Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstituting consumable powder(s) with a liquid to provide a food liquid such as milk, cappuccino-type beverage, or soup with or without froth. The powder is introduced into a container and pre-wetted by an intersecting liquid spray. Further mixing occurs in the container. The container may have additional liquid streams feeding into the container for increased mixing. This food liquid can then be aspirated by the Venturi effect by steam generation to produce a frothed/aerated food liquid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for dispensing a beverage comprising a mixture of liquid, e.g. water, and at least one liquid concentrate, with at least two liquid nozzles connected respectively to at least one liquid source for producing a first jet of liquid in air along first path and a second jet of liquid in air along a second path, at least one concentrate nozzle connected to at least one liquid concentrate source for delivering a stream of liquid concentrate in air along a third path, wherein the liquid nozzles and the concentrate nozzle are oriented with respect to each other so that the first, second and third paths intersect above a container at a common intersection point, whereby the mixture is formed by collision of the respective jets and the stream(s).

Abstract: Methods for generating an improved quality foam for a beverage are presented. In an embodiment, the method comprises providing at least one protein source; providing at least one multivalent ion source; providing a liquid source separate from the multivalent ion source; simultaneously dispensing the protein source and the multivalent ion source with the liquid source; and aerating during the dispensing to produce the stable foam. The foam has an improved stability, texture and mouthfeel.

Abstract: Methods and systems to deliver foamed beverages from liquid concentrate(s) through a dispenser machine are presented. In an embodiment, the method and system for improving foam quality by generating foam with the desired texture, stability and bubble size distribution comprises use of a low viscous liquid(s) to generate a primary foam, which is then stabilized by mixing it with liquid(s) of higher viscosity. To create high quality foam, different dosing protocols including two approaches such as delivery of foaming liquid concentrates at different concentration, or getting different concentration by varying water dosing times and/or flow rates were used. Positive results were found for the dispensing systems using milk and other liquid concentrates at specific dispensing conditions (flow rates and times).

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for dispensing a beverage comprising a mixture of liquid, e.g. water, and at least one liquid concentrate, comprising at least two liquid nozzles connected respectively to at least one liquid source for producing a first jet of liquid in air along first path and a second jet of liquid in air along a second path, at least one concentrate nozzle connected to at least one liquid concentrate source for delivering a stream of liquid concentrate in air along a third path, wherein the liquid nozzles and the concentrate nozzle are oriented with respect to each other so that the first, second and third paths intersect above a container at a common intersection point, whereby the mixture is formed by collision of the respective jets and the stream(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method that reduces limestone scale deposit on surfaces and in heating elements, especially, for drinking water in foodservice vending and dispensing machines without affecting the water quality. The method includes passing the water through metal particulate and polyphosphates to remove minerals therefrom and thus reduce scale deposits upon water contacted portions of such machines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing a beverage with the visual appearance of multi-layers obtained from dilution of concentrates in proper dilution ratios. A first liquid layer is first delivered with a controlled density. A second liquid layer is diluted to a density that is lower than the density of the first liquid layer so that the first and second layers form a stable layered arrangement with the second liquid layer of lower density remaining spatially above the first liquid layer to provide a visually distinct layer as compared to the first liquid layer in the container. The invention also relates to a dispensing device and to a machine readable program enabling the device to deliver the multi-layer appearance beverage according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: Liquid food dispensing device (1) for dispensing hot or cold beverages or other liquid foods without using any mixing or whipping chambers comprising at least one liquid component source (30, 31) and a diluent source (18), a delivery device and at least one diluent nozzle and one food component nozzle wherein the delivery device and diluent and food component nozzles are configured for ejecting at least one stream (6a, 6b) of diluent at a predetermined spatial configuration inside a container (10) and within a velocity range effective to create turbulence and mix the food component so to produce the food product such as the hot or cold beverage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstituting consumable powder(s) with a liquid to provide a food liquid such as milk, cappuccino-type beverage, or soup with or without froth. The powder is introduced into a container and pre-wetted by an intersecting liquid spray. Further mixing occurs in the container. The container may have additional liquid streams feeding into the container for increased mixing. This food liquid can then be aspirated by the Venturi effect by steam generation to produce a frothed/aerated food liquid.

Abstract: An iron fortification complex which may be used to fortify foods and beverages with iron. The complex is formed of ferric ions and caseinate. The complex is sufficiently stable as to be suitable for use in retorted products. However, despite the stability, the iron in the complexes has substantially the same bioavailability as ferrous sulfate.

Abstract: An iron-protein hydrolysate complex which may be used to fortify foods and beverages with iron. The complex is formed of ferrous ions chelated to partially hydrolyzed egg white protein. The hydrolyzed egg white protein has a molecular weight in the range of about 500 to about 10,000. The complexes are sufficiently stable as to be suitable for use in sterilized products, such as retorted products. Moreover, despite the stability, the iron in the complexes has substantially the same bioavailability as ferrous sulfate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method that reduces limestone scale deposit on surfaces and in heating elements, especially, for drinking water in foodservice vending and dispensing machines without affecting the water quality. The method includes passing the water through metal particulate and polyphosphates to remove minerals therefrom and thus reduce scale deposits upon water contacted portions of such machines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing a beverage with the visual appearance of multi-layers obtained from dilution of concentrates in proper dilution ratios. A first liquid layer is first delivered with a controlled density. A second liquid layer is diluted to a density that is lower than the density of the first liquid layer so that the first and second layers form a stable layered arrangement with the second liquid layer of lower density remaining spatially above the first liquid layer to provide a visually distinct layer as compared to the first liquid layer in the container. The invention also relates to a dispensing device and to a machine readable program enabling the device to deliver the multi-layer appearance beverage according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for dispensing a beverage comprising a mixture of liquid, e.g. water, and at least one liquid concentrate, comprising at least two liquid nozzles connected respectively to at least one liquid source for producing a first jet of liquid in air along first path and a second jet of liquid in air along a second path, at least one concentrate nozzle connected to at least one liquid concentrate source for delivering a stream of liquid concentrate in air along a third path, wherein the liquid nozzles and the concentrate nozzle are oriented with respect to each other so that the first, second and third paths intersect above a container at a common intersection point, whereby the mixture is formed by collision of the respective jets and the stream(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing a beverage with the visual appearance of multi-layers obtained from dilution of concentrates in proper dilution ratios. A first liquid layer is first delivered with a controlled density. A second liquid layer is diluted to a density that is lower than the density of the first liquid layer so that the first and second layers form a stable layered arrangement with the second liquid layer of lower density remaining spatially above the first liquid layer to provide a visually distinct layer as compared to the first liquid layer in the container. The invention also relates to a dispensing device and to a machine readable program enabling the device to deliver the multi-layer appearance beverage according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid concentrate composition containing emulsifier(s), milk protein(s), freezing point depressant(s), sedimentation stabilizer(s), gelation stabilizer(s), flavoring(s), and water. Optionally, the concentrate may also contain nucleating agent(s) and anti-microbial preservative(s). The present invention is further related to a process for preparing a liquid concentrate of this type, as well as a method for preparing a slush beverage made from the liquid concentrate. Advantageously and unexpectedly, certain combinations of ingredients, their order of addition, and other process parameters can be selected so that the concentrate is more shelf-stable and has more desirable properties and so that the resulting slush beverage tends to have good mouthfeel, a smooth texture, and a pleasant, refreshing taste.

Abstract: A calcium-fortified milk or dairy-based product containing a calcium source and a food-grade polyphosphate having at least six phosphate groups.

Abstract: A fortified foodstuff having a fortifying amount of an inorganic compound prepared from sources of ferrous or ferric iron, phosphate and ammonium. These compounds provide an iron fortification system which does not deleteriously affect organoleptic properties of the foodstuff, and which is particularly useful for products containing polyphenols (cocoa, tea, etc.), or which have a high fat content.

Abstract: A fortified foodstuff comprising a fortifying amount of a complex of calcium and a hydrolyzed polysaccharide, optionally combined with an acid, such as an organic acid. The foodstuff may be a dairy-based product such as milk or a milk product, a confectionery product, or an ice cream.

Abstract: A composition of a fortified liquid food or beverage product containing a fortifying amount of a metastable Calcium Lactate-Citrate or Calcium-Magnesium Lactate-Citrate complex formed by the interaction of an alkaline calcium source with a mixture of lactic and citric acids and optionally stabilized with carbohydrates. Also, methods for forming these complexes.