Snapshot from Jul 23, 2026 at 07:00 UTC. For live data and tracking: View Live
Tech food science breakthrough

Heriot-Watt develops healthier pastry

Analysis based on 7 articles · First reported Jun 28, 2026 · Last updated Jun 29, 2026

Sentiment
70
Attention
3
Articles
7
Market Impact
General
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The development of healthier pastry by Heriot-Watt University could positively impact the food and beverage industry by offering products with reduced saturated fat, potentially leading to increased consumer demand for healthier baked goods. Companies like Greggs, while not directly involved, could see opportunities to adapt their offerings, influencing market trends towards healthier snack options.

Food and Beverage Biotechnology

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University, led by Professor Stephen Euston, are developing a new method to significantly reduce saturated fat in pastries like sausage rolls, croissants, and Danish pastries. This 10-month project, funded by United Kingdom — UK Research and Innovation and in collaboration with New Food Innovation and AB Mauri, uses oleogelation to transform healthier liquid oils into a solid-like fat, mimicking traditional fats' structural role. The goal is to maintain the distinctive flaky texture and taste while improving health benefits and potentially streamlining manufacturing by reducing the need for chilling during production. The technology is also being explored for vegan cheese alternatives, aiming to make a genuine difference to public health in the United Kingdom.

per
Professor Stephen Euston is leading the research at Heriot-Watt University to create healthier pastry using oleogelation, aiming to maintain taste and texture while reducing saturated fat.
Importance 80.0 Sentiment 60.0
govactor
United Kingdom — UK Research and Innovation, specifically its Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UKRI EPSRC), is funding the research project at Heriot-Watt University, enabling the development of healthier food options.
Importance 70.0 Sentiment 50.0
oth
New Food Innovation is collaborating with Heriot-Watt University on the 10-month project to develop healthier pastry, contributing industry expertise to the research.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment 50.0
priv
AB Mauri is an industry collaborator with Heriot-Watt University, working on the project to reduce saturated fat in pastries, which could benefit their product lines.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment 50.0
per
Dr. Andrew Bourne, executive director for innovation and partnerships at UKRI EPSRC, highlights the potential of the project to translate promising research into practical solutions for public health.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment 50.0
cnt
The United Kingdom is the primary market for sausage rolls and other pastries targeted by this research, and its population stands to benefit from healthier food options.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment 40.0
stock
Greggs is mentioned as a popular retailer of sausage rolls in the UK, and while not directly involved in the research, could potentially benefit from the development of healthier pastry options.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 30.0
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