Abstract: Provided are various systems and processes for improving last-mile delivery of real-time, on-demand orders for perishable goods. In one aspect, an automated vehicle (AV) comprises a body including a storage compartment for storing perishable goods. The storage compartment is accessible by a user upon authentication of the user. The AV further comprises a sensor module for receiving data for navigating the AV. The sensor module is positioned above the body on a support structure at a predetermined height above the ground, such as three to five feet. The data includes one or more of the following: audio data, video data, radio waves, and backscattered light waves. The AV further comprises an onboard computer system configured to process the data to navigate the AV along motor vehicle routes and pedestrian routes. The AV may be configured to interface with an automated locker system to retrieve or deposit the perishable goods.

Abstract: An edible pet food, wherein the pet food has a moisture content of 15 to 50 wt % and the pet food comprises a core and a coating disposed on the core, wherein the core comprises animal protein and the pet food has an animal protein content of at least 30 wt %, and at least one of the core and the coating comprises a glucose-containing carbohydrate selected from a dextrin and an esterified starch.

Abstract: Provided are various systems and processes for improving last-mile delivery of real-time, on-demand orders for perishable goods. In one aspect, an automated vehicle (AV) comprises a body including a storage compartment for storing perishable goods. The storage compartment is accessible by a user upon authentication of the user. The AV further comprises a sensor module for receiving data for navigating the AV. The sensor module is positioned above the body on a support structure at a predetermined height above the ground, such as three to five feet. The data includes one or more of the following: audio data, video data, radio waves, and backscattered light waves. The AV further comprises an onboard computer system configured to process the data to navigate the AV along motor vehicle routes and pedestrian routes. The AV may be configured to interface with an automated locker system to retrieve or deposit the perishable goods.

Abstract: An acid-oil dispersion composition for use in coating a cereal piece. The acid-oil dispersion composition comprising an edible acid particles dispersed in an edible oil component, wherein the acid particles are in a range of about 1 wt % to about 25 wt % of the acid-oil dispersion composition; and wherein the edible oil component is at an amount that is in a range of about 75 wt % to about 99 wt % of the acid-oil dispersion composition.

Abstract: A dry strength composition for manufacture of paper, board or the like is disclosed. The dry strength composition includes, as a mixture, at least one anionically derivatized polysaccharide, and cationic starch having an amylopectin content ?80 weight-%. The anionically derivatized polysaccharide and the cationic starch provide the composition with a charge density in a range of 0.1-1.5 meq/g, when measured at pH 2.8, and ?0.1-?3 meq/g, preferably ?0.3-?2.5 meq/g, more preferably ?0.5-?2.0 meq/g, when measured as an aqueous solution, at pH 7.0. Further disclosed are a use of the composition and a method for manufacturing paper, board or the like.

Abstract: Provided are various systems and processes for improving last-mile delivery of real-time, on-demand orders for perishable goods. In one aspect, an automated vehicle (AV) comprises a body including a storage compartment for storing perishable goods. The storage compartment is accessible by a user upon authentication of the user. The AV further comprises a sensor module for receiving data for navigating the AV. The sensor module is positioned above the body on a support structure at a predetermined height above the ground, such as three to five feet. The data includes one or more of the following: audio data, video data, radio waves, and backscattered light waves. The AV further comprises an onboard computer system configured to process the data to navigate the AV along motor vehicle routes and pedestrian routes. The AV may be configured to interface with an automated locker system to retrieve or deposit the perishable goods.

Abstract: A dusted pet food kibble and a process for dusting a pet food kibble comprising providing a pet food kibble in the form of a core matrix, providing a powder comprising a first component that can comprise an active ingredient, such as Probiotic microorganism particles, and dusting the powder onto the pet food kibble to form a dusted kibble. The dusting can occur substantially free of a binder. An animal feed comprising a kibble in the form of a core dusted with active ingredients.

Abstract: Food product having a meat-based layer, an impermeable covering layer disposed on the whole surface of a meat-based layer with a first side, a second side and one or more connection edges defined between the first and second sides, a layer of batter that covers only the first side and at least part of connection edges of the meat-based layer, a breaded layer distributed on at least part of the layer of batter, and, in case, a garnish distributed on at least part of the surface of the meat-based layer covered with the impermeable covering layer and left uncovered by the layer of batter and the breaded layer. The invention concerns also the apparatus to make said food product and the corresponding method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing capsules comprising a composition comprising coffee oil. The invention also relates to capsules obtainable by such process. In addition the invention relates to compositions, food ingredients and food products comprising such capsules.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, processes for improving shelf-life and flavoring of fresh-cut/fresh vegetables, as well as food products produced by these processes. In accordance with the present disclosure, the processes generally include various new combinations of steps such as blanching, air drying, supercritical fluid processing with and without a processing aid, pressurization, de-pressurization, and packaging. The present disclosure further relates to methods of preparing edible food products that incorporate the processed fresh-cut vegetables, as well as the food products produced by these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and products made thereby, wherein a pre-expanded constituent, including an edible constituent, is thermally treated to melt it, preferably in a dynamic process environment, to produce products ranging from high to quite low densities and from very strong to soft to apparently dry textures. The wide range of textures enables the provision of food products such as low calorie, digestible and safe, long duration pet food chews. Non-food products suitable for use in manufacture may also be produced. Cooking is preferably carried in an extruder, preferably at low moisture or in the total absence of added water. The methods of dynamic cooking reduce cost in a number of ways including but not limited to decreased process steps, increased throughput, decreased capital expenses and decreased raw product cost.

Abstract: A system for optimizing blending. The system can include a processor configured to aggregate material information, aggregate production information, model consumer liking of the at least one product, and provide plan information for controlling production resources based on the material information, the production information, and the consumer liking. The material information can be associated with a product input of the at least one product. The production information can be associated with the production resources of the at least one product.

Abstract: A beverage brewing product for brewing a sweetened beverage is disclosed which produces a sweetened beverage solution that can be mixed with a diluting liquid and which comprises at least one water permeable sieve wherein beverage material and granulated sweetener are contained. The beverage material and sweetener are brewed and dissolved during steeping in hot water to produce a sweetened beverage solution. The beverage solution, if concentrated, is then mixed with a proportioned amount of diluting liquid to make a consistently sweet beverage. This beverage brewing product may be used to produce a variety of consistently sweetened beverages, including tea, coffee, lemonade, and other sweetened beverages.

Abstract: A topical seasoning for snack foods, the seasoning comprising a plurality of seasoning particles, the seasoning particles comprising a shell surrounding an encapsulated central core, the shell comprising a matrix including at least one solid lipid and the core comprising sodium chloride.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for roasting and surface pasteurization of particulate food products. The roasting and surface pasteurization can be combined and united to form one process wherein a treatment is carried out in a moist atmosphere at temperatures <100° C., that the pasteurization treatment is carried out in a roasting system during the roasting operation, that during the pasteurization phase the temperature of the product surface is held a few degrees below the dew point temperature of the atmosphere which is established, that the pasteurization is performed for 1-30 min, and that with advancing or continued roasting the water of condensation on the surface of the food products is removed and the water uptake of the same is minimized.

Abstract: Provided is a frozen pasta retaining an original flavor of the pasta. A frozen pasta attached with a ground pasta product and/or durum wheat flour. A process for producing a frozen pasta, comprising cooling a boiled pasta and attaching, to the surface of the pasta, a ground product of a pasta, followed by freezing.

Abstract: Dried fruit has a coating of microcrystalline cellulose in an amount effective to prevent agglomeration of the dried fruit. Methods of preparing and using the coated dried fruit are also described. The dried fruit pieces of the present invention are less sticky and are readily separated from one another using ordinary gravity feed handling conditions.

Abstract: A gyro-style pita dessert with an example of its method of preparation including a recipe and an apparatus for use in holding a chocolate cone at a desired temperature for preparing the dessert.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing a decorative cake coating, the method comprising the steps of: providing a contour of a figure, the contour being made of a first edible solid substance, such as chocolate; filling the spaces between the lines of the contour with a second edible substance, such as colored candies; pouring dough made of a third edible substance (e.g., hot chocolate) onto the figure; and turning the coating upside down, thereby enabling placing the coating on the cake with the decorative figure on top.

Abstract: A fish feed comprises carvacrol and/or salvia extract (provided that where the fish feed comprises carvacrol and not salvia extract the lipid content of the fish feed is at least 15 wt %). The salvia extract may be selected from extract of Salvia officinalis and extract of Salvia lavandulifolia. The carvacrol may be synthetic or may be extracted from Origanum vulgare.

Abstract: The invention relates to a confectionery product comprising a plurality of beads, each bead comprising an aqueous core, a hydrophobic first coating layer surrounding the aqueous core, and a hydrophilic second coating layer surrounding the first coating layer; to a confectionery product comprising these beads. The invention also relates to a method of production thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is a continuous production line for a dressed proteinaceous patties with a solid food grade particulate using a coordinated volumetric toothed dispensing cylinder and variable speed conveyor for precisely controlled introduction of the particulate to a stream of proteinaceous material which is then formed into a patty.

Abstract: A packaged food product comprising a package housing and a nutritional composition having reduced stickiness on its surface, comprising a plurality of solid particles on at least one surface of the nutritional composition and a carbohydrate, wherein the solid particles have a diameter between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, and wherein the at least one surface of the nutritional composition is an external surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reduced sugar coating for coating a variety of food products including ready-to-eat cereals, granola, trail mix, energy bars, granola bars, cookies, cakes, pies, crackers, and muffins. The reduced sugar coating provides a frosted appearance to the food products and permits up to 50% reduction of the sugar in a coating composition while maintaining the taste, texture and function of a full sugar coating composition. The removed sugar is replaced by a type 4 resistant starch in an amount of from 0.1 to 1.0 parts of type 4 resistant starch per every 3 parts of removed sugar. Preferably the source of the type 4 resistant starch is potato, however the source can also comprise wheat, corn, rice, tapioca, quinoa, a legume, barley, banana, sorghum, oat, millet, sweet potato, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Roasted infused seeds and a process for preparing roasted infused seeds are described. In one aspect, the roasted infused seeds may have salt, flavors, nutrients, colors, and/or functional ingredients as well as mixtures of these components infused internally into the seed. By infusing such components into the seeds, the methods described herein provide roasted seeds with unique flavors, nutrients, colors, textures, densities, and/or other functionalities.

Abstract: A fried bread/dough/cake product is particularly well-suited for the amusement/theme park, carnival and festival industries. The fried food product may utilize a pre-cooked or raw dough product or a pre-cooked or raw cake batter that may be disposed on a stick and fried. The product may be pre-made and frozen (for raw dough/batter) or refrigerated or frozen (for pre-cooked dough or cake batter) and deep fried when needed. Various glazes and toppings can be provided to give consumers a unique, fresh dessert they can easily walk around and eat.

Abstract: A vegetable food product and a method of making a dehydrated vegetable food product are provided. A quantity of vegetables is cut to a predetermined size. The quantity of cut vegetables is cooked. The quantity of cut vegetables has surface moisture removed. A flavoring material is imparted into the quantity of vegetables. The quantity of cut vegetables is substantially dehydrated, wherein each of the cut vegetables has a jerky-like texture, whereby shearing through the jerky-like texture requires a force of at least 30 N until a 95% strain is achieved utilizing a TA-HD Plus Texture Analyzer Device. The quantity of vegetable may include a quantity of potatoes.

Abstract: A method of creating a meat piece includes cooking a meat product until it is fully cooked including cooking the meat product until it has an internal temperature of approximately at least 165° F. After cooking the meat product, the meat product is sliced into meat pieces. The method then includes coating the meat pieces with a coating agent with at least cane sugar, salt, liquid smoke, and starch. Then the coated meat pieces are packaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agglomeration-preventablea sweetener composition treated to prevent agglomeration and to a method for preparing same. More particularly, the present invention relates to an agglomeration-preventablea sweetener composition treated to prevent agglomeration by coating sweetener powder particles with dietary fiber, and to a method for preparing same.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains generally to spheres made from a fiber source. These spheres may be used as cores for carrying other ingredients or may be used alone for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, personal care, and industrial industries. In many embodiments the ingredients used in this invention are derived from a natural resource, and are safe to ingest. In some embodiments, the spheres are formed using a centrifugal tumbling-granulating-coating apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying seasoning or flavoring to food items or products, for example, taco shells, are provided. A seasoning system can include a seasoning hopper or other storage container, a scarf plate, a scalping screen, a conveyor system, and a collection bin. The scalping screen can help reduce clumps in seasoning that falls onto the food items to allow for more even and consistent seasoning distribution. The conveyor system can include a mechanism for tilting or pivoting the food items to allow for application of seasoning to multiple surfaces of the food item as the food items are conveyed under the seasoning delivery system. A method for applying seasoning to food items can include adjusting process parameters such as presentation angle of the food items, throughput, seasoning flow rate, etc. to adapt to varying conditions such as temperature, humidity, and seasoning coverage.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a fine particle applicator including a loading vessel, a metering roller positioned adjacent the loading vessel, a first stippling roller in contact with the metering roller, a high speed roller, positioned adjacent the metering roller such that bristles of the metering roller and bristles of the high speed roller overlap sufficient to form an interference zone, a second stippling roller, in contact with the high speed roller, a stippling shoe positioned adjacent at least the metering roller and high speed roller and a housing. At least a portion of a surface of the stippling shoe closest to at least the metering roller and high speed roller includes substantially the same curvature as the roller nearest the surface.

Abstract: An instant coffee composition is provided having soluble coffee particles. The particles have internal pores, and at least some of the internal pores contain a pressurized gas. Further, the soluble coffee particles are provided with finely-ground insoluble coffee material on an outer surface of the soluble coffee particles. A method of forming the instant coffee composition, a container for the composition, and a beverage dispensing system are also provided.

Abstract: A coating system (20) includes a conveyor system (22), a coating distribution assembly (24), and a coating adherence system (26). The coating material (M) is recycled via a coating collection and return system (30) that coating distribution assembly (24) includes a container (64) for receiving and distributing the coating using a coating distribution roller (74). The roller (74) has a plurality of longitudinal channels (78) extending along the length of the roller to receive the coating material and apply the coating material onto food products by rotation of the distribution roller.

Abstract: Sustained-released beads providing active ingredients over an extended period of time to an individual orally ingesting the sustained release beads. The sustained-release beads can be part of a suspension wherein the sustained-release beads are suspended and evenly dispersed in the suspension. Binding agents are used to form the structural framework of the sustained released beads and retain the active ingredients without chemical or electrical bonding. The components of the dispersion medium are GRAS designated, making the suspension suitable for use as a food product.

Abstract: Salt substitute, in particular granular, crystalline or pulverulent and preferably for use as garnish salt or salt substitute, which contains 30 to 90 wt % sodium chloride or a mixture of sodium chloride and potassium chloride in a weight ratio of 1:2 to 2:1, 10 to 70 wt % of a combination of at least one carbon dioxide carrier and at least one acid carrier and optionally up to 20 wt % of further additives, wherein the carbon dioxide carrier is selected from sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium carbonate (potash), potassium hydrogen carbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydrogen carbonate, calcium carbonate, calcium hydrogen carbonate, aluminium carbonate, aluminium hydrogen carbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate, ammonium carbamate, hartshorn salt and mixtures of the above and the at least one acid carrier is selected from sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP), monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM), anhydrous monocalcium phosphate (AMCP), all further hyd rates of m

Abstract: The disclosure describes new forms of chip-type and other fried or baked snack-type and/or convenience food items, including sweet goods such as cookies, doughnuts, etc., which are externally coated with or which directly incorporate into their dough matrix certain starch-based compositions. Methods of using the compositions to make the food products, and the finished food products themselves are described. As external coatings, the compositions significantly increase the crispness and tensile strength of the food item after it is cooked with the coating in place, and so change the organoleptic qualities as to provide a new form of the underlying food product. On sweet goods, the coating also provides a surface barrier that stabilizes sugar icing on the outside of the product, preventing it from becoming tacky, moist, or wet, while simultaneously reducing moisture loss from the dough, adding crispness at the surface and greatly retarding staling.

Abstract: A dehydrated slice of a vegetable or a fruit is provided, which is adapted to be rehydrated by a rehydration process, having a circumference which is substantially the same as the circumference of the respective slice of the raw vegetable, and having a thickness which is reduced about 20 to 90% in comparison to the thickness of the respective slice of the raw vegetable or fruit. The dehydrated slice has a planar surface. Furthermore, a method is provided to produce said dehydrated slices. Said dehydrated slices are adapted to be rehydrated by a rehydration process herein provided, whereby performance of said process leads to a rehydrated slice with a thickness of the respective raw vegetable or fruit.

Abstract: Sustained-released beads providing active ingredients over an extended period of time to an individual orally ingesting the sustained release beads. The sustained-release beads can be part of a suspension wherein the sustained-release beads are suspended and evenly dispersed in the suspension. Binding agents are used to form the structural framework of the sustained released beads and retain the active ingredients without chemical or electrical bonding. The components of the dispersion medium are GRAS designated, making the suspension suitable for use as a food product.

Abstract: A semi-automated food processing station, system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, stored and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container for serving to a customer. In one embodiment, the system includes an automated salting device, and may include a pivotable food receiving tray that automatically transfers the food items to one or more storage bins, where an infrared heater maintains the temperature of the food items by directing infrared radiation thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the infrared radiation passes through a filter that filters out the wavelengths of infrared radiation that may be irritating to an operator.

Abstract: A method for processing a food product includes in sequence providing ingredients to the food product; reducing a temperature of a surface of the food product for providing a crust at the surface to retain the ingredients in the food product and adapt the food product for retaining deformation to a select shape; and pressing the food product in to the select shape, wherein the shape of the food product and the ingredients in the food product are retained for subsequent processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a powder coated particulate ice cream product, wherein the particulate ice cream product is cryogenically formed. The particulate ice cream product may further comprise a plurality of coatings including one or more powder coatings. The present invention further relates to methods for coating these cryogenically frozen ice cream particles.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel processes for manufacturing a complex confection comprising a first confection that has an edible hollow shell and a separately-formed second confection that is also edible and rests within the first confection. Novel products and processes are described.

Abstract: Food articles comprising topically seasoned taco shells, and methods and apparatuses for producing topically seasoned taco shells.

Abstract: The present invention is related to processes for importing an improved anti-oxidant content with high ORAC values to a food product. Milled high tannin sorghum grain may be ground into flour which is then used as a topping on the food product of choice.

Abstract: The present invention is related to processes for importing an improved anti-oxidant content with high ORAC values to a food product. Milled high tannin sorghum grain may be ground into flour and mixed with spices and herbs, which is then used as a topping on the food product of choice.

Abstract: A microbial control method includes applying dry particles of alkali metal bisulfate to an outer surface of a dry food to control microbial contamination of the food. A food composition includes a dry food having an outer surface covered with dry particles of alkali metal bisulfate that control microbial contamination of the food.

Abstract: Provided is a method for increasing the solubility of a poorly-soluble substance used in pharmaceutical products, veterinary pharmaceutical products, quasi-drugs, cosmetic products, food products, agricultural chemicals, and the like, without using large amounts of additives. This is a method for improving aqueous solubility, which comprises coating the surface of the particle of a poorly-soluble substance used in pharmaceutical products, veterinary pharmaceutical products, quasi-drugs, cosmetic products, food products, agricultural chemicals, and the like, with microparticles of a calcium compound such as calcium phosphate or calcium carbonate.

Abstract: The invention allows for a reduction in the amount of sodium chloride applied to a food product, without adversely affecting the taste of the food product. Sodium chloride particles with bi-modal particle size distribution are combined with particles of another edible salt with a particle size distribution peak that falls between the bi-modal peaks of the sodium chloride particles. In this way, any off-flavors exhibited by the other edible salt are masked by the initial and final pure sodium chloride saltiness flavors provided by the composition.

Abstract: A phytosterol/salt mixture for even topical application to snack products. At least one free phytosterol in dry form is combined with at least one salt of a similar particle size to form a homogenous blend and applied to the surface of a hot snack food product. The at least one free phytosterol can also be part of a phytosterol blend comprised of at least 95% free phytosterols. To ensure that neither the phytosterol nor salt component settles out and to provide for uniformity of the homogenous blend, the phytosterol blend is of a similar size distribution to the at least one salt. In test runs, a phytosterol blend and at least one salt were combined in a ratio of approximately 53:47, with size ranges determined by sieve analysis to generally fell within the range of 149 to 400 microns.