Abstract: Filters and filter materials for removing microorganisms from a fluid are provided along with processes for using the same. The filters include a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a filter material disposed within the housing, wherein the filter material is formed at least in part from a plurality of filter particles having an activated coating with a lignosulfonate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to beverage brewing devices which are useful for facilitating fluidization and flavor extraction in beverage brewing devices. In particular, the present invention includes a number of embodiments, including beverage brewing devices comprising one or more extraction chambers. The beverage brewing devices are useful for facilitating fluidizing brewing process such that all ingredients contained within the brewing device are accessed in the brewing process. Additionally, desirable properties of brewed beverages are attained without using separate and/or mechanical means. As an additional advantage, the cleaning processes typically required subsequent to preparation of beverages, and in particular the foamed beverages of the present invention, is diminished or avoided.

Abstract: System for making and delivering a customized beverage product to a consumer having a user interface, a customization director in communication with a customization data store and the user interface, wherein the customization director includes executable instructions for determining a user's customized formulation; and a beverage delivery system in communication with the customization director, wherein the beverage delivery system includes executable instructions for delivering a customized beverage product. Method for delivering a customized beverage product to an individual including the steps of obtaining consumer preference data; determining a consumer beverage formulation corresponding to the consumer preference data; and providing the consumer a customized beverage corresponding to the customized beverage formulation, utilizing one or more of delayed dilution, delayed mixing, and delayed filtering, in any order.

Abstract: Creamy, reduced fat, low-moisture lipid-based fillings. The fillings comprise: (a) at least about 20% non-digestible lipid; and (b) from about 0.5% to about 35% crystallizing lipid. The fillings can additionally comprise other suitable optional ingredients. The filling has a water activity of less than about 0.6 and has at least about 20% less digestible fat than a comparable full-fat lipid-based filling. In one embodiment, a cheese filling comprises: (a) from about 20% to about 60% non-digestible lipid; (b) from about 0.5% to about 35% crystallizing lipid; (c) from about 20% to about 75% dehydrated cheese powder; and (d) from about 0% to about 55% bulking agent. The fillings can be used with any suitable substrate, but are especially suitable for use in random packed food products, especially sandwich biscuits. Sandwich biscuits made with the fillings adhere well to the biscuits so that the sandwich biscuits are not misaligned, smeared, or subject to splitting or decapping in production or after storage.

Abstract: A low-fat and low-calorie nut spread having at least about 50% less fat and at least about 33% fewer calories than full-fat peanut butter yet having a flavor and texture comparable to a full-fat nut butter or spread. The nut spread has a non-fat solids to oil ratio that is less than about 2.0:1, comprises nut solids that have a mono-modal particle size distribution where the D50 and D90 sizes are less than about 15 and about 30 microns, respectively. The level of fat-free nut solids is from about 34% to about 45%. The apparent viscosity of the nut spread is less than about 4500 cP. The nut spread comprises at least about 20% oil substitute, preferably a sucrose polyester that contains an anal leakage controlling agent. Also disclosed is a preferred process for making the nut spread.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to beverage compositions comprising: a) a first component which is arabinogalactan; and b) a second component comprising one or more minerals selected from the group consisting of zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, selenium, iodine, and fluorine. The present compositions are useful to provide beverage compositions which deliver adequate levels of water soluble dietary fiber and important minerals without affecting the product appearance, product taste, and mineral bioavailability. At the same time, the compositions herein deliver the benefits of fiber, one or more of the defined minerals, and/or provide other health benefits, including fighting infection, promoting healthy bacteria, and providing a desired dietary fiber benefit. These and other benefits of the present invention are described herein.