Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for generating glucosamine from plants wherein fresh plant materials, or re-hydrated dried plant materials or plant extracts, are heated at a temperature comprised between 70 and 110° C. for more than hours, characterized in that a fertilizer acting as glucosamine precursor is added during the cultivation of the plants, before the harvest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid product comprising an extrudable mixture of an oil in water emulsion and a solid matrix. The solid product may be used in foodstuff e.g. as a beverage additive or as an instant beverage products or. The present invention further provides an oil in water emulsion that is stable under the conditions required to prepare such a solid product. Furthermore, in contrast to traditional spray- and freeze-dried powder based foodstuff additives like creamers, the solid product of the present invention spontaneously disperses when added to a aqueous media, i.e. stirring is not required. Furthermore, it may generate a foam without any foaming agents.

Abstract: A food preparation method and system comprising: a tray (100) having at least two distinctly shaped cavities (10,20) for storing and reheating meal components, wherein the cavities contain meal components and define a space such that the meal components are reheated at an approximately even rate.

Abstract: Beverage dispensers and dispensing methods that facilitate mixing of one or more additives (e.g., flavorings) with a base liquid are described. In a preferred method of preparing a beverage, a base liquid is dispensed from a dispensing device (100) into a container (150). A flowable additive is dispensed from the dispensing device into the container to mix the flowable additive with the base liquid during the dispensing of the base liquid to provide the beverage. Preferably, the dispensing of the base liquid and the flowable additive is controlled to vary the relative concentration of the additive in the base liquid in the container during the dispensing.

Abstract: The present invention covers a low-fat confectionery product comprising 0-15% fat phase, 15-50% aqueous phase, electrically charged particles, and a structuring agent, the low-fat confectionery product being a co-suspension.

Abstract: A reformed biscuit product suitable for forming composite frozen compositions includes a solid mixture of a particulate cooked biscuit material and a cocoa butter equivalent of a confectionery fat is described. A process for manufacturing the product includes coating the particles with the fat, compacting the mixture of particulate biscuit and fat in an agglomerate of the shape of a receptacle or coating and maintaining the shape of the compacted mixture by solidification of the fat. Also described is a process for manufacturing a composite frozen confection comprising a reformed biscuit product formed into a cone containing an ice confection such as ice cream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoformed container (1) for flowable food products comprising a squeezable container body (2) with a flat up-per edge (3) surrounding a container body opening (4), characterized in that: (i) said container body (2) is squeezable at least in both axial and transversal directions such that its volume can be reduced by at least 85%, preferably by at least 95% upon application of manual pressure or drawing up of the contained products, and (ii) said edge (3) is rigid, and comprises a dispensing spout (5) continuous with the opening (4) of the container body (2), said opening (4) being closed by at least one primary membrane (6) that is sealed onto said edge (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for generating glucosamine from plants wherein fresh plant materials, or re-hydrated dried plant materials or plant extracts, are heated at a temperature comprised between 70 and 110° C. for more than 10 hours, characterized in that a glucosamine precursor is added to said plant materials, rehydrated plant materials or plant extracts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage obtained by supplying hot water within the capsule under pressure and releasing the beverage from the capsule. The capsule includes a food substance therein, a first surface adapted to be traversed by a flow of water entering the capsule, and a second surface adapted to be traversed by a flow of beverage exiting the capsule. The second surface is adapted to deform outwardly upon action of the inside water pressure thereon. Also, that surface includes at least one opening member capable of deforming inwards the capsule upon a mechanical reaction force applied from outside onto the closure member as a result of the deformation of the second surface due to the build-up of the inside pressure.

Abstract: This invention concerns a fat continuous phase confectionery material which is highly aerated and the method for producing it. The material has a very low density below 0.2 g/cm3 and at least equal to 0.1 g/cm3 with an improved soft texture and sensory properties. In the process, nitrogen or equivalent gas is incorporated into the confectionery material at an elevated pressure, the confectionery material deposited at a reduced pressure and then further expanded by reducing the pressure still further as the confectionery material cools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions able to modulate Vitamin C bio-availability in individuals. In particular, the present invention pertains to methods for identifying compounds, capable of modulating expression of Vitamin C transporters, the use of said compounds in foods or foodstuffs and the use thereof for the treatment or prevention of diseased or stressed tissue.

Abstract: A process for preparing a dehydrated carbohydrate-containing nutritional product comprises preparing a liquid concentrate with a reduced carbohydrate content, spraying the liquid concentrate into a spray-drier and incorporating the remainder of the carbohydrate content into the nutritional product by blowing solid carbohydrate particles into the spray dryer and removing the carbohydrate-containing nutritional product from the spray-drier.

Abstract: A round item of frozen confectionery having an even roundness and a shape generated by revolution but essentially lacking an apex, rough edges and forming tool marks, In particular, the frozen confectionery has the form of a ball similar in appearance to a ball made non-industrially with an ice-cream scoop. These items are manufactured by extrusion-forming of a confectionery in the cold state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a beverage, comprising: —a water reservoir (1); —a chamber (5) that is connected to said reservoir for delivering water; —means (17) for filling said chamber with water; —means (16) for emptying water from the chamber; —a compressed gas reservoir (2) with a three-way valve (4) for displacing said means so as to empty the chamber; and —a conduit (14) for conveying the water from the chamber to an extraction head.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and related beverage profiles for on-demand heating of liquid used for beverage dispensing where such heating is dynamically variable according to the applicable profile. The apparatus includes a heating unit, electronic controller, and sensing devices. A water tank supplies the heating unit via a water pump controlled by the controller that also controls the heating unit. Feedback control loops provide control data to the controller to optimize liquid temperatures for a given beverage type in accordance with predetermined profiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of in place cleaning of an automated food product dispenser comprising an interface connection configured to establish a supply of a milk-based fluid from a reservoir (for example, a container or a bag), a mixing device configured to receive the milk-based fluid and prepare a milk based product, a nozzle in fluid association with the mixing device for dispensing the milk based product, a product flowpath configured for directing the milk based product to flow from the interface connection through the mixing device to the nozzle, and a clean-in-place flowpath assembly located in the dispenser and comprising a supply of cleaning or sanitizing fluid and a flowpath which is configured to deliver the cleaning or sanitizing fluid to or through the product flowpath. The invention also relates to a machine readable program for controlling the automated food product dispenser of the invention and for cleaning the same in place.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a kit for preparing a coffee beverage, in particular cappuccino, cafe latte, or Wiener melange or the like, comprising a first container (1) holding at least a coffee beverage ingredient, preferably at least a coffee concentrate, a creamer and/or a foamer, to be dispensed into a receptacle and a second container (2) holding ground coffee.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel strains of probiotics for use in the gastrointestinal tract of a pet. The probiotics of the present invention are capable of fermenting starch to produce lactic acid and/or hydrogen peroxide anti-pathogenic metabolites. The present invention also provides a novel method for identifying the effectiveness of a pet probiotic in vitro. The method simulates the introduction of a probiotic candidate in the gastrointestinal tract of a pet and measures the anti-pathogenic effectiveness of the probiotic.

Abstract: A coffee product derived from roast and ground coffee beans has reduced levels of chlorogenic acid lactones relative to the levels of chlorogenic acids. The product can be prepared by treating a coffee extract with an enzyme so as to hydrolyse at least a portion of the chlorogenic acid lactones present in the extract. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided by contacting a coffee extract with a sorbent or solvent which is suitable for removing apolar components and is at least partially saturated with chlorogenic acid. The product has reduced bitterness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drink-stirring device for stirring or mixing liquid and/or powdered ingredients with liquid in a drinking vessel (4), the liquid being supplied from above through the stirring device to an outlet tube which conducts at least one liquid jet towards the interior of the drinking vessel. The liquid is supplied through an outlet tube (64) which is rotatably attached to the device and is associated to an external, magnetic member (82). The electromagnet arrangement is arranged outside or at distance of the magnetic member for creating a variable magnetic field configured to move the tube (64) in rotation, so that the emerging liquid jet can be given a corresponding centrifugal effect.