Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a ready-to-drink cocoa beverage containing high levels of beneficial cocoa flavanols or cocoa polyphenols and with a particular ratio of carbohydrates to protein. The beverages can advantageously be used in an exercise recovery regimen. Cocoa solids levels in the beverages can be selected from about 3.5% to about 10% by weight cocoa powder or the equivalent in cocoa product.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a cocoa beverage containing beneficial cocoa polyphenols. Ready-to-drink compositions, concentrates, primary beverage components, and packets for producing the beverages are specifically disclosed. Preferred sugar-free, low calorie, and calorie-free products and cocoa beverages are also disclosed.

Abstract: A calcium fortified syrup is disclosed which provides between 10-70% of the US RDI of calcium per 2 tablespoonfuls. The calcium remains uniformly dispersed and the product has no harsh off-notes or bitter after taste.

Abstract: A container comprising a plastic container base, a plastic container lid, and a pair of first and second tracks is provided. The container base has a bottom, front and back ends, and a pair of sidewalls that define a storage area. The container lid is slideably disposed on the plastic container base and includes a cover portion that encloses the storage area when the plastic container is in a closed position. The pair of first tracks are included one on each of the sidewalls. The pair of second tracks depend downwardly from opposing sides of the cover portion and slideably engage the pair of first tracks. As such, the container lid is slideable from the closed position to an open position to form a dispensing opening between the front end of the container base and a forward edge of the cover portion.

Abstract: The invention provides novel means and methods for manipulating cocoa and milk ingredients, for example, to produce edible oil-in-water suspensions. In one embodiment, cocoa products are used to produce a gel network formed by cocoa starches and/or proteins. The suspension is formed with milk proteins and cocoa solids and also comprises crystallized cocoa butter as a dispersed component, and water or skim milk as the continuous phase or aqueous phase. The compositions, products, and ingredients possible according to the invention provide novel methods and components for low or reduced calorie or sugar free chocolate products or ingredients having the same cocoa content as conventional chocolate and/or falling within the standard of identity for chocolate products. In addition, the production and packaging options for chocolate products are expanded by the use of the invention as the viscosity of the chocolate product or ingredient can be varied easily without specific reliance on cocoa butter content.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-layered chewing gum, comprising alternative layers of a chewing gum region comprising a chewing gum composition containing a gum base and a fondant, each layer being separate and discrete and co-extensive, said multilayered chewing gum comprised of at least three layers, wherein the outer layers are comprised of said chewing gum composition, and the fondant layer is sandwiched between the layers comprised of a chewing gum region, said fondant comprised of a first component selected from tastant, a flavor, a sensate and a functional agent and the gum region being comprised of a second component selected from tastant flavor, sensate and a functionality, said first component being distinct from said second component.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a ready-to-drink cocoa beverage containing high levels of beneficial cocoa polyphenols in a milk or soymilk base. The method incorporates an ultra high temperature treatment followed by a homogenization step. Cocoa powder levels can be selected from about 3.5% to about 10% by weight, while the mouthfeel, solution stability over time, and taste remain acceptable.

Abstract: The invention provides novel means and methods for manipulating cocoa and milk ingredients, for example, to produce edible oil-in-water suspensions and drying the suspensions to reduce the moisture or water activity level. In one embodiment, cocoa products are used to produce a gel network formed by cocoa starches and/or proteins. The suspension is formed with milk proteins and cocoa solids and also comprises crystallized cocoa butter as a dispersed component, and water or skim milk as the continuous phase or aqueous phase, and the suspension is optionally dried to reduce the moisture content and/or manipulate the final texture or characteristics. The compositions, products, and ingredients possible according to the invention provide novel methods and components for low or reduced calorie or sugar free chocolate products or ingredients having the same cocoa content as conventional chocolate and/or falling within the standard of identity for chocolate products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming a hard sugar coating on an irregularly shaped chocolate confection which tapers into a pointed tip on said confection on a non-base portion thereof, which comprises forming a rounded contour on the base thereof and applying at least two coating syrups and preferably three coating syrups onto the surface of the confections under specific conditions and optionally polishing said confection. The present invention is also directed to the product formed from the process.