Abstract: Improved coating compositions for foodstuffs such as chocolate and dried fruit comprise jojoba oil which is hydrogenated either substantially completely and used in solution in a volatile solvent such as acetone, or partially to a liquid which, while remaining clear for at least 24 hours at 25.degree. C. or below, provides a greatly improved stability to the coated foodstuff compared with the unhydrogenated oil. The partially hydrogenated oil is preferably of low trans-content and may have an Iodine Value as little as 2 units below that of the original oil. Preferably it is obtained by hydrogenation at a temperature below 125.degree. C. using a fresh, unsulphured metal hydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: Candy bars and other chocolate-coated confectionery is resistant to blooming on storage when filled with a substitute marzipan composition, the glyceride content of which comprises an edible vegetable fat having a dilatation at 20.degree. C. of at least 800, preferably 1000 and at 35.degree. C. of at most 500, preferably 400 and more particularly not more than 200. Preferably the fat is a hard butter, or itself a couverture fat, which may be present in a similar amount to a protein base provided by meal or other comminuted almond substances, particularly soyabean meal. The composition may also be in the form of a free-flowing powder to which it is necessary only to add water for conversion to a plastic mass suitable for piping, filling and the like in confectionery.

Abstract: A hard butter for confectionery use has an Iodine Value of at most 20, a maximum slip melting point of about 45.degree. C., a dilatation at 20.degree. C. of at least 900 and the combined fatty acid composition in random distribution of a blend of a lauric fat with a smaller amount of a non-lauric, C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 edible fat. Preferably the fats are coconut oil and a stearine of a palmitic fat i.e. a palm fat or cottonseed oil having an Iodine Value from 5 to 40.