Abstract: A process for preparing nut spreads having a sugar level of from about 15 to about 50% and especially flavored nut spreads having such relatively high levels of sugar. A substantially homogeneous blend is prepared from a fluid suspension consisting essentially of an intimate mixture of sugar, liquid oil and lecithin as a surfactant to improve the fluidity of the suspension, a nut solids-containing mixture and a flavorant that is preferably added to the fluid suspension. The resulting flavored nut spreads are more fluid and softer than products made without using the fluid suspension.

Abstract: A process for making a low fat nut spread having high protein and high fiber. The process comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a protein containing oil suspension; (b) preparing a sugar containing oil suspension; and (c) combining the protein containing oil suspension and the sugar containing oil suspension to form the nut spread. The “protein containing oil suspension” comprises high amounts of protein and fiber. The “sugar containing oil suspension” comprises high amounts of sugar. The resultant nut spread has a protein to fat ratio of greater than about 0.68:1 and a fiber to fat ratio of greater than about 0.18:1. The nut spread has good flavor and texture.

Abstract: A low-fat and low-calorie nut spread having at least about 50% less fat and at least about 33% fewer calories than full-fat peanut butter yet having a flavor and texture comparable to a full-fat nut butter or spread. The nut spread has a non-fat solids to oil ratio that is less than about 2.0:1, comprises nut solids that have a mono-modal particle size distribution where the D50 and D90 sizes are less than about 15 and about 30 microns, respectively. The level of fat-free nut solids is from about 34% to about 45%. The apparent viscosity of the nut spread is less than about 4500 cP. The nut spread comprises at least about 20% oil substitute, preferably a sucrose polyester that contains an anal leakage controlling agent. Also disclosed is a preferred process for making the nut spread.

Abstract: Filled snacks, particularly filled snacks having creamy lipid-based fillings and crispy-crunchy shells. The creaminess of the filling is maintained even though it is subjected to heat during co-baking with the shell. In one embodiment, the filled snack comprises: (a) an outer shell of from about 0.07 to about 0.3 inches after baking; and (b) a lipid-based filling having a viscosity of less than about 10,000 cP before baking. In a preferred embodiment, a lipid-based nut filling is prepared from a process comprising the steps of: (1) providing a nut paste; (2) defatting a first nut paste portion to form a defatted nut flour; (3) milling the defatted nut flour to form a mono-modal nut solids flour; and (4) refatting the mono-modal nut solids flour to form the nut filling by combining the mono-modal nut solids flour with a re-fatting ingredient selected from the group consisting of added oil, a second nut paste portion, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for making a low fat nut spread having high protein and high fiber. The process comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a protein containing oil suspension; (b) preparing a sugar containing oil suspension; and (c) combining the protein containing oil suspension and the sugar containing oil suspension to form the nut spread. The “protein containing oil suspension” comprises high amounts of protein and fiber. The “sugar containing oil suspension” comprises high amounts of sugar. The resultant nut spread has a protein to fat ratio of greater than about 0.68:1 and a fiber to fat ratio of greater than about 0.18:1. The nut spread has good flavor and texture.

Abstract: A low fat nut spread having high protein and high fiber. The nut spread has a protein to fat ratio of greater than about 0.68:1 and a fiber to fat ratio of greater than about 0.18:1. The nut spread has good flavor and texture. The process for making the nut spread is also disclosed.

Abstract: Sterol ester compositions having fatty acid moieties comprising greater than 50% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), preferably from about 55% to about 80% MUFAs, and more preferably from about 60% to about 75% MUFAs. Preferably, the fatty acid moieties comprise less than about 6% saturated fatty acids (SFAs), more preferably from about 0.1% to about 4% SFAs, and most preferably from about 0.5% to about 2% SFAs. The fatty acid moieties of the sterol ester compositions comprise 50% or less polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Also disclosed are methods for preparing the sterol ester compositions and the products comprising them.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved nut spreads, especially peanut butters, comprising a darker roasted nut composition and a lighter roasted nut composition. The nut spreads have a relatively low viscosity yet provide an intense nut flavor. Disclosed are the product composition and the method for making the same.

Abstract: Nut spreads, especially peanut butter compositions, comprising a blend of mono-modal and multi-modal compositions. The blended peanut butters have a relatively low viscosity, yet avoid an oily appearance and greasy mouth feel. A product composition and method for making the product composition are disclosed.

Abstract: Chocolate flavored nut spreads, especially chocolate flavored peanut butters having a milk chocolate like flavor without a bitter aftertaste and with desirable spreadability. Cocoa solids substantially free of dairy solids that are encapsulated by sugar are dispersed substantially homogeneously throughout the spread. The level of cocoa butter is also below the point where it can crystallize out (i.e., typically about 20% or less on a total fat basis).

Abstract: A process for preparing nut spreads having a sugar level of from about 15 to about 50% and especially flavored nut spreads having such relatively high levels of sugar. A substantially homogeneous blend is prepared from a fluid suspension consisting essentially of an intimate mixture of sugar, liquid oil and lecithin as a surfactant to improve the fluidity of the suspension, a nut solids-containing mixture and a flavorant that is preferably added to the fluid suspension. The resulting flavored nut spreads are more fluid and softer than products made without using the fluid suspension.

Abstract: Nut spreads, especially peanut butters, having a relatively low viscosity of about 2000 centipoise or less that have significantly reduced stickiness and increased nut flavor intensity. These nut spreads are obtained by milling a mixture of nut solids, oil, particulate water-soluble solids such as sugar and salt, optionally but preferably nut butter stabilizer and emulsifier, such that the water soluble solids have a mean particle size of about 20 microns or less to reduce grittiness. This milled mixture is combined with a nut paste prepared without excessively reducing the particle size of the nut solids.

Abstract: Nut spreads, especially peanut butters, having a relatively low viscosity of about 2000 centipoise or less that have significantly reduced stickiness, yet maintain desired nut flavor intensity. These nut spreads are obtained by high shear mixing a mixture of nut paste, added oil, plus any other nut spread ingredients such as salt, sugar, nut butter stabilizer and emulsifier, to reduce the viscosity of the spread to about 2000 centipoise or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel nut paste having a particular monomodal particle size distribution and to monomodal full-fat nut butters and monomodal reduced fat nut spreads which contain the novel nut paste and which, as a result, have superior fluidity, texture and flavor. These nut butters and nut spreads typically comprise from about 50% to 100% of a nut paste. The Casson plastic viscosity of the nut paste is less than about 15 poise and the fat content of the nut paste is at least about 45%. The nut butters have a fat content ranging from about 25% to about 80%. The final nut butters and nut spread products of the present invention have a Casson plastic viscosity of less than about 17 poise and a yield value below about 300 dynes per square centimeter.

Abstract: Nut spreads, especially peanut butters, having a relatively low viscosity of about 2000 centipoise or less that have significantly reduced stickiness and increased nut flavor intensity. These nut spreads are obtained by milling a mixture of nut solids, oil, particulate water-soluble solids such as sugar and salt, optionally but preferably nut butter stabilizer and emulsifier, such that the water soluble solids have a mean particle size of about 20 microns or less to reduce grittiness. This milled mixture is combined with a nut paste prepared without excessively reducing the particle size of the nut solids.