This invention discloses a
protein-based stabilizer, its preparation method, and its application, relating to the field of
food science and technology. The stabilizer comprises a complex formed by covalent cross-linking of tiger nut
protein (CEP) and
whey protein isolate (WPI); wherein the covalent cross-linking is catalyzed by transglutaminase (TGase); the complex comprises 10%–50% tiger nut
protein by weight. Experimental results show that the stabilizer, when applied to the preparation of
Pickering emulsion, can significantly improve its freeze-thaw stability. Furthermore, when the
Pickering emulsion is applied to the preparation of
ice cream, it can reduce the peak ice
crystallization temperature, decrease bubble size, increase overrun, and improve its freeze-thaw resistance and
structural integrity. Therefore, this invention provides an efficient, simple, and natural strategy for improving the stability of complex frozen multiphase systems, and has broad application value in the frozen food field.