A mono-, di-, and triglyceride emulsifier composition is provided that is
obtained by the interesterification or glycerolysis of triglycerides with
glycerol. The diglyceride portion w/w is at least about 65% to about 80%,
and most preferably from about 70% to about 80% (HiDi). The high
diglyceride emulsifier is useful in preparing a trans free shortening
from anon-hydrogenated vegetable oil for use in bakery goods, which then
have a significantly lower saturated fat content and a substantially
higher polyunsaturated level than heretofore available when a
conventional mono- and diglyceride emulsifier is used in the goods. A
preferred shortening that is predominantly in stable beta prime
crystalline form is prepared by mixing on a weight to weight basis from
about 10% to about 30%, and preferably about 15% to 20%, of the HiDi
composition, with the remainder being non-hydrogenated soybean oil.