Abstract: A particulate creamer-thickener comprises 5-45%, preferably 10-25% by weight of fat (preferably having a melting point of 30.degree.-45.degree. C., 0.05-5%, preferably 0.1-3% by weight of a proteinaceous emulsifier (e.g. sodium caseinate) or a fatty acid emulsifier, 25-75% by weight of starch thickener and from 0-8% by weight of water. Also a process of its manufacture has been described.

Abstract: A process for producing an aqueous concentrate which can be pasteurized and subsequently reconstituted into a lump-free, thick soup, sauce, gravy or dessert, which process involves producing a concentrate in which are incorporated:(i) a proportion of starch sufficient to obtain a product of the desired degree of creaminess,(ii) a proportion of an appropriate osmotic-pressure increasing agent, sufficient to substantially reduce the rate of swelling of starch granules and prevent gelatinization of said starch during pasteurization, and(iii) a proportion of a water-activity depressing agent conducive to a water activity not exceeding 0.92.

Abstract: Dried vegetable materials can be rendered quick cooking if the vegetable is reconstituted in the presence of phytate ions. The phytate can be applied for example as a sodium salt of phytic acid to the vegetable either by impregnation before the vegetable is dried or by surface contact after the vegetable is dried.