Improvement of whole wheat dough and bread properties by emulsifiers

Whole wheat bread is widely available worldwide, but it is always associated with less desirable dough processibility, small loaf volume, firm and gritty texture, and other distinctive attributes compared to white bread. Emulsifiers are commonly used to improve dough handling and baking quality during bread production. In present study, five emulsifiers (diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides (DATEM), polysorbate 80, sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL), soy lecithin, and sucrose esters) were added during dough preparation of the whole wheat flour at 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0% (flour weight basis). Dough rheological behavior and bread quality attributes, such as specific loaf volume and hardness, were measured. The results showed that DATEM, sucrose esters, and SSL increased the resistance to extension of the dough, whereas soy lecithin and polysorbate 80 increased the extensibility. Soy lecithin and polysorbate 80 were the only emulsifiers that significantly increased loaf volume compared to the control. Adding higher levels (1.0%) of sucrose esters, polysorbate 80, and SSL increased the formation of amylose-lipid complex and mitigate the crumb staling during storage. The results suggested that the emulsifiers could be applied to contribute to optimum functional quality of whole wheat bread.