Abstract: A reheatable container for food items includes an annular body portion having a large, centrally positioned, opening surrounded by a generally planar flange. A generally circular disk covers the opening and is supported by the planar flange. The upper edge structure of the body portion includes a generally planar sealing surface to which a transparent quadrilateral cover film is sealed. The body portion is preferably fabricated from CPET. The food item may be heated in the container at the time of preparation, shipped in the container, stored in the container, and reheated in the container. Removal of the circular disk simultaneously removes the food item from the body portion.

Abstract: A dry mix for producing a quick-setting gel which has a texture which is as desirable as gelatin gels. The mix contains as components agglomerated potassium or sodium alginate, agglomerated calcium salt, sweetening agents, food acids, buffering agents and preferably anti-oxidant. The sweetening agents can be sugars, intensive sweeteners and/or hydrolyzed starches.

Abstract: A dry cooked pudding mix which can be prepared in a microwave oven without stirring during the cooking step, said mix containing sweetener, uncooked starch, spray-cooked and dried pregelatinized starch, dispersant and a cool-water soluble hydrocolloid gum. The pregelatinized starch has a critical particle size distribution wherein at least 30%, preferably at least 60%, by weight of the starch is retained on a 270 U.S. Standard Sieve and no more than 1% by weight is retained on an 80 U.S. Standard Sieve.