Synergistic Effect and Mechanism of Rice Bran Wax and Sodium Stearyl Lactate on the Properties and Cookie Quality of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Oleogels

ABSTRACT In this study the effect of rice bran wax (RBW) and sodium stearoyl lactate (SSL) on the structure, physical properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) oleogels and their performance in cookies were investigated. Both RBW and SSL significantly enhanced the thermal sensitivity, thixotropic recovery and shear viscosity of HPMC oleogels, especially at 4%–8% SSL. With the addition of RBW/SSL, a synergistic effect was observed, the number of crystals increased and the crystal structure became denser. RBW led to the presence of β' crystals, while SSL increased the number of α crystals in HPMC oleogels. Van der Waals interactions and electrostatic repulsion served to stabilize the network structure. Practical Application : 4%–8% sodium stearoyl lactate improved the spread ratio, texture and overall acceptability of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) oleogel cookies to a level similar to shortening cookies. This study provides theoretical support for the quality improvement of HPMC based oleogel cookies.