The total replacement of butter by EFG allowed a reduction of
total fat content of 46%, and of satured fat content of 87% respect to
control. A “reduced fat” label claim can be used for this type of
cookies, on the basis of the European Regulation 1924/2006
(Official Journal of the European Union, 2006); the sensory properties
of these cookies were, however, unsatisfactory and would
have to be improved. The EFG-50 cookies were well appreciated by consumers; these samples were characterized by a fat content
reduced by 19% and a saturated fat content reduced by 39%. This
kind of shortbread cookies, according to European Regulation, can
be labelled as “reduced saturated fat” as compared to control
cookies (EFG-0).
This study showed therefore that the replacement of 50% of the
butter fraction of shortbread with EFG based on inulin and EVOO
allows to obtain a product with potentially healthier properties,
due to inulin and EVOO, similar to control cookies as regards
microstructure and fracture, and well accepted by consumers.
Further investigation on timeetemperature parameters in baking,
in order to reach optimal moisture, and on recipe formulation, in
order to improve odor and flavour, would allow to correct these
major drawbacks and reach a further improvement of consumers'
acceptance also at higher fat replacement levels.