Abstract: A device is provided for continuously feeding chocolate ingredients, such as flakes, to a continuous conche having an adhesion prevention means to prevent adhesion of the ingredients to surfaces of the device exposed to the ingredients. In a process for continuously feeding chocolate ingredients, such as flakes, to a continuous conche, adhesion of the ingredients to surfaces exposed to the ingredients, is continuously prevented.

Abstract: Cocoa liquor is subjected to a process whereby the cocoa butter is immobilized by the cocoa solids. This is achieved by forming a suspension of cocoa liquor in an aqueous medium and removing the aqueous medium component of the suspension. The resulting processed cocoa liquor does not leach cocoa butter when subjected to a temperature of 50° C. overnight. The processed cocoa liquor is a useful ingredient in the food industry. It is a particularly useful ingredient for food stuffs where cocoa butter migration causes fat bloom. Replacement of standard cocoa liquor with the processed cocoa liquor of the invention greatly reduces fat bloom in confectionery products.