The effect of selected hydrocolloids on the rheological properties of processed cheese analogues made with vegetable fats during the cooling phase

The aim of this work was to observe the influence of different hydrocolloids on changes in the rheological properties of processed cheese and their analogues within the process of cooling depending on the type of the fat used (butter, coconut fat and palm oil). κ-carrageenan, ι-carrageenan, λ-carrageenan, arabic gum and locust bean gum were used at a concentration of 1.0% w/w. With the decreasing temperature during the cooling period, an increase in the complex modulus (G*) was observed in all samples tested. Within the cooling period, the sample with the addition of κ-carrageenan showed both the most significant increase in G* in comparison with the control and the highest values of hardness after a 7-day storage period regardless of the type of the fat used. The samples with coconut fat were assessed as the hardest. On the other hand, the samples with palm oil showed the lowest hardness (with the same hydrocolloid used). In the gelling hydrocolloids (κ- and ι-carrageenan), only small changes in temperature of coil-to-helix transition were observed (in range of 2–7 °C) as a result of the addition of different types of fat.