Abstract: Agglomerates of cereals are held together by a binding matrix, rather than sugars, and are formed by providing a dry mix of cereals in particular form, such as flakes, and starch-based matrix-forming material, optionally along with other components. These are then mixed with water to hydrate the binding matrix and allow it to swell to form a paste and to bind the bulk materials together. The resulting blend is extruded to an outlet using a relatively open or no die so that any back pressure and heat generated is sufficient to permit the matrix material to set and bind the particular cereal without excess heat. The agglomerate extruded from the extruder are cut into pieces of the desired size and dried to final desired moisture content.

Abstract: Agglomerates of cereals are held together by a binding matrix, rather than sugars, and are formed by providing a dry mix of cereals in particular form, such as flakes, and starch-based matrix-forming material, optionally along with other components. These are then mixed with water to hydrate the binding matrix and allow it to swell to form a paste and to bind the bulk materials together. The resulting blend is extruded to an outlet using a relatively open or no die so that any back pressure and heat generated is sufficient to permit the matrix material to set and bind the particular cereal without excess heat. The agglomerate extruded from the extruder are cut into pieces of the desired size and dried to final desired moisture content.

Abstract: Agglomerates of cereals are held together by a binding matrix, rather than sugars, and are formed by providing a dry mix of cereals in particular form, such as flakes, and starch-based matrix—forming material, optionally along with other components. These are then mixed with water to hydrate the binding matrix and allow it to swell to form a paste and to bind the bulk materials together. The resulting blend is extruded to an outlet using a relatively open or no die so that any back pressure and heat generated is sufficient to permit the matrix material to set and bind the particular cereal without excess heat. The agglomerate extruded from the extruder are cut into pieces of the desired size and dried to final desired moisture content.

Abstract: Novel breading crumbs are provided in which a heat-set protein is incorporated into the breading crumbs which may then optionally be coated, and which will provide improved textural qualities to food products to which they are applied with improved retention of such qualities under conditions which normally lead to deterioration of organoleptic properties, including maintaining the cooked food product at an edible temperature for a period of time and maintaining the food product under refrigeration, freezing and freeze-thaw conditions. The breading crumbs preferably are Oriental-style breading crumbs and the heat-set protein preferably is sodium caseinate. The novel breading crumbs may be comminuted and used as a predust, as a batter component, or as a flour breader. Further improvements in organoleptic properties can be obtained using a combination of the comminuted material and the novel breading crumbs in food coating systems.