The following matrix illustrates which fat replacers are used, or may be used in the future, in major food categories. Note that in some cases the fat replacer may be the only ingredient necessary to achieve the desired function, while in other cases, a combination of ingredients (e.g., one or more fat replacers, bulking agents and/or low-calorie sweeteners) may be necessary. Also, fat replacers will have varying degrees of success, depending on the specific product application.
Fat Replacers | |||
Food Category | Carbohydrate-Based | Protein-Based | Fat-Based |
Milk/Dairy-Type Products (e.g., beverages, cheese, sour cream, yogurt) | cellulose, gums, inulin, maltodextrins, maltose, oatrim, polydextrose, starches | microparticulated protein, modified whey protein concentrate, other protein ingredients | emulsifiers, olestra* |
Refrigerated/Frozen Desserts (e.g., ice cream, puddings, fillings, cheesecakes) | cellulose, gums, inulin, maltodextrins, oatrim, polydextrose, starches | microparticulated protein, modified whey protein concentrate, protein blends, other protein ingredients | emulsifiers, salatrim, olestra*, other lipid (fat/oil) analogs* |
Meat/Poultry Products | gums, inulin, maltodextrins, oatrim, starches | olestra*, other lipid (fat/oil) analogs* (fried foods) | |
Fish/Shellfish Products | olestra*, other lipid (fat/oil) analogs* (fried foods) | ||
Cooking/Salad Oils (e.g., used in cooking, frying, baking, on salads) | microparticulated protein (salad oil) | olestra*, other lipid (fat/oil) analogs* | |
Other Fats and Oils (e.g., margarine, pourable dressings, mayonnaise, and other spreads) | cellulose, gelatin, gums, inulin, maltodextrins, oatrim, polydextrose, starches | microparticulated protein, protein blends, other protein ingredients | emulsifiers, salatrim, olestra*, other lipid (fat/oil) analogs* |
Soups/Sauces/Gravies | cellullose, gums, inulin, maltodextrins, oatrim, starches | microparticulated protein, modified whey protein concentrate | emulsifiers, olestra*, other lipid (fat/oil) analogs* |
Cereals/Grain Products (e.g., crackers, muffins, breads) | gums, fiber, inulin, maltodextrins, starches | microparticulated protein | emulsifiers, olestra (crackers), other lipid (fat/oil) analogs* |
Confectionery & Candies | cellulose, crystalline fructose, gums, inulin, maltodextrins, oatrim, polydextrose, polyols, starches | microparticulated protein | caprenin, emulsifiers, olestra*, salatrim, other lipid (fat/oil) analogs* |
Baked Desserts (e.g., pizza, casseroles, microwaveable frozen meals) | celllulose, fiber, gums, inulin, maltodextrins, maltose, oatrim, polydextrose, polyols, starches | microparticulated protein, protein blends, modified whey protein concentrate | emulsifiers, olestra*, salatrim, other lipid (fat/oil) analogs* |
Prepared Entrees (e.g., pizza, casseroles, microwaveable frozen meals) | ccellulose, gums, inulin, maltodextrins, oatrim, polydextrose, starches | microparticulated protein, modified whey protein concentrate | emulsifiers, olestra*, other lipid (fat/oil) analogs* |
Savory Snacks (e.g., chips, pretzels, popcorn, puffs) | cellulose, fiber, gums, maltodextrins, maltose, starches | olestra, other lipid (fat/oil) analogs* |
*Currently not available for use.