Abstract: The present invention relates to food products derived from cereal grains, comprising a fiber with long, insoluble fiber strands which when present in the food product strengthens and improves its textural attributes. Preferred foods that can be strengthened with the insoluble fibers include edible wafers for frozen desserts and refrigerated novelties (e.g., ice cream cones), and formulated foods which include pasta, extruded foods, baked foods, puffed foods and snack foods (e.g., crackers, cookies, cereals, taco shells and tortillas). The fiber functions to strengthen the food product regardless of its final molded, extruded or puffed shape. As described herein, the fiber can be any fiber derived from a plant or microbial source which has a high content of insoluble dietary fiber. Only a small amount of fiber is required to enhance the structural integrity of the final food product.

Abstract: A composition comprising xanthan gum particles coated with a mixture of zein (corn protein) and at least one emulsifier. The surface coating improves the dispersion and hydration of xanthan gum resulting in shorter mix times for the user of the xanthan gum. Moreover, the xanthan gum powder dispersibility and hydration properties may be tailored by modifying the amounts of the zein and emulsifier in the coating blend. In addition, there is a significant fine particle reduction with the coated xanthan gum.

Abstract: A microcrystalline starch-based product comprising microcrystalline starch, glucose and short chain glucooligosaccharides and having an average particle size of less than about 10 .mu., and a process for making the microcrystalline starch-based product consisting of optionally debranching, retrograding and hydrolyzing a starch are disclosed. Also disclosed are food formulations comprising the microcrystalline resistant starch-based product.

Abstract: A method of producing a granular resistant starch comprising the steps of heating a granular native starch to swell but not rupture the starch granules, debranching the starch, treating the starch to retrograde the amylose therein, optionally annealing the starch and optionally drying the product to a powder is described. Granular resistant starch produced by this method and food formulations containing the granular resistant starch are also described.

Abstract: Compositions which can prevent oxidation darkening of foods and beverages and methods for producing it are disclosed. The compounds inhibit the enzymatic browning of foods and beverages susceptible to browning, such as shrimp, apples, fruit juices and wines. Methods for producing the compounds and methods for inhibiting browning using the composition are described.

Abstract: A method, and product thereof, is described for reducing the amount of oil absorbed into a food during hot oil frying. The method involves coating the food, prior to deep fat frying, with a protein latex which forms a layer of hydrophobic protein having excellent barrier properties to hot oil.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for preventing or inhibiting oxidative darkening of foods and beverages. The compositions comprise at least one substituted resorcinol derivative and at least one additive which when applied in combination with the resorcinol derivative prevents enzymatic browning of the food or beverage. The compositions inhibit the enzymatic browning of foods and beverages susceptible to browning, such as shrimp, potatoes, apples, avocados, fruit juices and wines.

Abstract: A continuous edible coating or barrier is formed on a substrate by applying to the substrate a water-based prolamine latex which is substantially free of organic solvent. Additives to the latex may be used to modify the properties of the coating or barrier.

Abstract: Texturized oils and oil-continuous emulsions are prepared by combining liquid oils with edible polyester polymers. The resulting texturized oils and emulsions are gelled substances having a fat-like consistency which approximates the viscoelastic properties of solid fats, such as butter, margarine or hydrogenated vegetable oils, but contain no saturated fats. These texturized oils and emulsions can be used as a substitute for solid fats in food products and to make high-quality spreads containing reduced amounts of saturated fat.

Abstract: A method is described for reducing the amount of oil absorbed into a food during hot oil frying. The method involves coating the food, prior to deep fat frying with a protein latex which forms a layer of hydrophobic protein having excellent barrier properties to hot oil.

Abstract: Resorcinol derivatives are disclosed as inhibitors of enzymatic browning in foods and beverages such as shrimp, apples, fruit juices and wines.

Abstract: A method for preparing a food grade, insoluble bulking agent from starch is disclosed. The method involves a retrogradation process followed by enzymatic hydrolysis to form a modified starch product which can be used as a filler or as a bulking or texturizing agent in low-fat food formulations.