Abstract: Provided is a preparative royal jelly with low caloric value, which contains a raw royal jelly, erythritol and oligosaccharide derived from soybean, and is in the form of a paste.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing confectionery highly stable to heat which can be eaten without being deformed, becoming sticky at the surface or sticking to each other while maintaining the original mouthfeel of chocolate. As a result of the present inventors' intensive studied, it has been found out that a process for producing confectionery highly stable to heat can be provided by making the surface of a refined chocolate paste absorb moisture or bringing chocolate into contact with a moisture-containing food material, and then baking.

Abstract: A hydratable granular food product which can be used to make soups and sauces and which does not require stirring before or during cooking. The product is comprised of granules which are hydrophobic and hydrophilic and do not tend to form clumps when cold or ambient water or milk is added. At least about 90% of the granules have a size from about 1000 microns to about 175 microns and have an outer coating which contains an emulsifier. In a particularly preferred application, the granular food product can be admixed with a carbohydrate such as pasta and then hydrated together with the pasta to make a ready-to-eat pasta and sauce.

Abstract: A gum product comprises a soft gum core having a plurality of regions of different colors visible on an outer surface of the core, and a crunchy edible coating covering the outer surface of the core, the coating being substantially transparent such that the core regions of different colors are visible through the coating. The regions of different colors can also have different flavors. The coating preferably is formed of sorbitol and is free of any whitening agents that would make the coating opaque.

Abstract: An aromatic paste consisting of a blended mixture containing 3-20 wt. % of basil leaves, 1-30 wt. % of nuts or seeds, 0-20 wt. % of tomato flesh, 0-20 wt. % of tomato paste, 0-25 wt. % of sundried tomatoes, 5-30 wt. % of cheese, 20-60 wt. % of a vegetable fat, 0-2 wt. % of citric acid, 0-1 wt. % of potassium sorbate and 0-5 wt. % of salt, characterized in that the paste is a water and oil emulsion which is either fat continuous or bi-continuous.

Abstract: A leaf tobacco extract or a concentrate thereof is used as a dispersion medium, which is mixed with powder of a heat-irreversibly coagulating glucan and a dispersion interference-preventing agent including an organic acid. The resultant mixture is stirred to disperse the powder of glucan into the dispersion medium, thereby preparing a slurry having an increased viscosity. This slurry is formed into a sheet, which is then heated and coagulated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel confection, and more particularly a tasty soft candy, which is a soft candy in which gummi is dispersed through a candy base substance with a solid content consisting essentially of one or more saccharides, the moisture content of said base substance being 6 to 20 wt %, and said base substance containing 0.001 to 0.3 wt % crystalline cellulose, and further a soft candy, wherein the solid content of the candy base substance consists essentially of gelatin and one or more saccharides, and gummi with a moisture content of 10 to 20 wt % is dispersed through said base substance at a rate of 5 to 30 wt %.

Abstract: Chewy confectionery compositions made from fats, optional proteins, carbohydrates comprising reducing sugars and non-reducing sugars having a ratio of from about 1:0.2 to about 1:1, and one or more dietary fibers. The ingredients are present in the compositions in specific amounts and ratios so that the fiber can be easily incorporated into the confectionery compositions without adversely affecting the stability, feel, and taste of the compositions. Preferably, the composition is a “fiber chew” in the form of a palatable, good tasting, bite-sized confectionery containing the dietary fiber.

Abstract: Aerated confections in the form of pieces having a body color and a body exterior surface importantly characterized by at least a portion of which has been modified to provide an appearance disparate to the body. The aerated food products comprise 50 to 98% of a saccharide component; about 0.5 to 30% of a structuring agent; and about 1 to 8% moisture. The aerated food products have a density of about 0.1 to 1.0 g/cc. The products are additionally characterized by having an external surface, and wherein at least a portion of the external surface has a distinguishing feature differing from the body in color, texture or structure.

Abstract: Candies and confectioneries containing non-toxic sparingly soluble calcium and phosphate compounds as additives, cause the release of calcium and phosphate ions into the oral cavity gradually and persistently for a period no less than five minutes. Released calcium phosphate ions diffuse into partially demineralized tooth enamel or dentin, leasing to remineralization and repair of caries lesions, dental plaque, open dentinal tubules and exposed dentin. Agents and methods for remineralization of teeth, for reducing or eradicating cariogenic challenge in plaque following sucrose intake for producing effective anticaries actions without the use of fluoride and for desensitizing hypersensitive teeth are disclosed.

Abstract: A composition in the form of a chewing gum composition or a confectionery composition containing stain removing agent selected from anionic and non-ionic surfactants and methods of preparing and using the same to remove stains from dental material including teeth.

Abstract: A composition in the form of a chewing gum composition or a confectionery composition containing an encapsulated stain removing agent selected from anionic and non-ionic surfactants and methods of preparing and using the same to remove stains from dental material including teeth.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for infusing fruits (which may include vegetables) with sugar. The apparatus includes a series of interconnected tanks (10, 12, 14, and 16). A stratified column of infusing liquor is caused to flow from a tank (50) via variable output pump (52) through fruit which is placed within the tanks to cause the fruit to become saturated with sugar. In addition, at start-up, frozen fruit is placed in a warming liquid in the tanks prior to infusing, and the infusing liquor will drive the warming liquid in front of it. Fruit juice is removed from the downstream portion of the infusing liquid.

Abstract: An effervescent candy bar of a syrup-based malleable and chewable component comprising at least two masses at least one of which contains acid and at least one contains alkali and a method for its preparation or manufacture.

Abstract: This invention discloses an RTE cereal having a sugar coating containing D tagatose, either alone or in combination with at least one polyol, and processes for preparing such cereal. This invention also discloses other foodstuffs, including functional and convenience foods, that are presweetened with a syrup solution containing D tagatose, either alone or in combination with at least one polyol, and processes for preparing such foodstuffs.

Abstract: A mineral or vitamin fortification ingredient which does not deleteriously affect palatability and appearance of foods is obtained by encapsulation of the mineral or vitamin in a grindable, glassy matrix composition. The glassy matrix composition includes an oligosaccharide, such as &bgr;-2-1 fructofuranose materials, preferably fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin, which not only forms a glassy matrix, but also beneficially increases the fiber content of the food. At least one edible oil is included in the encapsulating composition to prevent substantial adverse interaction between the mineral or vitamin encapsulant and the glass-forming oligosaccharide matrix material, and to achieve controlled release of the encapsulant from the glassy matrix.

Abstract: A particulate sweetener composition includes a terpene glycoside component; a sugar alcohol component; and a terpene glycoside carrier component, wherein the composition is non-hydroscopic. The preferred carrier is fructose. A method is also provided for making the composition.

Abstract: A process for preparing crystalline sugar by providing a solution of a solvent and sugar, exposing the solution to a magnetic field having a strength which is sufficient to impart improvements in the processing of the sugar or the properties of the resulting crystalline sugar product, and providing conditions suitable for crystallization to obtain a substantially crystalline sugar product. The magnetic field strength is sufficient to influence at least one of morphology, size, nucleation rate or, crystallinity of the crystalline sugar product.

Abstract: A milk caramel powder product obtained from drying a milk caramel product based in milk and sugar cooked together, the powder product containing high molecular weight polysaccharides in an amount between about 3 wt % and about 40 wt % of the total weight of the solids present in the product, and having about 1% to about 7% humidity. The inventive products may be used directly, by reconstitution thereof by moistening of the powder, for domestic or industrial applications. The product may be used alone or combined with any proper additive. A method for obtaining the powder product is also provided.

Abstract: A mineral or vitamin fortification ingredient which does not deleteriously affect palatability and appearance of foods is obtained by encapsulation of the mineral or vitamin in a grindable, glassy matrix composition. At least one edible oil is included in the encapsulating composition to prevent substantial adverse interaction between the mineral or vitamin encapsulant and the glass-forming matrix material, and to achieve controlled release of the encapsulant from the glassy matrix. The oil also reduces or eliminates the use of added water as a plasticizer thereby avoiding the need for substantial evaporation or drying to achieve a non-rubbery, grindable encapsulated ingredient. The oil assists in plasticizing the matrix material for extrudability and the prevention of undesirable browning or discoloration of the encapsulating matrix composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a confectionery bar containing a proteinaceous material and a carbohydrate material in a relative weight ratio higher than 1 (from 1:0 to about 1:0.999). The bar produced is very palatable and chewy and has good organoleptic properties. It may be coated (enrobed) or not as desired. The product of the invention provides a meal replacement for very low calorie diets, diet supplement or protein supplement, and may optionally comprise a carbohydrate material of low digestibility or indigestible nature.

Abstract: A method for making confectionery products and an apparatus for use in the method. The method involves dissolving confectionery-based ingredients in water to provide a confectionery-based slurry and concentrating the slurry by applying the slurry onto a first hot surface having a first temperature to remove moisture from the slurry, scraping the slurry from the first surface to move the slurry onto a second hot surface having a second temperature to remove additional water from the slurry and provide a concentrated slurry having a final solids content, and scraping the concentrated slurry from the second surface after the desired total solids content is obtained. The concentrated slurry can then be formed into a confectionery product. The method is economical, clean, and may be used to prepare a wide variety of confections.

Abstract: Carbohydrate-based glassy matrices which are stable in the glassy state at ambient temperatures may be prepared by the use of aqueous plasticizers with melt extrusion. Such glassy matrices are useful for the encapsulation of encapsulates, in particular, flavoring agents.

Abstract: An edible fiberoptic light source is combined with confectioneries, in particular candy, to form a safe edible material possessing unusual combinations of internally generated colors and optical images. The basic design consists of a edible food pipes that may be placed within various confectioneries or foodstuffs that elicits light of various colors and intensities while standing untouched and even as the product is ingested. Digestible optical fibers act as light pipes to carry light into confectioneries where different colors and patterns of light are generated as the candy is reduced in size. Indigestible fiberoptics may see use delivering light energy into areas of digestible fiberoptic or digestible optic carriage. The light source and edible fiber optics not only has uses in candies of all types, especially lollipops and hard candy, but also is suitable for frozen food products (Popsicles), cakes and pies with lettering and decorations that emit light.

Abstract: A flavor composition in the form of a homogeneous emulsion including a flavor encapsulated in a glassy carbohydrate matrix composed of a composition comprising a blend of polydextrose and lactitol. When the matrix contains less than 3.5% water, it has a glass transition temperature above 40° C. so that it remains stable at room temperature storage conditions. Also, process for making this flavor composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of molding edible laminated structures that have at least one first fluid material of a sticky or flowable mass interleaved between thin layers of a second fluid material, wherein neither of the first fluid material nor the second fluid material is a hard candy mass.

Abstract: Disclosed is a starch/gum based ingredient for use in food products which includes a high amylose starch and a hydrocolloid, edible gum to which water is added and co-processed in an extruder under conditions of temperatures of about 100° C. or more and moisture levels of at least about 16.7% and relatively high shear. The ingredient provides desirable texture and mouth feel characteristics to food products in which it is incorporated, and provides a white color along with improved opacity. Flavor release is improved and storage stability is controlled. It also serves as a processing aid. Also disclosed is a method of making the ingredient and various food products embodying the ingredient.

Abstract: The invention relates to festooned, edible laminated structures that have at least one first fluid material of a sticky or flowable mass interleaved between thin layers of a second fluid material, wherein the first fluid material forms a pattern visible through the second fluid material, which has a visually translucent thickness. Methods of molding such products are also included.

Abstract: An improved filling composition for coated confectionery products, particularly chocolate and chocolate-based confectionery products with an unrefrigerated shelf-life of more than about four weeks, when properly stored and handled is provided. Provided is a filling composition with a significant reduction in fat content, particularly in cocoa butter and other saturated fats, and a significant reduction in overall caloric content when compared to conventional chocolate-based, coated confections. This calorie reduction, for example, may be more than about 40% in a confection of the invention with a 1:1 ratio by weight of coating and filling when compared to similar conventional confections.

Abstract: The inventions relates to a dragee chewing sweet with a soft caramel core and a dragee coating, whereby the chewing sweet contains a sweetener mixture that is sugar-free.

Abstract: A novel encapsulated product is provided and includes: at least one active ingredient; at least one compressible material; and at least one tableting material; wherein the encapsulated product is in the form of a caplet having a diameter of from about 1 millimeter to about 7 millimeters and a length from about 1 millimeter to about 7 millimeters. A method for preparing the encapsulated product is also provided. The encapsulated product may be incorporated into a food item, a soft confectionery product, a hard confectionery product, a jelly gum confectionery product, and a dry beverage or chewing gum product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layered, gel-based dessert product, such as a pudding product, formed of a gel-based layer containing a first colorant and an adjacent gel-based layer containing a second, different colorant, at least one of the colorants being a negatively charged caramel colorant. The dessert product is made by introducing gel-based dessert product containing the first colorant into the bottom of a transparent container to form a first layer and then introducing additional gel-based product containing the container to form a second layer on top to the first. The resulting multi-layer product exhibits reduced color migration between the two layers.

Abstract: Improved sugar coated products having a hard coating of a fruity taste which are prepare by applying a hard coating composed of a sugar alcohol over the surface of an edible core material, a layer of said hard coating containing a sour agent.

Abstract: The invention concerns improved sugar-free products, their production and use, in particular, coated products, their production and use. The products are characterized by their content in enriched mixtures of 1-O-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-D-mannitol (1,1-GPM) and 6-O-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-D-sorbitol (1,6-GPS).

Abstract: A gum product comprises a soft gum core having a plurality of regions of different colors visible on an outer surface of the core, and a crunchy edible coating covering the outer surface of the core, the coating being substantially transparent such that the core regions of different colors are visible through the coating. The regions of different colors can also have different flavors. The coating preferably is formed of sorbitol and is free of any whitening agents that would make the coating opaque.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fully edible feed body for domestic animals, comprising a central core having an elongated shape and a substantially circular or square section, to which at least one layer of a seed-based mixture is glued, and in which the central core is obtained by extrusion cooking from a mixture based on water, flour, seeds and optionally sugar.

Abstract: A process for making a colored crystalline sugar product comprises sizing sugar crystals, randomly tumbling the crystals beneath a spray of liquefied extract having color giving attributes so as to essentially and uniformly coat the entire surface area of each crystal, and then slowly drying the crystals at a temperature slightly above room temperature for a predetermined time interval, thus providing the finished product with a gemstone-like appearance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layered, dessert product, such as a pudding product, made from a gel having a continuous aqueous phase and a dispersed colloidal oil phase. The dessert product has at least one layer that contains a natural, oil soluble colorant, preferably dispersed in the oil phase. The products are formed of a layer containing a first colorant and an adjacent layer containing a second, different colorant. The multi-layered gel-based dessert products are made by introducing a gel-based dessert product containing the first colorant into the bottom of a transparent container to form a first layer and then introducing additional gel-based product containing the second colorant into the container to form a second layer on top to the first. The resulting multi-layer product exhibits reduced color migration between the two layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel solid systems for the delivery of aroma chemicals and flavoring ingredients, including an extrusion formed matrix containing an effective amount of certain specific hydrophilic aroma materials. These systems are useful for flavoring consumer products. An extrusion of solid Furaneol® compound and derivatives that have a content of up to 40% by weight of Furaneol® compound are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing confectionery bars in the form of a three dimensional core at least partially covered with at least one layer of boiled sugar confectionery material. The method involves dimensioning at least one continuous band of boiled sugar confectionery material on a roller, cooling the band of boiled confectionery material, detaching the band from the roller, depositing the band on a core by bringing the band substantially into contact with the core on a plane that is adjacent to the most elevated surface or point of the core, and allowing the band to bend under its own weight to cover the sides of the core. The band is deposited in a viscoplastic state such that the band is capable of bending under its own weight.

Abstract: A method of making coated chewing gum products containing an acid blocker comprises the steps of providing chewing gum cores; providing a coating syrup comprising a bulk sweetener, providing an acid blocker, applying the coating syrup and acid blocker to the cores and drying the syrup to produce a coating on the cores, the coating containing the acid blocker.

Abstract: A method of making antacid coated chewing gum products comprises the steps of providing chewing gum cores; providing a coating syrup comprising a bulk sweetener and a neutralizing antacid suspended in the coating syrup, the coating syrup containing from about 25% to about 50% by weight of the solids in the syrup of a neutralizing antacid, selected from the group consisting of aluminum salts, bismuth salts, magnesium salts, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, sodium potassium tartrate, tricalcium phosphate and mixtures thereof, and applying the coating syrup to the cores and drying the syrup to produce a coating on the cores. Methods of use of the product to provide relief in the gastrointestinal tract are also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the hard panning of chewable cores in a pan or drum wherein a syrup of a crystallizable sugar or polyol is intermittently sprayed over a bed of the cores and the cores are dried between sprayings with a flow of air. The speed and efficiency of the panning process is increased by controlling the drying of the cores between sprayings by controlling parameters of the drying air in such a way as to intentionally leave a substantial residual moisture in the drying coating layer at the start of a subsequent spraying phase. The chewable products are preferably xylitol coated chewing gums.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mashed potato products that are provided, in at least a top portion, with a browning agent that causes the product to achieve a pleasing golden brown color upon heating in either a microwave or conventional oven. The product can be a mashed potato topped pot pie.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to food products that can be reconstituted for consumption that include flavoring toppings and/or flavoring inclusions that closely simulate commercially available flavored table syrups and flavored toppings in appearance, flavor, and texture. By applying these flavorings, such as flavored syrups, flavored toppings, and/or flavored inclusions, to chemically leavened food products, yeast leavened food products, and unleavened food products, including waffles, pancakes, corn breads, wafers, pastries, cookies, and the like, prior to freezing, the reconstituted food product closely simulates food products comprising commercially available flavored syrups or flavored toppings. After reconstitution, the flavoring maintains an identity of the flavored syrup or flavored topping while offering a portable convenience for consumers.

Abstract: A method of coating comestibles comprises the steps of providing cores of comestibles to be coated; applying a first coating syrup to the cores and a powder material over the first coating syrup in alternating steps to build up a first layer of coating on the cores; and applying a second coating syrup over the first layer of coating and drying the second coating syrup to form a second layer of coating on said cores, the second coating syrup comprising a bulk sweetener in an amount such that the second coating syrup is saturated and part of said bulk sweetener is in the form of a solids suspension in the second coating syrup.

Abstract: A product with a striped coating, method for making, and an apparatus for applying a coating to a confectionery to produce a confectionary with a striped appearing coating. The striped appearing coating preferably includes more than one type of chocolate, preferably two types of chocolate. Advantageously, the striped appearing coating is formed from two layers of chocolate, a foundation chocolate layer and a striped chocolate layer, thus giving the striped appearing chocolate coating a three dimensional texture.

Abstract: A product with a striped coating, method for making, and an apparatus for applying a coating to a confectionery to produce a confectionary with a striped appearing coating. The striped appearing coating preferably includes more than one type of chocolate, preferably two types of chocolate. Advantageously, the striped appearing coating is formed from two layers of chocolate, a foundation chocolate layer and a striped chocolate layer, thus giving the striped appearing chocolate coating a three dimensional texture.

Abstract: Nut butter and jelly food slices are provided. They preferably include a first layer of jelly and a second layer of jelly disposed in contacting relationship with the first layer of jelly. The first and second layers of jelly cooperate to define a hollow region therebetween. A volume of nut butter is placed within the hollow region, and is thereby totally encapsulated between the first and second layers of jelly. Also provided is a method and apparatus for making nut butter and jelly slices. Finally, a jelly slice dimensioned to fit on a food substrate and jelly suitable for making jelly slices or nut butter and jelly slices are provided. The jelly slices and the nut butter and jelly slices may be individually wrapped in flexible coverings and packaged in a single food container.

Abstract: Preparations are disclosed containing the 3R-3′R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin as a sole detectable isomer, packaged for oral ingestion by humans as a therapeutic drug or nutritional supplement. Zeaxanthin is a yellow carotenoid pigment found in the macula (in the center of the human retina), which helps protect retinal cells against phototoxic damage. The pure R-R stereoisomer can be prepared by fermenting cells, such as Flavobacterium multivorum (ATCC 55238), which do not create any detectable quantity of the undesired and potentially toxic S-S or S-R isomers, and which do not synthesize any other carotenoids. The R-R isomer can be concentrated, in large quantities and at low cost, into a viscous oily fluid containing about 5 to 20% zeaxanthin, by means of a simple solvent extraction process. This oily fluid can be mixed with a carrier such as vegetable oil and enclosed within a digestible capsule, comparable to a conventional capsule containing Vitamin E.