Abstract: A animal product filled chew toy for dogs comprises a relatively hard hollow casing. A relatively soft animal product filling that includes a preservative, a gelling agent, an animal fat and a meat is contained within the hollow casing. The toy also preferably includes a mold inhibitor.

Abstract: Provided is a pectin having (i) a degree of esterification (DE) of 60 to 95%, (ii) a calcium sensitivity (&Dgr;CS) of less than 25 cP, and (iii) a calcium sensitive pectin weight ratio (CSPR) of calcium sensitive pectin (CSP) to the sum of CSP and non-calcium sensitive pectin (NCSP) of 0.7 or more. Such pectin is useful as a stabilizing component of an aqueous acidic beverage, such as a drinking yogurt, which contains a suspension of protein particles formed from, e.g., casein. The pectin can be prepared by treating a substantially non-calcium sensitive pectin having a CSPR of 0.1 or less and a &Dgr;CS of 0-3 with a pectin deesterifying enzyme.

Abstract: Fat-like protein compositions for use in foods and cosmetics comprising a protein of gelatin and a water-soluble albumin, a carbohydrate, and a phospholipid wherein said gelatin, albumin, carbohydrate, and phospholipids are in the form of a water-insoluble complex coacervate, and processes for making the same. Preferred are compositions wherein some or all of the ingredients are optionally crosslinked.

Abstract: A gelled food composition containing fruit pieces distributed therein is obtained by preparing, separately, a jelly ground mass composition and a fruit composition which contains fruit pieces and then combining the two compositions and cooling to obtain the gelled composition wherein (a) to prepare the jelly ground mass, ingredients, in amounts by weight based upon jelly ground mass weight, of from 15% to 30% sugar, of from 0.4% to 0.7% xanthan and of a gelling agent which is (i) from 0.5% to 1.5% of a carrageenan composition, (ii) from 0.4% to 1.0% of a carrageenan composition and from 0.1% to 0.5% locust bean gum and (iii) from 0.1% to 0.5% of gellan gum, are blended into water at a temperature so that the ingredients are suspended in the water, and (b) the fruit composition is prepared with fruit pieces and with xanthan in an amount, by weight based upon the weight of the fruit composition, of from 0.4% and 0.7%.

Abstract: A stable composition containing milk, fruit or vegetable juice, gum-based stabilizers, and a composition containing an amino acid, an organic acid or inorganic acid, and a metal ion is disclosed. The composition is useful as a stable beverage with a pH from 3.0 to 7.0, preferably 3.0 to 4.6.

Abstract: A process for controlling the softness of a food product which tends to lose water and become progressively harder during storage which comprises adding an immobilized edible plasticizer to the food product.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for infusing fruits (which may include vegetables) with sugar. The apparatus includes a series of interconnected tanks (10, 12, 14 and 16). A stratified column of infusing liquor is caused to flow from a tank (50) via variable output pump (52) through fruit which is placed within the tanks to cause the fruit to become saturated with sugar. In addition, the fruit is placed in a plumping liquid in the tanks prior to infusing and the infusing liquor will drive the plumping liquid in front of it. The fruit may be conditioned in various ways prior to placement in the tanks, which conditioning may remove fruit juice from the fruit, the fruit juice being collected in a tank (36) for subsequent use. Alternatively, if fruit juice is not removed from the fruit during a conditioning process, fruit juice is extracted from the downstream portion of the plumping liquid.

Abstract: High-quality pectins may be extracted from pectin-containing plant materials with microwave energy under pressure. The pectins are characterized by increased molecular weight, size and intrinsic viscosity when compared to pectin extracted by conventional heating techniques.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating a solution, gel, or suspension of pectin starting material having a degree of esterification greater than about 60% with a cation-containing preparation to obtain at least a first fraction having a higher degree of calcium sensitivity and a second fraction having a lower degree of calcium sensitivity than said pectin starting material. The resultant composition has a degree of esterification greater than about 60% and a ratio of calcium sensitive pectin to the sum of calcium sensitive pectin and non-calcium sensitive pectin greater than about 0.60. Compositions using citrus pectin have a degree of esterification less than about 80% and a ratio on non-calcium sensitive pectin to the sum of calcium sensitive pectin and non-calcium sensitive pectin greater than about 0.60. These compositions are used, for example, in admixture with foodstuffs, in personal hygienic devices, and in cosmetics.

Abstract: A pourable, edible, low- or zero-fat emulsion comprising a continuous non-gelled aqueous phase and a dispersed phase of gel particles, wherein the gel particles occupy from 20 to 70% of the volume of the aqueous phase and the gel particles comprise hard particles of biopolymer gel and/or soft particles of biopolymer gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product containing a microcrystalline plant sterol, a method for producing the product by pulverization, and use of the product for the manufacture of edible products. The invention also relates to products manufactured using the microcrystalline plant-sterol-containing product. Preferably, the product is a spread based on a combination of a sweetening agent, a microcrystalline plant sterol and suitable berry or fruit.

Abstract: A non-liquid particulate fruit product which has a natural fruit flavor and which can be formed in desired configurations and sizes. The fruit ingredient can be derived from such fruits as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc. There is added to the fruit product pectin, liquid glucose, sodium citrate and sugar (e.g. sucrose). These ingredients are combined in a certain sequence. The mixture is brought to a boiling point to boil off a portion of the water. At a later time in the boiling of the mixture, a large portion of the sucrose is added to lower the temperature. The mixture is fed through a heating unit to raise the temperature of small quantities in the mixture very rapidly. Acid is added, and then the mixture is form in the desired shape, such as being dispensed as droplets onto a conveyor belt, where the droplets form into the particulate fruit product.

Abstract: A microgranular enzyme composition having an average particle size of from about 20 to 400 microns is disclosed. The microgranular composition has low dusting, high blendability and quick dispersion characteristics particularly beneficial to the food and/or feed industries. Also disclosed are methods for making such enzyme-containing microgranules.

Abstract: A non-liquid particulate fruit product and method for its manufacture which has a natural fruit flavor and which can be formed in desired configurations and sizes is described. The fruit ingredient can be derived from such fruits as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc. There is added to the fruit product pectin, liquid glucose, sodium citrate and sugar (e.g. sucrose). These ingredients are combined in a certain sequence. The mixture is brought to a boiling point to boil off a portion of the water. At a later time in the boiling of the mixture, a large portion of the sucrose is added to lower the temperature. The mixture is fed through a heating unit to raise the temperature of small quantities in the mixture very rapidly. Acid is added, and then the mixture is form in the desired shape, such as being dispensed as droplets onto a conveyor belt, where the droplets form into the particulate fruit product.

Abstract: A method for suspending inclusions in an acidic or alcoholic liquid composition is provided. The method includes the steps of preparing a pre-gel solution including gellan gum in water, providing a liquid composition having inclusions, incorporating the pre-gel solution into the liquid composition, and acidifying the liquid composition to produce a beverage and suspend the inclusions in the beverage. Alternatively, the liquid composition can be provided without inclusions and the inclusions may be added after the pre-gel solution is incorporated into the liquid composition to form a suspending solution or after the suspending solution is acidified to produce a beverage.

Abstract: The invention provides a temperature-stable liquid droplet comprising a terature-stable hydrocolloid membrane. The hydrocolloid is chosen from low methoxy pectin, Konjac mannan, sodium alginate, or a mixture thereof. The membrane encapsulates a droplet of an edible product or a droplet containing a microorganism, an enzyme or a cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved, intermediate moisture sweetened gelled food compositions fortified with calcium supplied by calcium phosphate. The gelled compositions comprise: A) about 55 to 85% by weight nutritive carbohydrate sweeteners; B) sufficient amounts of a gelling agent(s) to provide a gel strength of about 2-8 kg/cm.sup.2 ; C) about 50 to 1500 mg/oz total calcium; and D) about 9 to 20% moisture. Also disclosed are methods for the preparation of such fruit products involving forming a concentrated slurry of calcium phosphate having a particle size such that at least 90% are less than 150 .mu.m, forming a gellable blend and admixing the gellable composition with the slurry to form a gellable calcium fortofied composition and forming into desired shaped and sized pieces.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fortified foodstuff containing a fortifying amount of a complex of calcium and a hydrolyzed polysaccharide, combined with an acid, such as an organic acid. The foodstuff may be a dairy-based product such as milk or a milk product, a confectionery product, ice cream or a beverage such as a juice.

Abstract: An emulsion composition useful as a reduced-fat shortening substitute in bakery applications which comprises an emulsion with an aqueous phase containing water and konjac as a gelling agent and a lipid phase containing a lipid component and an emulsifier component. The konjac is preferably partially deacylated to provide controlled melt characteristics in the emulsion composition that replicate those of the full-fat shortening it replaces in bakery food products. A process for preparing the emulsion compositions is also disclosed. Bakery food products containing the emulsion compositions may be prepared using the emulsion compositions as a one-to-one replacement for full-fat shortening in the formulations. The reduced-fat bakery products made with the emulsion compositions exhibit sensory characteristics similar to those of the full-fat equivalents.

Abstract: Value-added, restructured fruit and vegetable products made from bulk-processed ingredients are taught. The restructured fruit and vegetable products are to be eaten out-of-hand as confectionery items or incorporated into baked, canned and/or frozen foods, such as cereals, cookies, cakes, fruit cocktails and ice creams. Processing methods involving twin-screw extrusion used to obtain the restructured fruit and vegetable products are also taught.

Abstract: A novel calcium complex for the fortification of beverages and foods, especially milk, is disclosed. The fortifying complexes contain a calcium source and a negatively-charged emulsifier with or without an organic or inorganic acid or a salt thereof. These complexes have been found to be particularly effective in fortifying milk and milk-protein containing beverages without coagulation of the proteins or without significantly changing the texture of the product.

Abstract: Fat-like protein compositions for use in foods and cosmetics comprising a protein of gelatin and a water-soluble albumin, a carbohydrate, and a phospholipid wherein said gelatin, albumin, carbohydrate, and phospholipids are in the form of a water-insoluble complex coacervate, and processes for making the same. Preferred are compositions wherein some or all of the ingredients are optionally crosslinked.

Abstract: A ready to eat, nonfried food made up of a cooked and hydrated carbohydrate core, and a cation crosslinked polysaccharide coating which substantially reduces the core's glycemic response.

Abstract: The invention provides edible pearly capsules containing a large amount of an oleaginous substance as the core substance. The above capsules can be provided by the method which comprises contacting liquid drops (a) of a composition comprising an aqueous solution of a water-soluble macromolecular substance at least a portion of which is marmelo mucilage (a.sub.1), an oleaginous substance (a.sub.2), e.g. animal or vegetable oil, a water-soluble polyvalent metal salt (a.sub.3), e.g. calcium chloride, and sodium chloride (a.sub.4) with an aqueous solution of a water-soluble salt of alginic acid (b) to thereby form a water-insoluble film of alginic acid salt on the outer surface of said liquid drops (a).

Abstract: The present invention discusses the use of pectinesterase to demethoxylate high-methoxylated pectins. The pectinesterase makes possible the preparation of food containing fruit or vegetables in a more efficient way. Specifically, fruit and vegetable jams, jellies, compotes and soups are prepared without or with greatly reduced sugar and pectin addition. The present invention also discusses a process for producing apple sauce comprising the use of pectinesterase.

Abstract: "Gumi" (or gummy) candies made by mixing water, sugar, starch syrup, an acid, a setting agent, a buffer solution, a flavoring material and a coloring agent. A combination of pectin and gelatin is used as the setting agent. Pectin and gelatin are used in the amounts of 1.9 to 2.6% and 1 to 3.8%, respectively, by weight relative to the total solid weight of the principal materials which are sugar, starch syrup, acid, setting agent and a buffer solution.

Abstract: A food gel composition is obtained by preparing an aqueous sol of lactoserum proteins and a polysaccharide so that, by weight based upon the sol weight, the lactoserum proteins are in an amount of from 5% to 15% and so that the polysaccharide is in an amount of from 0.05% to 0.25%, and then the sol is subjected to a hydrostatic pressure of from 200 MPa to 800 MPa for from 1 minute to 20 minutes.

Abstract: Fat-like protein compositions for use in foods and cosmetics comprising a protein of gelatin and a water-soluble albumin, a carbohydrate, and a phospholipid wherein said gelatin, albumin, carbohydrate, and phospholipids are in the form of a water-insoluble complex coacervate, and processes for making the same. Preferred are compositions wherein some or all of the ingredients are optionally crosslinked.

Abstract: The present invention provides a methods of making an edible material and the application thereof to sticky or moist food products. The edible material may be sprayed on the moist food product. The food product with the edible material thereon may be used make sandwiches or stored without any additional protection. Individually wrapped slices of the moist food product may be further wrapped in plastic films, boxed and transported. Sandwiches utilizing the moist food products with the edible material thereon may be made and stored and sold in convenience store, grocery stores and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a biodegradable protein/starch-based thermoplastic composition. The composition is particularly useful in preparing low ratio expanded foams. Natural cellulosic fibers such as grass fiber, wood fiber, chopped straw, bagasse, etc. function as reinforcement filler. A metallic salt hydrate is added to improve mechanical properties of the protein/starch-based thermoplastic. The composition is processed by conventional methods, such as extrusion and injection molding, into packaging material or articles that are low density, high compressive strength, tensile strength, and good resilience.

Abstract: A process for controlling the softness of a food product which tends to lose water and become progressively harder during storage which comprises adding an immobilized edible plasticizer to the food product.

Abstract: A liquid butter replacement exhibits a pleasant fat-like mouth feel despite a very low or no fat content, good color, good flavor, and a degree of fat-like melt without causing toast or other similar substrate to which the product is applied to become soggy due to moisture release. A flowable fat mimetic is prepared from an aqueous solution comprising a cross-linkable carbohydrate gelling composition (preferably pectin) and at least one gelling agent (preferably a calcium salt) that together form a heat-stable inner gelled phase which is agitated to produce gel particles that provide an organoleptic sensation similar to fat. The weight of the fat mimetic is at least about 75% of the weight of the butter substitute. The flowable fat mimetic is then combined with an second, continuous outer phase containing an unhydrated heat-reversible or heat-thinning, water-soluble gelling agent, and preferably salt and milk or milk solids.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of depolymerized apple and citrus fruit pectins as emulsifiers and emulsion stabilizers. The depolymerized pectins have a molecular weight of less than 80,000 daltons and a viscosity in 2% aqueous solution of less than 80 cps, measured at 25.degree. C. with a Brookfield viscometer.Application: emulsifier for food emulsions.

Abstract: A pizza sauce disk and a method for making the same are provided. The pizza sauce disk comprises a pizza sauce which includes a heat-reversible gelling agent. When activated, the gelling agent causes the pizza sauce to at least partially congeal at room temperature or below so that it may be retained in place on a non-edible support surface. Upon further cooling, the pizza sauce forms a more complete gel structure which, even after warming to room temperature, allows the disk to be handled as a cohesive mass and placed and repositioned on a pizza crust without tearing, breaking or smearing of the disk. The pizza sauce disk may optionally include cheese and assorted pizza toppings. To form a pizza with the present disk, the disk is removed from the support surface and is combined with a pizza crust shell. The pizza may then be cooked and served.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a composition for stabilizing a non-milk drink, in particular a drink based on fruits and/or vegetables, comprising insoluble components, the said composition comprising a combination of a pectin and of an alginate in which the ratio of the amount of methylated galacturonic acid (MGA) units of the pectin to the amount of guluronic acid (G) units of the alginate is between 0.30 and 0.70.The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of such a stabilized drink.

Abstract: An edible material thin file is applied to sticky or moist food products. The edible material may be sprayed on the moist food product. The food product with the edible material thereon may be used make sandwiches or stored without any additional protection. Individually wrapped slices of the moist food product may be further wrapped in plastic films, boxed and transported. Sandwiches utilizing the moist food products with the edible material thereon may be made and stored and sold in convenience store, grocery stores and the like.

Abstract: Soluble bulking agents for replacing up to 100% of the sucrose or other soluble, simple carbohydrates in edible formulations are provided. The bulking agents are substantially non-digestible and have an average molecular weight range of 500 to 50,000. Also provided are edible formulations containing these bulking agents and processes for preparing these bulking agents, preferably by enzymatically depolymerizing naturally-occurring, heteropolysaccha-rides such as pectin, guar gum, locust bean (carob seed) gum, konjac gum, xanthan gum, alginates, agar or other food gums to yield a mixture of heteropolysaccharide fragments having an average DP of 3 to 75, preferably 3 to 30. The process employs one or more enzymes such as 1,4-beta-D-Mannanmannohydrolyase, or 1,6-alpha-D-Galactosidase for degrading 1,4-beta-D-linked mannose-containing heteropolysaccharides (e.g.

Abstract: A ready to eat, nonfried food made up of a cooked and hydrated carbohydrate core, and a cation crosslinked polysaccharide coating which substantially reduces the core's glycemic response.

Abstract: A fortified foodstuff comprising a fortifying amount of a complex of calcium and a hydrolysed polysaccharide. The foodstuff may be a dairy-based product such as milk or a milk product.

Abstract: An improved shortening substitute for food products such as bakery products. The improved shortening substitute includes a mixture of a fruit puree, a sweetener, a preservative, water, a fat mimetic, a pH adjuster and a source of calcium ions. The shortening substitute is formulated to be used in a wide variety of food products and have a 1:1 to 0.5:1 replacement value of the improved shortening substitute to oil, butter or shortening to produce high quality baked products.

Abstract: A food having an oil absorption and moisture transmission retarding, clear, crunchy coating and process for preparing is provided. The coating includes a predust adhered to the food and has at least about 50% of a starch and from about 0.1% to 5% of an at least partially water-soluble, edible calcium compound. A water-containing batter is gelled and adhered to the predust and has, on a solids basis, at least about 20% dextrin, about 0.1% to 8% of a pectate, and about 0.05% to 5% of a water-soluble thickener.

Abstract: A coating composition for a frozen dessert includes water as a medium, a polymer component capable of giving a viscosity, and a water soluble soybean hemicellulose. A method for coating a frozen dessert includes preparing a frozen dessert and immersing the frozen dessert into a coating composition which includes water as a medium, a polymer component capable of giving a viscosity, and water soluble soybean hemicellulose. A dessert includes a frozen dessert coated with a coating composition which includes water as a medium, a polymer component capable of giving a viscosity, and water soluble soybean hemicellulose.

Abstract: A composition of natural and herbal products which may be compounded in dry form into a mixture which is readily soluble in a fluid for ingestion by humans. When digested, the mixture provides users with an energy boost and associated feelings of well being when the mixture is taken as part of a regular regimen to supplement normal nutritional intakes and to supplement any therapeutic processes to which the users may be subject.

Abstract: Suspensions of hydrated gelled biopolymer particles obtainable by hydrating dry biopolymer particles at a temperature below T.sub.gel. Such suspensions may be used in food products such as edible spreads and ice creams or in personal care products such as skin creams and moisturizers, to impart a fatty-like character to the product.

Abstract: An improved technique is provided that is capable of accomplishing the expeditious dissolution of gluten (e.g., vital wheat gluten or corn gluten) in water that normally is capable of absorbing water without dissolution. An effective solubilizing concentration of a polysaccharide that contains uronic acid residues is dissolved in the aqueous solvent when contacted with agitation with the gluten component at an elevated temperature. The formation of a substantially homogeneous aqueous solution of the gluten is accomplished with ease without the necessity to resort to the introduction of acids, bases, enzymes, or other solvents as practiced in the prior art. The resulting aqueous solution of gluten is completely edible and is suitable for the controlled uniform introduction of such gluten into association with a variety of food products where it can serve a binding, adhesive, microencapsulation, film-forming, and/or coating function.

Abstract: Substantially dry, rehydratable, water-dispersible, gel-forming, porous hydrocolloid micro-particulates containing internally or internally and externally at least one water-soluble, non-gelling, hydration enhancing hydrocolloid, processes and intermediates for their preparation, and their uses.

Abstract: A low-fat natural cheese is manufactured from skim milk or skim milk cheese. In one embodiment, a gel-forming fat mimetic is added to skim milk to provide a cheese substrate. The gel-forming fat mimetic may be gelled in situ. The cheese substrate is then subjected to a cheese make procedure to provide a cheese curd. The cheese curd is then cured to provide a low-fat skim milk cheese. The skim milk cheese is comminuted and heated to a temperature of from about 140.degree. F. to about 180.degree. F. for a period of time sufficient to provide a homogeneous cheese mass. The cheese mass is then packaged to provide a low-fat natural cheese.

Abstract: A dry food acidulent composition, reminiscent of vinegar when hydrated, comprises a dry food acid, a buffering salt and a fully dissociatable salt. The dry food acid preferably comprises adipic, citric, fumaric, malic acid or a mixture. The buffering salt is preferably a sodium or potassium salt of a food-grade acid such as sodium citrate, potassium citrate, disodium phosphate, dipostassium phosphate, and mixtures. The fully dissociatable salt is preferably sodium chloride or potassium chloride. The preferred weight ratio of the buffering salt to the acid is within the range of from about 0.1:1 to about 0.3:1, that of the fully dissociatable salt to the acid is within the range of from about 1:1 to about 6:1, and that of the fully dissociatable salt to the buffering salt is within the range of from about 10:1 to about 30:1. These compositions are admixed with other dry ingredients to prepare dry sauce and dressing mixes.

Abstract: A stable liquid suspension of an encapsulated flavor oil, oleoresin or spice in a gel matrix is prepared by forming a gel matrix in an aqueous medium with high shear mixing of a colloidal gelling agent at a temperature above the freezing point of the aqueous medium and preferably below ambient temperature and dispersing and encapsulating the flavor oil, oleoresin or spice in the gel matrix during the formation of the gel matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing calcium enriched fermented milk or fermented milk drink, where blockwise-type HM pectin, calcium individually together with syrup is added into lactic acid-fermented acidified milk, and then the mixture is subjected to a homogenizing treatment. Also a method for producing calcium enriched fermented milk or fermented milk drink, where lactic acid-fermented acidified milk is subjected to a homogenizing treatment, syrup and blockwise-type HM pectin is added therein and mixed, and calcium is added therein and then mixed. Moreover, it relates to calcium enriched fermented milk or fermented milk drink having excellent physical stability obtained by said methods.