Oleogel Fabrication Based on Sodium Caseinate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, and Beeswax: Effect of Concentration, Oleogelation Method, and Their Optimization

In the present study, the oleogel preparation with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (0–2 g/100 g), sodium caseinate (CN) (0–4 g/100 g), beeswax (0–5 g/100 g), and oleogelation method (foam and emulsion template) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to attain the desirable oil retaining ability, rheological, and textural characteristics. For all the chosen responses, the quadratic model was the best‐fitting model with a determination coefficient of R2 > 0.91. Results exhibited that the HPMC and CN concentrations were the most influential tested factors on the oil binding capacity, textural, and rheological characteristics of the oleogels due to the formation of more complex and strong network. There was a significant improvement in oil binding capacity and structure recovery of samples by beeswax addition. To produce oleogel similar to industrial shortening, the optimization method was done based on maximum oil binding capacity and thixotropic recovery and other responses were chosen equal to those of shortening values (ɳa = 330 Pa.s, G′ = 276,543 Pa, A value = 164,308 Pa s rad−1, and firmness = 44.99 g). As regards the optimized level of structuring agents and responses (ɳa = 317 and 329 Pa.s, G′ = 249,782 and 260,997 Pa, A value = 180,022 and 180,373 Pa s rad−1, and firmness = 44.37 and 36.98 g corresponding to Optimization 1 and Optimization 2, respectively), fabrication of oleogels with at least 90 g/100 g trans‐free and low saturated oil and attributes close to industrial shortening is possible.