Texture and lubrication properties of functional cream cheese: Effect of β-glucan and phytosterol

The effect of β-glucan (BG) and phytosterols (PS) as fat replacers on textural, microstructural, and lubrication properties of reduced-fat cream cheese was investigated. Five formulations (BG-PS ester, PS ester, BG-PS emulsions, PS emulsions, and BG) of cream cheese with added β-glucan and phytosterols (in emulsified and esterified form) were investigated and compared with commercial cheese. Among the five formulations used in this experiment, the effect of β-glucan appeared to be more pronounced imparting increased viscosity and firmness to reduced-fat cream cheese, similar to commercial high-fat cream cheese sample. Conversely, in lubrication study both the phytosterols (esterified and emulsified) were effective in reducing the coefficient of friction resulting in a more spreadable cream cheese. The microstructure of cream cheese with added β-glucan and phytosterols, used solo or in combination, exhibited more open structure of casein matrix, although differences in fat globule size were observed. Cream cheese made from PS emulsion (emulsified from phytosterols powder) resulted in a larger fat globule size than PS ester and β-glucan as shown by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In addition, the particle size distribution of cream cheese formulation containing β-glucan only showed a monomodal curves with small globule size, while a bimodal distribution with larger particle size was observed from cream cheese with phytosterols alone.

Reducing the fat content, impacts the quality characteristics of low-fat cream cheese. This research showed a novel way to incorporate β-glucan and phytosterols as fat replacers and functional ingredients in cream cheese formulation that improves its textural and lubrication properties. In addition, this article discusses the effect of β-glucan and phytosterols used both individually and in combination on the particle size, microstructural and rheological characteristics of functional cream cheese and compares them against commercial product. The potential use of β-glucan and phytosterols as fat replacers in low-fat cream cheese will be useful for the industries to develop functional cream cheese that meets consumers demand.