In addition to the health benefits, dietary fiber possesses hydrocolloidal
properties that have technological implications in food
manufacturing and final food products. Powdered cellulose is commonly
added to food products as a source of dietary fiber (Bodner &
Sieg, 2009). Due to the porous matrix of long-chain cellulose
(>110 lm), it retains more water and oil than shorter-chain fibers. Long-chain powdered cellulose has some thickening properties;
and therefore, has additional functional properties in food products
(Ang, 1991). These properties make powdered cellulose a functional
ingredient for potential incorporation in food products. Powdered
cellulose has been incorporated in baked goods and
processed meat products as a non-caloric bulking agent. Powdered
cellulose improves the volume and stability of cake products and
decreases the fat content of fried baked goods while maintaining
moisture (Ang & Miller, 1991). It has also been applied to sausages
to reduce fat while retaining textural properties (Bengtsson,
Montelius, & Tornberg, 2011). In these applications, fiber has been
shown to impart desirable functional properties.