Visualisation of Liquid Triacylglycerol Migration in Chocolate by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This study has demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging can be used to visualise the migration of liquid triacylglycerols in composite chocolate confectionery. Migration was observed between a layer of hazelnut oil filling (oil+icing sugar) and a layer of dark chocolate used as a model of composite chocolate confectionery products. In addition, low-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of the solid fat content (%) were also made. Substantial differences were observed between the migration profiles at 19 and 28°C, and in the distribution of liquid triacylglycerols across the chocolate layer after migration. It is suggested that the mechanism of migration involves both diffusion of the liquid triacylglycerols and capillary attraction of the hazelnut oil into the chocolate matrix. © 1997 SCI.     

Oil migration in hazelnut paste/chocolate systems using magnetic resonance imaging

Oil migration in confectionery products results in undesired quality changes of confections such as fat bloom. Oil migration and the resulting bloom formation in chocolate could be an important quality defect in a confectionery product. This study addressed to evaluate mass transfer of liquid oil on two-layer chocolate model systems prepared from hazelnut paste over different dark chocolate formulations by utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Through the use of MRI, it becomes easier to predict the rate of migration and the effect of different ingredients on bloom formation. For five chocolate formulations stored at 30 °C over a time frame of 22 days, experimental data acquired through MRI were modeled using a Fickian-based mathematical model to calculate diffusion coefficient (D). Using two different equations for boundary condition at upper chocolate surface, two models were evaluated and logistic type boundary model was shown to fit exhibit a better fit. In addition, associated constants (C₀, β, t₀) for time dependent upper boundary conditions were determined. Average diffusivities of all samples varied in the order of 10^?11 m²/s. This study addressed the potential use of MRI for visualization and quantification of migration for different chocolate formulations.     

Effect of cocoa butter structure on oil migration

Oil migration from a high oil content filling into adjacent chocolate causes changes in product quality. The objective of this study was to quantify the oil migration from a cream filling system into cocoa butter, which provided a model for the behavior of chocolate-enrobed confectionery products with a soft, creamy center. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor spatial and temporal changes of liquid lipid content. A multislice spin echo pulse sequence was used to acquire images with a 7.8 ms echo time and a 200 ms repetition time using a 1.03 T Aspect Imaging MRI spectrometer. Samples were prepared as a 2-layer model system of cocoa butter and model cream filling. Three methods were used to prepare the cocoa butter: static, seeded, and sheared. Samples were stored at 25 °C for a time frame of 56 d. The rate of oil migration was quantified by a kinetic expression based on the linear dependence of oil uptake by cocoa butter and the square root of the time. Samples showed distinctly different rates of oil migration, as evidenced by quantitative differences in the kinetic rate constant. Practical Application: This work will be helpful to elucidate the influence of crystallization process and structural properties such as crystal nanostructure and crystal habit on the migration of oil through a crystalline fat matrix.     

Oil migration in chocolate and almond product confectionery systems

Oil migration from high oil content almond confections into adjacent chocolate causes changes in product quality. The objective of this study was to quantify the oil migration from almond products to dark chocolate. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor spatial and temporal changes of liquid lipid content. A multislice spin echo pulse (MSSE) sequence was used to acquire images with a 7.8-ms echo time and a 1000-ms repetition time using a 1.03T Aspect AI MRI spectrometer. Samples were prepared as a 2-layer model system of chocolate and almond confection. Six different almond products and 1 type of dark chocolate were used. Samples were stored at 20, 25, and 30°C for a time frame of several months. Rate and extent of migration were quantified by a kinetic expression based on the linear dependence of oil uptake by chocolate and the square root of the time. Samples showed distinctly different rate and extent of oil migration, as evidenced by quantitative differences in the kinetic rate constants and equilibrium uptake for the different sample types. This work will be helpful to design formulations for almond and almond-based products in confections. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This work will be helpful to design formulations for almond use in confections.     

Measurement by MRI of storage changes in commercial chocolate confectionery products

Storage of chocolate confectionery products was monitored non-invasively by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Using a Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill–(CPMG) sequence, 20 echo images (first echo 5 ms, subsequent echo every 5 ms) were acquired with a 2 s repetition time in a total 8-min scan time. Images were processed to give spatial maps of the proton density (M₀) and the transverse relaxation times (T₂-values) within the samples. In every case the T₂-values were successfully used to follow the migration of lipids from the fillings into the chocolate. The MR images also provided spatial information on the lipid migration.     

Edible Coatings to Inhibit Lipid Migration in a Confectionery Product

Coatings containing hydrocolloids and sweetners were tested for lipid barrier and sensory properties, adhesion to chocolate, viscosity, and a_w. A coating containing high methoxyl pectin, acacia gum, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, and sucrose was most effective. Coatings (0.5 mm thick, a_w 0.5) showed no detectable oil migration after 47 days at 30 ± l°C, compared to 11.5 mg/cm² trilinolein equivalents migration in 1 day at 21 ± 2°C. Coatings (0.5 mm thick) were applied between chocolate and peanut butter and tested for sensory characteristics. Except for the color of the coating, no significant difference occurred in overall preference compared to control (no coating) samples.     

Spatial mapping of solid and liquid lipid in confectionery products using a 1D centric SPRITE MRI technique

Oil migration is responsible for the poor keeping qualities of composite confectionery products. Quality defects arising from oil migration include softening of the coating, hardening of the filling, deterioration in sensory quality and a greater tendency toward fat bloom formation. For this reason, oil migration has been extensively studied, and yet a clear understanding of the oil migration mechanisms still remains a challenge.Traditional MRI techniques are unable to acquire images from the solid lipid in chocolate. In this paper we employ a newly developed one-dimensional, centric-scan MRI technique to acquire images from the short lived signal components from the solid lipid, as well as the longer timescale components of the liquid lipid in a chocolate sample. We present one-dimensional images of a dynamic hazelnut oil absorption experiment, and one-dimensional solid and liquid distribution maps in a 5 mm thick chocolate sample in which oil migration occurs.     

Antioxidative effects of some phenolic compounds and carotenoids on refined hazelnut oil

Phenolic compounds (gallic acid, ellagic acid and quercetin) and carotenoids (??-carotene and retinol) were used to evaluate effects of antioxidant on refined hazelnut oil. Peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid (FFA), iodine value (IV) and color analysis were made on hazelnut oil 120?days stored in the 40?°C, light and airy condition. In oil sample PV were found at range of 78.1?C621.5 (meqO₂/kg oil) in the end 120?days. Antioxidant effectiveness in hazelnut oil at the half of the storage period (60th day) was in the order: Quercetin?>???-carotene?=?gallic acid?>?ellagic acid. Antioxidative effectiveness was not observed in retinol treatment. However, FFA and IVs were determined in the range of 0.65?C0.86 (% as oleic acid) and 68?C85, respectively, at final storage.     

Rapid Determination of Total and Solid Fat Contents in Chocolate Products by Pulsed Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

A rapid pulsed NMR method of fat analysis in chocolate without prior solvent extraction was developed. Total fat content of 43 chocolate products was determined at 60°C using sucrose-oil mixtures as standards. Solid fat content (SFC) was calculated from the liquid oil content at different temperatures. Total fat content agreed to 0.90% standard error of prediction as compared with the Soxhlet method. SFC as determined by NMR correlated well with the dilatometry (r = 0.98) and the DSC (r = 0.96) results. This technique is suitable for quality control of chocolate and other lowmoisture, high-fat products.     

Differential scanning calorimeter application to the detectionof refined hazelnut oil in extra virgin olive oil

The potential application of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to verify adulteration of extra virgin olive oil with refined hazelnut oil was evaluated. Extra virgin olive oil and hazelnut oil were characterised by significantly different cooling and heating DSC thermal profiles. Addition of hazelnut oil significantly enhanced crystallisation enthalpy (at hazelnut oil ?20%) and shifted the transition towards lower temperatures (at hazelnut oil ?5%). Lineshape of heating thermograms of extra virgin olive oil was significantly altered by hazelnut oil addition: a characteristic exothermic event originated at −27 °C in extra virgin olive oil and progressively disappeared with increasing hazelnut oil content, while the major endothermic peak at −3.5 °C broadened (at hazelnut oil ?40%) and the minor endothermic peak at 8 °C shifted toward lower temperatures (at hazelnut oil ?5%). The preliminary results presented in this study suggest that DSC analysis may be a useful tool for detecting adulteration of extra virgin olive oil with refined hazelnut oil.     

Effect of storage temperature on texture,polymorphic structure,bloom formation and sensory attributes of filled dark chocolate

The effects of 18 and 30°C storage temperatures on texture, polymorphic structure, bloom formation and sensory attributes of dark chocolate, stored for 8 weeks were studied. Results showed that storage at 18°C for 8 weeks, significantly retarded changes in filled chocolates; the chocolates were free from bloom during the storage period. In contrast, at 30°C there was an increase in the rate of fat migration and rate of change of C36 and C50, and also a decrease in texture and the polymorph structure in the coating changed to β and β′ polymorphs. However, the chocolates bloomed in the third week of storage (2 cycles). Sensory evaluation indicated that, storage at 18°C is better than 30°C, and desiccated coconut gives a pleasant flavour to the chocolate.     

Optimisation of processing conditions and rheological properties using stephan mixer as conche in small‐scale chocolate processing

This study investigated the suitability of Stephan mixer for use as conche during small‐scale chocolate production in an attempt to reduce cost and processing time. Molten chocolate was processed using the Stephan mixer under different temperature and time combinations and Buhler Elk'Olino conche (as reference), and the flow properties (Casson plastic viscosity, Casson yield stress and thixotropy) were studied using a shear‐rate‐controlled rheometer. Optimum settings of 65 °C for 10 min at 443  g dry conching followed by 50 °C for 15 min at 443  g wet conching in the Stephan mixer resulted in similar flow properties as the reference sample. Increasing the blade rotary speed for both dry and wet conching resulted in a decrease in flow properties. The Stephan mixer proved to be suitable for conching small‐scale (approximately 1 kg) chocolate productions and could be explored as a fast and cost‐effective method for small‐scale chocolate conching processes.     

Oil Migration in 2-Component Confectionery Systems

ABSTRACT:  Oil migration from high oil content centers into chocolate coatings results in product quality changes. The objective of this study was to monitor and model peanut oil migration in 2-layer systems of increasing phase complexity. Three 2-layer systems were prepared: peanut oil/cocoa butter; peanut butter paste/cocoa butter; and peanut butter paste/chocolate. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure liquid oil signal as a function of position over a storage time of 193 days at 25 °C. The 3 types of samples exhibited appreciably different patterns of oil migration. The peanut oil/cocoa butter samples had mass transfer typical of oil being absorbed into a liquid/solid region. The peanut butter paste/cocoa butter magnetic resonance profiles were characterized by mass transfer with a partition coefficient greater than unity. The peanut butter paste/chocolate samples exhibited a time-dependent peanut oil concentration at the interface between the chocolate and peanut butter paste. The spatial and temporal experimental data of the peanut butter paste/chocolate samples were modeled using a Fickian diffusion model, fitting for the effective diffusivity. Values of the diffusivity for the 6 chocolate formulations ranged from 1.10 to 2.01 × 10⁻¹³ m²/s, with no statistically significant differences.     

The application of Borneo tallow in dark chocolate shell

Dark chocolate shells, formulated using cocoa butter (CB shell), and fat blends containing 15% Borneo tallow (IP) in cocoa butter (CBIP shell), were filled with truffles formulated using white chocolate (W truffle), milk chocolate (M truffle) and dark chocolate (D truffle). Anhydrous milk fat (AMF) content of the W truffles, M truffle and D truffle were 26·3%, 13·7% and 9·2%, respectively. Degree of tempering was determined using a tempermeter. The chocolates were kept at ambient temperature (25·5±0·5°C) for 3 months. Physical changes of chocolate shells and centres were monitored using DSC and a texture analyser. Results showed that the CBIP shell had to be tempered at 32·5%, ie 1°C higher than the normal CB shell. Physical measurements indicated the occurrence of fat migration. The presence of IP reduced the effect and increased the bloom resistance of the chocolate. © 1998 SCI.     

Effect of α‐tocopherol and α‐tocotrienol on the performance of Chilean hazelnut oil (Gevuina avellana Mol) at high temperature

The high temperature antioxidant efficiency of α‐tocopherol, α‐tocotrienol and a mixture of both on hazelnut oil were evaluated. Crude hazelnut oil (HZO), crude hazelnut oil treated with alumina (THZO), as well as three samples of THZO to which 150 mg kg^?1 of α‐tocopherol, 140 mg kg^?1 of α‐tocotrienol or a mixture containing 70 mg kg^?1 of α‐tocopherol and 70 mg kg^?1 of α‐tocotrienol, were added and submitted to thermal treatment at 180°C for 18 h. The addition of tocols to THZO decreased the formation of polar compounds and increased its oxidative stability in all the systems studied. However, α‐tocopherol showed a higher antioxidant capacity than α‐tocotrienol at high temperature. In addition, α‐tocotrienol showed a more rapid degradation rate than α‐tocopherol under the conditions studied. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

In vitro availability of starch in heat‐treated potatoes as related to genotype,weight and storage time

The objective of the study was to determine the influence of potato variety, weight and storage time after lifting on the glycaemic index (GI) and resistant starch (RS) content predicted from measurement of the rate and extent of in vitro starch hydrolysis, respectively. The potatoes were either boiled, or boiled and subjected to different heat‐cycling conditions selected to promote retrogradation of amylose or amylopectin, respectively. The hydrolysis indices (HI) and predicted GIs of all 19 potato products were high and fell within narrow ranges of 122–144 and 118–138, respectively. No correlation between average weight of the potato tuber and HI was found. Furthermore, there was no difference in HI between potatoes stored for 1–3 or 8–10 months, nor between varieties of new potato and winter potato. However, the HI was significantly lowered by temperature cycling at conditions known to promote retrogradation of amylopectin (6 °C, 48 h) compared with 6 °C for 24 h followed by 70 °C for 24 h. RS content was already substantial in boiled potatoes, 4.5 g 100 g^?1 (starch basis), and could be increased further by temperature cycling, the highest yield obtained, 9.8 g 100 g^?1 (starch basis), following heat treatment at 6 °C for 24 h followed by 70 °C for 24 h; that is at conditions known to favour amylose retrogradation. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Tempering of Chocolate in a Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger

Crystallization of dark chocolate during different tempering processes has been studied in-situ in a lab-scale Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger. The linear relationship between torque and viscosity made possible the control of chocolate crystallization during tempering by following torque variations vs. time and converting them to equivalent viscosity values. These variations of equivalent viscosity of chocolate observed during tempering were correlated with temper-meter measurements which had been related to the content of cocoa butter seeding crystals. A temperature cycle (50-26.1-30.5-33.3°C) enabled preparation of a well-tempered chocolate stable for ≥30 min at that temperature. It was characterized by a seed crystals content of about 1.15 ± 0.1% of cocoa butter, crystallization temperature of 23.9 ± 0.2°C in the temper-meter and an equivalent viscosity of 3.0 ± 0.4 Pa.s.     

The influence of formulation and cooling rate on the rheological properties of chocolate

Rheological properties of chocolate play a relevant role either in process design or texture definition. Nevertheless, only flow properties of molten product or mechanical properties of samples cooled at fixed temperature (usually 20 °C) are measured, whilst testing conditions close to the industrial applications (temperature close to 30 °C) are less common to be used. In this work, chocolate samples (cooled at 1 and 5 °C min⁻¹) were characterised at 30 °C by using small-amplitude oscillations and low-stress creep tests, aiming at establishing how material properties are related to the chocolate microstructure. The effects of either 3 anhydrous milk fats (AMF), having different melting points, or sugar particle size were evaluated. It was found that addition of AMFs, owing to their solid content, can yield an increase in consistency; however, this effect is less relevant when coarse sugar is used, because of the broader particle size distribution, and it depends on the thermal history because of the different fat crystallisation time. Finally, creep tests resulted to be very sensitive in detecting changes in chocolate rheological properties.     

Discrimination of chocolates and packaging materials by an electronic nose

Aroma analyses were carried out with the AromaScan using the multisampler technique and an array of 32 different polymer sensors. Optimum measurement parameters for the olfactory analysis of different kinds of chocolate and packaging materials printed with odorless and total odorless colors were developed. The discrimination of milk and plain chocolate was carried out at a temperature of 60vv°C, the same temperature was needed for the discrimination of the four different milk chocolates. The fingerprints of the four milk chocolates were identical but they differed in intensity. The optimum temperature for the discrimination of the packaging materials was 120vv°C. The transmission of volatile compounds from the packaging materials into the chocolate is also a subject of this article and can be established at a temperature of 120vv°C. A clear discrimination between the chocolates stored with odorless and total odorless colored packaging material is possible.     

Testing the influence of various conditions on the migration of epoxidised soybean oil from polyvinylchloride gaskets

Epoxidised soybean oil (ESBO) is widely used as a plasticiser and stabiliser mainly in food contact materials on the base of polyvinylchloride (PVC), especially in the gaskets of jar lids. PVC gaskets containing 10–37% of ESBO were prepared by the baking of PVC plastisols at various process temperatures (180–240°C) in the laboratory. ESBO migration into olive oil and 3% acetic acid was studied at various temperatures (4°C, 25°C, 40°C and 60°C) during a storage time up to 12 months. ESBO released into food simulants was transmethylated, derivatised and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The effect of food processing, i.e. pasteurisation (80°C and 100°C) and sterilisation (125°C) on ESBO migration was also evaluated. The results were critically assessed with respect to the test conditions of specific migration in accordance with the current European Union legislation (Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011). The levels of ESBO migration found confirmed that the test conditions (i.e. 40°C or 60°C, 10 days) representing contact in the worst foreseeable use scenario seem to be insufficient for the simulation of ESBO migration during long-term storage and thus do not provide satisfactory objective results.