Quantification of Oil Fractions of Deep-Fried Wheat Dough and Batter Enriched with Oat and Wheat Bran

This study investigated oil distribution in two types of deep-fried dough products with two moisture levels (65 and 100 wt. %), two bran types (oat and wheat bran), and five bran concentrations (5-20%). The total oil content of fried products was categorised as surface oil (SO), penetrated surface oil (PSO), and structural oil (STO) using a spectrophotometric method. Moisture loss reduced (p<0.05) from 23.35% in the control to 15.19% fried batter (FB) and to 20% oat bran (OB), while a reverse trend was observed in the fried dough. Reduction of total oil from 0.43 g/g in the control to 0.38 g/g at 20% OB and 8% wheat bran (WB) was observed. At 15% OB and 20% WB, total fat reduced from 0.41 g/g in the control to 0.26 g/g of fried dough (FD). The trend STO < SO < PSO was observed in FD, while FB followed a SO < STO < PSO trend. This investigation indicated that oil uptake reduction in fried dough products is achievable through ingredient modifications. The method of oil distribution measurement used herein can be applied to other thick deep-fried food systems in the assessment of product quality.