Abstract: Mesomorphic phases of edible surfactants can advantageously be added to food products to provide for example structuring or fat-replacement. Preferably the mesomorphic phases are present as bulk phases in finished or ready to eat food products. The compositions include lactose.

Abstract: A process for preparing a very low fat water-in-oil spread and a spread made by the process. The process entails a cold mixing procedure wherein an at least partially pre-gelled aqueous phase is mixed with an at least partially pre-solidified fat continuous emulsion of fat and water. Emulsions of less than 30% fat and even 20% or less fat may be prepared.

Abstract: A process for preparing an edible plastic dispersion and products thereof wherein the dispersion comprises at least two gelling agents forming at least two distinct gelled phases and 0-20 wt. % of a fat. The dispersion contains a surplus A-dispersed phase and a B-continuous phase formed under the conditions of the process in contrast to a surplus A-continuous phase and B-dispersed phase formed under quiescent conditions.

Abstract: An edible plastic dispersion not having a continuous fat phase, including at least two condensed phases, at least one of which is continuous, the dispersion comprising a first gel-forming composition and a second gel-forming composition containing 1-8 times the critical concentrations of a gelling starch having a rheological property in an aqueous dispersion characterized by a one-half G'.sub.max value at no more than about 7,250 seconds when prepared at a concentration to yield a log G'.sub.max value of 5.0 at 15,000 seconds at 11.degree. C. provided that the aqueous dispersion of the gelling starch is initially prepared at 0 to 40.degree. C.

Abstract: An edible plastic dispersion not having a continuous fat phase, including at least two condensed phases, at least one of which is continuous, the dispersion comprising a first gel-forming composition and a second gel-forming composition containing 1-8 times the critical concentrations of a gelling starch having a rheological property in an aqueous dispersion characterized by a one-half G'.sub.max value at no more than about 9,600 seconds when prepared at a concentration to yield a log G'.sub.max value of 5.0 at 11.degree. C. 15,000 seconds after the gelling starch is substantially completely dispersed in the aqueous dispersion.

Abstract: Processes for preparing a water-continuous margarine-like spread containing non-denatured casein. The spread contains less than 5% fat, or even less than 3.25% fat. The spread includes a particular gel-forming system and/or the spread is prepared by utilizing electrodialysed dairy ingredients. The inventive processes employ a double homogenization step and the first homogenization step takes place prior to heating.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to edible fat-containing products, in particular spreads, comprising at least 5% of hardstock indigestible polyol fatty acid polyesters, the fat-phase being characterized by an, at least, two-peaked DSC-curve. The invention further pertains to a process for the preparation of such products.

Abstract: The process disclosed by the invention is characterized in that a first fat or fat blend with an aqueous phase are emulsified, whereby an emulsion is obtained, the temperature of which is adjusted, if necessary to a value below 15.degree. C., which cold W/O-emulsion, containing at least 1 wt. % of crystallized fat, is thereafter mixed with a second fat or fat blend having a slip melting point above that of the first fat or fat blend which second fat or fat blend is at such a temperature that the solids content thereof is not more than 25 wt. %.