Abstract: Low moisture content comestibles having reduced water regain or increased tolerance to moisture are produced by enzymatically treating a farinaceous material with an enzyme composition comprising pentosanase or beta-glucanase, or mixtures thereof to reduce its net-work forming swellable water-soluble hemicellulose content. The hydrolysis of the water-soluble pentosans, beta-glucans or mixtures thereof is conducted so that a substantial portion of the hydrolysis product has a linear or backbone degree of polymerization of less than about 100, more suitably less than about 75, preferably less than about 50, most preferably less than 17. In addition, the hydrolysis is conducted so as to minimize the production of mono and/or di-saccharides. The low moisture content comestible products include low moisture content baked good such as cookies, crackers, and biscuits, farinaceous pet snacks, plant protein extracts, hot cereals, ready-to-eat cereals, low calorie flours and low calorie flour fractions.

Abstract: Low moisture content comestibles having reduced water regain or increased tolerance to moisture are produced by enzymatically treating a farinaceous material with an enzyme composition comprising pentosanase or beta-glucanase, or mixtures thereof to reduce its net-work forming swellable water-soluble hemicellulose content. The hydrolysis of the water-soluble pentosans, beta-glucans or mixtures thereof is conducted so that a substantial portion of the hydrolysis product has a linear or backbone degree of polymerization of less than about 100, more suitably less than about 75, preferably less than about 50, most preferably less than 17. In addition, the hydrolysis is conducted so as to minimize the production of mono and/or di-saccharides. The low moisture content comestible products include low moisture content baked good such as cookies, crackers, and biscuits, farinaceous pet snacks, plant protein extracts, hot cereals, ready-to-eat cereals, low calorie flours and low calorie flour fractions.

Abstract: A cake mix for making a low sodium cake, which has good volume, fine texture, good flavor, pleasant mouth feel and uniform color. A nonshortening portion and a shortening portion are combined with a baking powder portion that has balanced amounts of potassium carbonate and monocalcium phosphate to produce a final cake batter. The final cake batter is baked to produce a cake having a final pH of about 6.8 to 7.5 and having a sodium content of less than 35 mgs per serving.

Abstract: A confectionary bar is disclosed that contains a natural fruit center which is encapsulated in a layer of caramel. This caramel layer has an embedded layer of nuts. This combination of a natural fruit center encapsulated in caramel having embedded nuts is then enrobed in a compound coating, usually a chocolate-flavored compound coating. The confectionery bar should have a water activity level of less than about 0.50 at 25.degree. C. The natural fruit portion of the confectionery bar should have a water activity level of less than 0.65 at 25.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved consistometer has a vertically-movable rod for imparting a precisely-measurable amount of energy on initial impact to a dough sample. Simultaneously, a precise measurement of vertical drop is obtained from a cooperating dial displacement indicator. The dial indicator has a vertical arm which is displaced by a horizontal disk fixed to the rod. A collar retains the rod in a first position; removal of the collar permits the rod to drop. After initial impact, further displacement of the rod is measured over a fixed time interval. Comparison of displacement of various dough samples thus indicates their relative consistencies. The rod has interchangeable penetrating rod end elements, to accommodate various types of dough.