Food rheology is the study of the
rheological properties of
food, that is, the
consistency and flow of food under tightly specified conditions. The consistency, degree of
fluidity, and other mechanical properties are important in understanding how long food can be stored, how stable it will remain, and in determining food texture. The acceptability of food products to the consumer is often determined by food texture, such as how spreadable and creamy a food product is. Food rheology is important in
quality control during food manufacture and processing. Food rheology terms have been noted since ancient times. In ancient
Egypt bakers judged the consistency of dough by rolling it in their hands.