PLANT BASED SEMI-SOLID OIL-IN-WATER EMULSIFIED FOOD COMPOSITION COMPRISING CELLULOSE MICROFIBRILS

The present invention relates to a semi-solid oil-in-water emulsion comprising from 3 to 65 wt% of vegetable oil, a process to prepare such a composition and the use of cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) as thickening system in oil-in-water emulsified food compositions comprising vegetable oils in an amount of from 3 to 65 wt%.

Background

Semi-solid oil-in-water emulsified food compositions are well-known, for example as mayonnaise, mayonnaise-like alternatives and sandwich spreads. A traditional mayonnaise composition comprises a high amount of oil, for example about 75 wt% up to even 85 wt%. The oil is present in small droplets in a continuous water phase. The presence of an emulsifier, traditionally egg yolk, prevents the oil droplets from coalescing and consequently phase-separation of the oil and water phases. A traditional mayonnaise is a semi-solid product. Its viscosity originates from the very dense packing of the oil droplets.

Consumers demand products, including mayonnaise-like products, with a lower oil level, for example for health considerations. The industry is interested in products with a lower oil content for reasons of costs and sustainable use of natural resources. Because of the important role of a high oil content with regard to the consistency, it is technically challenging to reduce the oil content, while maintaining the appearance and experience of a “full-fat” equivalent mayonnaise (e.g. 78% oil) that the consumer associates with ‘traditional mayonnaise’. For example, with a reduction in oil, the viscosity of the emulsion will drop, quickly resulting in the product becoming liquid.

To compensate for the reduction in viscosity, oil-in-water emulsions, such as mayonnaise-like products with a lower oil level, for example branded as ‘light products’, normally comprise chemically modified starches, often in combination with gums. In such products wherein a dense packing of oil droplets cannot provide anymore for the required semi-solid texture, the chemically modified starch provides a matrix in the continuous water phase, wherein the oil droplets are trapped, this manner mimicking the texture of the full-fat equivalent such as traditional mayonnaise (e.g. 78% oil).

A complication is that the use of chemically modified starches has for some groups of consumers a negative connotation, and is considered ‘artificial’, ‘chemical’ or even ‘damaging our health’.

US 2005/089621 A discloses an edible emulsion with insoluble fiber thickener and a viscositybuilding emulsifier. The edible emulsion is suitable for use as a base for making reduced oil food products.

US 2007/172572 A discloses an edible emulsion with insoluble fiber and a dairy base. The edible emulsion is suitable for use as a base for making reduced oil food products.

US 2009/148585 A discloses an edible emulsion with insoluble fiber. The edible emulsion is suitable for use as a base for making reduced oil food products. The reduced oil food products made with the edible emulsion having insoluble fiber have consumer acceptable viscosities and texture and sensorial properties consistent with full fat food products.

WO 2021/069205 A discloses a food composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion comprising water, a first acidulant selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, benzoic acid, acetic acid, sorbic acid and mixtures thereof, structurant, selected from the group consisting of starch, flour, gum, fiber and mixtures thereof, 5 to 60 wt percent of vegetable oil, non-soy plant protein having an average particle size of below 100 micrometers, and a second acidulant, having a pKa of 3.2 or lower, wherein the weight ratio between plant protein and vegetable oil is greater than or equal to 0.3, and wherein the pH of the composition is of between 2.5 and 4.5.

US 2016/295875 A discloses a method for preparation of a reduced-oil oil-in-water emulsion. The method requires a heating step of a dispersion of cellulosic fibers before being mixed with other ingredients of the emulsion. Either the dispersion of cellulosic fibres is homogenised in a high pressure homogeniser at relatively high pressure, or the final emulsion containing the dispersion of cellulosic fibres is homogenised in a high pressure homogeniser at relatively high pressure.

Consumers furthermore increasingly appreciate products that do not rely on ingredients derived from animals, such as dairy and eggs. ‘Vegan’ products form a significantly growing segment in the food industry. The use of plant-based ingredients to replace their animal- derived alternative, e.g. plant based emulsifiers, is however not without complications, as the physical dynamics in for example an emulsified food composition depend on a subtle balance of all ingredients, to provide the emulsion stability (no separation of oil and water layer). This is for example because the emulsifying properties of plant-derived emulsifiers when used in a low-oil environment show a different behavior than the traditional egg yolk. It is therefore a significant challenge to provide a low oil oil-in-water emulsified semi-solid food composition based on botanical ingredients that resembles as much as possible a full-fat equivalent composition based on animal ingredients, in particular regarding texture.

WO2019/048715A2 discloses the use of “expanded pectin-containing biomass composition”, a source of cellulose microfibrils (CMFs), as a stabilizer for salad dressings and mayonnaise. The document shows the use of the expanded pectin-containing biomass composition in pourable (liquid-like) formulations such as salad dressings that are emulsifier-free or dairy and/or egg-based.

There remains a continuous need for improved semi-solid low/mid oil oil-in-water emulsion and methods to manufacture them.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, the technical challenge therefore was to provide a spreadable (semi-solid) oil-in- water emulsified food product with a relatively low oil level, e.g. from 3 to 65 wt%, while providing the appearance and experience, for example with regard to texture, viscosity and mouthfeel as close as possible to traditional high-oil mayonnaise. A stable composition is desired that is a semi-solid at room temperature, as known from a conventional high oil (78% oil) mayonnaise composition or from conventional low oil (<65% oil) mayonnaise or savoury spreads stabilized with chemically modified non-emulsifying starch. The composition is therefore semi-solid, the composition is not liquid at room temperature. The system of the invention preferably allows for greater control of syneresis and texture.

Surprisingly, this challenge was met, at least in part, by a product according to the first aspect of the present invention. In a first aspect, the invention relates to a food composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, comprising:

• 3 to 65 wt% of vegetable oil,

• botanical emulsifier,

• 0.1 to 6 wt% of cellulose microfibrils, wherein the average degree of crystallinity of the cellulose is below 50%, or wherein the cellulose microfibrils are bacterial cellulose microfibrils, wherein the composition is free from chemically modified, non-emulsifying starch, wherein the food composition has a composition homogeneity parameter (CHP) of at least 0.03.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to process to manufacture an oil in water emulsified food composition comprising:

• A water phase comprising water and cellulose microfibrils,

• botanical emulsifier,

• An oil phase,

The process comprising the steps of: a) Providing a water phase comprising:

• Water,

• from 0.1 to 6 w%, based on the weight of the resulting food composition, of cellulose microfibrils, wherein the average degree of crystallinity of the cellulose is below 50%, or wherein the cellulose microfibrils are bacterial cellulose microfibrils, b) adding a botanical emulsifier, c) combining an oil phase comprising vegetable oil with the water phase, d) Dispersing the cellulose microfibrils, e) Homogenizing the water phase, the emulsifier and the oil phase, to result in an oil-in-water emulsified food composition according to the invention, having a CHP of at least 0.03.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of from 0.1 to 6 wt% of cellulose microfibrils , wherein the average degree of crystallinity of the cellulose is below 50%, or wherein the cellulose microfibrils are bacterial cellulose microfibrils, to provide a Stevens consistency of from 80 to 400 gram to an oil-in-water emulsified food composition comprising from 3 to 65 wt% of vegetable oil and a botanical emulsifier, and wherein the oil in water emulsion is free from chemically modified non-emulsifying starch and wherein the composition has a CHP of more than 0.03.

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to the use of from 0.1 to 6 wt% of cellulose microfibrils, wherein the average degree of crystallinity of the cellulose is below 50%, or wherein the cellulose microfibrils are bacterial cellulose microfibrils, to improve the mouthfeel, preferably to reduce sticky or slimy mouthfeel, in an oil-in-water emulsified food composition comprising from 3 to 65 wt% of vegetable oil and a botanical emulsifier, and wherein the oil in water emulsion is free from chemically modified non-emulsifying starch and wherein the composition has a CHP of more than 0.03 and wherein the composition further comprises an additional hydrocolloid next to the cellulose microfibrils.

Detailed description of the invention

All percentages, unless otherwise stated, refer to the percentage by weight (wt%). “Weight ratio” means that the concentration (wt%) of a first (class of) compound(s) is divided by the concentration (wt%) of a second (class of) compound(s) and multiplied by 100 in order to arrive at a percentage.

Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts or ratios of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about”.

Features described in the context of one aspect of the invention can be applied in another aspect of the invention. Emulsion

The composition of the first aspect of the invention is in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion and the process of the second aspect of the invention results in an oil-in-water emulsified food composition. Examples of oil-in-water emulsions encompassed by the present invention include semi-solid emulsified sauces, such as mayonnaise, and mayonnaise-like emulsions, hummus, ljutenica, ajvar, aioli. Other semi-solid oil-in-water emulsified food composition include food concentrates in emulsified form which upon dilution with water (or aqueous products e.g. fruit or vegetable juices, vinegar, wine, etc.) give soups, sauces, or liquid dressings that can be in emulsified form. Preferably, the food composition is a mayonnaise or a mayonnaise-like product, such as a low-oil mayonnaise or egg-less mayonnaise.

Mayonnaise is generally known as a thick, creamy sauce that can be used as a condiment with other foods. Mayonnaise is a stable water-continuous emulsion of typically vegetable oil, egg yolk and either vinegar or lemon juice. In many countries the term mayonnaise may only be used in case the emulsion conforms to the “standard of identity”, which defines the composition of a mayonnaise. For example, the standard of identity may define a minimum oil level, and a minimum egg yolk amount. However, in the present context, mayonnaise-like products having e.g. oil levels lower than defined in a standard of identity or not containing egg yolk are in the scope of the present invention. In the art, this kind of products may contain thickeners like starch to stabilise the aqueous phase. Mayonnaises and mayonnaise-like products may vary in colour, and are generally white, cream-coloured, or pale yellow. The texture may range from light creamy to thick. Generally, mayonnaise and mayonnaise-like products are semi-solid. Mayonnaises in the context of the present invention do not necessarily need to conform to a standard of identity in any country.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a new low-oil emulsified food composition wherein texture is provided with a new texturing system, not relying on chemically modified starch, while providing a semi-solid, non-liquid (not pourable), consistency. The mouthfeel and taste are preferably as close as possible to a full fat (78 wt%) equivalent emulsion without the present texturing system.

Oil The oil-in-water emulsified food composition according to the invention is preferably a plantbased composition suitable for consumers that appreciate vegan products. Accordingly, the composition comprises vegetable oil. Vegetable oil is preferably present in an amount of from 3 to 65 wt%, preferably 10 to 60 wt%, preferably of from 15 to 55 wt%, even more preferably of from 20 to 50 wt%, based on the weight of the food composition. Animal derived fat, such as milkfat or butter is preferably absent from the composition.

Vegetable oil is known in the art, and includes oils derived from e.g. plants, such as from for example nuts or seeds from plants. In the context of this invention, ‘vegetable oil’ also includes oil from algae. Preferred oils for use in the context of this invention are vegetable oils which are liquid at 20 °C, preferably, which are liquid at 5°C. Preferably the oil comprises an oil selected from the group consisting of sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil, soybean oil, and combinations of these oils. Most preferred, the oil is soybean oil or rapeseed oil.

Water

The composition of the invention comprises water. The total amount of water in the composition is preferably of from 35 to 96 wt%, preferably of from 45 to 90 wt%, based on the weight of the composition. “Total amount of water” includes water originating from watercontaining ingredients.

Emulsifier

The composition of the invention is an oil-in-water emulsion. It comprises an oil-in-water emulsifier. The emulsifier is preferably present in an amount of from 0.1 to 15 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 12 wt%, even more preferably of from 0.3 to 5 wt%, based on the weight of the oil-in- water emulsion. The emulsifier serves to stably disperse oil droplets in the continuous aqueous phase of an oil-in-water emulsion.

The composition of the invention is preferably free from egg-derived emulsifier, and preferably free from dairy protein. The oil-in-water emulsifier is botanical, i.e. from plant or algae origin, and may be used native or modified. In this way a vegan oil-in-water emulsion can be created without ingredients from animal origin. It may be preferred, that the oil-in-water emulsifier comprises starch sodium octenyl succinate (OSA modified starch) (European food additive E1450), preferably in an amount of from 0.3 to 5 wt%. This emulsifier is available commercially as for example N-creamer 46, ex Ingredion Inc. (Westchester, IL, USA).

The emulsifier is preferably a plant-derived emulsifier, such as preferably a plant protein. Preferably plant protein is present in the composition in an amount of from 0.3 to 5 wt%, based on the weight of the composition. Preferably, the amount of plant protein is of between 0.5 and 2.5 wt%, preferably of between 0.7 and 1.5 wt%, based on the weight of the composition. An amount for example may be preferred of more than 0.5 wt%. An amount may be preferred of less than 1.1 wt%, based on the weight of the composition.

The plant protein is preferably selected from the group consisting of pulse protein, oil seed protein, potato protein and mixtures thereof. Preferably the plant protein is pulse or potato protein. Pulse is the family of Fabaceae.

Pulse protein is preferably selected from the group consisting of pea protein, lentil protein, chickpea protein, lupin protein, faba bean protein, soy protein and mixtures thereof. It can however be preferred that the composition does not comprise soy protein. More preferably, pulse protein is selected from the group consisting of pea protein, chickpea protein, lentil protein, soy protein and mixtures thereof. Even more preferably pulse protein is selected from the group consisting of pea protein, chickpea protein and mixtures thereof. Most preferred, the pulse protein is pea protein (pisum sativum). Pulse protein is preferably present in a total amount of from 0.01 to 2 wt%, more preferably in an amount of from 0.03 to 1.5 wt%, based on the weight of the oil in water emulsion.

Oil seed protein is preferably selected from the group consisting of rape seed protein, canola protein, sunflower protein, and mixtures thereof, preferably is rape seed protein.

Preferably, the food composition comprises a botanical emulsifier that is protein derived from one of the group consisting of soybeans, corn, pea, chickpea, canola, sunflower, sorghum, rice, faba, amaranth, potato, tapioca, arrowroot, canna, lupin, rape, wheat, oats, rye, barley, soy, potato, mung, algae, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the emulsifier is plant protein and selected from the group consisting of potato protein, pea protein, chickpea protein, faba bean protein, sunflower protein, soy protein and mixtures thereof. The composition preferably may comprise a source of such protein and the protein may be added in the form of source of protein, such as a protein isolate, protein hydrolysate, protein concentrate, extract (like aquafaba), flour and combinations thereof.

More preferably, the emulsifier is selected from the group consisting of potato protein, algae protein, pulse proteins, OSA starch and mixtures thereof. Proteinaceous emulsifier such as algae protein and pulse protein, are preferably present in a total amount of from 0.01 to 2 wt%, more preferably in an amount of from 0.03 to 1.5 wt%, based on the weight of the oil in water emulsion. Even more preferably, the emulsifier is selected from the group consisting of pea protein, chickpea protein, lentil protein, and mixtures thereof.

Cellulose microfibrils

The composition of the invention comprises cellulose microfibrils. Cellulose microfibrils is a term known in the art (e.g. Chinga-Carrasco, Nanoscale Research Letters, 2011, 6:417), and are different from cellulose fibers, such as for example present in wood, which consist of linear assemblies of cellulose microfibrils and have diameter of several micrometers. Cellulose microfibrils are not chemically modified. The cellulose microfibrils are insoluble in water. They are preferably not oxidized.

It was found in the present invention, that the beneficial effects in plant-based semi-solid low oil emulsified food compositions of the invention rely on the specific amount of cellulose microfibril and their ultra-fine distribution level in the composition reflected in the composition homogeneity parameter (CHP). In this regard, the composition according to the invention comprises 0.1 to 6 wt-% of cellulose microfibrils (dry wt. fibrils on wt. of composition). Preferably, the amount of cellulose microfibrils in the composition according to the invention is from 0.1 to 4 wt%, more preferably from 0.3 to 2.5 wt%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 2.0 wt% and even more preferably from 0.7 to 1.5 wt%. The amount of CMF in the water phase of the composition is preferably of from 0.3 to 3 wt%, preferably of from 0.5 to 2.5 wt% and most preferably of from 1 to 2 wt%, based on the weight of the water phase. The cellulose microfibrils are typically present in the composition in the form of single fibrils or as aggregates with a cross section of a few tens of nanometres to a few hundreds of nanometers. Cellulose microfibrils are preferably present in aggregates, preferably at least 80 wt% of the CMF is present in the form of aggregates. The aggregates have preferably a cross section of from 3 to 100 nanometer, preferably of from 3 to 50 nanometers. This is measured over its longest diameter, as can be seen for example by electron microscopy, as known in the art.

Preferably, the average length of the cellulose microfibrils is more than 1 micrometer and preferably more than 5 micrometers. Preferably, at least 80 wt% of the microfibrils is smaller than 50 nm in diameter. Preferably at least 80 wt% of the microfibrils is smaller than 40 nm in diameter, more preferably smaller than 30 nm, even more preferably smaller than 20 nm and still more preferably smaller than 10 nm. The average microfibril length and diameter can be suitably determined using the methods such as transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy, as known in the art.

The cellulose microfibrils in the present invention are cellulose microfibrils with an average degree of crystallinity of below 50%. Depending on the source of the microfibrils, the cellulose in the microfibrils in the compositions of the present invention have a different degree of crystallinity. Preferably the average degree of crystallinity of the cellulose in the microfibrils is less than 40%, more preferably less than 35% and even more preferably less than 30%. The table below shows the average degree of crystallinity of typical sources of cellulose microfibrils.

Table 1 : Average degree of crystallinity of cellulose (all polymorph cellulose I)

The average degree of crystallinity can be suitably determined according to the method described in the method section below.

Sources of cellulose microfibrils

The composition of the present invention preferably comprises sources of cellulose microfibrils such as insoluble dietary fibres (these are preferably derived from plants where the main component is cellulose; Dhingra D, Michael M, Rajput H, Patil RT. Dietary fibre in foods: a review. J Food Sci Technol. 2012;49(3):255-266. doi:10.1007/s13197-011-0365-5), fruit and vegetable purees or pastes, algae, or bacterial cellulose. The source of cellulose microfibrils can be sourced from commercial suppliers, e.g. Herbafood, CP Kelco citrus fibre or prepared as known to the artisan.

Preferably, the cellulose microfibrils are cellulose microfibrils derived from the primary cell wall material of plants. Primary cell wall material are the strongly self-associated fibrous structures typically found in plant cell walls. In the native plant tissue, they are conventionally present in the form of aggregates with a cross section of a few tens of nanometres to a few hundreds of nanometers. These aggregates essentially consist of the elementary microfibrils. These primary cell wall material cellulose microfibrils are well-known. A typical primary cell wall material cellulose microfibril generally comprises about 36 aligned beta-1 -4-glucose polymer chains.

The cellulose microfibrils are typically plant parenchymal microfibrils that are suitably obtained from the primary cell wall material prepared from the parenchyma of plants. Even more preferably, the cellulose microfibrils are plant parenchymal cellulose microfibrils. Plant parenchymal tissue typically has a degree of crystallinity of less than 50 wt%.

The source of the plant parenchyma cells may be any plant that contains plant parenchyma cells having a cellulose skeleton. A plant cell wall typically contains cellulose and hemicellulose, pectin and in many cases lignin. This contrasts with the cell walls of fungi (which are made of chitin), and of bacteria, which are made of peptidoglycan. In the present invention, the composition comprises edible cellulose microfibrils. The cellulose microfibrils are preferably derived from parenchymal tissue. They are for example not wood derived cellulose fibers. Accordingly, the cellulose microfibrils used in the composition according to the invention therefore typically have a lignin content that is less than 10 wt% calculated on total amount of microfibrils, respectively, but preferably less than 2%, and most preferably consist essentially of non-lignified tissue, as understood by the skilled person in the area of plant biology.

Preferably the cellulose microfibrils are selected from the group consisting of cellulose microfibrils from fruits, roots, bulbs, tubers, seeds, leaves and combinations thereof; more preferably are selected from the group consisting of cellulose microfibrils from citrus fruit, tomato fruit, peach fruit, pumpkin fruit, kiwi fruit, apple fruit, mango fruit, sugar beet, beet root, turnip, parsnip, maize, oat, wheat, peas and combinations thereof; and even more preferably are selected from the group consisting of cellulose microfibrils from citrus fruit, tomato fruit, mango fruit, and combinations thereof. Most preferably the cellulose microfibrils are citrus cellulose microfibrils. To obtain cellulose microfibrils, plant primary cell wall material may optionally have undergone several pre-treatment steps, as known in the art. Such pre-treatments include but are not limited to heating, cooking, washing, refining and depectinating.

As known in the art, cellulose microfibrils are suitably obtained from the plant cell wall material by removing soluble and unbound sugars, protein, polysaccharides, oils, waxes and phytochemicals (e.g. carotenoids, lycopene). This is suitably achieved using well known techniques including cutting up the cell wall material, cooking, washing, centrifugation, decanting and drying as is well-known to the skilled person.

Plant cell walls, especially in parenchymal tissue, contain hemicelluloses and pectin in addition to cellulose. Thus, the source of cellulose microfibrils may typically comprise cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. The hemicellulose may be present for example in an amount of 0 to 40 wt%. Preferably the cellulose microfibrils comprise hemicelluloses, preferably in an amount of up to 40 wt%, like for example from 5 to 40 wt%, and more preferably in an amount from 10 to 30 wt%.

CHP

The cellulose microfibrils are dispersed in the composition of the invention. The degree of homogeneity of dispersion in the composition of the present invention provides the surprising properties to the product. The degree of dispersion of the cellulose microfibrils in the composition of the invention is expressed as the composition homogeneity parameter (CHP). Accordingly, the composition of the present invention has a CHP of at least 0.03. The emulsified food composition preferably has a composition homogeneity parameter CHP of at least 0.04 and still more preferably at least 0.05. Preferably, the emulsified food composition has a CHP of at most 0.20, more preferably at most 0.15, and even more preferably at most 0.10. The CHP is preferably from 0.03 to 0.20, more preferably from 0.04 to 0.15 and most preferably from 0.05 to 0.10.

Additional hydrocolloid

It may be preferred, that the composition of the present invention comprises at least one additional hydrocolloid (/.e. in addition to the cellulose microfibrils). The composition however does not contain as additional hydrocolloid chemically modified, non-emulsifying starch. OSA modified starch can be used as emulsifier. The composition is preferably free from chemically modified starch not being OSA modified starch. The further hydrocolloid is not required to obtain the desired consistency. It may be considered beneficial for example to reduce syneresis of water from the product upon longer term storage of the product.

The further hydrocolloid, i.e. besides the cellulose microfibrils, preferably is selected from the group consisting of inulin, fructooligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, husks, brans such as preferably mustard bran, psyllium, polysaccharides, physically modified starch, native starch, polycarbophil, lignin, araomogaiactans, chytosans, oat fiber, soluble corn fiber, dextrin, dextran, locust bean gum, konjac gum, derivatives of locust bean gum, pectin, gums, gellan gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, pectin, carrageenan, cellulose gum, gum arabic, plant mucilage or mixtures thereof.

The further hydrocolloid is preferably selected from the group of native starch, physically modified starch, xanthan gum, guar gum and plant mucilage. More preferably, the further hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of native starch, physically modified starch guar gum, xanthan gum and plant mucilage. Even more preferably, the additional hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of non-modified starch (i.e. native starch), physically modified starch, xanthan gum and guar gum.

As an advantage of the present invention, it was observed that the organoleptic (mouthfeel) problems as observed in low-oil, plant-based oil-in water emulsions that use hydrocolloid but wherein the cellulose microfibers are not present, were not present anymore (i.e. such mouthfeel problems were not present in the case that the further hydrocolloid is present and they were not present in the case the further hydrocolloid is not present). It was found in the context of the invention, that the negative attribute of starch, such as a slimy or sticky mouthfeel, is avoided by the presence of the cellulose microfibrils in the present invention. Further, low-oil oil in water emulsified compositions of the prior art that use native starch, e.g. as texturiser, show significant syneresis, whereas in the present context wherein CMFs are present and a CH P of more than 0.03 in the composition, native starch can be used as to reduce syneresis. The sticky or slimy mouthfeel associated with physically modified starch or gums, such as xanthan or guar gum, in the art, is not observed in the context where the cellulose microfibrils are used.

It was found that with the combination of cellulose microfibril and a second hydrocolloid such as preferably native starch, physically modified starch, gum or mucilage, a low-oil (3-65 wt%) emulsified composition could be obtained that showed a consistency that resembled that of full fat (e.g. 78wt% oil) emulsions, in terms of color (white or off-white like in mayonnaise), and mouthfeel (it didn’t have a grainy or sticky mouthfeel).

Accordingly, the composition may comprise preferably native starch or physically modified starch in an amount of from 0.1 to 10 wt%, preferably of from 1 to 5 wt%, more preferably of from 2 to 4 wt%, based on the weight of the water phase. The water phase includes all water- soluble components in the composition and the water. Native starch is starch that is not modified chemically or physically. Native starch or physically modified starch is preferably selected from the group consisting of corn starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, rice starch, wheat starch, pea starch and mixtures thereof. Preferably the non-modified starch or physically modified starch is corn starch, potato starch, wheat starch, or rice starch. Even more preferably the non-modified starch or physically modified starch Preferably the starch is waxy corn starch, waxy wheat starch, waxy potato starch, or waxy rice starch, most preferably the non-modified starch or physically modified starch is waxy corn or waxy rice starch. Native starch may preferably be added in the form of starch or flour.

The weight ratio of CMF to the total of native starch and physically modified starch in the present invention is preferably of from 1: 0.1 to 1: 50, preferably of from 1: 0.5 to 1 : 6, to provide the optimal texturing and syneresis-suppressing effect in low-oil plant-based emulsions according to the invention.

The ratio of the total of native starch and physically modified starch to oil is preferably of from 1 :1 to 1:500, preferably of from 1 :2 to 1 :100, even more preferably of from 1 :10 to 1 :70.

The composition may comprise a source of plant mucilage as second hydrocoloid. Plant mucilage is a thick, gluey substance produced by nearly all plants and some microorganisms. It is a polar glycoprotein and an exopolysaccharide. Mucilage in plants plays a role in the storage of water and food, seed germination, and thickening membranes. Sources of mucilage in the present invention are Aloe vera, Basella alba (Malabar spinach), Cactus, Chondrus crispus (Irish moss), Corchorus (jute plant), Dioscorea polystachya (nagaimo, Chinese yam), Drosera (sundews), Drosophyllum lusitanicum, Fenugreek, Flax seeds, Kelp, Liquorice root, Marshmallow, Mallow, Mullein, Mustard bran, Okra, Parthenium, Pinguicula (butterwort), Psyllium seed husks, Salvia hispanica (chia) seed, Talinum triangulare (waterleaf), Ulrnus rubra bark (slippery elm), Plantago major (greater plantain). Preferably the mucilage is mucilage selected from the group consisting of mustard- , chia-, and flax seeds.

Mucilage is preferably present in an amount of from 0 to 5 wt%, more preferably, if present, in an amount of from 0.2 to 5 wt%, even more preferably 0.6 to 3 wt%, most preferably in an amount of from 0.8 to 2 wt%, based on the weight of the composition.

The weight ratio of parenchymal CMF to plant mucilage in the present invention is preferably of from 1: 0.05 to 1: 20, preferably of from 1: 0.5 to 1: 5, to provide the optimal texturing and syneresis-suppressing effect in low-oil plant-based emulsions according to the invention.

The composition of the invention may preferably contain gums. Gums are traditionally known to provide an undesired mouthfeel, like sliminess to emulsified food compositions of the invention. It was found in the context of the invention, that the negative attribute, slimy or sticky mouthfeel is avoided by the presence of the cellulose microfibrils. Gum may be present in an amount of from 0.1 to 5 wt%, preferably of from 0.2 to 3 wt%, based on the weight of the water phase. The composition may alternatively however also preferred to be free from gums.

It can be alternatively preferred that the composition of the invention is free from a further hydrocolloid, i.e. further than the cellulose microfibrils as used in the present invention. It may be preferred alternatively that native starch or physically modified starch is absent from the composition. It may be preferred that the composition is free from plant mucilage, native starch, physically modified starch, xanthan gum or guar gum. It maybe preferred that the composition is free from plant mucilage. It may be preferred, that the composition is free from one of the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan gum and mixtures thereof. It may be preferred that the composition is free from xanthan gum and guar gum. It may be preferred, that the composition is free form xanthan gum.

The composition is preferably free from other thickening compositions that may affect the visual, textural or organoleptic quality of the oil in water emulsified foo composition. The composition of the invention preferably resembles as much as possible a full-fat equivalent oil in water emulsified composition, preferably a mayonnaise. The composition comprises edible ingredients only. The composition therefore does preferably not contain wood pulp, wood fibers, or microcrystalline cellulose. The total hydrocolloid in the composition consists preferably of the sources of CMF and of the optional additional hydrocolloid selected from native starch, physically modified starch, plant mucilage, gum and mixtures thereof. Apart from the features vegetable oil, botanical emulsifier, CMF, salt, sugar, acidulant and the optional further hydrocolloid, it contains preferably no other non-mustard plant-derived ingredients. Mustard may be present in the composition of the invention. Tomato puree is an ingredient that is often used to provide texture to food compositions, but this is not a desired option in the oil in water emulsions of the invention, because of the impact on the color of compositions of the invention, especially on the color of preferred compositions that aim to resemble mayonnaise compositions. Tomato paste is preferably absent from the composition.

Acid and pH

The composition of the invention preferably has a pH ranging from 2.5 to 7.5, preferably ranging from 3.5 to 6.5, preferably ranging from 3.5 to 4.5.

Preferably the composition of the invention has a total titratable acidity ranging from 0.03% to 3% by weight expressed as acetic acid, preferably from 0.05% to 2% by weight, preferably from 0.1% to 1% by weight.

Accordingly, the composition of the invention preferably comprises acidulant. Acidulant is preferably selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, sorbic acid and mixtures thereof. The composition preferably comprises acetic acid. Acetic acid is preferably present in an amount of more than 50 wt%, more preferably more than 80 wt%, even more preferably more than 90 wt%, even more preferably more than 95 wt% based on the weight of the total amount of acid in the composition. The acetic acid may typically be added in the form of vinegar. Hence, the composition preferably comprises vinegar.

Other ingredients

It may be preferred, that the composition of the invention contains additionally other ingredients than already specifically mentioned in here. For example, it may be preferred, that the composition contains plant material in the form of herbs and/or spices. In case such ingredients are present in the composition, then generally their total concentration is at least 0.1% by weight, and preferably maximally 10% by weight, preferably maximally 5% by weight.

The composition of the invention may comprise sugar. High levels are not desired. Sugar may be present in an amount of from 0.1 to 15 wt%, preferably of from 0.3 to 12 wt%, even more preferably of from 0.4 to 10 wt%, most preferably of from 0.5 to 8 wt%, based on the weight of the composition.

Total alkaline metal salt, preferably sodium chloride, may be present in an amount of from 0.1 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.15 to 4 wt%, or more preferably of from 0.2 to 3 wt%, based on the weight of the composition.

The composition may comprise mustard, e.g. as a flavour compound. Mustard may be present for example in an amount of from 0.5 to 10 wt%, more preferably 1 to 9 wt%, even more preferably 2 to 8 wt%, even more preferably of from 3 to 7 wt%. Accordingly, it may be preferred that the food product of the invention comprises allyl isothiocyanate (AITC).

The composition of the invention is a semi-solid. Such is known typically from traditional mayonnaise compositions with high oil level (e.g. 78% oil). The rheological properties of the composition can be expressed in Stevens Value (in grams) and/or as elastic property. The Stevens Value (in grams), especially for mayonnaise and mayonnaise -like compositions, is preferably from 80 g to 400 g, preferably of from 80 g to 200 g, even more preferably 100 g to 200 g, or even 100 g to 150 g, as measured at 20 °C. This is preferably assessed some time, e.g. a week, or 2 weeks, after production, when products are stabilized and typically on the shelf. It is in particular in the area of higher consistency (80-400 grams Stevens), that the present invention shows it further advantage regarding syneresis reduction while maintaining a smooth, non-sticky mouthfeel, as in liquid compositions this problem is not present, as the skilled person understands. The composition of the invention therefore preferably has a Stevens consistency of between 80 g and 400 g, more preferably of between 100 g and 200 g, and even more preferably of between 100 g and 150 g, as measured at 20 °C.

Method of the invention

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a process to manufacture a composition according to the first aspect of the invention.

In particular, the invention relates in a further aspect to a process to manufacture an oil in water emulsified food composition comprising:

• A water phase comprising water and cellulose microfibrils,

• A botanical emulsifier,

• An oil phase,

The process comprising the steps of: a) Providing a water phase comprising:

• Water,

• from 0.1 to 6 w%, based on the weight of the resulting food composition, of cellulose microfibrils, wherein the average degree of crystallinity of the cellulose is below 50%, or wherein the cellulose microfibrils are bacterial cellulose microfibrils, b) adding a botanical emulsifier, c) combining an oil phase comprising vegetable oil with the water phase, d) Dispersing the cellulose microfibrils, e) Homogenizing the water phase, the emulsifier and the oil phase, to result in an oil-in-water-emulsified food composition according to the invention, having a CH P of above 0.03.

Step a

In step a) of the process of the invention a water phase is provided.

The water phase comprises water and, cellulose microfibrils. The water phase is preferably used in an amount of from 15 to 95 wt%, preferably in an amount of from 20 to 70 wt%, based on the weight of the resulting food composition. The cellulose microfibrils are added in an amount of from 0.1 to 6 w%, based on the weight of the resulting food composition. Preferably, they are added in an amount of from 0.2 to 8 wt%, preferably 0.5 to 3 wt%, based on the weight of the water phase in step a). As described above, the cellulose microfibrils are typically provided by a source of cellulose microfibrils. The source of CMF is preferably commercially available (e.g. cellulose rich dietary fibers from Herbafoods, CP Kelco), or by preparation of such a source, e.g. bacterial or primary cell wall material that is preferably derived from parenchyma of plants.

It may be preferred, that in step a) the process includes a homogenization step wherein water is mixed with a source of cellulose microfibrils. As the skilled person appreciates, the source of cellulose microfibrils is added in an amount to provide preferably 0.1 to 6 wt%, preferably from 0.1 to 4 wt%, more preferably from 0.3 to 2.5 wt%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 2.0 wt% and even more preferably from 0.7 to 1.5 wt% of cellulose microfibrils in the resulting food composition. It may be preferred, that the source of cellulose microfibrils is added in step a) in an amount to provide from 0.2 to 8 wt%, preferably 0.5 to 5 wt%, of cellulose microfibrils based on the weight of the water phase in step a).

Step b

The product resulting of the process of the invention is an oil-in-water emulsion, and therefore comprises a botanical oil-in-water emulsifier, i.e. derived from plant or algae, as known in the art.

The emulsifier can be added at several moments during preparation. The botanical emulsifier is preferably added during or before homogenization step e). The emulsifier may be added during step a). It may be added during or before, preferably before addition of the vegetable oil in step c). It can be preferred, that the botanical emulsifier is added to the water phase together with the cellulose microfibrils or just after the cellulose microfibrils are added to the water. It is preferred, that the botanical emulsifier is added to the water phase after addition of the cellulose microfibrils are added to the water, and before or during, preferably before, an optional homogenization of the water and the cellulose microfibrils in step a). In this situation, the emulsifier is mixed into the water phase essentially simultaneously with the cellulose microfibrils, preferably during a homogenization, in step a). Such an optional homogenization is typically carried out gently, low shear, e,g, with a conventional stirring device, and results in mixing of the ingredients in the water phase at step a).

The amount of botanical emulsifier used in the present invention is described above in the context of the composition. It is preferred, that the botanical emulsifier is added in an amount of from 0.1 to 15 wt% based on the weight of the resulting food composition.

It may be preferred to heat the water phase comprising water and cellulose microfibrils, before combination with the oil phase (before step c). Such heating may preferably be carried out before addition of the botanical emulsifier. In this manner a further optimization of the effects of the invention could be achieved. It is not essential though to use such a heating step, the CHP of higher than 0.03 as obtained in the composition of the invention provides the required texturing advantage. The production process is preferably efficient. If applied, heating is suitably carried out to a temperature of between 70 and 95 °C, preferably of between 75 and 90 °C, and most preferably of between 78 and 88 °C. Such a heating may preferably be carried out for a short moment, for example between 4 and 20 minutes, preferably 8 and 15 minutes. Higher temperatures are preferably combined with shorter time periods, as the skilled person will understand. Heating can be carried out before or after addition of the botanical emulsifier (step b). It may be preferred that there is no heating of the water phase. In particular, it maybe preferred that there is no heating step of the water phase comprising cellulose microfibrils wherein the water phase does not contain starch, preferably does not contain native starch or physically modified starch. As indicated later, it may be desired to include heating of the water phase after addition of native starch or physically modified starch. However, it maybe preferred that there is no heating step in the manufacturing process of the invention.

In step c) an oil phase is combined with the water phase. The oil phase comprises vegetable oil. The oil phase is combined with the water phase during or before the homogenization step e), preferably before the homogenization step e). Step d and e

In step d) of the process the cellulose microfibrils are dispersed. The cellulose microfibrils are dispersed in the water phase, where they perform their texturing effect at CHP of more than 0.03 in the oil in water emulsified composition. Dispersion of the fibrils is caried out to lead to the CHP of more than 0.03. Dispersion of the microfibrils can be carried out at different stages of the manufacturing process. It may be preferred, that step d) is carried out before step c), i.e. before oil is added, or simultaneously with step e), or both before step c) and during step e).

In case step d) is carried out simultaneously with step e), i.e. as one step, the dispersion of the cellulose microfibrils is carried out during the homogenization of the water phase, the emulsifier and the oil phase, to result in an emulsified food composition. Effectively, this allows to manufacture the composition by combining the ingredients (step a, b, c) and homogenize them, during which dispersion of the cellulose microfibrils takes place (step d), to result in an oil in water emulsified food composition with a CHP of more than 0.03. The homogenization in this context then is carried out to provide the CHP of the resulting food composition of more than 0.03. As discussed above, homogenization is preferably carried out to CHP of higher than 0.03, preferably of at least 0.04 and still more preferably of at least 0.05 in the resulting emulsified food composition of the invention. Preferably, the emulsified food composition has a CHP of at most 0.20, more preferably at most 0.15, and even more preferably at most 0.10. The CHP is preferably from 0.03 to 0.20, more preferably from 0.04 to 0.15 and most preferably from 0.05 to 0.10.

Achieving this level of CHP during homogenization is known in the art, and the obtained level of CHP can conveniently be assessed e.g. by the method as provided below. It can be preferred, especially in this context, that the homogenization involves high pressure of for example more than 700 bar, or even more than 900 bar, or several rounds of homogenization at a lower pressure. Such can be carried out for example in a microfluidizer, such as for example from Microfluidics, USA, or high-pressure homogenizer, such as e.g. a Panda Plus (GEA Niro Soavi, GEA Denmark). It may be preferred, a the source of cellulose microfibrils is used that is pre-homogenized, for example an aqueous dispersion of cellulose microfibrils is treated with relatively high shear, and dried, preferably in the presence of protective additive (this is for example described in WO2017019752A1). This allows for the use of lower shear during step e) as can be suitably achieved by a conventional rotor-stator mixing device, such as a colloid mill, as known in the art. Such pre-homogenized and dried source of cellulose fibrils are commercially available, e.g. from CP Kelco.

It may be preferred that dispersion step d) is carried out on the water phase comprising the CMFs, i.e. before combination with the oil phase, i.e. before step c).

As indicated above, it may be preferred, that an optional homogenization step is carried out on the water phase, e.g. resulting from step a), comprising water and the cellulose microfibrils, and possibly the emulsifier. It may be preferred, that the step of dispersing the cellulose microfibrils, step d),is carried out on the water phase resulting of step a). Step d) in this way preferably coincides with such homogenization step of the water phase (i.e. one homogenization/dispersion step before the addition of the oil). Indeed, preferably, step d) is carried out on the water phase of step a) before addition of the oil. It may be preferred that the botanical emulsifier is added before or during such dispersion of the cellulose microfibrils. Preferably, the step of dispersing the cellulose microfibrils, step d), is carried out on the water phase of step a) before addition of the oil phase and before addition of the botanical emulsifier. It may be preferred, that the step of dispersing the cellulose microfibrils, step d), is carried out on the water phase of step a) before addition of the oil phase, and after addition of the botanical emulsifier.

During the dispersion of the cellulose microfibrils in step d), i.e. before step c), (i.e. before oil is added), or simultaneously with step e), the cellulose microfibrils are preferably subjected to a pressure of more than 700 bar, preferably a pressure of between 700 and 2000 bar, more preferably a pressure of more than 900 bar and less than 1800 bar and most preferably of between 1000 and 1500 bar. If homogenization is carried out by two or even more passages, the pressure can be reduced, as the skilled person will appreciate. The homogenization is preferably carried out using a high-pressure homogenizer or microfluidizer, as known in the art.

It may be preferred in the present invention, that a further hydrocolloid, i.e. in addition to the cellulose microfibrils, is added, as indicated above. Such a further hydrocolloid may preferably be native or physically modified starch, plant mucilage or gum such as xanthan gum or guar gum. It is preferred to add the further hydrocolloid before or during, preferably before, homogenisation step e). It is preferred to add the further hydrocolloid before or during, preferably before, combination of the water phase and the oil phase, i.e. before or during, preferably before, step c). In this way, the further hydrocolloid is added to the water phase. As indicated above, under step a), it may be preferred, that the process comprises a homogenisation step of the water phase, before combining with the oil phase, coinciding with step d). The further hydrocolloid is preferably added before such homogenisation step of the water phase, thereby undergoing the optional homogenisation of the water phase if carried out. It may however also be preferred to add the further hydrocolloid after an optional homogenisation step of the water phase and before step c), i.e. before combination with the oil phase.

In case native starch or physically modified starch is added, this will preferably be activated by a heating step, above the gelatinisation temperature of the starch, as the skilled person understands. In that case, a heating step is applied after and preferably during and after the addition of the starch, wherein the temperature is above the gelatinisation temperature of the starch. Heating is suitably carried out to a temperature of between 60 and 95 °C, preferably of between 65 and 90 C°, and most preferably of between 70 and 88 °C. Such a heating may preferably be carried out for a short moment, for example between 4 and 20 minutes, preferably 8 and 15 minutes. Higher temperatures are preferably combined with shorter time periods, as the skilled person will understand. Heating of starch can be carried out separately from the part of the water phase comprising the cellulose microfibrils, e.g. in a separate batch, which is subsequently added to the water phase, preferably before step c). It may however be preferred that starch is added to the water phase comprising the cellulose microfibrils and then the water phase comprising starch and cellulose microfibrils is heated. It may however be preferred that starch is added to the water phase comprising the cellulose microfibrils and then the water phase comprising starch and cellulose microfibrils is heated and then homogenised to achieve the desired CHP. Heating is preferably carried out before addition of the oil, step c). If heating is applied, it is preferred, that there is one heating step in the process, wherein the water phase is heated comprising water, cellulose microfibrils and the further optional hydrocolloid that preferably is native starch or physically modified starch. After or during, preferably after, step c), combination of the water phase and the oil phase, a homogenization step e) is then carried out that homogenizes the oil phase, the water phase and the emulsifier to result in an oil in water emulsion. Homogenization step e) is suitably carried out using conventional machinery, such as a rotor stator device like a colloid mill. Especially in the case that the cellulose microfibril is dispersed in the water phase, step d) carried out before step c), it is preferred that step e) is carried out using a rotor stator device such as a colloid mill. Homogenization of step e) preferably results in an average oil droplet size D3,3 of below 15 micron, preferably of between 1 and 10 micron.

Optional ingredients like salt or sugar or flavours are suitable added after the cellulose microfibrils are combined with the water and preferably before addition of oil, step c). Acidulant, such as vinegar or lemon juice is preferably added after step e). The process therefore may comprise a step of adding acidulant, preferably adding acidulant before step c), before step e) or after step e), and even more preferably, of mixing the oil in water emulsified food composition resulting from step e) with acidulant.

Use

In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of from 0.1 to 6 wt%, preferably of from 0.1 to 4 wt% of cellulose microfibrils , wherein the average degree of crystallinity of the cellulose is below 50%, or wherein the cellulose microfibrils are bacterial cellulose microfibrils, to provide a Stevens consistency of from 80 to 400 gram to an oil-in-water emulsified food composition comprising from 3 to 65 wt% of vegetable oil and a botanical emulsifier, and wherein the oil in water emulsion is free from chemically modified non-emulsifying starch and wherein the composition has a CHP of more than 0.03. It was found in the present invention, that the technology as described in the art could not provide the desired consistency as required in semi-solid oil in water emulsified compositions that have a low oil level and rely on a botanical, preferably plant-derived emulsifier. With a CHP of more than 0.03, the level of dispersion of the fibrils through the emulsified composition was capable of achieving this Stevens consistency while maintaining a smooth and non-sticky mouthfeel as resembling a traditional full-fat mayonnaise. The use of cellulose microfibrils in the composition with a CHP of more than 0.03 showed the additional advantage, that when the composition contains a further hydrolloid, negative attributes that typically come with these hydrocolloids in the context of low-oil oil plant-based oil in water emulsions are reduced or not present. For example, the mouth feel of the resulting composition is smooth, and not ‘sticky’ or ‘slimy’, as often observed when native starch or gum is present, respectively. Preferably, therefore, the invention further relates to the use of from 0.1 to 6 wt%, preferably 0.1 to 4 wt% of cellulose microfibrils, wherein the average degree of crystallinity of the cellulose is below 50%, or wherein the cellulose microfibrils are bacterial cellulose microfibrils, to improve the mouthfeel (preferably to reduce sticky or slimy mouthfeel) in an oil-in-water emulsified food composition comprising from 3 to 65 wt% of vegetable oil and a botanical emulsifier, and wherein the oil in water emulsion is free from chemically modified non-emulsifying starch and wherein the composition has a CHP of more than 0.03 and wherein the composition further comprises an additional hydrocolloid. Such further hydrocolloid is preferably selected from the group consisting of non-modified starch, physically modified starch, gum such as preferably xanthan gum or guar gum, guar flour, plant mucilage and mixtures thereof.

Methods used in the document

Thickness - Stevens value

The consistency of compositions according to the present invention can be measured using Stevens value, which can be measured as follows:

The Stevens value is determined at 20°C by using a Stevens LFRA Texture Analyser (ex Brookfield Viscometers Ltd., UK) with a maximum load/measuring range of 1000 grams, and applying a penetration test of 25mm using a grid, at 2mm per second penetration rate, in a cup having a diameter of 65 mm, that contains the emulsion; wherein the grid comprises square openings of approximately 3x3 mm, is made up of wire with a thickness of approximately 1 mm, and has a diameter of 40 mm. One end of a shaft is connected to the probe of the texture analyser, while the other end is connected to the middle of the grid. The grid is positioned on the flat upper surface of the emulsion in the cup. Upon starting the penetration test, the grid is slowly pushed downward into the emulsion by the texture analyser. The final force exerted on the probe is recorded, giving the Stevens value in gram. A drawing of the grid is given in Figure 1. The grid is made from stainless steel, and has 76 holes, each hole having a surface area of approximately 3x3 mm. The composition homogeneity parameter (CHP)

According to the invention, the composition has a composition homogeneity parameter, CHP, of at least 0.030. The CHP provides a measure for the extent to which the CMFs have been the homogenously dispersed in the composition. The CHP can be measured with a method that is based on confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) performed on a standardized sample comprising the CMFs. The CHP of the composition is established by the following protocol. The protocol to establish the parameter includes three parts: (A) standardized sample preparation, (B) CSLM microscopy to obtain micrographs of the standardized sample, and (C) digital image analysis to calculate the CHP value.

Thus, the protocol includes the steps of:

(A) Standardized sample preparation a. Preparing 200 g of an aqueous, concentration-standardised sample at room temperature from the semi-solid oil-in-water emulsified food composition, wherein the concentration- standardised sample comprises the source of CMFs (equivalated to the amount of cellulose content) at a concentration of 0.05 wt-% with respect to the weight of the standardised sample was prepared in a 500 ml plastic beaker of 80 mm inner diameter; b. Evenly distributing the CMFs over the concentration-standardised sample volume by agitating the mixture is stirred in using a Silverson L5M-A overhead mixer (small screen, 1 mm holes) at 3000 rpm for 3 min; c. Dying (i.e. fluorescently labelling) the CMFs by providing 25 pL of 0.5 % w/v Congo Red aqueous solution and contacting a 3 mL of the standardised sample, which are transferred to a glass vial with a plastic Pasteur pipette. In order to ensure even distribution of the dye throughout the sample, it may for instance be gently shaken; d. Filling a sample holder suitable for performing CSLM with an aliquot of the dyed standardised sample: 400 pL of sample is transferred onto a glass coverslip (High precision No. 1.5H, 2.4 cm width, 5 cm length, 170 ± 5 pm thickness) with a 1 mL tip.

The sample holder of step (d) suitably includes two cover slides separated by a spacer comprising a bore of sufficient volume to enable the recording of sufficient micrographs for digital image analysis as described below. (B) To obtain micrographs, the protocol includes the following step: e. imaging the dyed standardized sample with a Zeiss LSM 880 confocal scanning laser microscope equipped with a diode -pumped solid state laser line emitting at a wavelength of 561 nm and operated at excitation wavelengths: 570 - 687 nm, fixed laser power, using a 10x objective with a numerical aperture of 0.45 and working distance 5.2 mm, and thereby recording at least 25 independent micrographs at a resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels where each pixel represents a sample size of within the range of 1490 by 1490 nm to 1540 by 1540 nm, adjusting the laser gain settings such that in every image between 0.1 and 3 % of the pixels are saturated and recording the micrographs at a colour depth of (at least) 12 bits per pixel.

The CHP is a measure relating to the homogeneity of the CMF in the composition. Therefore, micrographs should be recorded whilst avoiding imaging air bubbles, oil droplets, sample edges or areas where the source of CMF is locally concentrated. Likewise, care should be taken to avoid imaging other objects of macroscopic dimensions that do not originate from the source of CMF. This may be conveniently accomplished for instance by removing such objects of macroscopic dimensions during sample preparation by sieving or centrifuging.

Typically, one or more photomultiplier tubes are used as the light detectors in the microscope. Preferably the microscope is equipped with three photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). Independent micrographs are micrographs that are non-overlapping, both in the x-y plane and in the z- direction. The micrographs may suitably be recorded at a colour depth higher than 12 bits (for instance at 24 bit RGB), since this can easily be converted to a lower colour depth by well- known means (e.g. using well-known image analysis software including for instance Imaged.).

(C) The digital image analysis part of the protocol involves the following steps: f. ensuring that the micrographs are present as or converted to a format with a single intensity value for each pixel; g. normalising each individual micrograph by recalculating the pixel values of the image so that the range of pixel values used in the image is equal to the maximum range for the given colour depth, thereby requiring 0.4% of the pixels to become saturated; h. obtaining for each individual micrograph the image histogram and, if necessary, removing discrete, single point spikes from each histogram by visual inspection and exclude them from the analysis (e.g. using MATLAB); i. for each individual image histogram determining the full width at half maximum (FWHM), by first determining the maximum count in the histogram and the channel containing this maximum count (the maximum channel), then counting the number /V of channels between the first channel containing a value equal or higher than half the maximum and the last channel containing a value equal or higher than half the maximum thereby including this first and last channel in the count A/, and then calculating the FWHM by dividing the count /V by the total number of channels; j. calculating the composition homogeneity parameter CHP, wherein CHP is the average of the FWHM values obtained for the individual micrographs.

The digital image analysis steps may suitably be carried out using well-known image analysis software including for instance Imaged. The result of step (f) should be that the image is of a format wherein the intensity for each pixel is expressed as a single value. This is for instance the case if the image is a “grey-scale” image. In contrast, images in RGB format or a related format having three intensity values per pixel should be converted. This is easily achieved by well-known operations in the field of digital image analysis. An example of a suitable output format would be a grey-scale image with 8 bits per pixel.

The normalising operation of step (g) is generally known as a histogram stretch operation or a contrast stretch operation. The normalisation is performed by allowing a small percentage of pixels in the image to become saturated. Here saturation includes both the minimum and maximum value for the given colour depth. In an 8 bit greyscale image, the minimum value would be 0 and typically displayed as black, whilst the maximum value would be 255 and typically displayed as white. The image histogram of step (h) is a well-known property for digital images, representing the distribution of the pixels over the possible intensities, by providing the pixel count for each intensity channel. For the purpose of the spike-removal of step (h), the value for a particular channel is considered a spike if it is considerably higher than the values of the adjacent channels, typically at least a factor of 1.5 higher. The lower half-maximum channel in step (i) corresponds to the channel containing a count of half the maximum count that is furthest away from the maximum channel on the low-intensity side of the maximum channel. Analogously, the upper half-maximum channel corresponds to the channel containing a count of half the maximum count that is furthest away from the maximum channel on the high-intensity side of the maximum channel. The FWHM that is obtained in step (i) will be a value between 0 and 1.

Centrifugation

Centrifugation is carried out with a Sigma 3-18KS equipped with a 13190 rotor for round buckets and with maximum radius 17.1 cm.

Where the centrifugation force is given, it is given as a dimensional “relative centrifugal force", which is defined as r a> ² /g, where g = 9.8 m/s ² is the Earth's gravitational acceleration, r is the rotational radius of the centrifuge, ro is the angular velocity in radians per unit time. The angular velocity is = rpm x 2n / 60, where rpm is the centrifuge “revolutions per minute”.

Crystallinity of cellulose microfibrils measurement

According to the invention, the composition comprises CMF wherein the average degree of crystallinity of the cellulose is below 50%. The protocol to establish the parameter includes two parts: (A) standardized sample preparation and (B) degree of crystallinity of cellulose microfibrils.

Thus, the protocol includes the steps of:

(A) Standardized sample preparation a. Preparing 200 g of an aqueous, concentration-standardised sample at room temperature from the semi-solid oil-in-water emulsified food composition, wherein the concentration- standardised sample comprises the CMFs (equivalated to the amount of cellulose present in the source of CMFs, e.g. dietary fibre) at a concentration of 0.05 wt-% with respect to the weight of the standardised sample was prepared in a 500 ml plastic beaker of 80 mm inner diameter; b. Evenly distributing the CMFs over the concentration-standardised sample volume by agitating the mixture is stirred in using a Silverson L5M-A overhead mixer (small screen, 1 mm holes) at 3000 rpm for 3 min; c. All oil and soluble solids are removed in the following centrifugation and washing steps. A sample of 40 g was added to a 50 ml conical tube (Falcon, type 352070). The sample was subsequently subjected to a first centrifugation step using a Sigma 3-18KS equipped with a 13190 rotor for round buckets and with maximum radius 17.1 cm for 15 min at 5000 rpm. The supernatant was decanted and 40 g of water was added. The sediment was dispersed using benchtop Retsch TM01 Vortex Mixer at operating max speed. Then the sample was centrifuged for a second time. The supernatant was decanted, and 40 g of water was added to the sediment, and redispersed with a benchtop Retsch TM01 Vortex Mixer at operating max speed. Then the sample was centrifuged for a third time, at the same conditions, and the supernatant was decanted. d. The resulting wet sediment from step (c) was placed in overnight vacuum oven drying (P = 25 - 35 mbar, T = 40 °C for t = 16 hours oven (ThemoSCientific VacuTherm).

(B) Degree of crystallinity of cellulose microfibrils

To determine the degree of crystallinity of the CMF, the powder from step (d) is measured with a wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) using the following protocol. The measurements are performed on a Bruker D8 Discover X-ray diffractometer with GADDS (General Area Detector Diffraction System) (From Bruker-AXS, Delft, NL) (Part No: 882-014900 Serial No: 02-826) in a theta/theta configuration. A copper anode is used, and the K- alpha radiation with wavelength 0.15418 nm is selected. The instrumental parameters as used are shown in the table below.

Table 2: D8 Discover instrumental parameters for WAXS measurements. The degree of crystallinity Xc was calculated from the following equation:

Area crystalline phase Xc (%) = - - — - - i-- - - - * 100%

Area crystalline + amorphous phase

The areas of the diffraction lines of the crystalline phase were separated from the area of the amorphous phase by using the Bruker EVA software (version 12.0).

Microfibril characterisation: Diameter of microfibrils

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to directly determine the diameter of the microfibrils (D. Harris et. al. Tools for Cellulose Analysis in Plant Cell Walls Plant Physiology, 2010(153), 420). The dispersion of plant source rich in primary cell wall material was diluted in distilled water resulting in a thin layer of mostly single fibers or single clusters of fibers. The dispersions were imaged on a Carbon only 300 mesh Copper TEM grid (Agar Scientific) and imaged using a Tecnai 20 Transmission electron microscope (FEI Company) operated at a voltage of 200 kV. To enhance image contrast between individual microfibrils, a 2 % phosphotungstic acid solution at pH 5.2 was used as a negative stain. For this the fiber-loaded TEM grids were incubated on 2% phosphotungstic acid and air-dried after removal of the excess of fluid.

The present invention will now be exemplified by the following, non-limiting examples.

Examples

A Reference composition was prepared using a production process based on a process described in the prior art (WO2019/048715A2). To prepare the mayonnaise, the sugar, salt and source of CMF (i.e. Nutrava, citrus fiber, CP Kelco, comprising -45% cellulose: GRAS Notice 943, NUTRAVA™ CITRUS FIBER) were dry blended together. The dry blend was added to the water, and the resulting mixture was mixed for 10 minutes using a Silverson L5M-A rotor stator mixer (Silverson Machines, Inc., USA) using small screen (1 mm holes) at 3000 rpm. Then, the mixture was mixed for 1 minute at 7500 rpm. The resulting product then was homogenized twice in a Panda Plus (GEA Niro Soavi, GEA Denmark) high pressure homogenizer at 245 bar. Subsequently, the emulsifier, pea protein isolate (Nutralys S85F, ex Roquette) was mixed in for 10 mins using a Silverson rotor stator mixer at 3000 rpm. Then soybean oil was mixed in using a Silverson rotor stator mixer at 5500 rpm. After that the obtained emulsion was mixed for 1 minute at 7200 rpm. Finally, the vinegar was added at 3000 rpm.

Example 1 was prepared according to the current invention. To prepare the mayonnaise, the source of CMF (i.e. Nutrava, citrus fiber, CP Kelco) was added to the water and mixed for 10 minutes with Silverson at 3000 rpm. Next emulsifier, pea protein isolate (Nutralys S85F, ex Roquette), is added, and mixing continued for another 10 min at the same conditions. Next the mix is homogenized once at 1200 bar using microfluidizer (Microfluidizer M-110S, Microfluidics™, Newton, MA, USA, with a z-shape geometry 0 87 pm). Next the mix is heated at 85 °C for 10 minutes in a Thermomix. Subsequently, the mix is cooled to 50 °C and sugar and salt are mixed for 10 minutes with a Silverson rotor stator mixer at 3000 rpm. Then soybean oil was mixed in using a Silverson rotor stator mixer at 5500 rpm. After that the obtained emulsion was mixed for 1 minute at 7200 rpm. Finally, the vinegar was added at 3000 rpm.

Example 2 was prepared according to the current invention. To prepare the mayonnaise, the source of CMF (i.e. CP Kelco citrus fiber) was added to the water and mixed for 10 minutes with Silverson at 3000 rpm. Next emulsifier, pea protein isolate (Nutralys S85F, ex Roquette), is added, and mixing continued for another 10 min at the same conditions. Next the mix is homogenized once at 1200 bar using microfluidizer (Microfluidizer M-110S, Microfluidics™, Newton, MA, USA, with a z-shape geometry 0 87 pm). Next the source of starch is added and homogeneously dispersed (using low rpm Silverson). Next the mix is heated at 85 °C for 10 minutes in a Thermomix to cook the starch. Subsequently, the mix is cooled to 50 °C and sugar and salt are mixed for 10 minutes with a Silverson rotor stator mixer at 3000 rpm. Then soybean oil was mixed in using a Silverson rotor stator mixer at 5500 rpm. After that the obtained emulsion was mixed for 1 minute at 7200 rpm. Finally, the vinegar was added at 3000 rpm.

Example 3 was prepared according to the current invention. To prepare the mayonnaise, the source of CMF (i.e. CP Kelco citrus fiber) was added to the water and mixed for 10 minutes with Silverson at 3000 rpm. Next emulsifier, pea protein isolate (Nutralys S85F, ex. Roquette), is added, and mixing continued for another 10 min at the same conditions. Next the mix is homogenized once at 1200 bar using microfluidizer (Microfluidizer M-110S, Microfluidics™, Newton, MA, USA, with a z-shape geometry 0 87 pm). Next the mix is heated at 85 °C for 10 minutes in a Thermomix. Subsequently, the mix is cooled to 50 °C and guar gum, sugar, and salt are added and then mixed for 10 minutes with a Silverson rotor stator mixer at 3000 rpm. Then soybean oil was mixed in using a Silverson rotor stator mixer at 5500 rpm. After that the obtained emulsion was mixed for 1 minute at 7200 rpm. Finally, the vinegar was added at 3000 rpm.

The composition and characterization of the products are given in Table 3.

Table 3: Food composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. Conclusion

The examples show that when cellulose microfibrils are used in a vegan low oil emulsified food composition, a Stevens consistency can be obtained that is in the area of that of a full fat semi-solid, spoonable, mayonnaise composition (80 - 400 g). This is in comparison to the reference composition, which was prepared according to the process of the prior art, and which resulted in a CHP of only 0.019 and a Stevens viscosity of 60 grams, which is too low. All compositions had a smooth mouth feel and were not slimy or sticky or with granular mouthfeel, despite the presence of e.g. native waxy corn starch or guar gum, and resembled the feel of a full fat mayonnaise equivalent.