Tracing the Evolution of Oleogels: A Historical Overview

In this introductory chapter, we embark on a journey into the world of oleogels, a topic of increasing significance within the food industry. The exploration begins with an examination of the challenges faced by the industry, and particularly in incorporating oleogels into their products, while aligning with current consumer trends. Following, we delve into an important question: What are the historical origins and early uses of oleogels and organogels, and how have these materials evolved over time to become relevant in the food industry today? Then, we present some essential concepts related to oleogels, laying the groundwork for a better understanding of the subsequent chapters in this book. Finally, we offer a description of the main research topics in the field, which will be extensively covered throughout this book.