Abstract: A method of producing extrudates such as high protein, high fat sinking aquatic feeds is provided wherein a high protein starting material is initially preconditioned and passed through an extruder; in the extruder barrel a zone of reduced pressure is created upstream of the die for densifying the final extrudate. Fat may be added to the starting mixture at any desired point in the process, and/or may be added as a surface coating to the final extrudate. Preferably, the method further involves measuring a density value of the extrudate such as bulk density, and adjusting the magnitude of the reduced pressure conditions in the barrel in response to such measurement.

Abstract: A dense, uniformly layered, relatively unexpanded extrusion cooked vegetable protein based meat analogue product is provided, which has meat-like texture, mouth-feel and appearance characteristics permitting use of the product as a full substitute for meats such as pork, beef, fish and poultry. In addition, a method and apparatus for making the products hereof is also provided. The product is preferably made up of a mixture of a vegetable protein such as defatted soy flour and moisture which is extrusion processed to present an analogue having a plurality of juxtaposed, manually separable meat-like layers which are substantially untwisted relative to each other and strongly resemble real meat.