Abstract: Methods for producing an encapsulated bead comprising a droplet of a wet ingredient coated by a water-insoluble, alginate-based gel. The alginate-based coating comprises a plurality of pores having a diameter sufficient to allow the wet ingredient contained within each encapsulated bead to leach therethrough when placed within a solution. The methods for producing an encapsulated bead generally comprise the steps of preparing a first solution comprising an alginate and a first solvent and a second solution comprising a multivalent salt and a second solvent, and causing liquid drops of the first solution to come into contact with the second solution.

Abstract: An encapsulated alcohol bead, and methods for producing and using the same, comprising a droplet of alcohol coated by a water-insoluble, alginate-based gel. The alginate-based coating comprises a plurality of pores having a diameter sufficient to allow the alcohol contained within each encapsulated alcohol bead to leach therethrough when the encapsulated alcohol bead is placed within a solution. Various dry mix products may include the encapsulated alcohol beads, such that the resultant products produced therefrom do not require a user to independently add alcohol thereto, and contain a sufficient amount of alcohol and/or alcohol flavor.