Effectiveness of Oat-Hull-Based Ingredient as Fat Replacer to Produce Low Fat Burger with High Beta-Glucans Content

Dietary Fibers: Shaping Textural and Functional Properties of Processed Meats and Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

The search for alternative sources of plant-based ingredients to improve the textural and sensory properties of plant-based meat alternatives (PMAs) is a growing trend, with the potential to enhance the sustainability of global food systems. While much focus has been placed on plant-based proteins, it is known today that dietary fibers (DFs) can also play a key role in the textural and other physicochemical properties of traditional processed meat products and PMAs. This review examined the latest scientific literature regarding the advantages of using DF in food. It showcases the latest applications of DF in processed meats, PMAs, and the effects of DF on the functional properties of food products, thereby aiming to increase DF applications to create improved, healthier, and more sustainable meat and PMA foods. The predominant effects of DF on PMAs and processed meats notably include enhanced gel strength, emulsion stability, improved water-holding capacity, and the formation of a uniform, porous microstructure. DF also commonly enhances textural properties like hardness, chewiness, springiness, and cohesiveness. While the impact of DF on processed meats mirrors that of PMAs, selecting the right DF source for specific applications requires considering factors such as chemical structure, solubility, size, concentration, processing conditions, and interactions with other components to achieve the desired outcomes.

Dry-fractionated protein concentrate as egg replacer in sponge cake: how the rheological properties of the batters affect the physical and structural quality of the products

BACKGROUND

Egg replacement is a notable food trend for academics and industry. Dry-fractionated protein concentrates (DFp) are minimally processed and sustainable ingredients. DFp from chickpea, red lentil and mung bean, prepared as aqueous dispersions at 20-40% (w/w), were used to replace egg in sponge cakes. To understand the effect of DFp on the physicochemical features of sponge cakes, the batter rheological properties (i.e., flow behavior, frequency-dependent and temperature-dependent behaviors) were investigated.

RESULTS

Frequency sweep revealed a higher storage modulus (G') than loss modulus (G″), indicating predominantly elastic-like behavior, dependent on the frequency. Increasing DFp content, especially at 40%, resulted in firmer batters, indicated by elevated apparent viscosity. During temperature sweep, G' increased starting from 80 °C in all DFp-based batters, indicating protein and starch conformational changes. Higher DFp content better simulated the egg behavior, affecting specific volume and thickness variation after baking but resulting in harder cakes. Crumb structure was similar to the control, highlighting that DFp can emulate the egg behavior in cake preparation. Protein content in cakes containing 30% DFp was similar to the control. However, the addition of DFp caused an increase in phytic acid. Sensory analysis of sponge cakes revealed differences in crust color, sweetness and legume flavor, with minimal effect on astringency. Chickpea and lentil DFp are suggested as preferred alternatives because of their to milder sensory impact.

CONCLUSION

Overall, eggs in cake formulation can be substituted by plant-based protein produced by dry fractionation. However, further research is essential to evaluate the nutritional characteristics. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Interaction of beta-glucans with gut microbiota: Dietary origins, structures, degradation, metabolism, and beneficial function

Beta-glucan (BG), a polysaccharide comprised of interfacing glucose monomers joined via beta-glycosidic linkages, can be defined as a type of dietary fiber with high specificity based on its interaction with the gut microbiota. It can induce similar interindividual microbiota responses, thereby having beneficial effects on the human body. In this paper, we review the four main sources of BG (cereals, fungi, algae, and bacteria) and their differences in structure and content. The interaction of BG with gut microbiota and the resulting health effects have been highlighted, including immune enhancement, regulation of serum cholesterol and insulin levels, alleviation of obesity and improvement of cognitive disorders. Finally, the application of BG in food products and its beneficial effects on the gut microbiota of consumers were discussed. Although some of the mechanisms of action remain unclear, revealing the beneficial functions of BG from the perspective of gut microbiota can help provide theoretical support for the development of diets that target the regulation of microbiota.

The mitochondrial genome of the diploid oat Avena longiglumis

BACKGROUND

Avena longiglumis Durieu (2n = 2x = 14) is a wild relative of cultivated oat (Avena sativa, 2n = 6x = 42) with good agronomic and nutritional traits. The plant mitochondrial genome has a complex organization and carries genetic traits of value in exploiting genetic resources, not least male sterility alleles used to generate F₁ hybrid seeds. Therefore, we aim to complement the chromosomal-level nuclear and chloroplast genome assemblies of A. longiglumis with the complete assembly of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) based on Illumina and ONT long reads, comparing its structure with Poaceae species.

RESULTS

The complete mitochondrial genome of A. longiglumis can be represented by one master circular genome being 548,445 bp long with a GC content of 44.05%. It can be represented by linear or circular DNA molecules (isoforms or contigs), with multiple alternative configurations mediated by long (4,100-31,235 bp) and medium (144-792 bp) size repeats. Thirty-five unique protein-coding genes, three unique rRNA genes, and 11 unique tRNA genes are identified. The mitogenome is rich in duplications (up to 233 kb long) and multiple tandem or simple sequence repeats, together accounting for more than 42.5% of the total length. We identify homologous sequences between the mitochondrial, plastid and nuclear genomes, including the exchange of eight plastid-derived tRNA genes, and nuclear-derived retroelement fragments. At least 85% of the mitogenome is duplicated in the A. longiglumis nuclear genome. We identify 269 RNA editing sites in mitochondrial protein-coding genes including stop codons truncating ccmFC transcripts.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparative analysis with Poaceae species reveals the dynamic and ongoing evolutionary changes in mitochondrial genome structure and gene content. The complete mitochondrial genome of A. longiglumis completes the last link of the oat reference genome and lays the foundation for oat breeding and exploiting the biodiversity in the genus.

Modulation of Postprandial Plasma Concentrations of Digestive Hormones and Gut Microbiota by Foods Containing Oat ß-Glucans in Healthy Volunteers

Cereal β-glucans are beneficial health ingredients that reduce cholesterolemia and postprandial glycaemia. However, their impact on digestive hormones and gut microbiota is not yet fully established. Two randomized, double-blind, controlled studies were conducted. In the first study, 14 subjects ingested a breakfast with or without β-glucan from oats (5.2 g). Compared to the control, β-glucan increased orocecal transit time (p = 0.028) and decreased mean appetite score (p = 0.014) and postprandial plasma ghrelin (p = 0.030), C-peptide (p = 0.001), insulin (p = 0.06), and glucose (p = 0.0006). β-glucan increased plasma GIP (p = 0.035) and PP (p = 0.018) without affecting leptin, GLP-1, PYY, glucagon, amylin, or 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, a biomarker of bile acid synthesis. In the second study, 32 subjects were distributed into 2 groups to ingest daily foods with (3 g/day) or without β-glucan for 3 weeks; stools were collected before/after treatment. No changes in fecal microbiota composition/diversity (deep sequencing) were detected with β-glucans. These results indicate that acute intake of 5 g β-glucan slows transit time and decreases hunger sensation and postprandial glycaemia without affecting bile-acid synthesis, these changes being associated with decreased plasma insulin, C-peptide, and ghrelin, and increased plasma GIP and PP. However, regular daily intake of 3 g β-glucan is not sufficient to have an effect on fecal microbiota composition.

Spreadable plant-based cheese analogue with dry-fractioned pea protein and inulin-olive oil emulsion-filled gel

BACKGROUND

Consumer demand for plant-based cheese analogues (PCA) is growing because of the easy and versatile ways in which they can be used. However, the products available on the market are nutritionally poor. They are low in protein, high in saturated fat and sodium, and often characterized by a long list of ingredients.

RESULTS

A clean label spreadable plant-based cheese analogue was developed using dry-fractionated pea protein and an emulsion-filled gel composed of extra virgin olive oil and inulin, added in different concentrations as fat replacer (10%, 13% and 15% of the formulation). First, nutritional and textural analyses were performed, and the results were compared with two commercial products. The products were high in protein (134 g kg^-1 ) and low in fat (52.2 g kg^-1 ). The formulated PCAs had similar spreadability index to the dairy cheese but lower hardness (15.1 vs. 19.0 N) and a higher elasticity (0.60 vs. 0.35) consequent to their lower fat content (52.2 vs. 250 g kg^-1 ). Then, dry oregano and rosemary (5 g kg^-1 ) were added to the PCA, and sensory evaluation and analysis of volatile compounds were conducted. The addition of spices masked the legume flavor and significantly enriched the final product with aromatic compounds.

CONCLUSION

The use of dry-fractioned pea protein and of the emulsion-filled gel allowed us to develop a clean label and nutritionally valuable spreadable plant-based cheese analogue. Overall, the ingredients and product concepts developed could be used to upgrade the formulation of plant-based cheese on a larger scale. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

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.

New Strategies for Innovative and Enhanced Meat and Meat Products

New strategies in the field of meat and meat product development are certainly needed in order to overcome not only the health-related problems these products might contribute to, but also from the perspectives of sustainability and the economy [...].

Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) Addition as Tool to Reduce Nitrate and Nitrite in Ripened Sausages

Olive leaf extract (OLE) is known to be a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. This study investigated the effects of the OLE addition to reduce nitrate/nitrite (NO) content on the physico-chemical features of ripened pork sausages. Seven formulations of pork sausages were set up: CTRL (0 mg/kg OLE; 300 mg/kg NO), Tr1 (200 mg/kg OLE; 150 mg/kg NO), Tr2 (400 mg/kg OLE; 150 mg/kg NO), Tr3 (800 mg/kg OLE; 150 mg/kg NO), Tr4 (200 mg/kg OLE; 0 mg/kg NO), Tr5 (400 mg/kg OLE; 0 mg/kg NO), and Tr6 (800 mg/kg OLE; 0 mg/kg NO). At the end of the ripening period, all the samples were within hygienic limits and the substitution of the additives with OLE allowed the reduction of NO residual contents. Both OLE and NO influenced the colour parameters. At the highest dose of OLE, both alone and in combination with reduced dose of NO, no significant differences in terms of moisture, pH, and aw were found compared to CTRL. In absence of NO, a significant reduction of weight loss was observed. Moreover, in the samples without NO a reduction of the hardness was detected. Finally, the oxidative stability test showed that the increase of the OLE amount prolonged the induction time.

Recent advances of cereal β-glucan on immunity with gut microbiota regulation functions and its intelligent gelling application

β-glucan from cereals such as wheat, barley, oats and rye are a water-soluble dietary fiber, which are composed of repeating (1→4)-β-bond β-D-glucopyranosyl units and a single (1→3)-β-D-bond separated unit. β-glucan has a series of physicochemical properties (such as viscosity, gelling properties, solubility, etc.), which can be used as a food gel and fat substitute. Its structure endows the healthy functions, including anti-oxidative stress, lowering blood glucose and serum cholesterol, regulating metabolic syndrome and exerting gut immunity via gut microbiota. Due to their unique structural properties and efficacy, cereal β-glucan are not only applied in food substrates in the food industry, but also in food coatings and packaging. This article reviewed the applications of cereal β-glucan in hydrogels, aerogels, intelligent packaging systems and targeted delivery carriers in recent years. Cereal β-glucan in edible film and gel packaging applications are becoming more diversified and intelligent in recent years. Those advances provide a potential solution based on cereal β-glucan as biodegradable substances for immune regulation delivery system and intelligent gelling material in the biomedicine field.

Development of Gluten-Free Muffins with β-Glucan and Pomegranate Powder Using Response Surface Methodology

More consumers are being diagnosed with celiac disease or diseases in which wheat products should be avoided. For this reason, it is important to increase the range of gluten-free products available. In this study, it was decided to optimize the technology for the creation of a muffin with β-glucan (BG) and pomegranate (PG), while establishing water share (WT), using the response surface methodology. It was shown that β-glucan and water had the most significant influence on specific volume and moisture (p ≤ 0.001). However, the increase of hardness, color, and total phenolic content (TPC) was mainly influenced by the increase of pomegranate content (p ≤ 0.01 for harness and color and p ≤ 0.001 for TPC). Consumers accepted products high in β-glucan more than high in pomegranate. Optimization ended with a composition that included 1.89% BG, 9.51% PG, and 77.87% WT. There were no significant differences between the model and the experimental sample, apart from higher consumer acceptability.

Tailoring the Structure of Lipids, Oleogels and Fat Replacers by Different Approaches for Solving the Trans-Fat Issue-A Review

The issue of the adverse effects of trans-fatty acids has become more transparent in recent years due to researched evidence of their link with coronary diseases, obesity or type 2 diabetes. Apart from conventional techniques for lipid structuring, novel nonconventional approaches for the same matter, such as enzymatic interesterification, genetic modification, oleogelation or using components from nonlipid origins such as fat replacers have been proposed, leading to a product with a healthier nutritional profile (low in saturated fats, zero trans fats and high in polyunsaturated fats). However, replacing conventional fat with a structured lipid or with a fat mimetic can alternate some of the technological operations or the food quality impeding consumers' acceptance. In this review, we summarize the research of the different existing methods (including conventional and nonconventional) for tailoring lipids in order to give a concise and critical overview in the field. Specifically, raw materials, methods for their production and the potential of food application, together with the properties of new product formulations, have been discussed. Future perspectives, such as the possibility of bioengineering approaches and the valorization of industrial side streams in the framework of Green Production and Circular Economy in the production of tailored lipids, have been highlighted. Additionally, a schematic diagram classifying conventional and nonconventional techniques is proposed based on the processing steps included in tailored lipid production as a convenient and straightforward tool for research and industry searching for healthy, sustainable and zero trans edible lipid system alternatives.

Understanding the oral processing of solid foods: Insights from food structure

Understanding the relationship between the structure of solid foods and their oral processing is paramount for enhancing features such as texture and taste and for improving health-related factors such as management of body weight or dysphagia. This paper discusses the main aspects of the oral processing of solid foods across different categories: (1) oral physiology related to chewing, (2) in-mouth food transformation, (3) texture perception, and (4) taste perception, and emphasis is placed on unveiling the underlying mechanisms of how food structure influences the oral processing of solid foods; this is exemplified by comparing the chewing behaviors for a number of representative solid foods. It highlights that modification of the texture/taste of food based on food structure design opens up the possibility for the development of food products that can be applied in the management of health.

Use of Almond Skins to Improve Nutritional and Functional Properties of Biscuits: An Example of Upcycling

Upcycling food industry by-products has become a topic of interest within the framework of the circular economy, to minimize environmental impact and the waste of resources. This research aimed at verifying the effectiveness of using almond skins, a by-product of the confectionery industry, in the preparation of functional biscuits with improved nutritional properties. Almond skins were added at 10 g/100 g (AS10) and 20 g/100 g (AS20) to a wheat flour basis. The protein content was not influenced, whereas lipids and dietary fiber significantly increased (p < 0.05), the latter meeting the requirements for applying "source of fiber" and "high in fiber" claims to AS10 and AS20 biscuits, respectively. The addition of almond skins altered biscuit color, lowering L* and b* and increasing a*, but improved friability. The biscuits showed sensory differences in color, odor and textural descriptors. The total sum of single phenolic compounds, determined by HPLC, was higher (p < 0.05) in AS10 (97.84 µg/g) and AS20 (132.18 µg/g) than in control (73.97 µg/g). The antioxidant activity showed the same trend as the phenolic. The p-hydroxy benzoic and protocatechuic acids showed the largest increase. The suggested strategy is a practical example of upcycling when preparing a health-oriented food product.