Abstract: Disclosed are nonlimiting embodiments comprising a novel process for forming and shaping crunchy granola food products. The process comprises using rotary molding processes to form and shape a granola mass into a variety of desired shapes. The granola mass is able to be rotary molded as a result of use of a unique binder composition that comprises at least one of pre-gelatinized starch or hydrocolloid gum in the binder composition. The pre-gelatinized starch and/or hydrocolloid gum enables the binder viscosity to increase and increases the tackiness of the granola mass such that it can be formed by a rotary molder and such that it releases from the mold as a unitary piece of shaped and formed granola food product.

Abstract: Disclosed are nonlimiting embodiments comprising a novel process for forming and shaping crunchy granola food products. The process comprises using rotary molding processes to form and shape a granola mass into a variety of desired shapes. The granola mass is able to be rotary molded as a result of use of a unique binder composition that comprises at least one pre-gelatinized starch in the binder composition. The pre-gelatinized starch enables the binder viscosity to increase and increases the tackiness of the granola mass such that it can be formed by a rotary molder and such that it releases from the mold as a unitary piece of shaped and formed granola food product.

Abstract: Disclosed is an engrossing syrup for a pan coating process and a process that enables one to coat a food piece with a soft sugar coating that retains its softness over time. The process also allows the coating to occur at low coating temperatures. In addition, the process produces a thinner and softer coating to provide a novel taste and texture to the coated food piece. The engrossing syrup can be used to coat a wide variety of types of food pieces using a pan coating process.

Abstract: Disclosed is coating distribution system with inline injection capability that permits a base coating material to be divided into a plurality of portions, separate treatment of each portion to form a plurality of final coating compositions and recovery of the untreated base coating material. The system permits the simultaneous formation of a plurality of different final coating compositions from a single base coating material while permitting the bulk of the base coating material to remain unchanged. Using the system enables better control over the consistency of the base coating material and reduces clean up time between changes in the final coating compositions.