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University of Birmingham scientists have discovered a new method to replace fat in food products.

A team at the University of Birmingham's Centre for Formulation Engineering is developing a microstructure – an air-filled emulsion coated in protein – that resembles the physical properties of a fat globule. The protein is hydrophobin which comes from mushrooms. This new structure could replace fat in foods such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, sauces and even spreads and margarines.

The technique means that up to 50% of the fat would be removed from a product and replaced with the new structure, which is made in such a way that it gives the product the correct texture. The remaining fat carries the fatty flavours and aroma. This would mean that the consumer would be able to enjoy a healthier food product, but still experience the same fatty taste and texture.

The hydrophobins used for the new structures are fascinating molecules, but they have the added advantage, especially for use in food, of being totally natural and commonly found in life. Suitable proteins can be easily and safely extracted from inside the common white cap mushrooms that are already frequently eaten.

Reducing fat content Professor Ian Norton from the University of Birmingham said: "Food manufacturers are under increasing pressure to reduce the amount of fat in their products. We've found that we can use existing materials to change the properties of some foodstuffs in a way that's acceptable to the consumer."

Dr Phil Cox, co-investigator, said: "It is hoped that, by making indulgent foods more healthy, the consumer will be able to continue to enjoy those foods that are currently seen as bad for you, without worrying about the fat content."

The team are also working with colleagues at Bangor University on the psychological issues surrounding eating, and are particularly interested in healthy indulgence – how to make products which are healthy but still nice to eat, and then how to get the consumers to accept the concept.

Professor Norton added: "New technologies and changing the make-up of the foods we eat are ways of tackling the obesity problem, but public attitudes towards food consumption must be addressed if we're to stop this epidemic in its tracks."

The Centre for Formulation Engineering at the University of Birmingham, the UK's foremost research centre for the design and construction of microstructured food products, links researchers in different product areas. Professor Peter Fryer, Head of the Centre, said: "The engineering principles underlying manufacture are the same in industries as different as fine chemicals, food industries and fuel cells."

Having developed an understanding of the underlying science, the group is now working on alternatives to hydrophobins in order to give food manufacturers a range of alternative natural ingredients that can be used in different product formats and manufacturing processes.