Cryo-gelation of galactomannans in ice cream model systems

Locust bean gum (LBG) and guar gum (GG) are two galactomannan stabilizers that help maintain smooth textures in ice cream by slowing down ice crystal growth during constant and fluctuating temperatures. LBG and GG were dissolved in sucrose solutions without or with milk solids-not-fat (MSNF), fat, and/or emulsifier. Solutions were temperature cycled at subzero temperatures and measured after each cycle with a controlled stress rheometer to obtain yield stress and frequency sweep data. LBG solutions developed weak gel structures with temperature cycling, especially in the presence of MSNF, but GG solutions did not. Fat droplets interfered with the formation of LBG weak gel networks while emulsifiers did not change the rheological properties of emulsions. The ability of a polysaccharide to cryo-gel with temperature cycling and protein/stabilizer incompatibility leading to phase separation both helped create elastic structures. More realistic ice cream model emulsions containing fat showed different rheological responses, emphasizing caution in comparing model systems to real systems.