Rheological properties of emulsions containing milk proteins mixed with xanthan gum

Oil in water emulsions (30% w/w) containing mixtures of milk proteins with xanthan gum were rheologically characterized at ambient temperature and the evolution of their properties was measured during a month under cold storage. The milk proteins used were sodium caseinate and whey concentrate at 2% mixed with xanthan gum at 0.3% or 0.5%. Emulsions properties were compared to those of respective aqueous systems and in general showed same rheological behaviour as their respective aqueous system, however, emulsions presented higher consistency index, due to oil droplets concentration. The flow behaviour index showed a small variation, increasing its value slightly. The consistency of emulsions with xanthan was similar, independently of the milk protein used, confirming that xanthan rheology predominates on emulsion rheology.