Abstract: A tool for nesting food products, a food product prepared by a process and a method for nesting food products. The tool includes a body defining a passageway between a plunger opening and an insertion outlet. The body includes a pointed member extending from the insertion outlet. A plunger may be provided that is dimensioned to be received within the passageway. At least a portion of the plunger is movable between the plunger opening and the insertion outlet. The passageway is dimensioned to receive a shrimp-like product. Typically, movement of the plunger to the insertion outlet moves the shrimp-like product along the passageway and out through the insertion outlet.

Abstract: Food products are provided comprising a base food material having one or a plurality of surface pockets and two closed ends comprising the base food material, wherein each of the surface pockets are connected by one or more longitudinal extent of the base food material, along a longitudinal aspect of the food product, that comprises a side of each of the surface pockets and the surface pockets are not connected in a lateral aspect of the food product. In certain aspects, at least one surface pocket contains a filling food material, and at least a portion of the filling food material is not encompassed by the base food material. Further, methods are provided for preparing the food products of the invention. Such food products can be utilized, for example, to provide palatable delivery systems for nutritional, functional, or pharmaceutical ingredients.

Abstract: A flavour release material comprising a vegetable fibrous material with natural or artificial cavities and a solution comprising at least one lipophilic flavouring and at least one lipophilic component, such as an oil or a fat, is disclosed. The disclosed solution is applied to the cavities to provide controlled release of flavouring. A food product comprising the flavour release material and a method of producing the flavour release material are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing chewing gum granules. The method comprises at least the steps of feeding a gum composition including at least gum base into an extruder (2), pressurizing the gum composition in the extruder, extruding the gum composition through a die plate (5), and cutting the extruded gum composition in a liquid filled chamber (4) so that the cut gum granules have weights per granule in the range of 0.0001 g to 0.

Abstract: An Apium graveolens L. var dulce celery plant with a hollow petiole suitable for use as a straw for consuming beverages or as a food product where other food products are capable of being stuffed inside the hollow celery tube. The edible, hollow celery is mild in taste and more resistant to rupturing than celeriac and leaf celery with hollow petioles.

Abstract: A healthier meat product, and process for making same, comprising a mixture of meat and at least one edible oil high in polyunsaturated fat and/or monounsaturated fat, the oil preferably being naturally occurring and unhydrogenated.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an edible non-human animal container or pet food container comprising water, pregelatinized and native starch, a cross-linker natural fibers, a wax emulsion, a mold release agent, a flavoring agent, and a coloring agent, food grade materials, and wherein the container is of a shape that is attractive to non-human animals.

Abstract: A method of preparing a French fry by using an automated device to inject an already cooked French fry with a condiment (such as ketchup, cheese sauce, ranch dressing, or barbeque sauce) substantially without manual assistance from a user. In particular embodiments, the method may involve using a first injection nozzle to inject the cooked French fry with condiment while also using a second injection nozzle to inject the cooked French fry with condiment. Also, in some embodiments, the method may involve injecting the French fry with condiment via an injection nozzle that is in an “injection position” in which a portion of the injection nozzle and an exterior portion of the French fry form an angle of less than 75 degrees.

Abstract: A solid form comprising at least one film enrobing a compacted fill material having at least one active material contained in a matrix and having low friability, a density of at least 0.5 g/ml based on the total solid volume of the solid form and a tensile strength less than 0.9 MPa and which exhibits a controlled release profile for release of the active material. Zero order release may be achieved.

Abstract: A solid form comprising at least one film enrobing a compacted fill material wherein: i) the compacted fill material comprises at least one active material; ii) the solid form shows a weight loss that is less than 1% during a 30 minutes USP friability test United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 29 Test Number 1216 (page 3046); iii) the compacted fill material has a density of at least 0.5 g/ml based on the total solid volume of the solid form and a tensile strength of less than 0.9 MPa; and iv) the compacted fill material is present in the solid form in at least a first zone and a second zone and the active material is present in at least one of the zones.

Abstract: Cheese is particularly well adapted for certain applications, such as for example as a pizza topping, where there is a need for the cheese to melt and flow when heated. Conversely this property makes cheese particularly unsuited to pan-fried or oven cooked products where shape-retention is important. The aforementioned problem is solved by providing a food composition consisting of: a) 80-90% by weight of a cheese mixture; and b) 10-20% by weight starch, modified starch, cellulose, modified cellulose, gum, carrageenan, pectin, gelatin, agar, calcium cross-linking agents, phosphate cross-linking agents, enzyme cross-linking agents or a mixture thereof, wherein the cheese mixture consists of: c) 50-80% by weight Mozzarella cheese; and d) 20-50% by weight Emmental cheese.

Abstract: A frozen foodstuff is made by first molding a foodstuff blank while frozen under pressure into a first foodstuff part that has a cavity intended to hold a filling. Then filling is loaded into the cavity of the first foodstuff part while frozen. Finally a second frozen foodstuff part is fitted to the first foodstuff part to close the cavity. The mating edges of the parts can be coated with water and/or egg white to stick together, and the two parts can then be breaded or otherwise coated.

Abstract: Foodstuff products (1) such as chocolates and the like are made through the steps of: making a shell (4) with a general cup-like configuration having a mouth rim (5); making a cap (6) for closing the shell (4) by pouring foodstuff in a mould (9); connecting the cap (6) to the shell (4) whilst the foodstuff poured into the mould (9) is in the molten state with a free inner surface that is substantially flat and outer surface of a desired shape, by bringing about the connection of said cap (6) with the mouth rim (5) of said shell (4); and achieving consolidation of the cap (6) connected to the shell (4).

Abstract: A stable, self-standing, taco shell is provided. The taco shell has a first sidewall element, a second sidewall element, a substantially flat base element of defined width, a first curved element interconnecting the first sidewall element to the flat base element; and a second curved element interconnecting the second sidewall element to the flat base element. Methods of fabrication and use are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the preparation of an encased snack comprising in this order the steps of (1) providing crumb material, (2) forming the crumb material under pressure to produce a shell, (3) introducing a filling into the shell, (4) forming a cover of crumb material on the filling in the shell under pressure, and (5) optionally baking the thus formed assembly. The invention is also directed to the encased snack obtainable by the process and to a mould comprising a lower die and first and second upper dies for use in the process.

Abstract: An edible pet chew 114 has a first casing 10 of plant base material and a second protein 12 of flavored material for example jerky that is wrapped with the first sheet to form alternating layers in the edible pet chew.

Abstract: An enrobed solid form comprising a film enrobing a compacted fill material having at least one active material, the solid form shows a weight loss that is less than 1% during a 30 minutes USP Friability Test, the fill material having a density of at least 0.5 g/ml based on the total solid volume of the solid form and a tensile strength less than 0.9 MPa, and the at least one active material within the solid form has an immediate release profile. The solid form is useful in effective delivery of high dose levels of active material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a confectionery product that includes at least one functional ingredient that has a casing and a filling enclosed within the casing. The filling includes at least one confectionery material having properties that confer to the filling a perceivable effect when the filling is released in the mouth. The casing is capable of releasing the filling when contacting saliva in the mouth. This liberates the filling out of the casing while allowing the casing to be left substantially as an empty shell before it entirely dissolves in the mouth.

Abstract: An automated machine and process to form a food product consisting of a batter shell and a food filling. The process is started with a cooking matrix that includes a plurality of cooking openings to receive the batter. The batter is cooked to form shells. The automated process then inserts the food filling into the shells, and packages the filled shells as end products.

Abstract: A nutritional composition is disclosed which comprises synergistic functional carbohydrates for preventing or treating infection by pathogenic bacteria and/or promoting gut flora balance and health. The carbohydrates have a synergistic activity on promoting bifidobacteria in the intestine. Also disclosed are a method of production of the composition; and a method of treatment of infection by pathogenic bacteria and/or promoting gut flora balance and health which comprises administering an effective amount of the composition.

Abstract: A condiment dispenser (such as a unique condiment packet, or automated device) that is configured for dispensing one or more types of condiment (e.g., ketchup, mustard mayonnaise, barbeque sauce, or Ranch dressing) relative to a food item, such as a French fry. In one embodiment of the invention, the condiment dispenser includes an injection nozzle that is configured for injecting condiment into the interior of the food item. In a particular embodiment, the injection nozzle is configured for piercing the food item's exterior surface before injecting condiment into the interior of the food item.

Abstract: A method for inserting one foodstuff, such as sandwich fixings, into a second foodstuff, such as a bread bun, which includes forming a cavity in the second foodstuff. The cavity may be formed by drilling with an elongated, cylindrical drill bit. The first foodstuff is inserted into the cavity by placing the first foodstuff into a carrier, and inserting the carrier into the cavity of the second foodstuff. The carrier is withdrawn while preventing the first foodstuff from exiting the cavity. The carrier can be a flexible sheet of material, onto which the first foodstuff is placed, rolled into a sleeve, and inserted into the cavity. The resulting foodstuff, such as a sandwich, has a substantially continuous wall of bread maintaining the first foodstuff within the second foodstuff.

Abstract: A food product containing instable additives, having a food compound consisting of a porous matrix which is provided with a substrate containing instable additives, obtainable by a process in which, in a first step, the matrix is exposed to a partial vacuum; in a second step, the substrate containing instable additives is applied, in a flowable form, to the matrix under the partial vacuum; and in a third step, the pressure is increased, so that the substrate is forced into the pores of the porous matrix and substantially fills them out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming molded food products having an outer first component and an inner second component is provided. The apparatus includes a pressurized supply of first component and a pressurized supply of second component. A mold housing extends along a first direction. A first end portion and a second end portion are arranged to be movable along the first direction within the mold housing and to be separated by a pre-selected distance along the first direction. An injector tube is in fluid communication with the supply of pressurized second component. The first and second end portions are arranged to be contained within the mold housing in a fill position to form a mold cavity within the mold housing around the injector tube. The mold cavity has an inlet in fluid communication with the supply of pressurized first component when in the fill position to receive first component to form a shell having an inside void.

Abstract: Process for the production of filled food hollow mouldings, in which each hollow moulding has at least one cavity, which is open to the environment and filled with a filling material solid at ambient temperature and having a cross-sectional dimension between approximately 0.25 mm2 and approximately 1 cm2, characterized in that in a first stage the hollow mouldings are coated at reduced pressure with the filling material, a filing material coating temperature being set in such a way that the filling material is flowable and in which in a second step the pressure is raised, so that the flowable coating material enters the cavities.

Abstract: An edible product in accordance with the present invention involves an edible inner component made from a first material and an edible outer cover component substantially completely encapsulating the edible inner component. In one form of the invention, the inner component is in the form of a hairball treatment for cats and the outer component is a dough-like material. A system for producing the edible product includes a first material source for supplying a first edible material to form the inner component of the edible product, a second material source for supplying a second edible material to form the outer component of the edible product, and an extruder for continuously coextruding the first edible material and the edible second material to produce an elongated rope of edible product. A crimping apparatus receives the longitudinal rope extruded from the extruder for crimping the longitudinal rope to separate the longitudinal rope into individual edible products.

Abstract: A nutritionally complete, shelf stable pet food product and process of manufacture includes two different textures which has a meaty outer component and a inner bone-like component.

Abstract: A device to inject solid materials into foods and other objects. The device utilizes a hollow needle with a moving cover at one end. A plunger moves inside the hollow needle to push contents from the needle into the object to be injected. Various apparatus for moving the can be utilized.

Abstract: A dual texture pet or animal food product having inner and outer components. The soft inner component contains a mixture of lipid and solid ingredients and has a water activity, aw, less than about 0.65 and a total moisture content less than about 15 wt %. The outer component is a cereal based shell containing at least one ingredient comprising a carbohydrate, fat, protein or combination thereof, the shell component having a total moisture content less than about 20 wt %. The shell component completely surrounds the soft inner component and is formed by the co-extrusion of the soft inner component within the shell component to form one dual component pet or animal food product.

Abstract: The invention includes an edible confectionery product that has at least two parts. The first part is a base unit formed of a first confectionery and having a top, a bottom, and between five to twelve sides when viewed from above. The second part is a center inclusion formed of a second confectionery. The center inclusion is partially embedded in the base unit and extends above the top of the base unit. The center inclusion is set in, as viewed from the top, from any side of the base unit. The first confectionery has a different composition and preferably has a different texture than the second confectionery. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of base units are shearably joined.

Abstract: A method of dispensing one or more types of condiment (e.g., ketchup, mustard mayonnaise, barbeque sauce, or Ranch dressing) relative to a food item, such as a French fry. A method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of: (1) cooking the food item; and (2) after cooking the food item, injecting a condiment into an interior portion of the food item. In one embodiment of the invention, an injection nozzle is used to inject condiment into the interior of the food item. In a particular embodiment, the injection nozzle is used to pierce the food item's exterior surface before injecting condiment into the interior of the food item.

Abstract: A condiment-filled food item comprising: (1) an outer shell; and (2) condiment disposed within the outer shell so that the condiment is substantially restricted (and preferably prevented) from flowing out of the outer shell. In one embodiment of the invention, the food item is a French fry having an interior ketchup portion. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the condiment has been injected into the interior of the French fry through the French fry's exterior surface (e.g., through a hole in the French fry having a maximum width of, for example, less than 0.2 inches).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing the residual flavor from herbs and aromatics into the interior of meat for seasoning prior to and during cooking. The apparatus comprises a reservoir for holding the aromatics in the form of a tapered, split, meat-piercing rod inserted into the interior of meat containing a predetermined amount of aromatics and or herbs. After reaching the desired depth, the devise remains in the meat during the cooking or marinating process. The devise is removed prior to the consumption of the meat leaving behind the residual flavor from the contents of the devise.

Abstract: Canned pet food products as well as methods of manufacturing or producing same are provided. The pet food comprises a base layer including solid food pieces in a gravy that has a conical recess formed in its upper surface. An upper layer comprising substantially solid foodstuff that can support the base layer when the food product is inverted fills the conical recess.

Abstract: Apparatus for stuffing pitted olives with an edible filling features a drum and drum holder, plus drive means for rotating the drum holder and drum about a selected rotational axis. Pitted olives are placed in a drum along with a quantity of filling, then the drum is rotated, agitating the olives and filling in tumbling fashion, and causing the filling to work its way into the cavities in the olives. The invention facilitates stuffing of large quantities of olives at one time, rather than individually, without manual contact with the olives or the stuffing materials. Effective stuffing may be accomplished with a variety of filling materials. The efficacy of the stuffing process may be enhanced by imparting reciprocating motion to the drum in addition to rotational movement, and by providing protuberances on the interior surface of the drum.

Abstract: A pet food product includes a first outer portion, a second outer portion, and an inner filling. The first outer portion is separated from the second outer portion by the inner filling. Each outer portion is adhered to the inner filling and the inner filling is softer than the outer portions.

Abstract: Pet food products and methods of manufacture are provided, the pet food product comprising a helical body having a first material formed to include an outer surface, and a second material having a striping portion deposited on the outer surface of the first material and positioned to lie along a length of the first material, the pet food product optionally having a stuffing portion positioned within a cavity in the first material. Illustratively, the second material has a composition that provides lubrication during an extrusion process to manufacture the food product.

Abstract: Drops of Honey is a capsule made of hydroxymethlcellulose that is filled with honey. Drops of Honey is a food product in which its capsule dissolves in boiling water. This allows for the honey to escape into the beverage of choice, preferably tea. It is a food product that will be mainly used with tea and other hot beverages.

Abstract: Systems, methods and an apparatus for making a frozen confection comprising a malleable outer layer of a first edible substance suitable for forming a shape or configuration to contain a second edible substance are provided. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the outer layer of the first edible substance, e.g., ice cream, is sufficiently malleable such that the outer layer can be rolled and/or folded over the second edible substance, e.g. flavored filling, to form a frozen confection. The outer layer is sufficiently thin such that no air or minimal air is contained in the outer layer to help to prevent or to at least minimize/reduce the formation of ice crystals in the outer layer. Minimizing/reducing the formation of ice crystals helps to prevent or to at least minimize/reduce breaking and cracking of the outer layer during shaping, and helps to preserve a sufficient malleability of the outer layer.

Abstract: The invention provides sponges (foams) produced from hydrocolloids by the expansion of gels of these. The foams have properties which can be varied, such as water absorption, biodegradibility, pore size and structure. Edible products can be produced which may contain an edible plasticizer, a sugar or sugar substitute and possibly also a flavoring agent or taste enhancer. The novel sponges are produced by preparing a gel of a hydrocolloid, and either sealing it in a closed vessel with a liquid of similar composition, pressurizing the vessel and abruptly releasing the pressure, followed by freeze drying, or by incorporating in such a gel a suitable microorganism, such as a yeast and inducing fermentation in the presence of a suitable nutrient medium, so that the carbon dioxide formed results in the expansion and foam formation, which is processed to the final product. The sponges-foams of the invention are such, that the initial network of the gel is maintained.

Abstract: A canned pet food product having a base layer and an upper layer. The base layer is formed of solid food pieces in a gravy and has a substantially conical recess formed into its upper surface. The gravy makes up about 20% to about 40% of the base layer. The upper layer is formed of a substantially solid foodstuff and fills the conical recess formed into the base layer. The substantially solid foodstuff provides about 20% to about 80% by weight of the pet food product.

Abstract: A method for producing slices from formable food masses, of which at least one mass is a cheese preparation. A mass is brought into slice form in particular by means of rolls, belts or plates. After or during the flattening by pressing or a flat application of the mass to a layer of a certain thickness, the mass is not applied to specified or unspecified points of the layer or displaced to such an extent that, at these points, depressions, holes and/or free areas occur. Following this, the depressions/holes/free areas are filled out by at least a second mass which differs from the first mass in type/kind, in particular in color.

Abstract: A device to inject solid materials into foods and other objects. The device utilizes a hollow needle with a moving cover at one end. A plunger moves inside the hollow needle to push contents from the needle into the object to be injected. Various apparatus for moving the can be utilized.

Abstract: Processes are for the co-deposition of a two component fruit snack confection including a fruit snack material jacket and a distinct center filling and the resulting products. In at least one embodiment, the center filling is jam like and is jelled in part by the action of pectin in the presence of food grade acid. The process utilized incorporates mass flow meters to monitor the specific gravities of the jacket and center filling to keep for the specific gravities of the center material and the jacket substantially the same and the creation of the multicomponent fruit snack.

Abstract: A co-extruded dual component animal food product has an outer component containing at least 60% cereal and an inner cream textured component which has water soluble components in an aqueous phase that forms a stable emulsion with a lipid free hydrocarbon phase. The hydrocarbon phase contains soluble additives. Careful stepwise addition of additives to the appropriate phases and then of the phase together ensures a stable inner component which does not leach through the outer component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated process for preparing stuffed squid. It is essentially characterized by the following stages:—receipt of the new materials;—preparation of the stuffing and cleaning of the squid;—stuffing;—finishing and transportation for freezing;—freezing;—glazing;—packing;—storage and shipping of the product. The stuffing stage is carried out at an average temperature of between 7 and 11° C. and a squid stuffing machine is used consisting of four stuffing dosing devices, where the squid is placed manually.

Abstract: An edible product in accordance with the present invention involves an edible inner component made from a first material and an edible outer cover component substantially completely encapsulating the edible inner component. In one form of the invention, the inner component is in the form of a hairball treatment for cats and the outer component is a dough-like material. A system for producing the edible product includes a first material source for supplying a first edible material to form the inner component of the edible product, a second material source for supplying a second edible material to form the outer component of the edible product, and an extruder for continuously coextruding the first edible material and the edible second material to produce an elongated rope of edible product. A crimping apparatus receives the longitudinal rope extruded from the extruder for crimping the longitudinal rope to separate the longitudinal rope into individual edible products.

Abstract: A system for filling nuggets transported along a conveyor utilizes a platform that is positioned above the conveyor in a generally parallel fashion. The platform alternatingly moves in either one of a direction substantially similar to the direction of motion of the conveyor, and a direction substantially opposite to the direction of motion of the conveyor. A coring device is mounted onto the platform and used for forming a cavity in the nuggets. A depositing device is mounted on the platform, and is used for introducing a filling into the cavity in the nuggets. The platform is moving, so that the nuggets can be transported by the conveyor, without having to vary the speed of transportation of the nuggets, while either one of a cavity is being formed and the cavity in the nugget is being filled.

Abstract: A food product comprising one or more plastic food substrates is formed into a helical configuration and coated with a fluid barrier agent to prevent reannealing of adjacent turns of the product. The fluid barrier agent may be an edible vegetable oil such, for example, as hydrogenated vegetable oil, Soya oil, rape oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, peanut oil or a mixture of such oils. The product may define a single helix or a multiple helix, e.g. a double or triple helix.

Abstract: A segmented elongate, hollow convection pipe formed with an angled mid portion which extends through the body cavity of stuffed poultry during cooking. The device is provided in plural individual sections of tubing that are serially joined in a nested fashion. Overall length of the device can be grossly adjusted by selecting greater or fewer numbers of sections of tubing to form the device, and finely adjusted by telescopically sliding the sections relative to each other. The angled mid portion may be provided as a fixed angle, or provided as a selectively adjustable angle to accommodate anatomical differences in poultry. Overall cooking time of both the poultry and the stuffing is uniform and reduced as a result of cooking from the inside as well as the outside. A method is provided for using the convection pipe to safely, quickly, and uniformly cook a raw, stuffed poultry.