Testing texture in reformulated food

Low-fat without low-quality

With global obesity levels at an all-time high, and an improved understanding of the impact of fat on the function of many major organs, low-fat diets are a common approach used by many consumers hoping to improve their health.

This trend has had huge implications for the dairy sector, where, to meet this demand, thousands of product lines are being reformulated, and many more are being launched from scratch. From dairy drinks and yoghurts to cheeses and dairy desserts, the low-fat trend is visible everywhere.

However, fat plays a huge part in the consistency of dairy foods, especially yoghurts. As well as different expectations across the globe, perceptions and preferences are changing. Thick, creamy products – easily achieved with high fat content – evoke luxury and decadence but there is still sizeable demand for thinner, more traditional products, especially in developing markets.

Measuring the texture of low fat foods

The Back Extrusion Rig (Figure 8) offers an invaluable measure of product consistency and the effects of fat reduction. A container of the desired liquid or semi-solid, yoghurt in this instance, is compressed by a disc plunger attached to the TA.XTplus Texture Analyser until the product covers the top of the disc and then pulled back up.

The work required to raise the plunger is then measured to give an indication of consistency. This can be used to compare a full-fat yoghurt recipe with a reduced-fat version to determine any textural differences (Figure 7).

When this difference is objectively measured and quantified, other ingredients to alter texture can be trialled, making it possible to perfect texture in low-fat foods, which can be frequently measured for quality control across varieties and batches and also throughout a product’s lifespan.

There is a Texture Analysis test for virtually any physical property. Contact Stable Micro Systems today to learn more about our full range of solutions.

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For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplus texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

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