Natural Waxes as Gelators in Edible Structured Oil Systems: A Review

The use of natural waxes to create edible structured oil systems, namely oleogels and bigels, represents an innovative approach to replacing trans and saturated fats in food products, offering healthier alternatives for the food industry. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the utilization of natural waxes in the formulation of oleogels and bigels, their interactions with other ingredients, and the methods employed to assess their physicochemical properties. A comprehensive analysis is also presented on the impact of processing parameters on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of these systems, as well as their oxidative stability. Additionally, the application of structured oil systems in various food products, including spreads, dairy, and meat products, is explored, along with a discussion of the attributes of the final products.