Application of mucilage-based functional and clean-label food ingredients as vegan fat replacers in different food products

Abstract

The increasing demand for vegan and clean-label food products has prompted the exploration of natural and sustainable ingredients to replace animal-based fats. Mucilage, a hydrocolloid derived from various plant sources, has emerged as a promising alternative due to its unique physicochemical properties, including high water holding capacity, emulsification, and gelation abilities. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of mucilage-based functional ingredients as vegan fat replacers in diverse food applications. The extraction, characterization, and functionalization of botanical mucilage show that it can mirror the sensory and textural properties of conventional fats. It also examines the impact of mucilage incorporation on the nutritional profile, consumer acceptance, quality, and regulatory considerations, including bakery, dairy, and meat products. Ultimately, mucilage-based fat replacers could provide a viable solution for reducing fat content in high fat containing food products; however, further research is needed to optimize its functionality and explore its bioavailability in the human body.