Abstract: Comestible products, for example beverage products, are disclosed containing encapsulated probiotic bacteria having resistance to subjection to at least thermal and acidic conditions. Beverage products include at least one aqueous liquid and capsules comprising a gelled mixture of alginate and denatured protein, and probiotic bacteria entrapped within the gelled mixture. The average particle size of the capsules is optionally less than 1000 microns (?m) in diameter, such as less than 500 ?m in diameter. Methods are provided for making such encapsulated probiotics by providing a mixture comprising sodium alginate, denatured protein and active probiotic cells, and combining the mixture with a divalent cation to initiate cold gelation of the sodium alginate and denatured protein to form a second mixture. The second mixture is passed through an opening having a diameter of less than 1000 ?m to form capsules. The weight ratio of protein to alginate is from 1:1 to 9:1.

Abstract: Sorbic acid or benzoic acid is stabilized in syrup and finished beverages by solubilizing potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate and then adding the solubilized potassium sorbate or sodium or potassium benzoate into a stabilizer solution at pH 2-4.

Abstract: A compact vending machine for dispensing food products is disclosed. The compact vending machine includes a lightweight housing which may be mounted on a wall and a payment system that is configured to accept non-cash payments. A power source of the compact vending machine may be an external powers source, such as a power outlet, or an internal battery. An embodiment of the compact vending machine includes a controller and a communication system that are configured to transmit status information about the compact vending machine to a network.

Abstract: Cans, bottles and/or other containers used to hold a carbonated beverage can include internal features to promote and/or control bubble formation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel compounds that are steviol derivatives. The compounds generally can be characterized by a structure according to Formula I: wherein R1, A1, L1, and G1 are described herein. Also provided are sweetener compositions comprising the compound described herein either as a sweetener or a sweetener enhancer. Additionally, the compound or the sweetener composition can be included in a product such as a beverage product or a food product, which can reduce the amount of sweetener in the product required to achieve the same sweetness level in an otherwise identical product not including the compound or the sweetener composition.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser having all components within an insulated housing is provided. The beverage dispenser can include an insulated housing with interior compartments that contain all componentry for dispensing a beverage, a carbonated beverage, and ice. The interior compartments can contain a concentrate source, a concentrate pump, an ice bin, an ice dispensing mechanism, a refrigeration system, a diluent pump, and a carbonation system.

Abstract: A vending machine includes two horizontal lead screws, a vertical lead screw, first and second motors, a shelf, a delivery cup, and a delivery area. The first and second motors drive the horizontal lead screws and the vertical lead screw, respectively. The vertical lead screw moves horizontally along the horizontal lead screws. The shelf contains a product and has a movable gate to hold the product on the shelf. The delivery cup moves vertically along the vertical lead screw and has a solenoid and a plunger. The solenoid activates the plunger, which opens the gate to dispense the product onto the delivery cup. An outer door of the delivery area isolates the delivery area from outside the vending machine when closed and provides access to the product from outside the vending machine when open. A mechanical interaction between the delivery cup and the delivery area opens the outer door.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filling a beverage container with a carbonated fluid at ambient temperature while minimizing foam formation are provided. The carbonated fluid can maintain a laminar flow through the filling machine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for analyzing second party advertising data. An embodiment operates by determining a set of dimensions that a source uses to aggregate data for an advertising campaign. The embodiment creates a subunit advertising campaign based at least in part on the advertising campaign, the determined set of dimensions, and a dimension of interest. The embodiment receives measurement data associated with an execution of the subunit advertising campaign. The embodiment then analyzes the measurement data.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing Rebaudioside J using an enzymatic method, comprising using rebaudioside A as a substrate, and making the substrate, in the presence of a glycosyl donor, react under the catalysis of a UDP-glycosyltransferase-containing recombinant cell and/or UDP-glycosyltransferase prepared therefrom to generate Rebaudioside J.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system comprises a container, an attachment mechanism, and a cartridge. The container may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. The attachment mechanism is generally located within the container. The attachment mechanism may comprise an engagement assembly, a piercing portion, and a valve assembly. The engagement assembly may generally receive the cartridge within the attachment mechanism. The piercing portion may generally pierce the cartridge, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge into the container. The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge with the attachment mechanism. The cartridge generally engages with the attachment mechanism to open the cartridge to be dispensed into the container, thereby combining the contents of the cartridge with the liquid within the container to create a drinkable beverage.