Abstract: A method of expanding a structural support volume of a flexible container can include dispensing a cryogenic fluid into at least one structural support volume and sealing the at least one structural support volume such that it has a closed volume prior to complete conversion of the cryogenic fluid into a gas and expansion of the structural support volume to a pressurized state. The flexible container includes a product volume and at least a portion of the structural support volume extends into the product volume when the structural support volume is expanded.

Abstract: A flexible container including a first web portion defined by a first periphery, and a second web portion defined by a second periphery. The second web portion may be disposed in a face to face relationship with the first web and at least partially overlapping the first web. At least a portion of the second periphery may be bonded or sealed to the first web, the sealed portion defines a first product volume. The container further includes a dispensing aid disposed adjacent to the sealed portion of the second periphery and may include a dispensing valve. The dispensing aid includes third and fourth web portions sealed along a closed periphery and defining an expanded volume or structural support volume.

Abstract: A method of expanding a structural support volume of a flexible container can include dispensing a cryogenic fluid into at least one structural support volume and sealing the at least one structural support volume such that it has a closed volume prior to complete conversion of the cryogenic fluid into a gas and expansion of the structural support volume to a pressurized state. The flexible container includes a product volume and at least a portion of the structural support volume extends into the product volume when the structural support volume is expanded.

Abstract: A flexible container including a first web portion defined by a first periphery, and a second web portion defined by a second periphery. The second web portion may be disposed in a face to face relationship with the first web and at least partially overlapping the first web. At least a portion of the second periphery may be bonded or sealed to the first web, the sealed portion defines a first product volume. The container further includes a dispensing aid disposed adjacent to the sealed portion of the second periphery and may include a dispensing valve. The dispensing aid includes third and fourth web portions sealed along a closed periphery and defining an expanded volume or structural support volume.

Abstract: Disclosed are beverage products with improved vitamin stability. The beverage products include an effective amount of a aminopolycarboxylic acid as well as an effective amount of a polyphosphate, and can be enriched with one or more vitamins or other nutrients. In one embodiment, the beverage products include added water, fruit juice, ascorbic acid, ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), sodium hexametaphosphate, and potassium sorbate. The beverage can be packaged in relatively inexpensive HDPE-type containers which are generally oxygen permeable, and do not require the use of special oxygen barrier packaging to preserve the vitamins and flavor oils from oxidation.

Abstract: Oil-in-water dispersions of .beta.-carotene and other carotenoids that are stable against oxidation, even in the presence of polyphosphates, especially sodium hexametaphosphate. These oil-in-water dispersions are typically prepared by contacting a water-dispersible beadlet comprising at least about 5% colloidal carotenoid with the water phase to form droplets of the carotenoid that are in intimate contact with sufficient oil phase such that the carotenoid is stable against oxidation, even in the absence of an effective antioxidant such as ascorbic acid. The oil-in-water carotenoid dispersions of the present invention are especially useful in dilute juice beverages for providing vitamin A fortification and color, as well as other oil/water food and beverage products where vitamin A fortification and/or color are desired.