Abstract: The present invention relates to an ingestible aggregate comprising a pre-swelled substantially anhydrous hydrocolloid and a substrate. More particularly this invention relates to an aggregate having as a substrate a dietary fiber and/or drug wherein the composition can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount. Hydrocolloids useful include natural and modified gums, celluloses, modified celluloses, pectins, mucillages, modified starches, noncellulose polysaccharides, algal polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. The aggregate should be in the size range of about 4 to about 70 U.S. mesh. The unpleasant taste and mouthfeel of the fiber and/or drug is effectively masked and substantial hydration is delayed until the composition reaches the stomach. The compositions are substantially more palatable, devoid of graininess, bitterness or fibrous texture. The pleasant taste of the composition encourages patient compliance with their fiber or drug therapy.

Abstract: The present inventive compositions concern a stable delivery system capable of effecting a controlled release of core material comprising:(A) at least one natural or artificial core material selected from the group consisting of amino acid based sweeteners, dipeptide sweeteners, glycyrrhizin, saccharin and its salts, acesulfame salts, cyclamates, steviosides, talin, dihyrochalcone compounds, drugs, medicaments, flavoring agents and mixtures thereof; and(B) a hydrophobic matrix consisting essentially of(i) lecithin; and(ii) an edible material having a melting point in the range of about 25.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. selected from the group consisting of (a) fatty acids having an iodine value of about 1 to about 10, (b) natural waxes, (c) synthetic waxes and (d) mixtures thereof; and(iii) at least one glyceride.

Abstract: A drug delivery system comprising a core material comprising a drug, and a hydrophobic matrix coating the core. The coating delays hydration of the drug and masks the taste of the drug. The coating comprises an emulsifier, an edible fatty acid or wax and a glyceride. The delivery system can be incorporated into various food products, pharmaceutical preparations and proprietary products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ingestible aggregate comprising a pre-swelled substantially anhydrous hydrocolloid and a substrate. More particularly this invention relates to an aggregate having as a substrate a dietary fiber and/or drug wherein the composition can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount. Hydrocolloids useful include natural and modified gums, celluloses, modified celluloses, pectins, mucillages, modified starches, noncellulose polysaccharides, algal polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. The aggregate should be in the size range of about 4 to about 70 U.S. mesh. The unpleasant taste and mouthfeel of the fiber and/or drug is effectively masked and substantial hydration is delayed until the compositions reaches the stomach. The compositions are substantially more palatable, devoid of graininess, bitterness or fibrous texture. The pleasant taste of the composition encourages patient compliance with their fiber or drug therapy.

Abstract: A chewable delivery system for actives comprising:(a) an active pre-coated with at least one material selected from the group consisting of lecithin, polyoxyalkylenes having chain lengths of about 4 carbons or less, glycerides having a melting point of 100.degree. C. or less, polyalkyleneglycols having a molecular weight of 3,700 or less, synthetic and natural waxes and mixtures thereof; and(b) a confectionery matrix comprising a binder system comprising gelatin and a humectant material selected from the group consisting of glycerin and its lower alkyl (C.sub.2-7) ester derivatives; a sweetener; and about 1% to about 30% by weight water.

Abstract: The present inventive compositions concern a stable delivery system capable of effecting a controlled release of core material comprising:(A) at least one natural or artificial core material selected from the group consisting of amino acid based sweeteners, dipeptide sweeteners, glycyrrhizin, saccharin and its salts, acesulfame salts, cyclamates, steviosides, talin, dihyrochalcone compounds, drugs, medicaments, flavoring agents and mixtures thereof; and(B) a hydrophobic matrix consisting essentially of(i) lecithin; and(ii) an edible material having a melting point in the range of about 25.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. selected from the group consisting of (a) fatty acids having an iodine value of about 1 to about 10, (b) natural waxes, (c) synthetic waxes and (d) mixtures thereof; and(iii) at least one glyceride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ingestible aggregate comprising a pre-swelled substantially anhydrous hydrocolloid and a substrate. More particularly this invention relates to an aggregate having as a substrate a dietary fiber and/or drug wherein the composition can be administered in a therapeutically effective amount. Hydrocolloids useful include natural and modified gums, celluloses, modified celluloses, pectins, mucillages, modified starches, noncellulose polysaccharides, algal polysaccharides and mixtures thereof. The aggregate should be in the size range of about 4 to about 70 U.S. mesh. The unpleasant taste and mouthfeel of the fiber and/or drug is effectively masked and substantial hydration is delayed until the compositions reaches the stomach. The compositions are substantially more palatable, devoid of grainless, bitterness or fibrous texture. The pleasant taste of the composition encourages patient compliance with their fiber or drug therapy.

Abstract: A delivery system useful in chewing gum, confectionary and pharmaceutical products comprising:(a) an insolubolized active ingredient; and(b) a cross-linked hydrocolloid multivalent cation alginate or carageenenate matrix entrapping said insolubolized active ingredient.A process of preparation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dietary fiber composition is prepared by coating an insoluble fiber with a soluble fiber. The insoluble fiber is preferably derived from cereal bran by enzymatically and chemically purifying the bran. The soluble fiber is preferably pectin or an alginate. The dietary fiber composition can be used to prepare low calorie, high fiber content dietary food products.The process of preparing the dietary food composition and the food products made therefrom is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chewing gum composition comprising a gum base and an agglomerated sweetener delivery system capable of effecting a controlled release of core material comprising:(A) at least one natural or artificial core material selected from the group consisting of amino acid based sweeteners, dipeptide sweeteners, glycyrrhizin, saccharin and its salts, acesulfame salts, cyclamates, steviosides, talin, dihydrochalcone compounds, flavoring agents and mixtures thereof; and(B) a hydrophobic matrix consisting essentially of(i) lecithin; and(ii) an edible material having a melting point in the range of about 25.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. selected from the group consisting of (a) fatty acids having an iodine value of about 1 to about 10, (b) natural waxes, (c) synthetic waxes and (d) mixtures thereof; and(iii) at least one glyceride.

Abstract: A dietary fiber composition is prepared by coating an insoluble fiber with a soluble fiber. The insoluble fiber is preferably derived from cereal bran by enzymatically and chemically purifying the bran. The soluble fiber is preferably pectin or an alginate. The dietary fiber composition can be used to prepare low calorie, high fiber content dietary food products.

Abstract: A process for applying a coating to an edible nut which comprises partially roasting the nut until the onset of flavor development, coating the nut with a sugar syrup containing slurry, subjecting the coated nut to a final roasting process until full flavor development, cooling the coated nut and recovering the product. The preferred sugar syrup is honey.

Abstract: A process including dry blanching of raw nuts is described. The nuts are heated with a gas at a temperature of 125.degree. to 175.degree. C. for 30 to 180 seconds and then immediately cooled to below 35.degree. C. within 5 minutes prior to blanching. This provides improved blanching, sorting and other steps in a process for producing products ranging from nuts per se to peanut butters or spreads.