.

Hydrogel Emulsion with Encapsulated Safflower Oil Enriched with Açai Extract as a Novel Fat Substitute in Beef Burgers Subjected to Storage in Cold Conditions

This study evaluates the effects of using a fat substitute in beef burgers composed of a hydrogel emulsion enriched with encapsulated safflower oil and açai extract. The influences of the fat substitute on the chemical (TBARS, fatty acids, and volatile compounds profile) and physical (weight loss, cooking loss, water-holding capacity, color, and texture analyses) characteristics of the burgers were analyzed after 0, 4 and 8 days of storage at 4 ± 1 °C. The obtained results were compared with control groups (20 g of tallow or 8 g of safflower oil). The fat substitute used improved burger parameters such as chewiness, hardness and the a* color parameter remained unchanged over storage time. The addition of açai extract slowed the oxidation rate of polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduced the changes in the volatile compounds profile during the storage of burgers. The utilization of a fat substitute enriched the burgers with polyunsaturated fatty acids and lowered the atherogenic index (0.49 raw, 0.58 grilled burger) and the thrombogenicity index (0.8 raw, 1.09 grilled burger), while it increased the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (2.59 raw, 2.09 grilled burger) of consumed meat. Thus, the application of the presented fat substitute in the form of a hydrogel enriched with açai berry extract extended the shelf life of the final product and contributed to the creation of a healthier meat product that met the nutritional recommendations.

The Role of Microencapsulation in Food Application

Modern microencapsulation techniques are employed to protect active molecules or substances such as vitamins, pigments, antimicrobials, and flavorings, among others, from the environment. Microencapsulation offers advantages such as facilitating handling and control of the release and solubilization of active substances, thus offering a great area for food science and processing development. For instance, the development of functional food products, fat reduction, sensory improvement, preservation, and other areas may involve the use of microcapsules in various food matrices such as meat products, dairy products, cereals, and fruits, as well as in their derivatives, with good results. The versatility of applications arises from the diversity of techniques and materials used in the process of microencapsulation. The objective of this review is to report the state of the art in the application and evaluation of microcapsules in various food matrices, as a one-microcapsule-core system may offer different results according to the medium in which it is used. The inclusion of microcapsules produces functional products that include probiotics and prebiotics, as well as antioxidants, fatty acids, and minerals. Our main finding was that the microencapsulation of polyphenolic extracts, bacteriocins, and other natural antimicrobials from various sources that inhibit microbial growth could be used for food preservation. Finally, in terms of sensory aspects, microcapsules that mimic fat can function as fat replacers, reducing the textural changes in the product as well as ensuring flavor stability.

Recent advances in the development of healthier meat products

Meat products are an excellent source of high biological value proteins, in addition to the high content of minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. However, meat products contain compounds that can cause a variety of adverse health effects and pose a serious health threat to humans. In this sense, this chapter will address recent strategies to assist in the development of healthier meat products. The main advances about the reduction of sodium and animal fat in meat products will be presented. In addition, strategies to make the lipid profile of meat products more nutritionally advantageous for human health will also be discussed. Finally, the reduction of substances of safety concern in meat products will be addressed, including phosphates, nitrites, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic aromatic amines, as well as products from lipid and protein oxidation.

Prospective Study on Microencapsulation of Oils and Its Application in Foodstuffs

BACKGROUND

Edible oils have gained the interest of several industrial sectors for the different health benefits they offer, such as the supply of bioactive compounds and essential fatty acids. Microencapsulation is one of the techniques that has been adopted by industries to minimize the degradation of oils, facilitating their processing.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the intellectual property related to patent documents referring to microencapsulated oils used in foods.

METHODS

This prospective study investigated the dynamics of patents filed in the Espacenet and National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) databases, and it mapped technological developments in microencapsulation in comparison with scientific literature.

RESULTS

The years 2015 and 2018 showed the greatest growth in the number of patents filed in the Espacenet and INPI databases, respectively, with China leading the domains of origin, inventors, and owners of microencapsulation technology. The largest number of applications of microcapsules were observed in the food industry, and the foods containing microencapsulated oils were powdered seasonings, dairy products, rice flour, nutritional formulae, pasta, nutritional supplements, and bread. The increase in oxidative stabilities of oils was the most cited objective to microencapsulate oils. Spray drying was the most widely used microencapsulation technique, and maltodextrin, gum arabic, and modified starch were the most widely used wall materials.

CONCLUSION

Microencapsulation of oils has been expanding over the years and increasing the possibilities of the use of microcapsules, but further investments and development of policies and incentive programs to boost this technology need to be made in less developed countries. For future perspectives, the microencapsulation technique is already a worldwide trend in the food industry, enabling the development of new products to facilitate their insertion in the consumer market.

Future trends of processed meat products concerning perceived healthiness: A review

The 21st-century consumer is highly demanding when it comes to the health benefits of food and food products. In the pursuit of attracting these consumers and easing the rise in demand for high-quality meat products, the processed meat sector is intensely focused on developing reformulated, low-fat, healthy meat products. Meat and meat products are considered the primary sources of saturated fatty acids in the human diet. Therefore, these reformulation strategies aim to improve the fatty acid profile and reduce total fat and cholesterol, which can be achieved by replacing animal fat with plant-based oils; it could be performed as direct inclusion of these oils or pre-emulsified oils. However, emulsions offer a viable option for incorporating vegetable oils while avoiding the multiple issues of direct inclusion of these oils in meat products. Processed meat products are popular worldwide and showing a gradually increasing trend of consumption. Various types of plant-based oils have been studied as fat replacers in meat products. This review will focus on possible methods to reduce the saturated fatty acid content in meat products.

Veggie burgers in the EU market: a nutritional challenge?

Nutritional information of burgers launched in the EU market during 2020 was retrieved from their labels. Products were initially classified into four types: i.e., veggie, red meat-, fish- and poultry-based. Gluten, wheat, and soy were the most declared allergens regardless of the burgers type. Veggie burgers showed levels of energy, fat, and saturate fatty acids (SFA) similar to fish- and poultry-based burgers, but lower than red meat burgers. Compared to conventional burgers, veggie had higher amounts of carbohydrates and sugars and a lower content of proteins, but no difference in salt. Due to the high compositional intra-variability in the veggie burgers, vegetarian and vegan burgers were further analyzed separately. Vegan burgers had higher levels of energy, fat, SFA and protein than vegetarian burgers, but lower carbohydrates and sugars. Once again large differences in the nutritional parameters were observed in both vegan and vegetarian burger categories due to the wide range of ingredients and formulations employed in these types of products. A clear and comprehensive informative labeling is especially needed for vegan and vegetarian burgers to allow the consumer to make a rational decision based on the nutritional facts of these products.

Lipid oxidation and sensory characterization of Omega-3 rich buffalo burgers enriched with chlorogenic acids from the mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tree harvesting residues

A freeze-dried extract from the bark of mate branches (BMBE) containing high chlorogenic acids (CGA) content (30 g 100 g^-1) was produced. Then, chia oil was mixed with 7.5% BMBE and sonicated for 0, 10, and 20 min. Chia oil with or without the addition of BMBE was hydrogelled and used to produce buffalo burgers with 50% reduction in animal fat. CGA levels and the nutritional, oxidative, and sensory properties of the burgers were analyzed. A reduction of ~30% fat and an increase above 60% PUFA/SFA ratio was observed for the reformulated raw and cooked burgers. In addition, the Omega-6/Omega-3 PUFA ratio of the burgers decreased from 20.8 (raw) and 31.9 (cooked) to values lower than 2. The addition of BMBE enriched the burgers with CGA, preventing an increase in lipid oxidation caused by chia oil. The addition of BMBE-enriched hydrogelled chia oil not subjected to sonication did not affect the sensory properties of the burgers.