Emulsifiers play a crucial role in stabilizing emulsions, which are mixtures of two immiscible liquids. Various types of emulsifiers, including cationic, anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric, are used depending on their electrical charges and chemical properties.
•Ensure good fat distribution in batter
•Aid moisture retention in finished cakes
•Facilitate mechanical handling
•Improve aeration and volume
•Better texture and shelf life
By macromolecules
(physical barrier to coalescence)
-Protein
-Gum
By fine particle
-Powdered silica
-Basic salt
-Plant fragment
Ionic interaction (DLVO theory)
Increase interfacial tension
(with surface active properties)
Type of emulsifier
Amphoteric (both positive and negative charges)
•Various lecithins
Cationic (positive electrical charges) *toxic
•Amine compounds
Anionic (negative electrical charges)
•Stearoyl lactylates
•Diacetyl tartaric esters of monoglycerides (DATEM)
•Succinylated monoglycerides
Non-ionic (uncharged)
•Mono- and diglycerides
•Sorbitan esters
•Sucrose esters
•Polysorbates
•Polyoxyethylene glycol oleates
(all contain an – oh functional group)
Function of emulsifier
•As surfactant
•Starch complex forming ability
•Modifying ability for oils and fats
•Protein modifying ability
•Antibacterial and antifungal
•Plasticizing
Factors affect stability of an emulsion
•Degree of division of the inner phase
•Quality/stability of the interfacial film
•Viscosity of the outer phase
•Ratio & the specific weight of the volumes of the two phases