The morphology, stability, and rheological properties of water-in-oil-in-water (W-1/O/W-2) multiple emulsions (ME) stabilized by whey protein concentrate (W)-carboxymethylcellulose (C) soluble complexes (SCw/c) were evaluated. The interaction pH values (pH(i)) to generate SCw/c were established through zeta potential and turbidity determinations. Six ME variations were prepared using a constant weight ratio (WR) between W and C of 3:1 (where maximum interaction occurred) and by varying the way in which the biopolymers were adsorbed at the interface (layer-by-layer, LL, or pre-formed complex, PF) and (3.7, 4.0 and 4.3). The ME initial volume-surface diameter (D-3.2) of the oil droplets ranged from 2.4 to 3.2 mu m, which on turn contained numerous flocculated water droplets. Higher viscoelastic moduli values (G' and G"), more pronounced shear thinning behaviour and smaller changes in droplet size with storage time were displayed by ME made with a pH(1) value of 4.3, WR3:1, and LL biopolymers adsorption technique. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.