Resumen:
The optimization of a gelled oil-in-water emulsion was performed for use as fat replacer in the formulation of ¿-3 PUFA-enriched cooked meat products. The linseed oil content, carrageenan concentration and surfactant¿oil ratio were properly combined in a surface response design for maximizing the hardness and minimizing the syneresis of the PUFA delivery system. The optimal formulation resulted in a gelled emulsion containing 40% of oil and 1.5% of carrageenan, keeping a surfactant¿oil ratio of 0.003. The gel was applied as a partial fat replacer in a Bologna-type sausage and compared to the use of an O/W emulsion also enriched in ¿-3. Both experimental sausages contributed with higher ¿-3 PUFA content than the control. No sensory differences were found among formulations. The selected optimized gelled oil-in-water emulsion was demonstrated to be a suitable lipophilic delivery system for ¿-3 PUFA compounds and applicable in food formulations as fat replacer.
