Abstract: The flavor and texture of a ground bran and germ component or fraction is improved by subjecting the ground bran and germ component to heating while conveying and mixing the ground bran and germ component in a conveying and mixing device. The heating may be conducted to heat the bran and germ component or fraction to a temperature of from about 285° F. to about 410° F. to volatilize volatile wheaty flavor components and moisture in the ground bran and germ component and to develop a buttery, nutty, caramelized flavor in the bran component. The wheaty flavor components and moisture are removed from the mixing and conveying device during the heat treatment. The use of substantial moisture reduction with high temperature heating at a low moisture content provides flavor development while reducing wheatiness, graininess, or rawness, and also achieves lipase inhibition and stabilization against rancidity from free-fatty acid production.

Abstract: Compositions related to a baked, extruded, bite-size foodstuff comprising a dough-based casing component including at least 6 wt % protein such that at least 5 grams of protein are included in 30 grams of product, wherein the protein is derived from a soy flour; and, a filling component substantially completely surrounded by the casing component, wherein the casing component has a light, crispy texture; and, wherein the weight ratio of the casing component to the filling component in the extruded food stuff is about 60:40.

Abstract: A dual-textured foodstuff comprising a total fiber content of about 2.5 g to about 5.0 g of fiber; a baked dough-based component including a dough-based component fiber blend with soluble fiber and insoluble fiber in a ratio of about 9:1 to about 0.43:1; about 40 wt % to about 60 wt % of the total fiber content; and a crispy texture throughout the shelf life of the foodstuff; along with a baked filling component present in an amount of about 35 wt % to about 60 wt % of the foodstuff, the baked filling component being in direct contact with the baked dough-based component, and having a soft texture throughout the shelf life of the foodstuff; a relative humidity of about 0.6 to about 0.8.

Abstract: The flavor and texture of a ground bran and germ component or fraction is improved by subjecting the ground bran and germ component to heating while conveying and mixing the ground bran and germ component in a conveying and mixing device. The heating may be conducted to heat the bran and germ component or fraction to a temperature of from about 285° F. to about 410° F. to volatilize volatile wheaty flavor components and moisture in the ground bran and germ component and to develop a buttery, nutty, caramelized flavor in the bran component. The wheaty flavor components and moisture are removed from the mixing and conveying device during the heat treatment. The use of substantial moisture reduction with high temperature heating at a low moisture content provides flavor development while reducing wheatiness, graininess, or rawness, and also achieves lipase inhibition and stabilization against rancidity from free-fatty acid production.

Abstract: A cooked snack food or cooked edible core material, such as roasted nuts, or baked snack chips, while still hot from the cooking step, is tumbled and sprayed with an aqueous solution of a water-soluble, film-forming coating component, such as a maltodextrin. The tumbling and spraying is performed immediately after cooking so that latent heat from the cooked edible core material, reduces the moisture content of the applied aqueous solution to form a dry, thin film coating of the coating component on the edible core material. The need for a separate, subsequent drying step or forced air drying equipment to reduce the moisture content is eliminated by evaporative cooling of the hot cooked snacks and flashing of the applied aqueous coating solution. The dry, coated cooked snack may be cooled to obtain a snack food having a thin, uniform coating which enhances appearance, texture, taste and shelf life.