The Influence of Starch Sweeteners on Functional Properties of Cellulose Fat Mimetics: Rheological and Textural Aspects

Starch sweeteners are commonly used in many confectionery food products. Usually, considering the trend of producing low-energy and low-fat products, these products include fat mimetics. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fructose sweeteners on the development of functional properties of MCG fat mimetic, such as rheological and textural behavior. Fat mimetics made from Microcrystalline cellulose gel (MCG) consist of colloidal microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and were observed in five different concentrations (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10%). The amount of starch sweetener in the mixture with the fat mimetics was 20%. The effect of pure crystalline fructose and a mixture of crystalline-fructose and high-fructose corn syrup in a ratio of 1:1 was analyzed. Rheological parameters significantly decreased with the application of starch sweeteners. By adding a mixture of starch sweeteners, this decrease was further increased by 10%. At higher gel concentrations of 5, 7, and 10%, the dominance of the elastic modulus G′ was preserved. Texture parameters such as firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and viscosity index were reduced accordingly. The presence of starch sweeteners significantly disrupted the networking of the three-dimensional structure of the MCG gel and the proper hydration process during the formation of fat mimetics.