Oxidative stability, structural, and textural properties of margarine enriched with Moringa oleifera leaves extract

Consumer's demand for clean label food ingredients has driven the development of alternative food additives. This study falls within this challenge through valorization of Moringa oleifera leaves grown in Algeria as a natural antioxidant. A methanolic M. oleifera leaves extract (MOLE) was prepared and included in margarine at various levels (400, 600, and 800 ppm) and was compared to vitamin E and a margarine without antioxidants. The effect of addition of MOLE on margarine quality was studied by means of its oxidative stability, structural, textural properties, color, and aroma fingerprint. It was shown that addition of MOLE to margarine increased resistance towards oxidation, showing a higher antioxidant capacity as compared to margarine with vitamin E or without antioxidants. Moreover, addition of MOLE decreased water droplet size, which is desirable from a microbiological viewpoint since it could extend margarine's shelf life. Furthermore, addition of MOLE leads to the formation of smaller fat crystals, resulting in different fat network formation, which could be the cause of the increase in hardness seen in these margarines. Regarding sensorial effects, MOLE addition led to a significant darkening of the margarine and increase yellowness. Moreover, the aroma fingerprint showed that addition of MOLE modified the aroma fingerprint of this product.