Abstract: A method for forming a complex of a protein-containing material and a lipid-based material comprises the steps of admixing said protein-containing material into said lipid material, applying heat and a shear force to said admixture to form an emulsion of protein material in said lipid material, and cooling said admixture to form a lipid-protein complex. Optionally, a liquid grinding step also may be used. The complex comprises at least about 10-50 net weight % protein, preferably no more than about 1% of an emulsifier, and an amount of a lipid-containing material sufficient to form an emulsion with the protein containing material. It is believed that higher proportions of protein could be obtained in the emulsion with high capacity pumps and shear apparatus. The complex can be used as a coating composition for a food product, or as an ingredient in a coating composition for a food product, or as an ingredient in a food article.

Abstract: A composition comprising about 10-65 weight % of a protein particulate material, about 35-90 weight % of a lipid-containing material, and no more than small amounts of an emulsifier, can be used as a coating composition for a food product, or as an ingredient in a coating composition for a food product. When used as a coating for a snack food item such as a protein-containing energy bar, the coating can add to the nutritive value of the bar, and maintain the moisture content of the bar. A method for making the composition includes the steps of adding finely ground particulate protein matter to a fat composition with heat and high shear, then cooling the composition.

Abstract: A method for forming a complex of a protein-containing material and a lipid-based material comprises the steps of admixing said protein-containing material into said lipid material, applying heat and a shear force to said admixture to form an emulsion of protein material in said lipid material, and cooling said admixture to form a lipid-protein complex. Optionally, a liquid grinding step also may be used. The complex comprises at least about 10-50 net weight % protein, preferably no more than about 1% of an emulsifier, and an amount of a lipid-containing material sufficient to form an emulsion with the protein containing material. It is believed that higher proportions of protein could be obtained in the emulsion with high capacity pumps and shear apparatus. The complex can be used as a coating composition for a food product, or as an ingredient in a coating composition for a food product, or as an ingredient in a food article.

Abstract: A composition comprising about 10-65 weight % of a protein particulate material, about 35-90 weight % of a lipid-containing material, and no more than small amounts of an emulsifier, can be used as a coating composition for a food product, or as an ingredient in a coating composition for a food product. When used as a coating for a snack food item such as a protein-containing energy bar, the coating can add to the nutritive value of the bar, and maintain the moisture content of the bar. A method for making the composition includes the steps of adding finely ground particulate protein matter to a fat composition with heat and high shear, then cooling the composition.

Abstract: An oil-continuous edible spread has a reduced-fat characteristic, being composed of an oil phase and a flavored syrup phase, each making up a primary portion of the oil-continuous edible product. The oil-continuous edible product is a reduced-fat flavored spread. This spread finds application as an ambient-temperature eating spread for applying onto baked products. This spread also finds application as a roll-in or laminating fat for baking layered pastries. The spread can be used to make baked products which are reduced in fat by about 20 weight percent or more.