Abstract: Potato pieces, for example, potato slices, french fries, and potato cubes or potato skins are prepared with a lower fat content by frying the potato pieces in an oil comprising from about 0.5 to about 2% of a hydrophobic or a hydrophilic silica. The hydrophilic silicas are preferred for use in the frying fat because they are approved for food use. Alternatively, the potato pieces can be dipped in silica or water or oil containing silica.

Abstract: A process for preparing low fat shaped snack products having a light, crispy, crunchy texture is disclosed. A dough is formed from 50% to 80% flour, preferably potato flour, and water (20% to 50%), and formed into a sheet from which snack pieces are cut. The snack pieces are coated with an oil, constrained in a mold and cooked, preferably with hot air or superheated steam, to provide a snack having 10% to 20% fat and having a fried-like texture and flavor.

Abstract: A metastable complex of calcium, citrate and malate is disclosed. This material is highly bioavailable, and is soluble in both neutral and acid solutions. The salt is prepared by the reaction of calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide with citric and malic acids in aqueous solution. The reaction mixture is dried at a temperature of less than 100.degree. C., and the resultant solid is a metastable solid. The solid can be ground to reduce the particle size for easier tabletting or adding to foods and beverages. Preferred salts are neutral and acidic salts which can be expressed by molar ratios.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high yield process for preparing di-substituted imidazoline fabric conditioning compounds. In this process, an acylating agent such as fatty acid is reacted with a specific polyamine, and the product of this reaction is thereafter reacted with either a fatty acid ester or glyceride under specifically-defined conditions and in the presence of an esterifying catalyst such as titanium alkoxide. Use of particular reaction conditions and an esterification catalyst significantly increases the yield of di-substituted imidazoline compounds.