Abstract: Foodstuffs and drink mixes containing extruded fiber-containing intermediates are disclosed. The extruded intermediates include a soluble fiber source and an insoluble fiber source, and are useful in preparing baked goods, drink mixes, liquid drinks and other foodstuffs. Processes for preparing the intermediates and the foodstuffs and methods of lowering cholesterol with the foodstuffs are also disclosed.

Abstract: Foodstuffs and drink mixes containing extruded fiber-containing intermediates are disclosed. The extruded intermediates include a soluble fiber source and an insoluble fiber source, and are useful in preparing baked goods, drink mixes, liquid drinks and other foodstuffs. Processes for preparing the intermediates and the foodstuffs and methods of lowering cholesterol with the foodstuffs are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ready-to-eat cereal product contains a substantial portion of typical cereal grain component, such as bran, wheat and the like, together with a therapeutic quantity of psyllium. The quantity of psyllium is sufficient to reduce the cholesterol level of humans and animals when part of the diet. The psyllium may be added as an intermediate psyllium product prepared by directly expanding psyllium husks, either by itself or together with minor amounts of other ingredients. The psyllium intermediate is preferably added during the process for making the final cereal product after the typical cereal grain components have been totally or partially cooked.

Abstract: The invention provides for a dough product, that is enriched with a psyllium composition. The psyllium may range from about 1.0 to about 5.0 grams per one ounce. The dough product can include an amount of gluten to increase its volume. Also provided is a method for making the dough products. These dough products are useful in lowering serum cholesterol levels as well as for increasing dietary fiber in the diet of the individual consuming them.

Abstract: The invention provides for a pasta product, that is enriched with a psyllium composition, wherein the psyllium is present in an amount from about 1.0 g to about 5.0 g per two ounces of pasta product. Also provided is a method to incorporate a psyllium product which comprises pretreating the psyllium so as to prepare it for combination with a pasta flour, such as semolina flour. The resulting pasta product has a sufficient amount of psyllium to alter the level of serum cholesterol in the consumer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing the allergenicity of psyllium seed husks and psyllium seed husk-containing food additives. The method comprises subjecting ground psyllium seed husks to a wet heat treatment for a time and at a temperature and pressure sufficient to reduce the allergenicity of the psyllium seed husks. Psyllium seed husks alone can be subjected to the wet heat treatment to reduce its allergenicity and subsequently used as an ingredient to produce a psyllium-containing food additive or food product. Alternatively, psyllium seed husks can be mixed with one or more other ingredients of a food additive or food product and then subjected to the wet heat treatment during production of the food additive or food product.

Abstract: This invention provides for a cereal composition, particularly in a ready-to-eat cereal, that contains beta-carotene (BC) in an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 0.02% based on the dry weight of the cereal composition. The beta-carotene may be incorporated in the form of water insoluble beadlets or may be added in a soluble form with a sweetening agent during manufacture of the composition. The cereal composition containing BC retains good stability, and normal color, flavor and aroma characteristics as compared with analogous cereal compositions without beta-carotene.

Abstract: A ready-to-eat cereal product contains a substantial portion of typical cereal grain component, such as bran, wheat and the like, together with a therapeutic quantity of psyllium. The quantity of psyllium is sufficient to reduce the cholesterol level of humans and animals when part of the diet. The psyllium may be added as an intermediate psyllium product prepared by directly expanding psyllium husks, either by itself or together with minor amounts of other ingredients. The psyllium intermediate is preferably added during the process for making the final cereal product after the typical cereal grain components have been totally or partially cooked.

Abstract: A ready-to-eat cereal product contains a substantial portion of typical cereal grain component, such as bran, wheat and the like, together with a therapeutic quantity of psyllium. The quantity of psyllium is sufficient to reduce the cholesterol level of humans and animals when part of the diet. The psyllium may be added as an intermediate psyllium product prepared by directly expanding psyllium husks, either by itself or together with minor amounts of other ingredients. The psyllium intermediate is preferably added during the process for making the final cereal product after the typical cereal grain components have been totally or partially cooked.