Oleogelation of rapeseed oil with cellulose fibers as an innovative strategy for palm oil substitution in chocolate spreads

The texturing properties of mercerized cellulose dispersed in rapeseed oil without any prior thermal treatment were investigated as a function of botanical origin, cellulose content, mass fraction and fiber size through a molecular analysis of samples, macroscopic/microscopic observations and rheological experiments (continuous and oscillatory shear flows). A solid-like behavior of dispersions was demonstrated for a minimum cellulose content of about 60wt% in the vegetal powder. The oleogelation efficiency increases with the mass fraction of powder in oil and the maximum size of cellulose fibers as a result of weak attractive interactions and fiber entanglement giving rise to a network entrapping the liquid phase. An innovative strategy using a 30wt% dispersion of bamboo fibers in rapeseed oil was finally used to produce in a conch a chocolate spread with a high thermal stability at 38 degrees C and healthier nutritional qualities compared to an equivalent product prepared with palm oil.