Abstract: The present invention relates to a soluble beverage powder comprising dried coffee extract particles having two essentially flat surfaces and a uniform thickness. A further aspect of the invention is a process for making a freeze-dried soluble beverage powder.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward an apparatus for preparing food products. Specifically, a hygienic baking pan comprises a panel having a continuously formed structure comprising at least two sides. The hygienic baking pan may also comprise a frame joined to the panel and/or a plurality of concave molds formed therein. Additionally, the present disclosure includes methods for manufacturing an apparatus for preparing food products. The method includes manufacturing a single continuous sheet of metal material to form a tray having a top surface and two sides, forming the metal material sheet to form a plurality of concave molds therein, and joining a frame to the metal material sheet, wherein a gap is formed between the frame and the metal material sheet.