Abstract: A hard taco shell, having a plasticizing agent applied to a targeted region of a base or spine portion of the hard taco shell and lower sections of taco shell sidewalls to softening the targeted region such that, when the taco shell is bitten, the softened targeted region has some hinging flexibility or pliability which reduces the potential for any crack propagation, is hermetically sealed in a package body formed from a material establishing a barrier to the transmission of oxygen into an interior of the package body. With this arrangement, premature drying and cracking of the agent treated hard taco shell is prevented.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to oat-based peanut butter-flavored compositions and methods of making such compositions. In particular, a method is disclosed of roasting substantially intact groats until CIELAB L*-value change per minute, and CIELAB b*-value change per minute achieve a negative slope to produce roasted oats having a peanut butter flavor. Compositions including roasted oats having a peanut butter flavor are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of making a homogenized and pasteurized mix for making low overrun ice cream are disclosed. The methods include a high-pressure homogenization step and/or a high temperature pasteurization step to improve creaminess and/or melt resistance in an ice cream. Mixes and ice creams made using the methods described are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high-fat flour replacement includes a fat, an emulsifier, a protein, a starch and a soluble fiber. In preferred embodiments, the high-fat flour replacement is a finely ground particulate “flour”. The high-fat flour replacement can have a macronutrient profile analogous to that of almond flour. A process for producing a high-fat flour replacement includes a step of forming an emulsion including a fat, water and an emulsifier and a step of combining the emulsion with a blend of dry ingredients to form a composition (e.g., using an extruder). The blend of dry ingredients includes a protein, a starch and a soluble fiber. In preferred embodiments, the composition is processed in an extruder to form an extruded material (e.g., in the form of pellets). The fat in the emulsion becomes trapped in the composition during extrusion. In preferred embodiments, the extruded material is then dried and milled/ground to form flour-sized particulates.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to rotary molded products and methods of making rotary molded products. Methods of making rotary molded products include combining a reduced-fat dough with a fat to make a dough with the ability to be used in a novel array of rotary molded shapes. Dough pieces and cooked rotary molded products having novel features and dimensions are also provided.

Abstract: Frozen un-proofed dough pieces are produced by cutting a dough sheet into strips and producing a score through an upper skin of each strip with at least one blunt deformation tool prior to freezing. The un-proofed dough pieces are formed by mass production, with an un-proofed dough sheet being cut to form dough strips which are then cut into the un-proofed dough pieces, with the score for each un-proofed dough piece being formed by pressing the upper skin of the dough down into the body of the dough, thereby deforming and pre-stressing the dough to create weak zones, either before, during or after the individual un-proofed dough pieces are actually created, but before freezing. Upon heating, openings are established in the upper skin along score lines.

Abstract: A yogurt-based food product is packaged in a container, including a bottom wall and a sidewall, by depositing a mix-in in a center of the bottom wall and then driving the mix-in from the center of the bottom wall to the sidewall with a blast of gas. Afterwards, a dairy or plant-based product is deposited in the container. The mix-in is in contact with the bottom wall and the sidewall, and a height of the mix-in is greater at the sidewall than at a center point of the bottom wall.

Abstract: Rolled dough products, such as croissants, are made by: layering fat between thin layers of dough in forming a multi-layer dough sheet; compressing the multi-layer dough sheet; cutting the dough sheet; reorientating the cut pieces; stretching the cut pieces; curling the pieces; flattening the pieces; coating or surface treating the pieces; and optionally freezing the pieces. With this method, freezer-to-oven (FTO) dough products are made eliminating the thawing and proofing steps, while significantly enhancing the production of desired flaky, rich, airy final pastry products. The process can include one or more filling materials, prior to cutting the dough sheet: depositing a filling layer, such as a chocolate ganache, in a central region of the multi-layer dough sheet; and folding lateral side portions of the dough sheet onto the central region to encase the filling layer.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses edible carriers for foods that are soft but still hold a preformed shape. Specifically encompassed are soft shaped tortilla products that can be used to hold food fillings. Exemplary shapes and sizes are provided for the products. Also encompassed are methods of making, packaging, and using the products.

Abstract: A plurality of dough pieces are produced using a rotary dough cutter including a shaft, a plurality of walls extending radially outward from the shaft and a plurality of interior blades extending radially outward from the shaft. The plurality of walls define a plurality of dough cutter molds. The plurality of dough cutter molds include a first dough cutter mold and a second dough cutter mold. A first wall of the plurality of walls defines part of both the first dough cutter mold and the second dough cutter mold. Each of the plurality of interior blades is located in one of the plurality of dough cutter molds. The plurality of dough pieces are cut from a dough sheet with the plurality of walls. The plurality of dough pieces are scored with the plurality of interior blades. After scoring, the plurality of dough pieces are proofed and then frozen.

Abstract: A confectionary that contains 3.0% to 3.5% of a short fiber length cellulose is described. The confectionary maintains a good opacity and texture after heating and good visual and textural stability over shelf life or at least one freeze/thaw cycle. A confectionary can typically have a relatively high moisture content, relatively low fat content, and relatively low non-fat solids content and retain the desired stability, opacity, and texture attributes. In some cases, a confectionary can exclude certain ingredients that consumers prefer to avoid.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a shelf stable food containing a flavorant having improved intensity over shelf life. Methods include applying a powdered flavorant to a surface of dried fruit pieces prior to combining the dried fruit pieces with a binder to form an aggregate. Shelf stable foods made according to the disclosed methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A product conveying and coating system includes multiple, sequentially arranged conveyor units, with at least one conveyor unit being an open belt type. A carrier sheet is placed on a first of the conveyor units, a web of coating material in liquid form is deposited on the carrier sheet and spaced ropes of soft and sticky material are deposited on and settle into the web. The carrier sheet, web and ropes are transferred to a second conveyor unit after the coating material of the web solidifies, whereupon the ropes are cut into bar-length pieces. Thereafter, the carrier sheet is removed while the web and pieces are transferred to the open belt conveyor unit and exposed to an enrober. The enrober coats the pieces while melting portions of the web between the pieces in order to form full coated or encapsulated food products with soft and sticky cores.

Abstract: A taco shell is produced by applying a plasticizing agent to a base or spine portion of a hard taco shell, such as by targeted spraying, rolling, brushing or dipping of the taco shells, thereby softening the base or spine portion, preferably across a strip width between 4 mm-20 mm. As a result, when the taco shell is bitten, the softened base portion has some hinging flexibility or pliability which reduces the potential for any crack propagation. Therefore, the structural integrity of the hard taco shell can be better maintained while be eaten, resulting in retention of the fillings and less mess. If desired, an anti-migration agent can also be applied to assure containment of the plasticizing agent in the targeted region.

Abstract: A method and system for regulating the reaction rate of leavening agents in a dough product is described. The method and system include adding a regulating agent to a leavening system to manipulate the rate of reaction of the leavening agents in the dough.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to extruded protein products and methods for producing an extruded protein product. In particular, an extruded piece is disclosed having a high protein content and having a desirable texture and flavor. Methods for making an extruded piece include processing, under extrusion conditions, a combination of a powdered protein ingredient, a protein matrix disruptive ingredient, water, and an oil.