Abstract: The present invention discloses formulations for vacuum baked fruit and vegetable snack pieces that have a crispy, crunchy texture similar to potato chip, corn based wafers, and other popular snack items. A fruit or vegetable base is combined with other ingredients and water to make a slurry, which is sheeted and dried in a vacuum belt dryer, and separated into snack sized pieces. In one embodiment, substantial amounts of solid inclusions are combined with the slurry before drying.

Abstract: The present invention discloses formulations for vacuum baked fruit and vegetable snack pieces that have a crispy, crunchy texture similar to potato chip, corn based wafers, and other popular snack items. A fruit or vegetable base is combined with other ingredients and water to make a slurry, which is sheeted and dried in a vacuum belt dryer, and separated into snack sized pieces. In one embodiment, substantial amounts of solid inclusions are combined with the slurry before drying.

Abstract: The present invention discloses formulations for vacuum baked fruit and vegetable snack pieces that have a crispy, crunchy texture similar to potato chip, corn based wafers, and other popular snack items. A fruit or vegetable base is combined with other ingredients and water to make a slurry, which is sheeted and dried in a vacuum belt dryer, and separated into snack sized pieces. In one embodiment, substantial amounts of solid inclusions are combined with the slurry before drying.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a vegetable containing half product and final product. The vegetable containing food products have a high content of non-potato vegetable puree and can be made to resemble French fries. The vegetable containing food product and half product can be easily inserted into the supply chain of a quick service restaurant for efficient delivery to the consumer.

Abstract: An improved method for maintaining a designed functional shape in fabricated, expanded snack products by utilizing discrete, solid lipid particles. These lipids must be solid at room temperature with a melting point above 100° F. such that they remain discrete and solid when mixed with the dough and are subsequently sheeted or extruded. During the toasting, frying, or baking step, the solid lipid particles melt and soften and disrupt the starch matrix, thus allowing steam to escape and preventing undesirable defects such as excessive blistering, pillowing, and other shape defects that prevent the intended functionality. The addition of solid lipid particles, however, prevents steam accumulation only in the localized area where a solid lipid particle exists. Thus, by changing the level of solid lipid particles in the dough, the degree of shape deformities can be controlled.

Abstract: An improved method for controlling blister formation in fabricated, expanded snack products by utilizing discrete, solid lipid particles. These lipids must be solid at room temperature with a melting point above 100° F. such that they remain discrete and solid when mixed with the dough and are subsequently sheeted or extruded. During the toasting, frying, or baking step, the solid, lipid particles melt and soften and disrupt the starch matrix, thus allowing steam to escape and preventing blisters. The blisters are only prevented, however, in the localized area where a solid, lipid particle exists. Thus, by changing the level of solid, lipid particles in the dough, the size of resulting blisters can be controlled.

Abstract: An improved method for controlling blister formation in fabricated, expanded snack products by utilizing discrete, solid lipid particles. These lipids must be solid at room temperature with a melting point above 100° F. such that they remain discrete and solid when mixed with the dough and are subsequently sheeted or extruded. During the toasting, frying, or baking step, the solid, lipid particles melt and soften and disrupt the starch matrix, thus allowing steam to escape and preventing blisters. The blisters are only prevented, however, in the localized area where a solid, lipid particle exists. Thus, by changing the level of solid, lipid particles in the dough, the size of resulting blisters can be controlled.