Abstract: The invention provides edible compositions such as solid particulate sweeteners, boiled sweets, chocolate and chewing gum, wherein the compositions comprise at least 10% on a dry weight basis of one or more substances having an endothermic heat of solution of at least −30 kJ/kg and at least 10% on a dry weight basis of a substantially amorphous solid trehalose. The one or more substances having an endothermic heat of solution may comprise dextrose monohydrate or a crystalline sugar alcohol. The invention also provides processes suitable for the production of such edible compositions, wherein the processes comprise the step of dry mixing amorphous trehalose particles in an amount of at least 10% based on the dry weight of the composition with one or more other edible ingredients to form a dry mixture.

Abstract: Solutions of sugars obtained during the processing of foodstuffs can be subject to bacterial contamination. In view of the possible legislation to prevent the use of existing disinfectants such as formaldehyde in these conditions, alternative treatments are needed. Effective disinfection of sugar solutions can be achieved employing a peracetic acid solution containing a high mole ratio of hydrogen peroxide to peracetic acid, such as from 18:1 to about 54:1 in combination with a second peracetic acid solution.

Abstract: A sugar composition consisting of from 90 to 99% by weight sugar and from 10 to 1% by weight of a non-gelling water-soluble dietary fibre. The sugar composition has substantially the properties of normal sugar, but contains a significant amount of dietary fibre, with consequent health benefits. A novel type of soluble fibre derived from sugar beet and a method for preparing it are disclosed. The composition may take the form of a concentrate or syrup, or may be in particulate form. The particulate form may be used as a direct sugar substitute. The fibre used may be a novel fibre obtainable by treating sugar beet with water free from chemical reagents at ambient pressure and at an elevated temperature, for example from 95.degree.-98.degree. C.

Abstract: The polysaccharide araban is extracted from sugar beet by a novel modification of the known alkaline extraction process in which, after neutralization of the alkaline liquor, the liquor is ultrafiltered and the retentate is dried to obtain dry araban. Araban, obtained by the above process or otherwise, is incubated with .alpha.-L-arabinofuranosidase to cleave most or all of the branches from the araban. The debranched araban forms an aqueous gel which has the properties of a fat mimetic and may be used as a fat substitute in foods. Isolated debranched araban derived from crude sugar beet araban is a novel substance. Araban itself may be used in the novel applications of emulsification and encapsulation of oils, for example flavor oils.