Development of brazilian lipid bases for cocoa butter replacement in chocolate
This research focuses on developing cocoa butter substitutes (CBS) from Brazilian Cerrado nuts, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional cocoa butter. The project aims to utilize high-lipid content nuts like Jerivá and Macaúba to create effective, eco-friendly CBS for chocolate production.
Overview
This innovative research aims to develop cocoa butter substitutes (CBS) using high-lipid content nuts from the Brazilian Cerrado region. By leveraging nuts such as Jerivá and Macaúba, which are rich in Lauric oils and have a high oil yield, the project seeks to create sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cocoa butter. These substitutes are intended for use in chocolate production, offering comparable properties to conventional CBS while reducing the reliance on palm oil and deforestation.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes high-lipid nuts: Jerivá and Macaúba, rich in Lauric oils
- Physical extraction processes include expeller and hydraulic pressing
- Refining, if necessary, will be performed physically
- Modification methods include dry fractionation and enzymatic interesterification
- Focus on crystallization properties to match commercial CBS
Technology readiness level
Currently, this project is at Technology Readiness Level 3, indicating that experimental proof of concept has been established. The research is moving through various phases of optimization and characterization, including extraction, refining, and performance evaluation in chocolate.
About Universidade Federal de Lavras
Universidade Federal de Lavras is a comprehensive federal public university in Minas Gerais with a strong applied research culture and a history of industry partnership. Companies engage through on‑campus labs, greenhouses, and field experimental areas that enable rigorous testing and validation under real production conditions. Extension programs and collaborations with regional cooperatives and producers provide fast feedback loops and access to diverse trial sites across the state. Research is supported by competitive federal and state funding from CNPq, CAPES, FINEP, and FAPEMIG, alongside industry‑sponsored projects. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, sponsored research agreements, and supports startup formation.
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