Phytosterol–γ-Oryzanol–Glycerol Monostearate Composite Gelators for Palm Stearin/Linseed Oil Oleogel-Based Margarine: Nutrient Enrichment, Textural Modulation, and Commercial Product Mimicry

This study prepared palm stearin/linseed oil-based margarines (PST/LO-BMs) and palm stearin/linseed oil oleogel-based margarines (PST/LO-OBM) by incorporating varying proportions (20–60% oil phase) of linseed oil (LO) and LO-based oleogel, respectively. By comparing PST/LO-OBMs and PST/LO-BMs, it was found that the introduction of phytosterol–γ-oryzanol (PO) complexes and glycerol monostearate (GMS) to PST/LO-OBM induced three distinct crystalline morphologies: needle-like crystals, spherical crystals, and cluster-type crystals. These crystal assemblies synergistically constructed a robust three-dimensional network, effectively entrapping both aqueous droplets and liquid oil fractions while substantially reinforcing the structural integrity of PST/LO-OBM. Notably, the incorporated gelators modified the crystallization behavior, where GMS likely served as a nucleating site promoting triglyceride crystallization. This structural modulation yielded favorable β’-form crystal polymorphism, which is critically associated with enhanced textural properties. Comparative analysis with commercial margarine revealed that the PST45/LO40-OBM formulation exhibited comparable rheological performance, crystalline type, and thermal properties, while demonstrating superior nutritional characteristics, containing elevated levels of α-linolenic acid (23.54%), phytosterol (1410 mg/100 g), and γ-oryzanol (2110 mg/100 g). These findings provide fundamental insights for margarine alternatives with nutritional attributes.