Composition, physical and textural characteristics of soft (tub) margarines

Soft (tub) margarines were analyzed for fatty acid,trans and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content. Soybean and sunflower‐palm kernel‐palm margarines contained high levels ofcis‐cis methylene interrupted (CCMI)‐PUFA. Canola and canola‐palm products contained the lowest amounts of saturated fatty acids. Polymorphic forms of the crystals were as follows: soybean beta prime, canola beta, canola‐palm and a sunflower‐palm kernel‐palm—a mixture of beta and beta prime. Dropping points of the fats ranged from 27.3 to 34.2°C. Softening points of the products were higher especially for margarines that existed in the beta form. Texture was determined by cone penetrometer, constant speed compression and penetration. Soybean margarines were generally most resistant to deformation. The solid fat content (SFC) of the “whole” margarines as determined by the Bruker Minispec was found to be slightly lower than that of the separated fat (AOCS‐method) at 10°C. Correlation of values within the textural methods was significant (P<.01), but not between the texture and SFC of the product which means that the nature of the crystal network also plays a role in texture.