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REVIEW article

Front. Nutr.

Sec. Food Chemistry

Volume 12 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1693995

This article is part of the Research TopicThe Role of Biomolecules in Functional Fermented FoodsView all articles

Preserving Edible Biodiversity Through Indigenous Dairy Emulsions: Valorization of Traditional Milk Systems for a Resilient Future

Provisionally accepted
Anand  KumarAnand Kumar1Muskan  YadavMuskan Yadav2Sadaqat  AliSadaqat Ali1Itu  DuttaItu Dutta2Selva  Kumar TSelva Kumar T3Vidhu  YadavVidhu Yadav2Tharindu  Trishan Dapana DurageTharindu Trishan Dapana Durage4Fahad  AlhodiebFahad Alhodieb5Saleh  A. AlsanieSaleh A. Alsanie5*
  • 1Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
  • 2University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
  • 3Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
  • 4Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, United States
  • 5Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

Traditional dairy emulsions such as ghee, laban, reyab, and fermented camel milk are produced using locally adapted livestock breeds and unique microbial consortia, reflecting centuries of ecological adaptation. These products are increasingly positioned as functional foods that integrate traditional practices with modern nutritional needs, thereby enhancing dietary diversity and sustainability. These systems are structurally complex and nutritionally dense, containing bioactive compounds, natural emulsifiers, and probiotics. They contribute to regional food resilience and edible biodiversity through bioactive compounds, natural emulsifiers, and probiotics. This paper explores the dynamic role of these emulsions in dairy food systems, their biochemical makeup, socio-cultural relevance, and technological avenues for their valorization. Advances in nano and micro emulsion methods, ultrafiltration, and spray drying are investigated for their potential to improve bioavailability, stability, and application while maintaining traditional values. Recent research has shown that when used correctly, these technologies can preserve or even enhance their health-promoting properties, allowing them to be incorporated into modern diets and treatment formulations. However, their value must be based on ethical considerations for local producers, the preservation of microbiological and cultural variety, and a governmental framework that encourages small-scale, decentralised innovations. When treated with cultural sensitivity and scientific precision, these technological interventions for the valorisation of traditional dairy systems can increase their nutritional and functional value while conserving their essential identity. These emulsions have the potential to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, facilitating for the development of diversified, robust, and culturally grounded nutritional practices.

Keywords: Indigenous dairy systems, Emulsion, Valorization, Functional Foods, Nanoemulsions, Sustainable food systems, Traditional dairy emulsions

Received: 27 Aug 2025; Accepted: 30 Sep 2025.

Copyright: © 2025 Kumar, Yadav, Ali, Dutta, Kumar T, Yadav, Durage, Alhodieb and A. Alsanie. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Saleh A. Alsanie, s.alsanie@qu.edu.sa

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