Abstract: A process for producing a protein-carbohydrate complex includes the steps of: providing a modified protein (MP), the MP characterized by being denatured and heated sufficiently to gel; mixing the MP with a carbohydrate to form an MP-carbohydrate mixture; and heating the MP-carbohydrate mixture to a temperature and for a time sufficient to faun MP-carbohydrate complexes. The resulting protein-carbohydrate complex may have properties that include a viscosity of at least 1.0 Pa-s at a shear rate of a 50 s?1 at 25° C. and a creaming index of less than 25 percent.

Abstract: A process for producing a protein-carbohydrate complex includes the steps of providing a modified protein (MP), the MP characterized by being denatured and heated sufficiently to gel; mixing the MP with a carbohydrate to form an MP-carbohydrate mixture; and heating the MP-carbohydrate mixture to a temperature and for a time sufficient to form MP-carbohydrate complexes. The resulting protein-carbohydrate complex may have properties that include a viscosity of at least 1.0 Pa-s at a shear rate of a 50 s?1 at 25° C. and a creaming index of less than 25 percent.

Abstract: A dry hydrocolloid powder with cold-gel capabilities is produced by: dissolving a hydrocolloid comprising polysaccharide chains in an aqueous solution; heating the dissolved hydrocolloid solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to induce a substantial alteration in the tertiary structure of the polysaccharide chains of the hydrocolloid; cooling the dissolved hydrocolloid solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to substantially return the polysaccharide chains of the hydrocolloid to their original tertiary structure, wherein the polysaccharide chains form a gelling network; and drying the cooled hydrocolloid solution to form a dry powder. In some embodiments, the dry powder has a viscosity of between about 10 and 40 mPa-s when reconstituted in a 2% weight/weight solution at 25 degrees C. In other embodiments, the dry powder has a water absorption of greater than 20 g H2O/g powder.

Abstract: A dry hydrocolloid powder with cold-gel capabilities is produced by: dissolving a hydrocolloid comprising polysaccharide chains in an aqueous solution; heating the dissolved hydrocolloid solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to induce a substantial alteration in the tertiary structure of the polysaccharide chains of the hydrocolloid; cooling the dissolved hydrocolloid solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to substantially return the polysaccharide chains of the hydrocolloid to their original tertiary structure, wherein the polysaccharide chains form a gelling network; and drying the cooled hydrocolloid solution to form a dry powder. In some embodiments, the dry powder has a viscosity of between about 10 and 40 mPa-s when reconstituted in a 2% weight/weight solution at 25 degrees C. In other embodiments, the dry powder has a water absorption of greater than 20 g H2O/g powder.

Abstract: A dry protein product useful as a thickening agent and fat substitute is provided. The powder can be readily reconstituted at room temperature, or refrigerated conditions, and can be used in frozen or refrigerated foods, at room temperature, and in cooking applications. When reconstituted the product preferably has a creamy, non-gritty texture, although texture and consistency of the product can be adjusted depending upon the desired application. The dry powder of the invention may be prepared by hydrolyzing a protein preparation (typically, a whey protein preparation) to produce a hydrolyzed whey protein preparation; then gelling the hydrolyzed whey protein preparation to form a whey protein gel; then drying the whey protein gel; and powdering the whey protein gel. Food products containing the powder in hydrated form, including both frozen dessert products, beverages and cooked products, are also disclosed.