U.S. patent application number 11/884293 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-14 for process for the preparation of a spreadable dispersion comprising sterol.
Invention is credited to Chiara Garbolino, Hindrik Huizinga.
Application Number | 20080193628 11/884293 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36694463 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080193628 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garbolino; Chiara ; et
al. |
August 14, 2008 |
Process for the Preparation of a Spreadable Dispersion Comprising
Sterol
Abstract
Process for the preparation of a spreadable edible dispersion
wherein a mixture of oil and solid structuring agent particles is
subjected to stirring and an aqueous phase and/or solid phase is
gradually added to the mixture until a dispersion of the desired
oil content is obtained, wherein the solid structuring agent
particles have a microporous structure of submicron size particles
and comprise sterol.
Inventors: |
Garbolino; Chiara;
(Vlaardingen, NL) ; Huizinga; Hindrik;
(Vlaardingen, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
UNILEVER PATENT GROUP
800 SYLVAN AVENUE, AG West S. Wing
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS
NJ
07632-3100
US
|
Family ID: |
36694463 |
Appl. No.: |
11/884293 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
January 25, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2006/000802 |
371 Date: |
August 14, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/603 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23D 9/05 20130101; A23D
9/007 20130101; A23V 2002/00 20130101; A23V 2250/18 20130101; A23V
2200/254 20130101; A23D 7/001 20130101; A23V 2002/00 20130101; A23D
7/0056 20130101; A23L 23/10 20160801 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/603 |
International
Class: |
A23D 7/005 20060101
A23D007/005; A23D 7/04 20060101 A23D007/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 17, 2005 |
EP |
05075384.7 |
Feb 17, 2005 |
EP |
05075391.2 |
Feb 17, 2005 |
EP |
05075392.0 |
Feb 17, 2005 |
EP |
05075393.8 |
Claims
1. Process for the preparation of a spreadable edible dispersion
having a fat content of 70 wt. % or less, wherein a mixture of oil
and solid structuring agent particles is subjected to stirring and
an aqueous phase is added to the mixture until a dispersion is
obtained, wherein the solid structuring agent particles, also
described as secondary particles, have a microporous structure and
said particles are agglomerates of primary particles of submicron
size, said primary particles are platelets having an average
thickness of 0.01-0.5 .mu.m and further the solid structuring agent
particles comprise sterol.
2. Process according to claim 1, wherein the solid structuring
agent particles additionally comprise edible lipid.
3. Process according to claim 2, wherein the lipid is a fat.
4. Process according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the solid
structuring agent particles are prepared using a micronisation
process.
5. Spreadable edible dispersion having a fat content of 70 wt. % or
less wherein the dispersion has a Stevens value, measured at room
temperature as defined herein of 30 g or more, preferably 50 g or
more, more preferably 80 g or more and most preferably 100 g or
more.
6. Spreadable edible dispersion according to claim 5, wherein the
dispersion is a low-fat water-in-oil emulsion spread having a fat
content of 45 wt. % or less, more preferred 33-45 wt. %
7. Low-fat emulsion spread according to claim 5 comprising from 3
to 25 wt. % sterol, more preferred from 7 to 15 wt. % sterol.
8. Spreadable edible dispersion according to any of claims 5-7,
wherein the dispersion has a water droplet size as defined herein
of 5 .mu.m or less.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a process for the
preparation of a spreadable edible dispersion comprising oil and
structuring agent, in particular to such dispersions comprising oil
and structuring agent as continuous phase and a dispersed phase.
The dispersed phase may be an aqueous liquid (thus forming a
water-in-oil emulsion) and/or a solid particulate matter (thus
forming a suspension).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Edible dispersions comprising oil and structuring agent are
well known. Examples of well-known products that substantially
consist of such edible dispersions are water-in-oil emulsions, such
as for instance margarines and spreads. These edible dispersions
typically have an oil phase that is a blend of liquid oil and fat
that is solid at normal ambient temperature (20.degree. C.). This
solid fat, often also designated as hardstock, acts as structuring
agent, and its function is to stabilise the dispersion. For a
margarine or spread, ideally the structuring agent has such
properties that it should have melted or dissolved at mouth
temperature, otherwise the product has a heavy, waxy mouthfeel.
[0003] US 2002/0076476 discloses edible oil-in-water emulsions
having sensorial properties resembling those of mayonnaise having
reduced oil content. This is achieved by using small-sized oil
droplets in combination with casein.
[0004] EP 1 197 153 relates to aqueous phase dispersions or
suspensions comprising high melting lipids having a size of 15
microns or less in combination with a non-sterol emulsifier.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,944 relates to products containing
microcrystalline plant sterol, a method of production for such
products by pulverisation and to the use of said products for
producing edible products.
[0006] Other known dispersions comprising oil and structuring agent
are disclosed in EP-A-775444 and WO 98/47386. Herein the dispersed
phase is a dry particulate matter, such as e.g. flour, starch,
salt, spices, herbs etc.
[0007] Generally, the edible dispersions comprising structuring
agent are prepared according to prior art processes that encompass
the following steps: [0008] 1) mixing/dispersion of the aqueous
phase and/or the solid phase and the oil phase, at a temperature
where the oil phase, including the structuring agent is liquid;
[0009] 2) formation of a fat crystal network to stabilise the
resulting dispersion and give the product some degree of firmness;
[0010] 3) modification of the crystal network to produce the
desired firmness and confer plasticity.
[0011] In case the dispersion is a low-fat water-in-oil emulsion
spread (i.e. with a oil content of 45 wt. % or less), normally in
step 1) a oil-in-water emulsion (premix) is formed, which in step
2) is inverted, so that a transition of the emulsion from
oil-in-water to water-in oil (inversion) occurs. Inversion has a
number of disadvantages: it is difficult to control and rework
(i.e. material that is not packed, but returned to the premix,
needs to be reinverted, which may lead to processing
complications.
[0012] The steps 1)-3) are usually conducted in a process that
involves apparatus that allow heating, cooling and mechanical
working of the ingredients, such as the churn process or the
votator process. The churn process and the votator process are
described in Ullmanns Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition, Volume A 16
pages 156-158. Using these techniques excellent dispersions
(spreads) having high emulsion stability and good melting
properties in the mouth can be prepared.
[0013] However, a disadvantage of the known processes is that the
process involves a heating step and a cooling step and therefore
requires a lot of energy. In a dispersion with for instance 4 wt. %
structuring agent the whole weight of the dispersion (100 wt. %)
needs to be heated and cooled.
[0014] Another disadvantage of the known processes is that the
choice of fats that can practically be used as structuring agent is
rather limited. If the melting point of the structuring agent is
too high the melting properties in the mouth are unsatisfactory. If
on the other hand, the melting point is too low, the emulsion
stability will be negatively affected. Moreover the amount of
saturated fatty acids in the structuring agent is usually
relatively high. Saturated fatty acids are a known risk factor for
cardiovascular health.
[0015] Further disadvantage of the known processes is that the
product may deteriorate due to the changes in temperature caused by
the heating and cooling step and that heat-sensitive ingredients
cannot be incorporated.
[0016] Additionally, when low-fat spreads are prepared an inversion
step is usually needed, which is difficult to control and has
rework problems.
[0017] Co-pending application PCT/EP2004/006544 describes edible
dispersions, including water-in-oil emulsions, that comprise a
structuring agent having a microporous structure of submicron size
particles. The water-in-oil emulsion may be a table spread. In the
examples pourable emulsions and pourable dispersions were
described. The edible dispersions may for instance be prepared by
mixing an oil phase with structuring agent particles with a
separately prepared water phase.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
process for the preparation of a spreadable dispersion that
requires less energy than the known processes. Another object is to
provide such a process that allows the use of more types of
structuring agent, especially more sorts of hardstock. A further
object of the invention is a reduction of the amount of saturated
fatty acids in the hardstock. Still a further object of the
invention is to provide a process for the preparation of a
dispersion that allows the incorporation of heat-sensitive
ingredients and/or that avoids deterioration of the emulsion.
[0019] One or more of these objects is attained according to the
invention which provides a process for the preparation of a
spreadable edible dispersion having a fat content of less than 70
wt. %, wherein a mixture of oil and solid structuring agent
particles is subjected to stirring and an aqueous phase is added to
the mixture until a dispersion is obtained, wherein the solid
structuring agent particles, also described as secondary particles,
have a microporous structure and said particles are agglomerates of
primary particles of submicron size, said primary particles are
platelets having an average thickness of 0.01-0.5 .mu.m and further
(the solid structuring agent particles) comprise sterols. Gradually
is herein defined as not adding the whole solid or aqueous phase at
the start of the process, but in two or more portions at different
times during the process if conducted batchwise or in two or more
places in the process equipment in a continuous process.
[0020] With the process according to the invention, products are
obtained that have a smaller water droplet size (D3,3 as described
herein) and a firmer structure (Stevens value as described herein)
than products prepared according to the prior art votator process.
The smaller water droplet size leads to increased microbiological
stability, so product may be made that need less or no salt and/or
preservative.
[0021] Further according to the invention low fat spreads may be
prepared that need no thickener or gelling agent in the water
phase. When low-fat spreads are prepared an additional advantage of
the process according to the invention is that no inversion is
needed.
[0022] Contrary to the process described in Co-pending application
PCT/EP2004/006544, in the present process the aqueous phase and/or
solid phase is gradually added to the mixture until a dispersion of
the desired oil content is obtained. This makes the preparation of
dispersion having a relatively low oil content, i.e. below 45 wt.
%, possible.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] According to the invention, an aqueous phase is added to a
mixture of oil and solid structuring agent particles which is
stirred, until a dispersion is obtained. A dispersion is herein
defined as a system in which two or more phases that are insoluble
or only slightly soluble are distributed in one another.
[0024] The dispersion may be an emulsion, a suspension or foam or
any combination thereof, it may be oil continuous, water continuous
or bi-continuous. Preferably the dispersion is oil continuous, more
preferably an oil continuous emulsion or oil continuous
suspension.
[0025] Where a solid phase is present in the dispersion according
to the invention, it is preferably a solid phase of dry particulate
matter.
[0026] Where an aqueous phase is present in the dispersion
according to the invention, it is preferably a dispersed aqueous
phase.
[0027] The amounts given will be expressed in wt. % relative to the
total weight of the food composition, unless indicated
otherwise.
[0028] Fat and oil may sometimes be used interchangeably herein,
for instance fat phase and oil phase and fat content or oil content
may be used to indicate the same.
[0029] According to the invention spreadable edible dispersions are
provided comprising micronised structuring agent particles wherein
said structuring agent particles, also described as secondary
particles, have a microporous structure and said particles are
agglomerates of primary particles of submicron size, said primary
particles are platelets having an average thickness of 0.01-0.5
.mu.m, wherein the dispersion has a Stevens value, measured at room
temperature as defined herein of 30 g or more, preferably 50 g or
more, more preferably 80 g or more and most preferably 100 g or
more, said dispersion also comprising sterol.
[0030] Preferably the fat content of the spreadable dispersion of
the invention is from 10-70 wt. %, for example 45 wt. % or less,
preferably 33-69.65 wt. %.
[0031] Preferably the dispersion is a low-fat water-in-oil emulsion
spread having a fat content of 45 wt. % or less, more preferred
33-45 wt. %.
[0032] The invention further provides a low-fat water-in-oil
emulsion spread comprising sterol, having a fat content of 45 wt. %
or less, a Stevens value measured at room temperature as defined
herein of 60 g or more and a saturated fat content (SAFA) of 25 wt.
% or less. SAFA content (wt. %) is herein expressed based on the
weight of the fat phase.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the low-fat emulsion spread
comprises from 3 to 25 wt. % sterol, more preferred from 7 to 15
wt. % sterol.
[0034] Preferably the spreadable edible dispersions according to
the invention has a low water droplet size, preferably the water
droplet size as defined herein is 10 .mu.m or less, more preferably
5 .mu.m or less.
[0035] According to the invention, the dispersion is formed by
mixing oil, the solid structuring agent particles comprising
sterols, and the other phase or phases of the dispersion, such as
for example an aqueous phase, a solid phase and/or a gas phase.
[0036] According to the invention, the solid structuring agent
particles (also described herein as secondary particles) should
have a microporous structure of submicron size particles (also
described herein as primary particles) and further they comprise
sterol.
[0037] The secondary particles are agglomerates of primary
particles which have a microporous structure. The size of the
primary particles is submicron (that is they have a diameter below
1.mu.).
[0038] An example of a microporous structure is shown in FIGS. 6
and 7 of PCT/EP2004/006544. The primary particles typically have
the shape as shown in FIG. 7, in which the platelets with submicron
dimensions are the primary particles. The thickness of the
platelets should be submicron, preferably the thickness is on
average 0.01-0.5 .mu.m, more preferably 0.03-0.2 .mu.m, even more
preferably 0.06-0.12 .mu.m.
[0039] Equivalent good results were obtained for a secondary
particles having a microporous structure of more bubble-like shape,
such as shown in FIG. 10 of PCT/EP2004/006544. In such microporous
structure the wall thickness of the bubbles should be submicron,
for instance on average 0.01-0.5 .mu.m, more preferably 0.03-0.2
.mu.m, even more preferably 0.06-0.12 .mu.m.
[0040] The secondary particles, may, in the course of the
preparation of the dispersion, for instance through the force of a
mixer, be broken into submicron particles. The resulting submicron
particles will form the structuring network of the dispersion.
[0041] The structuring agent comprises sterol. Where reference is
made to sterol this includes the saturated stanols and esterified
derivatives of sterol/stanol or mixtures of any of these.
[0042] In this application where reference is made to sterolester,
this also includes their saturated derivatives, the stanol esters,
and combinations of sterol- and stanol esters.
[0043] Sterols or phytosterols, also known as plant sterols or
vegetable sterols can be classified in three groups,
4-desmethylsterols, 4-monomethylsterols and 4,4'-dimethylsterols.
In oils they mainly exist as free sterols and sterol esters of
fatty acids although sterol glucosides and acylated sterol
glucosides are also present. There are three major phytosterols
namely beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol. Schematic
drawings of the components meant are as given in "Influence of
Processing on Sterols of Edible Vegetable Oils", S. P. Kochhar;
Prog. Lipid Res. 22: pp. 161-188.
[0044] The respective 5 alpha-saturated derivatives such as
sitostanol, campestanol and ergostanol and their derivatives are in
this specification referred to as stanols.
[0045] Preferably the (optionally esterified) sterol or stanol is
selected from the group comprising fatty acid ester of
.beta.-sitosterol, .beta.-sitostanol, campesterol, campestanol,
stigmasterol, brassicasterol, brassicastanol or a mixture
thereof.
[0046] The sterols or stanols are optionally at least partly
esterified with a fatty acid. Preferably the sterols or stanols are
esterified with one or more C.sub.2-22 fatty acids. For the purpose
of the invention the term C.sub.2-22 fatty acid refers to any
molecule comprising a C.sub.2-22 main chain and at least one acid
group. Although not preferred within the present context the
C.sub.2-22 main chain may be partially substituted or side chains
may be present. Preferably, however the C.sub.2-22 fatty acids are
linear molecules comprising one or two acid group(s) as end
group(s). Most preferred are linear C.sub.8-22 fatty acids as these
occur in natural oils.
[0047] Suitable examples of any such fatty acids are acetic acid,
propionic acid, butyric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric
acid. Other suitable acids are for example citric acid, lactic
acid, oxalic acid and maleic acid. Most preferred are myristic
acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid,
behenic acid, oleic acid, cetoleic acid, erucic acid, elaidic acid,
linoleic acid and linolenic acid.
[0048] When desired a mixture of fatty acids may be used for
esterification of the sterols or stanols. For example, it is
possible to use a naturally occurring fat or oil as a source of the
fatty acid and to carry out the esterification via an
interesterification reaction.
[0049] The amount of sterol in the structuring agent is preferably
from 80 to 100 wt. % on total weight of the structuring agent.
[0050] Preferably, the structuring agent comprises edible lipid,
more preferably it is edible fat. Edible fats consist predominantly
of triglycerides. Typically such edible fats suitable as
structuring agent are mixtures of triglycerides, some of which have
a melting point higher than room or ambient temperature and
therefore contain solids in the form of crystals.
[0051] The solid structuring agent, also denoted as hardstock,
serves to structure the fat phase and helps to stabilise the
dispersion.
[0052] For imparting to common margarine a semi-solid, plastic,
spreadable consistency this stabilising and structuring
functionality plays an important role. The crystals of the solid
fat form a network throughout the liquid oil resulting into a
structured fat phase. The aqueous phase droplets are fixed within
the spaces of the lattice of solid fat crystals. In this way
coalescence of the droplets and separation of the heavier aqueous
phase from the fat phase is prevented.
[0053] The process according to the invention may be executed
batch-wise or continuous. Conventional unit operations and
apparatus, e.g. mixers, pumps and extruders may be used. A suitable
process flow diagram for a continuous process according to the
invention is given in FIG. 1. Micronised fat may be added to the
premix or via the inlet (5), preferably at least part of the
micronised fat is added via inlet (5).
[0054] Further common ingredients of the fat phase are emulsifiers,
such as monoglycerides and lecithin, colouring agents and
flavours.
[0055] The solid structuring agent particles (secondary particles)
preferably have an average particle size (D.sub.3,2) of 60
micrometer or less, more preferably the solid structuring agent
particles have an average particle size of 30 micrometer or less.
The average particle size (D.sub.3,2) is determined as indicated in
the examples.
[0056] Preferably the solid structuring agent particles are
prepared using a micronisation process. In the micronisation
process the solid structuring agent particles are prepared by
preparing a homogeneous mixture of structuring agent and liquified
gas or supercritical gas at a pressure of 5-40 MPa and expanding
the mixture through an orifice, under such conditions that a spray
jet is applied in which the structuring agent is solidified and
micronised. The liquified gas or supercritical gas may be any gas
that may be used in the preparation of food products, for example
carbondioxide, nitrogen, propane, ethane, xenon or other noble
gases. Carbondioxide and propane are preferred. Carbondioxide is
most preferred. Advantages of carbondioxide are that it has a mild
(31.degree. C.) critical temperature, it is non-flammable,
nontoxic, environmentally friendly and it may be obtained from
existing industrial processes without further contribution to the
greenhouse effect. It is fairly miscible with oil and is readily
recovered owing to its high volatility at ambient conditions.
Finally liquid CO.sub.2 is the second least expensive solvent after
water.
[0057] The temperature of the mixture of structuring agent and
liquified gas or supercritical gas is preferably such that the
mixture forms a homogeneous mixture. Advantageously, the
temperature of the mixture of structuring agent and liquified gas
or supercritical gas is below the slip melting point of the
structuring agent at atmospheric pressure and above the temperature
at which phase separation of the mixture occurs. Under such
conditions the smallest micronised particles may be obtained.
[0058] The pressure and temperature of the mixture of structuring
agent and liquefied or supercritical gas is preferably such that a
large amount of the gas may be dissolved in the structuring agent.
The amount dissolved will be determined by the phase diagram of the
mixture of structuring agent and liquified or supercritical gas. At
higher pressures as well as at lower temperatures more gas will
dissolve in the structuring agent.
[0059] Preferably the temperature and pressure are chosen such that
10 wt. % or more, more preferably 20 wt. % or more or most
preferably 30 wt. % or more of gas is dissolved in the liquid
phase. The mixture of structuring agent and liquified or
supercritical gas may contain additional substances, such as for
instance oil. We have found that the addition of oil may reduce
sintering of the micronised particles of the structuring agent.
[0060] The mixture containing structuring agent and liquefied or
supercritical gas is depressurized over a small orifice or nozzle,
to break up the mixture into small droplets. The break-up of the
mixture into droplets can be assisted e.g. by internals inside the
nozzle before the orifice to generate a whirl, or by passing a gas
at a high flow rate near the orifice.
[0061] The mixture is depressurized into a volume where the
pressure is higher than, equal to or lower than atmospheric
pressure.
[0062] We have found that sintering, agglomeration and ripening of
micronised particles of the structuring agent will lead to a
reduced performance of the particles for structuring the
dispersion.
[0063] To avoid sintering, agglomeration and/or ripening of the
micronised particles, preferably a gas jet is applied in addition
to the flow of the spray jet. The additional gas jet is most
effective when the gas jet is positioned such that recirculation of
material expanded through the orifice is reduced or avoided.
Especially advantageous is a position wherein the gas from the gas
jet flows essentially tangentially to the flow direction of the
spray jet. Most advantageously the gas inlet for the gas jet is
positioned behind the exit of the nozzle, see FIG. 2 of
PCT/EP2004/006544. This figure shows that the additional gas inlet
(1) behind the exit of the nozzle (2) creates a gas flow (3)
tangentially to the flow of the spray jet (4).
[0064] A further preferred edible dispersion according to the
invention is a dispersion of a solid matter, preferably a dry
particulate matter, dispersed in a continuous phase of oil and
structuring agent. Preferred material for the dry particulate
matter is one or more of flour, starch, salt, herbs (e.g. dried
herbs), spices and mixtures thereof. Preferably in such
dispersions, the amount of solid matter is 30-75 wt. %, more
preferably 40-65 wt. % based on total weight of the dispersion.
[0065] The amount of structuring agent should be such that a
suitably stable dispersion is obtained. When the structuring agent
is micronised sterol or a combination of micronised sterol and
micronised fat, the amount is preferably 1-20 wt. %, more
preferably 4-12 wt. % based on total weight of the dispersion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0066] FIG. 1 Process flow diagram for a continuous process. (1)
designates a premix vessel, (2) a pump, (3) a high shear mixer, (4)
an extruder type mixer and (5) a feed entrance for micronised
fat.
EXAMPLES
[0067] General
[0068] Method to Determine Slip Melting Point
[0069] The slip melting point of structuring agent is determined in
accordance with F. Gunstone et al, The Lipid Handbook, second
edition, Chapman and Hall, 1995, page 321, Point 6.2.3, Slip
point.
[0070] Method to Determine D.sub.3,2 of the Particle Size
Distribution of Micronised Fat Particles
[0071] Low-angle laser light scattering (LALLS, Helos Sympatic) was
used to measure the average particle size (D.sub.3,2). The fat
particles were suspended in water in a quixel flow cuvette with an
obscuration factor of 10-20%. The diffraction pattern was measured
at 632.8 nm with a lens focus of 100 mm and a measurement range of
0.5-175 .mu.m. Calculations were bases on the Fraunhofer
theory.
[0072] A full description of the principle of LALLS is given in ISO
13320-1.
[0073] Method to Determine D.sub.3,3 of Water Droplet Size
Distribution in an Emulsion
[0074] The water droplet size was measured using a well-known low
resolution NMR measurement method. Reference is made to Van den
Enden, J. C., Waddington, D., Van Aalst, H., Van Kralingen, C. G.,
and Packer, K. J., Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 140
(1990) p. 105.
[0075] Method to Determine Oil Exudation
[0076] Oil exudation is determined by measuring the height of the
free oil layer that appears on top of the product. This free oil
layer is considered a product defect. In order to measure oil
exudation, the product is filled into a scaled glass cylinder of 50
ml. The filling height is 185 mm. The filled cylinder is stored in
a cabinet at constant temperature (15.degree. C.). Height
measurements are executed every week, by measuring the height of
the exuded oil layer in mm with a ruler. Oil exudation is expressed
as the height of the exuded oil layer divided by the original
filling height and expressed in %. Shaking of the cylinders should
be avoided.
[0077] Stevens Value
[0078] Stevens values give an indication about the firmness of a
product. The firmness of all products stored at 5.degree. C. for 24
hours was measured at room temperature using a Stevens Texture
Analyser (1 mm/sec, 25 mm depth, 4.4. mm probe) and is quoted
herein as the Stevens value (in g).
Example 1
Preparation of a Spreadable Margarine
[0079] A high-fat spreadable margarine was prepared with the
composition shown in table 1:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Composition of high-fat spreadable margarine
Ingredient Amount (wt. %) Oil phase Sunflower oil 59.68 Micronised
fat powder 9.64 comprising sterol.sup.1 Lecithin Bolec ZT.sup.1
0.32 Emulsifier Hymono 8903 0.20 beta-carotene (0.4 wt. % 0.15
solution in sunflower oil) Water phase Water 29.65 Potassium
sorbate 0.08 Sodium chloride 0.28 .sup.1Hardstock fat as prepared
in example 1 and 2 of EP-A-89082 which was micronised as in example
1 of PCT/EP2004/006544. This hardstock was mixed with 50 wt. % beta
sitosterol.
[0080] The water phase was prepared by adding salt and potassium
sorbate to distilled water and adjusting the pH of distilled water
from 7.7 to 4.0 using 5 wt. % solution of citric acid in water, and
heated for 5 minutes in a bath of 60.degree. C. to dissolve the
solids. The oil phase was prepared by dissolving the emulsifier
ingredients and .beta.-carotene in the total amount of sunflower
oil at 60.degree. C. and cooled down to 15.degree. C. afterwards.
Subsequently the micronised fat powder was added to the oil phase
carefully using a spatula and the oil phase was mixed with a
kitchen mixer (Philips Essence HR1357/05) for 2 minutes. Then the
water phase was added to the oil phase and the resulting mixture
was mixed with the mixer for another 5 minutes at ambient
temperature. A droplet size (D3,3) of about 10 .mu.m was obtained.
The spread was put in a margarine tub and stored at 5.degree. C.
Results in table 3.
Example 2
Preparation of a Low-Fat Spread
[0081] A low-fat (33 wt. % fat) spreadable margarine spread was
prepared with the composition shown in table 2:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Composition of low-fat spread Ingredient
Amount (wt. %) Oil phase Sunflower oil 27.65 Micronised fat powder
as 4.59 in example 1 Lecithin Bolec ZT.sup.1 0.32 Emulsifier Hymono
8903 0.33 (monoglyceride) Beta-carotene (0.4 wt. % 0.15 solution in
sunflower oil) Water phase Water 66.60 Potassium sorbate 0.08
Sodium chloride 0.28
[0082] The micronised fat powder was mixed with half of the oil to
obtain a fat powder/oil slurry. The fat/oil slurry was then stirred
manually in the remainder of the oil to make the oil phase. In the
next step the oil phase (slurry) was put in an EscoLabor device and
half of the water phase was added to the oil phase. The EscoLabor
vessel was kept at 5.degree. C. The water and oil phase were mixed
under vacuum.
[0083] The scraper speed was found to be 80% of the maximum
rotational speed and power of the Ultra Turrax was found to be
optimal at 50% of maximum power. During the mixing of the oil- and
water phases the remaining amount of water was added cautiously
within 5 minutes. This yielded a homogeneous but very thick fat
continuous product after 15 minutes. After 15 a droplet size (D3,3)
of 3 .mu.m was obtained. This low fat spread was evaluated after 4
weeks of storage at 5.degree. C. Results are given in table 3.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Stevens values and fat level low-fat
micronised fat spread Fat level Stevens value Example (%) at
5.degree. C. (g) Example 1 70 88 Example 2 33 112
Example 3
[0084] A spread was produced with a composition as in table 4. A
stable spread resulted. The water phase was made by mixing the salt
in distilled water and holding the mixture at room temperature. The
fat phase was produced by adding the micronised fat powder to
liquid oil using a spatula. The water phase and the oil phase were
mixed using a home kitchen mixer.
[0085] It was possible to prepare a stable spread without
emulsifier and thickener. The long term stability and/or
consistency of the spread without emulsifier may be improved by
adding a thickener to the water phase, e.g. 1 wt. % starch, a
suitable starch type is Resistamyl 310.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 composition of example 3 Ingredient Amount
(wt. %) Oil Phase Sunflower oil 33.87 Micronised fat powder 5.98 as
in example 1 Beta-carotene (0.4 wt. % 0.15 solution in Sunflower
oil) Water phase Water 59.5 Salt 0.5 100
* * * * *