Abstract: The present invention is a package having strengthened, reinforced lines of weakness. More particularly, the package, in its fully formed configuration, provides for a self-reinforced package and strengthened, reinforced lines of weakness for stacking and transport wherein the package is resistant to fracture at its lines of weakness due to jostling of its contents against the inside of the package and at its lines of weakness.

Abstract: Confectioneries and methods of making confectioneries are disclosed in which a confectionery composition is deposited into a mold or a stamped confectionery shell. The deposited composition may be a monodeposit of a single composition or a co-deposit of two different compositions of differing textures, such as a hard candy and a fat-based component commingled to form a laminate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shipping and display container which can be formed from one or more blanks folded and formed according to a method for creating the container. A portion of the blank forming the front wall can be formed from two stacked, joined layers including an interior and an exterior blank layer. The exterior blank layer includes top flaps and bottom flaps, the top flaps being significantly smaller in height compared to the bottom flaps such that when the container is formed, the top flaps form a bearing surface along the border of the container, on which a second container may be stacked, while defining a central window that displays the interior contents of the container.

Abstract: An appreciation card including a front panel having a window formed therein that is located between the left side and the right side of the front panel and being defined by a window border. A gift card panel is disposed on the back face of the front panel below the window border. The gift card panel includes a pocket section and an attachment tab, the pocket section being connected to the window border on a first end and to the attachment tab at an opposing second end, the attachment tab being adhered to the back face of the front panel, and the pocket section being free from the back face of the front panel. The front panel and the gift card panel define a gift card slot into which a gift card may be inserted.

Abstract: A coated particle may include a food particle coated by a carbohydrate. The coated particle may have an average particle size from about 10 ?m to about 250 ?m. The food particle may include a relatively bitter component (e.g., cocoa) and a protein component (e.g., whey protein, soy protein, rice protein, fava bean protein, and/or milk protein). A weight ratio of bitter component to protein component may be about 3 or greater. The food particle may also include a starch, such as rice starch. Additionally, the coated particle may have a surface area fraction of the carbohydrate that is greater than an average weight fraction of the carbohydrate. For example, the surface area fraction of the carbohydrate may be from about 30% to about 80%. In addition, the coated particle may have a substantially non-spherical and irregular shape. The coated particle may be prepared via a spray drying process.

Abstract: A confection is formed of a mixture including at least one first simple carbohydrate, at least one non-hygroscopic second simple carbohydrate, and at least one hydrocolloid. In some embodiments, the non-hygroscopic second simple carbohydrate includes disaccharides, trisaccharides, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the hydrocolloid includes a starch hydrolysate having a dextrose equivalent less than 36, and the confection is substantially free of starch hydrolysates having a dextrose equivalent of 36 or greater. In some embodiments, the confection is a hard candy. A method of making a confection includes mixing at least one first simple carbohydrate, at least one non-hygroscopic second simple carbohydrate, and at least one hydrocolloid to form a mixture. The method also includes heating the mixture, cooking the mixture to a predetermined moisture content, and cooling and working the mixture to form the confection comprising the mixture.

Abstract: The invention comprises compositions and methods for improving exercise performance, reducing muscle fatigue and improving recovery of muscle tissue after exercise. One method includes administering a composition of a plant-derived nitrate and a cocoa-derived product daily and before exercise. The synergistic combination of nitrate and cocoa polyphenols acts to improve exercise performance and to improve recovery from a strenuous exercise bout.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods for improving exercise performance or improving recovery of muscle tissue after exercise performance. One method includes administering a composition of a plant-derived nitrate and a cocoa-derived product daily and before exercise. The synergistic combination of nitrate and cocoa polyphenols acts to improve recovery from a strenuous exercise bout.