Abstract: The invention includes a process for preparing an aerated food product employing a refined chocolate crumb blend and an aeration agent. The methods also include a process for refining chocolate liquor and cocoa powder into a refined crumb blend, and the use this refined crumb blend in producing novel and advantageous food products and ingredients. One advantageous product of the invention is an aerated, chocolate meringue-type product made with chocolate liquor and containing cocoa butter or fat.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of making a confectionery packet or sachet formed with an edible film and enclosing a center composition. The packet or sachet can be designed to be placed in the mouth, where the film dissolves and the center composition is released. In preferred embodiments, the center composition comprises a sugar alcohol, such as xylitol, that creates a cooling sensation. Many other flavors and/or colors or sensates can also be used in the center composition, and some embodiments include breath-freshening, anti-bacterial, nutriceutical, or pharmaceutical compositions in the center composition. The invention also comprises the edible packets or sachets, especially those composed of film with a desired retained water level suitable for producing a self-sealing film and/or an edible film packet that is stable at room temperature for at least six to twelve months.

Abstract: The invention includes a process for preparing an aerated food product employing a refined chocolate crumb blend and an aeration agent. The methods also include a process for refining chocolate liquor and cocoa powder into a refined crumb blend, and the use this refined crumb blend in producing novel and advantageous food products and ingredients. One advantageous product of the invention is an aerated, chocolate meringue-type product made with chocolate liquor and containing cocoa butter or fat.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous process for making a high solids confectionery product containing agar-agar using high temperature short time processing.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of making a confectionery or ingredient or filling for a confectionery, which includes forming a first component by combining water, at least one humectant, corn syrup and sugar; heating the blend to above 170° F.; adding a hydrocolloid or emulsifier; and continuing to heat until a solids content of about 80-90 wt. % is obtained. A second component is formed by combining a fat or fat-containing mixture and a flavoring. The first and second component are then mixed at a temperature above the melting point of the fat to form a mixture. The mixture can then be cooled and formed into finished confectionery, which can be used for retail sale, or processed as an ingredient in a confectionery.

Abstract: A low or no fat confection is prepared containing 80% soluble solids wherein at least 70% of the solids are carbohydrates. The mixture containing carbohydrate, a cationic reactive and thermosensitive hydrocolloid and an edible cation containing material is cooked or its solids concentration adjusted to 80% solids while hot. The molten mixture is then cooled to form a solid confection having a water activity being 0.30 to 0.65 Aw and a pH from 3.0 to 8.5.