Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a cocoa-containing beverage, or a nutritionally fortified or energy-sustaining cocoa beverage, containing beneficial cocoa polyphenols. Ready-to-drink compositions, concentrates, primary beverage components, and packets for producing the beverages are specifically disclosed and prepared from a cocoa water composition made from steeping a cocoa-containing product in water or an aqueous solution with an acid. A number of vitamins, minerals, supplements, and nutriceutical compositions can be added.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a cocoa-containing beverage, or a nutritionally fortified or energy-sustaining cocoa beverage, containing beneficial cocoa polyphenols. Ready-to-drink compositions, concentrates, primary beverage components, and packets for producing the beverages are specifically disclosed and prepared from a cocoa water composition made from steeping a cocoa-containing product in water or an aqueous solution with an acid. A number of vitamins, minerals, supplements, and nutriceutical compositions can be added.

Abstract: A method for creating a reduced fat confectionery product is disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of a chocolate compatible fat and a sweetener, thereafter refining the mixture to form a powder having a predetermined average particle size, thereafter agitating the refined powder mixture at a temperature above the melting temperature of the chocolate compatible fat to form a dough and thereafter solidifying the dough to form a confectionery product having a total formulated fat content of less than 29% by weight.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a cocoa-containing beverage, or a nutritionally fortified or energy-sustaining cocoa beverage, containing beneficial cocoa polyphenols. Ready-to-drink compositions, concentrates, primary beverage components, and packets for producing the beverages are specifically disclosed and prepared from a cocoa water composition made from steeping a cocoa-containing product in water or an aqueous solution. A number of vitamins, minerals, supplements, and nutriceutical compositions can be added.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a cocoa beverage containing beneficial cocoa polyphenols. Ready-to-drink compositions, concentrates, primary beverage components, and packets for producing the beverages are specifically disclosed. Preferred sugar-free, low calorie, and calorie-free products and cocoa beverages are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present process is directed to a method of crystallizing the lactose in milkfat which comprises (a) mixing the milk powder with water in an amount sufficient to initiate crystallization when subjected to shearing and heating, and (b) subjecting the product of (a) to shearing and heating under conditions effective to crystallize the lactose, said heating being conducted at a temperature greater than the glass transition temperature of the lactose and below the temperature at which the product will have a burnt flavor.