Fat replacers based on oleogelation of beeswax/shellac wax and healthy vegetable oils

Oleogels based on the combination of oleogelators and vegetable oils are a fat substitute alternative to obtain commercial fats (CF) with reduced saturated fatty acids (SFA), high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and without trans fats (TFA). This study evaluated oleogelation to develop beeswax/shellac wax (BW/SW) with linseed (LO) and canola (CO) oil-based oleogels with a solid gel-like texture and high PUFA. The oleogelation conditions were optimized, and then oleogels were characterized. The optimal conditions were: oleogelator percentage of 10% (w/w), BW/SW ratio of 70/30 (%w/w), heating time of 30min, and heating temperature of 92 and 100 °C for BW/SW-LO and BW/SW-CO oleogels, respectively. The BW/SW-LO and BW/SW-CO oleogels presented firmness values of 423.6 ± 2.81 and 288 ± 2.99g, respectively, with a solid-like rheological behavior comparable to gel. Also, oleogels showed a lower SFA content (12.5 and 9.35%, respectively) than CF (35.9%), and no TFA was produced during oleogelation. The BW/SW-LO oleogel presented a higher PUFA content (68.4%) than the BW/SW-CO oleogel (29.1%). In addition, the oleogels showed peroxide values during storage below the maximum acceptable limit for edible fats and oils. Therefore, oleogels with a healthy fatty acid profile and low lipid oxidation are excellent alternatives to replace CF, offering promising food applications.