Abstract: Disclosed is the preparation of fruit and nut mixes with improved texture stability. Such mixes contain from about 15% to about 60% fruit and from about 40% to about 85% nuts wherein at least about 20% of the nuts are roasted and at least about 20% of the nuts have a crystalline sugar coating. The fruit for use in the mix has an initial water activity of from about 0.35 to about 0.70 and an initial moisture content of from about 7% to about 18% water. The roasted nuts for use in the mix have an initial water activity of from about 0.05 to about 0.40 and an initial moisture content of up to about 3% water. Once the fruit and nuts are combined, they are allowed to equilibrate in a moisture impervious environment to an equilibrium water activity of from about 0.35 to about 0.58 and a percent moisture to equilibrium water activity ratio of the fruit of from about 17:1 to about 32:1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making from dough a reduced-fat fried snack which has a more expanded, lighter structure than conventional fried snacks. A dough is formed which contains from 50% to 70% flour (preferably potato flour), at least 3% hydrolyzed starches, from 1% to 10% calcium carbonate, and a relatively low level of added water (20% to 40%). The dough is formed into a sheet from which snack pieces are cut and fried. The fried snack pieces contain only 18% to 38% fat. The fried snack pieces are from 1% to 14% larger by volume as compared to conventional fried snack pieces of equal weight.

Abstract: Reduced calorie french fries and other high moisture fat-coated foods having less greasiness are disclosed. Such products are typically obtained by applying to the surface of the french fry, or other food, reduced calorie fat compositions having particular fluid viscosity characteristics that correlate to reduced greasiness impressions. These reduced calorie fat compositions comprise a nondigestible fat, and optionally, a triglyceride fat or oil. The nondigestible fat in general comprises a liquid nondigestible oil and a sufficient amount of a nondigestible solid polyol polyester to control passive oil loss typically associated with the ingestion of liquid nondigestible oils.

Abstract: Reduced calorie, low moisture fat-containing foods such as potato chips having less waxiness and improved flavor display are disclosed. These benefits are typically obtained by applying to the surface of the potato chip, or other food, fat compositions having certain thixotropic areas that correlate to reduced waxiness impressions. These fat compositions comprise a nondigestible fat component, and optionally a digestible triglyceride fat or oil. The nondigestible fat component comprises a nondigestible oil and certain solid polyol fatty acid polyesters having ester groups consisting essentially of long chain (C.sub.14 or higher) saturated fatty acid radicals that bind such liquid oils and thus control or prevent passive oil loss.