Politecnico di Torino logo

Research database

CREAM - Crystalline Resilient Emulsions for Alternative Milks – A Novel Approach to Structuring Plant-Based Dairy Substitutes Using Oleogel Technology

Duration:
01/12/2025 - 30/11/2026
Principal investigator(s):
Project type:
University research - TechToMarket
Funding body:
ATENEO
PoliTo role:
Sole Contractor

Abstract

CREAM (Crystalline Resilient emulsions for Alternative Milks) is a project aiming to develop a new class of fortified plant-based milk alternatives using self-structuring crystalline oleogels as the lipid base. Pursuing on the results obtained from the ERC Proof of Concept project NewOilFactory, which focused on developing a novel sustainable methodology to obtain oleogels through enzymatic interesterification and green fractionation, this project wants to apply this methodology to functional product development and explore business models for commercialization of dairy-free milk substitute based on oleogels. Oleogels obtained from vegetable liquid oils are free from hydrogenated fats, trans fats, and synthetic additives. They are designed to replicate the texture, sensory characteristics, and functional behavior of dairy fats, while enabling precise modulation of key properties such as crystallinity, melting point, and rheology.

Hence, they can be the main ingredient for plant-based milk products whose properties can be fine-tuned for optimal formulation of a wide range of dairy products, such as fortified yogurt, cheese or ice cream. The possibility to precisely control and adapt properties of oleogel-based milk for the final dairy application make them superior to standard plant-based milk such as those from soy or oat. With a strong commitment to sustainability, choosing liquid oils and ingredients produced in the European Union, our final goal is to deliver milk alternatives with improved mouthfeel and added nutritional value. Milk formulations will be further fortified with proteins and encapsulated bioactive ingredients such as vitamins, tocopherols and phytosterols, while maintaining a reduced saturated fat profile aligned with WHO and EFSA guidelines. Their structural resilience enables use in vary plant-based formulations (e.g., cream, ice-cream, yogurt). Unlike conventional ingredients for dairy products, which rely on the use of additives (e.g., gums, starches, polymers) oleogel-based milk can replicate the structure of cow milk without controversial and unsustainable ingredients like palm or coconut oil. This supports clean-label standards and sustainable formulation practices. Taking advantage from the novel developed oleogel technology of NewOilFactor, project CREAM aims to fill the innovation gap in the dairy-alternative sector-bringing structured, functional, more sustainable and healthier products to a growing market. The project aligns with the Tech to Market Cluster’s goals of advancing sustainable food systems through innovation-ready technologies.

People involved

  • Emmanuele Parisi (Principal Investigator)
  • Cecilia Fiore (Component of the research team)
  • Mayookha Vadukkumchery Prasannan (Component of the research team)

Structures

Keywords

ERC sectors

LS9_5 - Food sciences (including food technology, nutrition)

Sustainable Development Goals

Obiettivo 3. Assicurare la salute e il benessere per tutti e per tutte le età

Budget

Total cost: € 90,000.00
Total contribution: € 90,000.00
PoliTo total cost: € 90,000.00
PoliTo contribution: € 90,000.00