Gelled double emulsions as delivery systems for hydroxytyrosol and n-3 fatty acids in healthy pork patties

Structuring of double emulsion offers the possibility to obtain a system with similar consistency to animal fat which is an interesting approach to improve the fat content of meat products. This article examines the suitability of gelled double emulsions (GDE) for use as a delivery system for n-3 PUFAs and hydroxytyrosol (Hxt) in pork patties. Effect of partial (MF/GDE sample) and total (LF/GDE) replacement of pork backfat with GDE with perilla oil (PO) as lipid phase and Hxt (in W1) on pork patty composition and properties was evaluated. Compared with the control sample (NF/CS), the products with PO contained less SFAs and higher proportions of LNA and ALA, and this difference augmented with the level of GDE. Addition of GDE increased Kramer shear force of cooked patties as the higher percentage of fat replaced was used. Oxidative stability of patties can be interpreted in terms of composition and structural factors, especially in relation with the use of GDE as a fat replacer. Products showed oxidation values greater than 1 after 3 days of refrigeration. NF/GDE and MF/GDE, with similar scores, were the most acceptable for the panellists. This technology is suitable for labelling meat products with nutritional and health claims.