Importance of emulsifiers in chocolate industry: Effect on structure, machinability, and quality of intermediate and final products

Many parameters are effective in obtaining optimum rheological and sensory properties in chocolate. Lecithin, ammonium phosphatides (AMP), and less commonly glycerol monopalmitate (GMP) are typically used as emulsifiers to achieve the desired viscosity in chocolate. In addition to these emulsifiers, polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is used as a complement to regulate the yield value in chocolate. In this review, the properties of these additives, their interactions with each other, and the mechanism of their structural improvement functions in chocolate production are discussed. Depending on the type and amount of emulsifier, adjustments can be made to the flow behavior of molten chocolate, textural, melting character, tempering and tempering index, color and other properties of the chocolate. In addition to the use of emulsifiers, other parameters such as particle size distribution, moisture and fat content should also be taken into account, which can affect all these quality parameters. In this regard, the correct selection of the type of emulsifiers used in chocolate production and their combined usage rates will ensure that the demands of producers and consumers are met.