Influence of lactic acid ester on chocolate quality

Abstract

Influence of concentration of emulsifier Lactem P 22 (lactic acid ester of monodiglyceride) as blooming inhibitor on the quality and fat bloom stability of laboratory made samples of chocolate was investigated. This ingredient was added during the pre-crystallization process of chocolate mass. The pre-crystallization was performed in the laboratory crystallizer modified Brabender pharinograph, where the rheological characteristics of the pre-crystallized fluid chocolate mass were measured. The experiments were performed according to the factorial plan 32 (two factors on three levels). Statistical results processing was performed according to the Response Surface Methodology. Physics characteristics of chocolate - hardness and lightness - were obtained by instrumental methods. The results has shown that Lactem P 22 improve fat bloom stability of chocolate samples but decrease sensory quality of chocolate. Better sensory quality of chocolate was achieved with combination of the crystallization promoter - Dynasan 118. The best sensory quality of chocolate has been obtained with 0.5% Dynasan 118 and 1 and 2% Lactem P 22. Samples of chocolate which was pre-crystallized on 23°C and with 3% Lactem P 22, showed the highest fat bloom stability. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.