Texture is the crucial attribute of chewing gums with long-lasting flavor and soft, pleasing mouthfeel; pasta with the right texture that cooks in less than five minutes; a protein bar with a year-long shelflife; and low-fat ice cream that melts in the mouth and is smooth, not chewy.
Formula ingredients that directly impact product texture also influence other characteristics, such as flavor release, product stickiness on the palate and lips or even shelflife, such as its staling rate.