Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for naturally decreasing carbohydrates and calories, while increasing erythritol, in beverages. The method includes fermenting beverages, such as fruit juices with a microorganism capable of metabolizing sugars into sugar alcohol(s) such as erythritol, to produce a fermented beverage having reduced carbohydrates, and therefore reduced calories, and increased erythritol as compared to an unfermented equivalent beverage.

Abstract: The principles of the present invention provide novel compositions and methods for naturally enriching beverages with multiple vitamins. The method includes fermenting beverages, such as fruit juices, in a single step with a microorganism capable of producing at least four vitamins, such as vitamin B12, vitamin K, folate, and biotin.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of food, feed and food supplements comprising high folate levels, whereby the folate is produced by fermentation of Lactobacillus strains on melon fruit extract. Methods for increasing folate production of Lactobacillus strains are also provided.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for improving flavor production in a fermented food product, a S. thermophilus strain wherein glutamate dehydrogenase is inactivated, as well as a food product comprising such strain. Moreover, the invention describes a method for identifying S. thermophilus strains having improved flavor production, and use thereof for improving flavor production in a fermented food product.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved fermentation conditions for S. thermophilus and/or L. bulgaricus, allowing efficient preparation of fermented products based on monoculture of these strains. Such fermented products may be fermented food products or may be starter cultures for use in the preparation of fermented food products. The invention also describes the use of certain compounds for stimulating growth of S. thermophilus and/or L. bulgaricus.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of food, feed and food supplements comprising high folate levels, whereby the folate is produced by fermentation of Lactobacillus strains on melon fruit extract. Methods for increasing folate production of Lactobacillus strains are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing nitrate into nitrite wherein a probiotic and/or starter bacteriumis cultivated under anaerobic conditions in the presence of a nitrate, a heme and optionally a vitamin K.

Abstract: The invention provides a process of producing bio-available folate, i.e., folic acid having an increased proportion of monoglutamyl folate and a decreased proportion of polyglutamyl folate, by culturing food-grade microorganisms containing an active heterologous or homologous polyglutamyl hydrolase activity or containing increased activities of folate biosynthesis enzymes. The genes encoding the polyglutamyl hydrolase and the folate biosynthesis enzymes may be of various origin, e.g. from rodents or other mammals including man. Also provided is a foodstuff, especially a dairy product containing such monoglutamyl folate-producing microorganisms.