Abstract: Low pH, microbiologically stable, unpasteurized food compositions with reduced sourness and reduced salt content and methods of making same are provided. These food compositions are prepared without receiving a pasteurization or other heat treatment by acidifying a foodstuff with a membrane acidic electrodialyzed composition, and/or addition of edible inorganic acids and/or their metal acid salts, to provide low pH values of about 4.6 or less, wherein the total organic acid content is 0.22 moles per 1000 grams of food composition or less, effective to enhance microbiological stability yet without introducing an objectionable sour taste or otherwise adversely affecting organoleptic properties of the resulting food compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for combining the multiple steps of hydration, cooking, and pasteurization of a food product into one simplified process. In one embodiment, this invention relates to a method for in-package hydration, cooking and pasteurization of a food product in a single step comprising (a) combining at least one low moisture food component and an aqueous based component in a heat-stable, sealable container wherein an effective amount of the aqueous based component is present to allow proper hydration and cooking; (b) sealing the heat-stable, sealable container; and (c) treating the sealed container at a temperature and time effective to hydrate, cook, and pasteurize the low moisture food product in a single step.

Abstract: Anti-boil-over compositions and methods are provided that significantly reduce boil-over during microwave oven cooking of pasta relative similar pasta and water mixtures such that oversized containers are not required. Thus, when prepared using limited volume container, the container of cooked pasta appears full.

Abstract: Very low pH, shelf-stable, unpasteurized food compositions with reduced sourness and methods of making same are provided. These food compositions are prepared without receiving a pasteurization or other heat treatment by acidifying a foodstuff with a membrane acidic electrodialyzed composition (ED), and/or addition of edible inorganic acids and/or or their metal acid salts, to provide very low pH values, such as pH 3.5 or lower, particularly 3.2 or lower, wherein the total organic acid content is 0.22 moles per 1000 grams of food composition or less, effective to enhance shelf-stability yet without introducing an objectionable sour taste or otherwise adversely effecting organoleptic properties of the resulting food compositions.

Abstract: Low pH, high moisture, shelf stable foodstuff and methods of making are provided. The foodstuff is acidified with acidic electrodialized composition, edible inorganic acid or mixture thereof to obtain a final product pH of 4.6 and preferably 4.3 or less. The low pH foodstuff has total organic acids content of 0.12 moles per 1,000 grams of foodstuff or less and is heated to a temperature of 165° F. to pasteurize. New or improved, shelf stable, non-sour food components and products and their methods of preparation are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for acidifying and preserving food compositions using electrodialyzed compositions. Food products are contacted with an amount of electrodialysis composition effective for lowering the pH of the food product while maintaining desirable organoleptic quality.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to acidified starch products having reduced acid flavors and microbiological stability, and to methods for making those products. In accordance with the invention, an acidified starch product is prepared by preparing a dough and contacting the dough with an effective amount of high intensity sweetener and food grade acid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low-fat processed cheese manufactured from skim milk cheese. In the method of the invention, a mixture of skim milk cheese, a low viscosity bulking agent and an emulsifying salt is provided. The mixture is heated to an elevated temperature of from about 175.degree. F. to about 240.degree. F. The mixture is held at the elevated temperature for a period of from about 0.5 minutes to about 8 minutes to provide a homogeneous molten cheese mass. The cheese mass is then packaged to provide a low fat processed cheese. The low-fat processed cheese of the invention is particularly suitable for the manufacture of processed cheese slices.