When it comes to the true “workforce” ingredients that contribute to product quality, shelf life, and much more, look no further than gums, emulsifiers, and stabilizers.
Flavors, colors, sweeteners, and inclusions might be the lead actors in dairy product productions. However, gums, stabilizers, and emulsifiers are the supporting actors that can make — or break — a performance.
We often comment as to whether frozen desserts actually need emulsifiers or stabilizers. After all, for many years, some of the most notable ice creams have been produced completely without the use of any added stabilization.
Emulsifiers, stabilizers and gums are the unsung heroes of many dairy products. Not only do they create desired textures, but they also help offerings avoid nasty issues such as syneresis and keep their attributes throughout shelf life.
Stabilizers and emulsifiers are "mighty mites" - with low use rates, they have a major influence(s) on the chemistry, physics and behavior of ice cream. But are they really necessary? It depends.