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Slow-melting ice cream ingredient discovered by scientists Slow-melting ice cream ingredient discovered by scientists
(about 9 hours later)
A new ingredient developed by scientists in Scotland could mean that ice cream lovers can enjoy their treats longer before they melt.A new ingredient developed by scientists in Scotland could mean that ice cream lovers can enjoy their treats longer before they melt.
A naturally occurring protein can be used to create ice cream which stays frozen for longer in hot weather.A naturally occurring protein can be used to create ice cream which stays frozen for longer in hot weather.
The scientists estimate that the slow melting product could become available in three to five years. The scientists estimate that the slow-melting product could become available in three to five years.
The development could also allow products to be made with lower levels of saturated fat and fewer calories.The development could also allow products to be made with lower levels of saturated fat and fewer calories.
Teams at the Universities of Edinburgh and Dundee have discovered that the protein, known as BsIA, works by binding together the air, fat and water in ice cream.Teams at the Universities of Edinburgh and Dundee have discovered that the protein, known as BsIA, works by binding together the air, fat and water in ice cream.
It is also said to prevent gritty ice crystals from forming - ensuring a fine, smooth texture.It is also said to prevent gritty ice crystals from forming - ensuring a fine, smooth texture.
Friendly bacteria Professor Cait MacPhee, of the University of Edinburgh's school of physics and astronomy, who led the project, said: "It's not completely non-melting because you do want your ice cream to be cold... it will melt eventually but hopefully by keeping it stable for longer it will stop the drips."
Professor Cait MacPhee, of the University of Edinburgh's school of physics and astronomy, who led the project, said: "We're excited by the potential this new ingredient has for improving ice cream, both for consumers and for manufacturers." The team developed a method of producing the protein - which occurs naturally in some foods as a friendly bacteria.
The team developed a method of producing the new protein - which occurs naturally in some foods - in friendly bacteria and it works by adhering to fat droplets and air bubbles, making them more stable in a mixture. Professor MacPhee said it works by keeping oil and water mixed together, stops air from escaping and coats the ice crystals in ice cream which stops them from melting so quickly.
They believe using the ingredient could benefit manufacturers as it can be processed without impacting on performance and can be produced from sustainable raw materials. She told BBC Radio 5 live: "This is a natural protein already in the food chain. It's already used to ferment some foods so its a natural product rather than being a 'Frankenstein' food.
The use of the protein was developed with support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. "By using this protein we're replacing some of the fat molecules that are currently used to stabilise these oil and water mixtures so it can reduce the fat content, but it shouldn't taste any different.
Dr Nicola Stanley-Wall, of the University of Dundee, said: "It has been fun working on the applied use of a protein that was initially identified due to its practical purpose in bacteria." She said it also had the prospect of reducing the sugar content and could be used in other foods such as chocolate mousse and mayonnaise to help reduce the calories.
The researchers believe using the ingredient could benefit manufacturers too as it can be processed without impacting on performance and can be produced from sustainable raw materials.