Pea protein powder particles were not soluble under conventional
stirring over a 24 h period. The use of homogenization and
microfluidization for emulsion formation led to the production of
cold-set gels, with gel strength dependent on fluidic pressure and oil
content. Emulsion formation by ultrasonication produced a small droplet
sized emulsion, using 1% (w/w) pea protein. Increasing protein content,
oil content or sonication time all contributed to a significant
(P b 0.05) increase in viscosity. Emulsions produced by ultrasonication
contained flocculated particles. The findings demonstrate that food processors
may expect to find large increases in product viscosity or even
gelation when using conventional two-stage homogenizers, whereas
ultrasonication may be a more suitable alternative. Homogenization
and microfluidization may be used to produce high energy cold setgels
or pastes for specific nutritional applications. The fortification of
these gels and pastes with carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals could
find potential applications in pediatric and adult nutrition.