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Study of Microstructure, Texture, and Cooking Qualities of Reformulated Whole Wheat Flour Pasta by Substituting Water with Stearic Acid–Candelilla Wax–Groundnut Oil Oleogel
Oleogels, which are traditionally utilized to reduce saturated and trans fats in bakery foods, have recently shown promising applications in non-bakery foods, particularly in the enhancement of their food texture and cooking qualities. This study investigates the impact of incorporating stearic acid-containing candelilla wax–groundnut oil oleogel in various proportions on the production of whole wheat pasta. Five different pasta samples were prepared by replacing water with oleogels in varying concentrations (2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 15%), and their physicochemical attributes were evaluated using a range of analytical methods for both cooked and uncooked pasta (like microscopy, colorimetry, dimensional analysis, texture, cooking qualities, moisture content, and FTIR). Significant differences in width, thickness, and color properties were observed between the control sample (0% oleogel) and those containing oleogel, with notable variations in surface texture and color intensities, particularly with the higher oleogel content (p < 0.05). Cooked pasta exhibited lower L* values and higher a* values than uncooked pasta. Stereo zoom microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) micrographs demonstrated a change in the pasta surface topology and microstructures. Dark spots on the pasta with greater oleogel concentrations (samples with 10% and 15% oleogel replacement) suggest the formation of starch–lipid complexes. Cooking induced pore formation, which was more pronounced when the oleogel content was increased, impacted the water absorption capacity, swelling index, and moisture content. The cooked samples exhibited higher moisture content and improved polymer network stability compared to the uncooked ones, indicating the potential of oleogel incorporation to modulate pasta properties in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings underscore the versatility of oleogels when their applications are diversified in non-bakery foods to enhance food texture and quality.