Abstract: A retorted gluten-free pasta product that survives retort may be formed by preparing a dry mix that includes (a) a gluten-free flour that includes (i) a non-cereal flour or pulse flour, (ii) a cereal flour, or (iii) mixtures thereof, (b) a starch, and (c) an emulsifier. The dry mix may be combined with water to form a dough that can be extruded at a temperature and with an amount of mechanical energy effective to form an extruded pasta product having a bi-continuous matrix of protein and starch. The pasta product can be incorporated with a sauce into a closed retort container and subsequently retorted. The resulting retorted food product may contain gluten-free pasta that has the structural integrity and textual firmness consistent with that exhibited by traditional wheat pasta after having undergone retort.

Abstract: A plant protein snack with meat-like texture food product generally includes a plant based structured product having layered fibers that are cross-linked yet generally aligned along a longitudinal axis and that mimics the look and organoleptic properties of meat jerky products. Methods of making the food product are described.

Abstract: A plant protein snack with meat-like texture food product generally includes a plant based structured product having layered fibers that are cross-linked yet generally aligned along a longitudinal axis and that mimics the look and organoleptic properties of meat jerky products. Methods of making the food product are described.

Abstract: Processing and use of whole fruits and vegetables or side-stream ingredients of juice extraction, paste, or ketchup process, or canning industry, in particular, the processing of the by-products, including pomace, and its use in beverage and food products.

Abstract: A spongy dough comprising a high amount of wheat gluten is formed into a loaf and subjected to a series of cooling and cooking steps including chilling, boiling, cooling, frying, and drying to produce imitation bacon snack food products with a low water activity of less than 0.85.

Abstract: A food product is coated with an edible, meltable powder. Upon melting, the powder-coated food product melts into a liquid coating on the food product. The meltable powder comprises a dry component free of starch and at least one of: a sorbitol dry component; an erythritol dry component; an arabitol dry component; a xylitol dry component; a lactitol dry component; a maltitol dry component; a combination of isomalt and sorbitol; a shellac dry component free of fatty acids; a soluble fiber dry component; a fructose dry component, a trehalose dry component, a glucose dry component, a maltose dry component, and an isomaltulose dry component. The polyols when present are free of polysaccharides. A number of food products can be coated with one or more of the dry components, which are subsequently melted to form a coating.

Abstract: A method for producing a shelf-stable protein-based pellet that is capable of expansion into a light, crispy snack cake, while providing a good source of protein and calcium. The method, in preferred embodiments, involves making dough from tapioca and potato starches and a milk protein derivative consisting of whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate or calcium caseinate. The mixture is extruded, sliced and dried in a series of dyers. The method produces a shelf-stable pellet having a moisture level of approximately 9-13% by weight which is further processed to produce a puffed dairy protein snack product, having a moisture level typically less than 2%.

Abstract: Processing and use of whole fruits and vegetables or side-stream ingredients of juice extraction, paste, or ketchup process, or canning industry, in particular, the processing of the by-products, including pomace, and its use in beverage and food products.

Abstract: A method for producing a shelf-stable protein-based pellet that is capable of expansion into a light, crispy snack cake, while providing a good source of protein and calcium. The method, in preferred embodiments, involves making dough from tapioca and potato starches and a milk protein derivative consisting of whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate or calcium caseinate. The mixture is extruded, sliced and dried in a series of dyers. The method produces a shelf-stable pellet having a moisture level of approximately 9-13% by weight which is further processed to produce a puffed dairy protein snack product, having a moisture level typically less than 2%.

Abstract: A pre-packaged microwavable food having a steam emitting source integral to the package permitting preparation of the food product in a broad range of microwave ovens. A food product is placed into a package. A steam emitting source is placed in porous communication with the food product inside the package. When the package is heated, steam blankets the food product. Steam has a positive effect on cooking performance and cooking time. The steam emitting source can be made from an absorbent material or a gel. The food product can be a half-product, pellet, or other microwavable food or snack product.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for providing edible gloss coatings for foods on which a gloss coating is desirable. The invention is particularly useful for providing gloss coatings to confections, such as chocolates, hard panned confections, soft panned confections, yogurt coated confections, starch molded confections, and compressed sugar tablets. The invention further provides methods for delaying the development of rancidity in nuts by mildly abrading the nut while contacting it with an edible film forming agent.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for providing edible gloss coatings for foods on which a gloss coating is desirable. The invention is particularly useful for providing gloss coatings to confections, such as chocolates, hard panned confections, soft panned confections, yogurt coated confections, starch molded confections, and compressed sugar tablets. The invention further provides methods for delaying the development of rancidity in nuts by mildly abrading the nut while contacting it with an edible film forming agent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of reducing the friability of food items such as cereal products (including ready to eat cereals and corn and tortilla chips), of potato chips, and of freeze-dried foods. The methods involve contacting the food item with water and then drying the food item to approximately its original water content. The water may be applied by any convenient means so long as it does not cause overhydration of the food item. The invention further provides methods of delaying the development of rancidity in nuts. The methods comprise contacting the nuts with water. In preferred forms, the methods comprise causing mild abrasion of the nuts to facilitate hydration.

Abstract: Methods of preserving fresh fruit with fresh fruit preservatives which extend the shelf life of fresh fruit particularly fresh cut fruit, are provided. The fresh fruit preservative preserves the texture, flavor, appearance, crispness, and color of the fresh fruit, particularly the exposed skin of the fresh fruit. The method includes the following steps: providing a solution of fruit preservative comprising: water, calcium ions; and ascorbate ions, wherein the calcium ion and ascorbate ions are present in a ion ratio of preferably from about 1.5:1 to about 2.5:1; and, applying said fruit preservative to the fruit. Preferably the fruit is then stored at a temperature which will not freeze the fruit; temperatures of -6.degree. C. have been found not to freeze the apples. Preferably the fruit is stored at temperatures of between about -7.degree. C. to room temperature, about 20.degree. C., more preferably about -2.degree. to about 7.degree. C., most preferably from about 2.degree. C. to about 5.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oil-free, fat-free, edible adhesive for affixing seasoning to foods substrates which in its preferred embodiment is applied at room temperature. The edible adhesive comprises: from about 3% to about 60%, preferably 3% to about 28%, more preferably about 4.8 to about 9.8% of a starch hydrolysate having a dextrose equivalent of from about 4 to about 38, preferably about 10 to about 26, more preferably about 18; from about 3% to about 80%, preferably about 26% to about 75%, more preferably about 70% to about 75% of at alcohol having 1 to 4 hydroxyl groups, preferably 2 or 3 hydroxyl groups and 2 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 3 carbon atoms; from about 0% to about 50%, preferably about 5% to about 30% more preferably about 10% of a polymerized glycol having a molecular weight of about 200 to 9,500, preferably about 200 to 900, more preferably about 400; and preferably a solvent.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photoreceptor having excellent dark resistance is disclosed, which comprises a photoconductive layer and a surface layer formed successively on a conductive substrate, wherein the photoconductive layer mainly comprises hydrogen-containing amorphous silicon, and the surface layer comprises amorphous carbon which contains not more than 50 atomic percent of hydrogen.