There is a growing need for healthier foods with no trans and reduced saturated fat. However, solid fats play critical roles in texture and sensory attributes of food products, making it challenging to eliminate them in foods. Recently, the concept of oleogelation as a novel oil structuring technique has received numerous attentions owing to their great potential to mimic the properties of solid fats. Understanding textural, rheological and sensory properties of oleogels helps predict the techno-functionalities of oleogels to replace solid fats in food products. This research critically reviews the textural and rheological properties of oleogels prepared by low molecular weight oleogelators (LMWGs) and functional characteristics of foods formulated by these oleogels. The mechanical properties of LMWG-containing oleogels are comprehensively discussed against conventional solid fats. The interactions between the oleogel and its surrounding food matrix are explained, and the sensory attributes of oleogel containing reformulated products are highlighted. Scientific insights into the texture and rheological properties of oleogels manufactured with a wide range of low molecular gelators and their related products are provided in order to boost their implication for creating healthier foods with high consumer acceptability. Future research opportunities on low molecular weight gelators are also discussed.

Due to the global rise in food insecurity, micronutrient deficiency, and diet-related health issues, the United Nations (UN) has called for action to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. Grains are the staple food worldwide; hence, improving their nutritional quality can certainly be an appropriate approach to mitigate malnutrition. This review article aims to collect recent information on developing nutrient-dense grains using a sustainable and natural process known as “sprouting or germination” and to discuss novel applications of sprouted grains to tackle malnutrition (specifically undernutrition). This article discusses applicable interventions and strategies to encourage biochemical changes in sprouting grains further to boost their nutritional value and health benefits. It also explains opportunities to use spouted grains at home and in industrial food applications, especially focusing on domestic grains in regions with prevalent malnutrition. The common challenges for producing sprouted grains, their future trends, and research opportunities have been covered. This review article will benefit scientists and researchers in food, nutrition, and agriculture, as well as agrifood businesses and policymakers who aim to develop nutrient-enriched foods to enhance public health.

The combined interactions between ethylcellulose (EC) and natural waxes to structure edible oil are underexplored. To reduce the high EC concentration required to form a functional oleogel, novel oleogels were prepared using a 50% critical concentration of EC (i.e., 4%) with 1–4% beeswax (BW) and carnauba wax (CRW). One percent wax was sufficient for EC to form self-sustaining oleogel. Rheological analysis demonstrated that 4%EC + 4%BW/CRW had comparable oleogel properties to 8%EC. The yield stress and flow point of wax oleogels were enhanced upon EC addition. EC did not influence the thermal behaviour of the wax component of the oleogel, but the crystallinity and plasticity of the combined oleogel increased. The crystal shape of BW oleogel changed upon EC addition from a needle-like to spherulitic shape. Confocal laser scanning microscopy highlighted the uniform distribution of EC polymeric network and wax crystals. EC/wax mixtures have promising oil-structuring abilities that have the potential to use as solid fat substitutes.