The texturing properties of mercerized cellulose dispersed in rapeseed oil without any prior thermal treatment were investigated as a function of botanical origin, cellulose content, mass fraction and fiber size through a molecular analysis of samples, macroscopic/microscopic observations and rheological experiments (continuous or oscillatory shear flow). A solid-like behavior of dispersions was demonstrated for a minimum cellulose content of about 60 wt.% in the vegetal powder. The oleogelation efficiency increases with the mass fraction of powder in oil and the maximum size of cellulose fibers as a result of weak attractive interactions and fiber entanglement giving rise to a network entrapping the liquid phase. An innovative strategy using a 30 wt.% dispersion of bamboo fibers in rapeseed oil was finally used to produce in a conch a chocolate spread with a high thermal stability at 38 °C and healthier nutritional qualities compared to an equivalent product prepared with palm oil.
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