Besides fat/oil emulsification, Sisterna sucrose esters have several effects in baked goods:
Sucrose esters interact with proteins in flour by means of hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic bindings. The result is a more flexible gluten network, which is better able to withstand mechanical forces (kneading), ensuring maximum gas retention.
Sucrose esters react with the amylose molecule, to form a helical complex. This interaction delays gelatinisation as well as retrogradation of starch. With sucrose esters a bakery product gets more oven spring, higher volume, finer crumb and more tenderness. Delay of starch retrogradation (staling) results in a "fresh" product for a longer time; a longer shelf life.
Sucrose esters have HLB values as high as 16, which means that they strongly decrease the surface tension between water and air. This makes them strong aerators. For products like cake and aerated fillings, this is an important tool.
Sucrose esters facilitate easy release from baked wafers from the baking plates.
Sucrose esters control sugar crystallisation, which results in smaller crystals. In high-sugar products like low fat biscuits, fondant and icing, this results in a softer, more stable texture.