Abstract: In some embodiments, a protein-coated product includes an edible center and a protein-fortified coating including at least 30% by weight of protein. In some embodiments, the protein-fortified coating includes 30% to 70% by weight of protein with the protein-fortified coating being 20 to 60% by weight of the protein-coated product. A method of making a protein-coated product includes providing an edible center, preparing a syrup, preparing a dry blend including at least 30% protein, by weight, coating the edible center with alternating layers of the syrup and the dry blend to form a coated product, and modifying the coated product to form the protein-coated product.

Abstract: A comestible containing milk solids and method of its making includes providing a fat phase that has a fat and milk powder, providing a syrup phase that has a sweetener and a solid content between about 72% and about 88% by weight, followed by mixing the fat phase with the syrup phase in a weight ratio between 70% fat phase/30% syrup phase to 30% fat phase/70% syrup phase and forming the milk-base comestible from the mixed mass. The resulting comestibles deliver real milk in a shelf stable form in a product that has a clean taste and pleasant mouthfeel, with a non-grainy, non-mealy texture.

Abstract: A method of making a solid, combined protein and fruit product includes preparing a concentrated protein mixture including at least one concentrated protein, adding at least one concentrated fruit to the concentrated protein mixture to form a protein and fruit mixture, and removing water from the protein and fruit mixture to reach a predetermined solids level for the solid, combined protein and fruit product. In some embodiments, the concentrated protein mixture includes at least one hydrocolloid agent. A solid, combined protein and fruit product includes a concentrated protein and a concentrated fruit mixed with the concentrated protein. The concentrated protein in the solid, combined protein and fruit product is minimally denatured and the solid, combined protein and fruit product does not harden during the shelf life of the solid, combined protein and fruit product.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a health bar or composition having high levels of a cacao-based product, and with correspondingly high levels of cocoa anti-oxidants, that are shelf stable, heat-resistant, and have good taste and mouthfeel properties. The energy bars and food compositions can deliver healthful cocoa ingredients to improve vigor, enhance physical energy, enhance mental energy, enhance cognitive focus abilities, and/or improve athletic performance. Methods of making such health bars, food ingredients, or heat-resistant compositions that comprise the same high levels of cacao product and other ingredients in effective amounts and that are shelf-stable are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a health bar or composition having high levels of a cacao-based product, and with correspondingly high levels of cocoa anti-oxidants, that are shelf stable, heat-resistant, and have good taste and mouthfeel properties. The energy bars and food compositions can deliver healthful cocoa ingredients to improve vigor, enhance physical energy, enhance mental energy, enhance cognitive focus abilities, and/or improve athletic performance. Methods of making such health bars, food ingredients, or heat-resistant compositions that comprise the same high levels of cacao product and other ingredients in effective amounts and that are shelf-stable are also disclosed.