Abstract: A coated particle may include a food particle coated by a carbohydrate. The coated particle may have an average particle size from about 10 ?m to about 250 ?m. The food particle may include a relatively bitter component (e.g., cocoa) and a protein component (e.g., whey protein, soy protein, rice protein, fava bean protein, and/or milk protein). A weight ratio of bitter component to protein component may be about 3 or greater. The food particle may also include a starch, such as rice starch. Additionally, the coated particle may have a surface area fraction of the carbohydrate that is greater than an average weight fraction of the carbohydrate. For example, the surface area fraction of the carbohydrate may be from about 30% to about 80%. In addition, the coated particle may have a substantially non-spherical and irregular shape. The coated particle may be prepared via a spray drying process.

Abstract: Provided are a process for forming a heat stable confectionery product and a heat stable confectionery product. The process for forming a heat stable confectionery product comprises carrying out a first process sequence comprising formulating a blend of a sweetener, a confectionery fat along with milk solids, cocoa solids or both, and conching the blend; providing a pre-sized sugar hydrate additive; and adding the sugar hydrate additive to the blend at the end of the first sequence to form a flowable confectionery paste, followed by cooling the confectionery paste to a solid. The heat stable confectionery product includes sugar hydrate, is visibly devoid of blooming, and is formed according to the process described above.

Abstract: A Workstation with a Heat Sink for the Iso-thermal, Beta Crystal Stabilization of Tempered Chocolate designed to maintain the temperature of chocolate above 85° F. for up to 60 minutes and within 1° F. degree of its temperature at removal from the tempering equipment for 15 minutes. The heat sink is designed to hold up to four types of chocolate at a time in a useable tempered state by providing a homogenous temperature environment for the bowl base. In conjunction with the heated base, a cover is provided to prevent the contact of the chocolate's surface with the 70° F. to 80° F. room air when the chocolate is not being used. This allows white, milk, and dark chocolates which have different final tempering temperatures to be housed in the same heat sink.

Abstract: A line of chocolate confectionery products that contains naturally occurring Vitamin C at a minimum percentage of 2% of the RDADV recommendation and 4% RDADV of fiber. The formulations contain at least 4% of the RDADV of at least 3 of the following vitamin and minerals: Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Vitamin K, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zinc, and Manganese. All of these RDADVs are met without the addition of supplements. The formulations contain between 10% and 60% coconut palm sugar in order to meet the defined nutrition requirements. In order to overcome agglomeration issues the formulations contain at least 2.5% fiber.