Blends of palm kernel oil, soybean oil and palm stearin as an alternative to milk fat for frozen dessert application

Abstract

In this study, the ternary blends of palm kernel oil (PKO), soybean oil (SBO) and two types of palm stearin (PS) (PS33 and PS38) were systematically prepared and evaluated for their application as an alternative to milk fat in frozen dessert. The physicochemical characteristics namely fatty acids constituent, triacylglycerols (TAGs) composition, melting behavior, solid fat content (SFC) and microstructure were studied. All ternary blends of PKO/SBO/PS33 and PKO/SBO/PS38 had comparable microstructure to that of milk fat. However, 80/15/5 (PKO/SBO/PS33) and 80/15/5 to 80/5/15 (PKO/SBO/PS38) mixtures were found to have similar SFC as milk fat at temperature above 20 °C, allowing these ternary blends to be completely melted at body temperature. With this, 80/15/5 (PKO/SBO/PS33) and 80/15/5 to 80/5/15 (PKO/SBO/PS38) mixtures were able to provide similar meltdown and mouth feel as milk fat at room temperature. Nonetheless, fatty acids constituent, TAGs composition and melting behavior of the blends were different from milk fat. This study showed that ternary blends of PKO, SBO and PS at ratios 80/15/5 (PKO/SBO/PS33) and 80/15/5 to 80/5/15 (PKO/SBO/PS38) can be potentially used as a milk fat alternative for frozen dessert application based on its similar microstructure and SFC profile as the milk fat.

Dairy-Free Alternatives for Frozen Dessert Application

“…The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported that plant oils are 2−5 times cheaper than milk fat (i.e., it costs $1000− $2000 USD per metric ton for edible oils versus $4000−$5000 USD per metric ton for butterfat). 55 Additionally, the demand for dairy-free foods, including ice cream, is increasing daily. Hence, food manufacturers are looking for suitable alternatives to milk fat, and the use of plant oils is increasing.…”

“…It has a melting range of 26−28 °C, making it a semi-solid fat. 55 PKO is high in lauric and myristic acids and has a sharp melting profile. Thus, it is suitable for confectioneries and other food applications including fat spreads, margarine, cocoa butter substitutes, shallow frying, and filling creams.…”

“…The easy availability, storage stability, and lower cost of these oils make them a viable alternative to milk fat in such products. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported that plant oils are 2–5 times cheaper than milk fat (i.e., it costs $1000–$2000 USD per metric ton for edible oils versus $4000–$5000 USD per metric ton for butterfat) . Additionally, the demand for dairy-free foods, including ice cream, is increasing daily.…”

“…Palm kernel oil (PKO) is extracted from the fruit kernel of the oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis ) tree. It has a melting range of 26–28 °C, making it a semi-solid fat . PKO is high in lauric and myristic acids and has a sharp melting profile.…”

“…or chemical (e.g., hydrogenation, interesterification, etc.) means to modify the physical and chemical characteristics of plant oils . These processes could potentially improve the functionality of ice cream containing plant oils to provide a similar texture and mouthfeel as milk fat ice cream.…”