Abstract: A process for preparing an energy food product comprising the steps of (a) processing at least one base energy food component at a temperature and shear sufficient to form a homogeneous base energy food matrix; and (b) subsequently mixing at least one process sensitive component with said homogeneous base energy food matrix at a temperature and shear that does not deleteriously effect said process sensitive component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy bar having a mean hedonic score for consumer acceptability of at least about 5.2. Preferably, the energy bar is either a grain based energy bar or a chewy energy bar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-piece animal food server including two separate components, a feeding component containing a unitary pre-packaged serving of animal food and a support component configured to hold at least one feeding component. The present invention is also directed to a sanitary, quick and easy method of feeding an animal that utilizes the multi-piece animal food server.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering goods ordered by a plurality of customers, in which a plurality of customers place orders for goods from a vendor, the vendor fulfills its orders by combining into a single shipping order the goods ordered by a plurality of customers who are geographically close to a single local pick-up point, and the vendor causes the single shipping order to be sent to a local pick-up point.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of coating soft confectionery centers with chocolate. The method comprises the steps of: mixing the soft confectionery centers having a bed temperature of from about 0° C. to about 15° C.; applying chocolate onto the soft confectionery centers, wherein the chocolate is at a temperature of from about 36° C. to about 50° C.; and cooling the chocolate covered soft confectionery centers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for making confectionery pieces, comprising the steps of (a) providing a solid or semi-solid edible slab having at least three layers to at least two forming elements having a nip defined by the forming elements; and (b) passing the edible slab through the nip, thereby forming a sheet of confectionery pieces or individual pieces, wherein the edible slab has a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and at least one inner layer between the first and second outer layers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy bar having a mean hedonic score for consumer acceptability of at least about 5.2. Preferably, the energy bar is either a grain based energy bar or a chewy energy bar.

Abstract: An energy food product is disclosed that is comprised of (a) a base energy food matrix; and (b) a plurality of inclusions dispersed within or on the base energy food matrix, wherein the inclusions contain at least one physiologically functional ingredient.

Abstract: A process for preparing an energy food product comprising the steps of (a) processing at least one base energy food component at a temperature and shear sufficient to form a homogeneous base energy food matrix; and (b) subsequently mixing at least one process sensitive component with said homogeneous base energy food matrix at a temperature and shear that does not deleteriously effect said process sensitive component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of changing a material property of an energy food product or intermediary of the energy food product prior to treatment by a unit operation during manufacturing. The method comprises the steps of: providing the energy food product or the intermediary, wherein the energy food product or the intermediary has at least one material property that changes upon experiencing an effective temperature change during manufacturing; changing the temperature of the energy food product or the intermediary by an amount effective to cause at least one desired material property change; and, optionally, transporting the energy food product or the intermediary to the unit operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for preparing an energy food product. The method comprises the steps of (a) applying a functional component to a surface of a food substrate, wherein the functional component comprises at least one physiologically functional ingredient; and (b) applying a flowable edible material to substantially cover the functional component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reducing adhesion between confectionery articles stored or processed in contacting relationships. The method comprises the step of applying a solid fat based material to the confectionery articles in an amount effective to substantially reduce adhesion when the confectionery articles are in contacting relationships, thereby reducing adhesion of the confectionery articles to one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of coating soft confectionery centers with chocolate. The method comprises the steps of: mixing the soft confectionery centers having a bed temperature of from about 0° C. to about 15° C.; applying chocolate onto the soft confectionery centers, wherein the chocolate is at a temperature of from about 36° C. to about 50° C.; and cooling the chocolate covered soft confectionery centers.