Abstract

A low-fat comestible spread which is plastic in consistency similar in properties to margarine or other such spreads, and process for making same. The spread comprises an oil-in-water emulsion having stably dispersed therein about 20% to about 40% fat, a lipoidal emulsifier, a water soluble or dispersible thickening agent for the water, and advantageously, flavor and colorant, the fat having a Wiley Melting Point in the range of about 75° F. to about 106° F., a solid-fat index at 92° F. not substantially greater than about 20 and a solid-fat index at 100° F. not substantially greater than zero. A preferred emulsifier is a normally plastic partial fatty acid ester of a polyalcohol having an HLB value less than about 5. A preferred thickening agent is a cellulose ether, advantageously in combination with a thixotropic thickening agent. The process features homogenizing the thickened oil-in-water emulsion with the fat advantageously in molten condition, then setting up the emulsion in a plastic state by cooling same.