Abstract: Fatty acid esters of polyols having at least 4 hydroxyl groups wherein the fatty acid groups consist essentially of: (1) long chain unsaturated fatty acid radicals containing at least 12 carbon atoms or mixtures of said unsaturated radicals with saturated fatty acid radicals containing 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and (2) long chain saturated fatty acid radicals containing at least 20 carbon atoms, wherein the molar ratio of (1):(2) is from 1:15 to 2:1 and wherein at least 4 of the hydroxyl groups of the polyol are esterified. The compounds are useful as nondigestible substitutes for solid fats in foods.

Abstract: Reduced fat and calorie plastic shortenings are disclosed. The nondigestible portion of these compositions contain low levels of solids, yet still exhibit good passive oil loss control. These compositions also impart good organoleptic properties to foods prepared with them. These shortenings comprise specific solid polyol fatty acid polyesters, a liquid nondigestible oil, and, optionally, a hardstock, a digestible oil, an intermediate melting triglyceride, or other shortening ingredients.

Abstract: Reduced fat and calorie pourable shortenings, cooking oils, salad oils or similar compositions are disclosed. The nondigestible portion of these compositions contain low levels of solids, yet still exhibit good passive oil loss control. These compositions also have good temperature cycling stability and they impart good organoleptic properties to foods prepared with them. Also disclosed are relatively clear oils with reduced calories, All these pourable compositions comprise specific solid polyol fatty acid polyesters, a liquid nondigestible oil and, optionally, a digestible oil and/or a hardstock fat.

Abstract: Disclosed are preferred shortenings made with polyol polyesters. The Solid Fat Content curve and penetration of the shortenings is adjusted to increase smoothness and decrease graininess. Also described are food compositions that have enhanced flavors from the addition of particular sucrose polyesters.

Abstract: Triglyceride cooking/salad oil compositions with fatty acid content balanced for health purposes. The fatty acid composition of the triglycerides comprises by weight:Oleic: 60-92%Linoleic: 5-25%.alpha.-Linolenic: 0-15%Saturates: Less than about 3%At least about 20% of the triglycerides are triglycerides of mixed fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intermediate melting sucrose fatty acid ester compositions that are capable of rapid crystallization from a melted state. The compositions comprise 60% to 97% by weight intermediate melting sucrose fatty acid esters and 3% to 40% hardstock triglycerides or hardstock polyol fatty acid esters. Preferably the average fatty acid chain length of the hardstock material fatty acids is not less than the average fatty acid chain length of the intermediate melting sucrose ester fatty acids. The sucrose fatty acid esters are characterized by their rheology, liquid/solid stability, iodine value, and solids at body temperature. Rapid crystallization of the esters is useful in preventing anal leakage, and it could also translate into a reduction of post-hardening in shortenings and margarines, and into improved high temperature stability and temperature cycling stability as may be encountered during distribution of these products to the end user.

Abstract: Disclosed are preferred shortenings made with polyol polyesters. The Solid Fat Content curve and penetration of the shortenings is adjusted to increase smoothness and decrease graininess. Also described are food compositions that have enhanced flavors from the addition of particular sucrose polyesters.

Abstract: Dough compositions that are baked to form pastries, biscuits, shortbreads and shortcakes having improved tenderness are disclosed. This benefit is achieved by incorporating into the dough a fat product comprising sucrose fatty acid esters having at least 4 fatty acid ester groups and optionally other fat ingredients. The fat product has a penetration between about 120 mm/10 and about 350 mm/10 at 70.degree. F. (21.degree. C.) and a yield point between about 500 dynes/cm.sup.2 and about 10,000 dynes/cm.sup.2 at 70.degree. F. (21.degree. C.). The dough is made by a process employing a low shear method of mixing.