Abstract: Disclosed are nonlimiting embodiments comprising a novel process for forming and shaping crunchy granola food products. The process comprises using rotary molding processes to form and shape a granola mass into a variety of desired shapes. The granola mass is able to be rotary molded as a result of use of a unique binder composition that comprises at least one of pre-gelatinized starch or hydrocolloid gum in the binder composition. The pre-gelatinized starch and/or hydrocolloid gum enables the binder viscosity to increase and increases the tackiness of the granola mass such that it can be formed by a rotary molder and such that it releases from the mold as a unitary piece of shaped and formed granola food product.

Abstract: Disclosed are nonlimiting embodiments comprising a novel process for forming and shaping crunchy granola food products. The process comprises using rotary molding processes to form and shape a granola mass into a variety of desired shapes. The granola mass is able to be rotary molded as a result of use of a unique binder composition that comprises at least one pre-gelatinized starch in the binder composition. The pre-gelatinized starch enables the binder viscosity to increase and increases the tackiness of the granola mass such that it can be formed by a rotary molder and such that it releases from the mold as a unitary piece of shaped and formed granola food product.

Abstract: In general terms, this invention provides nut butter compositions and methods for preparing the disclosed nut butter compositions. In preferred embodiments, the nut butter composition or method is a peanut butter. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preparing a gelled peanut butter composition comprising the steps of: blending peanut butter, emulsifier, sugar alcohol and triglyceride-based stabilizer so as to create a first blend; blending starch with the first blend to create a second blend; resting the second blend until a gel is formed, wherein the peanut butter is not more than 85° F. and 65-85%, the emulsifier is 0.15-0.5%, the sugar alcohol is 5-30%, the triglyceride-based stabilizer is 1-5%, and the starch is 1-5%.

Abstract: The present invention provides crisp filled foods, intermediates, and processes for making them. Particularly, the present invention provides crisp crackers, pretzels, breadsticks, cookies and the like with creamy and lubricious filling. Efficient processes are also provided for making such crisp filled foods, wherein dough is baked, fried or similarly heated in the presence of a specially-formulated powder so as to ultimately result in a lubricious filling and a crisp exterior. Superior intermediates and end products are therefore also provided. The foods surprisingly retain their crisp exterior and lubricious interior for an extended time span when packaged and stored under commercial conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides food compositions useful as ready-to-eat cereals, snacks, and toppings, and processes for making them. Particularly, the present invention provides food compositions with crisp texture, reduced fat, and surprising bowl life when used as a ready-to-eat cereal. The present food compositions are also an improvement over previous toppings or snacks, in that the present compositions comprise fewer “fines” or individual grains. Moreover, since the present compositions comprise a dough binder rather than a sugar binder, nutritional supplementation is possible, such as the addition of fiber. Efficient processes are also provided for making the present food compositions. Superior intermediates and end products are therefore also provided.

Abstract: In general terms, this invention provides nut butter compositions and methods for preparing the disclosed nut butter compositions. In preferred embodiments, the nut butter composition or method is a peanut butter. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preparing a gelled peanut butter composition comprising the steps of: blending peanut butter, emulsifier, sugar alcohol and triglyceride-based stabilizer so as to create a first blend; blending starch with the first blend to create a second blend; resting the second blend until a gel is formed, wherein the peanut butter is not more than 85 ° F. and 65-85%, the emulsifier is 0.15-0.5%, the sugar alcohol is 5-30%, the triglyceride-based stabilizer is 1-5%, and the starch is 1-5%.