In the present paper, the functionality of basil seed gum (BSG), guar gum (GG) & their blend (MGB, 50:50), at the concentration of 0.35, 0.45, 0.50 and 0.55%, related to the rheological, physical and sensory characteristics of low fat ice cream (2.5% fat) was compared with full fat sample (10%) as control. Shear thinning and thixotropic behaviors of all mixes were well described by HerscheleBulkley and second order structural kinetic models, respectively. The results showed that BSG and MGB, by producing high consistency coefficient (k), yield stress (t0), thixotropy rate constant (k), extent of thixotropy (h0/h∞) and low flow behavior index (n) values, provided satisfactory rheological properties in low fat ice cream. Fat reduction resulted in some defects which to some extent compensated by increasing levels of fat replacers. BSG & MGB exhibited a more shear-sensitive thixotropic nature than GG mixes and strongly favored perception of creaminess which was more than full fat mixes in some concentrations. In addition, they depressed the coldness and coarseness perception of low fat mixes. Addition of BSG reduced the meltdown rate and extent of melting at all concentration compared to the GG and MGB mixes, which two latter gum systems showed almost equal value of these properties. Furthermore, significant correlation between the values of melting rate data and rate of breakdown parameters of the mixes was observed. The results presented herein showed that BSG and its blend with GG are very suitable fat replacers/stabilizers for low fat ice cream.

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