Abstract: The invention relates to a method for delivering a flavored and/or nutritionally enhanced non-carbonated beverage on premise. The method comprises a step of providing at least one packaged source of a liquid premix base comprising at least one microbiologically, physically, enzymatically and/or chemically sensitive beverage component which is not solely carbohydrate, a water activity lowering component. The liquid premix based is formulated with a water activity and/or solid content effective to render it shelf stable at room temperature. The method comprises a step of separately providing a plurality of flowable additive packaged sources adapted to tailor the flavor, aroma, body and/or nutritional value of the beverage. The method comprises a step in which liquid premix base is mixed to hot or cold non-carbonated water to provide a beverage base which is dispensed to the cup and wherein at least one additive is delivered and mixed with the beverage base into the cup.

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: A method and device for hygienically delivering a liquid food to or from a food or beverage dispenser by delivering a flow of liquid food through an outlet positioned at a distance of all surfaces of the dispenser and by frequently cleaning the outlet with a flow of cleaning liquid directed onto the external surfaces demarcating the outlet to eliminate the liquid and solid food residue. The device may include a connection fitment with an elongated food delivery member which is configured to connect to a cleaning chamber of the dispenser. The device can be easier and more conveniently cleaned and/or sanitized enabling the dispensing of microbial sensitive food products such as milk concentrate and the like.

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: A method and device for hygienically delivering a liquid food to or from a food or beverage dispenser by delivering a flow of liquid food through an outlet positioned at a distance of all surfaces of the dispenser and by frequently cleaning the outlet with a flow of cleaning liquid directed onto the external surfaces demarcating the outlet to eliminate the liquid and solid food residue. The device may include a connection fitment with an elongated food delivery member which is configured to connect to a cleaning chamber of the dispenser. The device can be easier and more conveniently cleaned and/or sanitized enabling the dispensing of microbial sensitive food products such as milk concentrate and the like.

Abstract: Additive dispensing units and methods of using same are provided. In an embodiment, the modular dispensing unit comprises a support, a plurality of containers attached to the support and a plurality of pumps attached to the support. For example, each of the containers can include an additive. The pumps are operatively connected to the containers for dispensing one or more of the additives from the containers. The dispensing unit is so constructed and arranged to be attached to and operatively associated with a beverage dispensing machine.