Oat bran is a gluten-free dietary fiber that may reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Currently,
surimi, a derivative of seafood, is neither produced with fiber, nor has the effect of fiber on the physicochemical
properties of surimi gels been thoroughly studied. In this context therefore, the purpose of
this study was to address the physicochemical properties of surimi gels formulated with variable levels of
oat bran while maintaining constant levels of protein and water. Oat bran and SiO2 incorporated in inverse
concentrations were used in developing treatments of 0e8 g/100 g oat bran. Incorporation of oat
bran up to 6 g/100 g greatly enhanced (P < 0.05) gel texture (Kramer shear force and texture profile
analysis). Protein content that was rather elevated appears not affecting the pH. Surimi gels with oat bran
would apparently reduce (P < 0.05) the whiteness, coincidental with L* but with increasing b* values.
Water holding capacity concurrent with texture would likely improve (P < 0.05) with cooking loss
probably due to the absorbent nature of oat bran. This study suggests that incorporating oat bran into
surimi products would likely not compromise quality, which may be useful to manufacturers for marketing
surimi products with added health benefits.