Abstract: Packaged food articles comprise at least one shaped food product disposed within sealed moisture resistant packaging. The shaped food products include an axially aligned center piece or rod as a core portion and at least one string wrapped around the periphery of the core piece. The shaped food piece is fabricated from a pliable or plastic food composition such as a sweetened intermediate moisture fruit or confection such as licorice. The center piece can be provided with a multiplicity of fins extending longitudinally about the exterior periphery of the core piece. The coiled string is peelably removable from the core piece. The combination of core piece and coiled string provide a child oriented wholesome food of enhanced play value. Methods for preparing the shaped food product are described.

Abstract: A food item is prepared by depositing food (14) as lanes in the form of rows of discrete patterns (14a) on strips (16a-16c) of support material (16) defined by fold lines defined by perforations (62a, 62b). In a strip sheeter (12), the first roller (18) is heated and is smooth for abutting with the support material (16). The outer periphery of the second roller (20) including depressions (24) forming the patterns (14a) is formed of material to which food (14) has less tendency to stick to than the support material (16), with the patterns (14a) arranged to create tensional removal. An edible, liquid release agent can be sprayed upon the second roller (20). Perforations (62a, 62b) are cut by rotary knives (62). The first strip (16a) is folded to overlie the first lane of food (14) on the second strip (16b), and the third strip (16c) is folded to abut the second lane of food (14) thereon and opposite to the second strip (16b).

Abstract: Packaged food articles comprise at least one shaped food product disposed within sealed moisture resistant packaging. The shaped food products include an axially aligned center piece or rod as a core portion and at least one string wrapped around the periphery of the core piece. The shaped food piece is fabricated from a pliable or plastic food composition such as a sweetened intermediate moisture fruit or confection such as licorice. The center piece can be provided with a multiplicity of fins extending longitudinally about the exterior periphery of the core piece. The coiled string is peelably removable from the core piece. The combination of core piece and coiled string provide a child oriented wholesome food of enhanced play value. Methods for preparing the shaped food product are described.