Abstract: A process and apparatus for applying to confectionery or ice cream products whereby the coating dispensing devices moves in a path along or between one or more rows of ice cream or confectionery products, thereby applying a patterned coating that is preferably reproducible.

Abstract: A method for applying a coating to deep-fry products, such as fried potato chips, wherein the deep-fry products are died and wherein a layer of aqueous flour batter is applied to the deep-fry products. The coating is applied to the deep-fry products before the deep-fry products are dried. The coating is then applied to the deep-fry products while the deep-fry products are contacted with a dipping solution. In the dipping solution, the flour batter is added in a suspension.

Abstract: The frozen food or food material includes a food or food material processed with from 0.1% by weight to 5% by weight of an alkali metal halide or an alkali earth metal halide, from 0.01% by weight to 0.5% by weight of an alkali metal bicarbonate or an alkali earth metal bicarbonate, from 0.0005% by weight to 0.05% by weight of an organic acid, and from 0.05% by weight to 10% by weight of gelatin, and from 0.05% by weight to 10% by weight of polylysine, as needed, each based on the weight of the food or food material, or a mixture of two or more. The frozen food or food material can be stored in cold storage for a prolonged period of time, and the original taste or flavor of the food or food material is not spoiled upon thawing or unfreezing the frozen food or food material.

Abstract: Processes for preparing a food product and products produced by such processes comprise vacuum tumbling a food product with an aqueous flavor solution and/or with a dispersion of a lipid in an aqueous starch solution. Optionally, the processes may further comprise freezing the vacuum tumbled food product in a liquid freeze bath.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of producing a chewing or bubble gum piece and a chewing or bubble gum piece. A gum piece in accordance with the invention has a core (1) which may contain flavoring, a mixture of flavoring and medicine or all medicine. The core is encapsulated with an intermediate layer (2) which is free from gummy mass. The intermediate layer is encapsulated with an outer layer (3) which is an outer layer of a gum piece that is placed in the mouth of a person chewing the gum which contains gummy mass. The intermediate layer separates the core from contact with outer layer.

Abstract: A multi-textured food product having a substantially continuous chunky coating. The food product has a central food piece, a thick solid or semi-solid fat-based coating covering the central food piece, and an exterior coating of particles having sizes in the range ⅛ inch through ¼ inch.

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: The Present invention pertains to improved sugar coated products having a hard coating of a fruity taste which products are prepared by applying a hard coating composed of a sugar alcohol over the surface of an edible core material, wherein a layer of the hard coating contains an acid.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a coated frozen confectionery product whereby an aqueous solution in the supercooled state is caused to freeze while applied on at least part of the surface of a pre-frozen element of the product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of preparing starch phosphate monoesters, optionally in the presence of oligosaccharides, having improved reaction efficiency and reduced side reactions. The invention also includes the improved starch phosphate monoester products, characterized by high viscosity and low level of residual salts, their use in food and the enhanced food compositions prepared from them.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for applying to confectionery or ice cream products whereby the coating dispensing devices moves in a path along or between one or more rows of ice cream or confectionery products, thereby applying a patterned coating that is preferably reproducible.

Abstract: An improved coating apparatus and an improved method of coating a mass of centers are disclosed. The improved coating apparatus comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the surface of the coated centers and/or a moisture sensor for measuring the moisture content of the surface of the coated centers. The improved method comprises drying coated centers by measuring the temperature of the surface of the coated centers in the mass using the temperature sensor and adjusting the temperature of the drying gas to maintain the surface temperature of the coated centers at a predetermined temperature and drying the coated centers until the moisture content of the surface of the coated centers is about 0% to about 30% water, by weight. Advantageously, the surface temperature and/or surface moisture measurements are conducted during the coating processing of the centers, while the centers are in the coating apparatus.

Abstract: A continuous coating process for chewing gum and bubble gum materials. Small cores or pieces of gum material are introduced into inclined rotating drums in which heated air is circulated and a coating solution is applied (liquid or powder). The coating material is dried on the pieces of material, and a plurality of thin layers are formed on each of the cores or small pieces of material. A series of rotating drums can be provided to provide the requisite number or thickness of coating layers. In an alternate embodiment, initial coatings of material can be provided on the cores by a batch-type process before the materials are introduced into the continuous coating drums. The formulas for the coating solution can also be adjusted at different stages of the coating process in order to provide a more consistent and uniform coating.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for enhancing a solid food product with a supplement formulated to enhance the taste, color, nutritional value, vitamin content or medicinal properties of the food product. The food product, which could be a vegetable, fruit or bread product, is treated with a liquid food extract supplement using either a spraying device containing a supplement in liquid form, or by injection with a supplement following optional heating to soften the interior of the food product to a consistency that permits supplement injection and disbursal therein, or by immersing the food product in a supplement and applying pressure.

Abstract: A method for applying a coating to deep-fry products, such as fried potato chips, wherein the deep-fry products are died and wherein a layer of aqueous flour batter is applied to the deep-fry products. The coating is applied to the deep-fry products before the deep-fry products are dried. The coating is then applied to the deep-fry products while the deep-fry products are contacted with a dipping solution. In the dipping solution, the flour batter is added in a suspension.

Abstract: A process for preparing a coated low-fat and fat-free pretzels having a surface area to inner volume ratio of from about 22 inches−1 (8.66 cm−1) to about 40 inches−1 (15.75 cm−1), a pH of about 8 or less, a digestible fat content of less than 3 g per 28 g serving, and a moisture content of from about 1% to about 4%. The large surface area to inner volume ratio permits the use of reduced concentrations of caustic solution and facilitates drying. Coated pretzels are prepared by: (1) applying a warm coating comprising a carbohydrate selected from modified starch, corn syrup solids, maltodextrins, dextrins, and mixtures thereof; water; and preferably flavoring to ready-to-eat pretzels while tumbling; (2) adding sugar and optionally salt to the tumbling pretzels; (3) removing the pretzels from the tumbling device; and (4) drying the pretzels with the products stationary. The pretzels have substantially improved texture, taste and flavor display.

Abstract: A coating having a marbled appearance, a confectionery product provided with a coating having a marbled appearance and methods of preparing the same. the coating may be chocolate or water-based.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocolloid protective coating for food and/or agricultural products comprising: 5-95% dried hydrocolloid gel; 0.2-50% of one or more natural compounds isolated from the surface of said product or a compound substantially equivalent thereto; 4-30% of water; and optional additives. The protective coating provides improved protection of the product, thereby extending its shelf-life. A method for producing the coating, and food and agricultural products protected by the coating are also disclosed.

Abstract: Dual-stage seasoned snack chips are prepared by providing a base snack chip, applying an oleaginous coating to the base chip and then adhering a dry seasoning material to the oleaginous coating. The oleaginous coating serves as a binder and adhesive for the dry seasoning material, as well as a source of flavor and other hedonistic properties such as “mouthfeel.” The oil content of the base chip is pre-selected. The presence of two types of seasoning materials on a base chip having a pre-selected oil content results in a snack chip that provides intense flavor characteristics, excellent seasoning adhesion and a total oil content within a desirable range.

Abstract: A food composition, product and method of making thereof uses tissue, such as vegetable, meat, fish or poultry. The tissue is coated with at least one coating, dried and fried. Initially the coating is a gel including water, hydrocolloid gel forming compounds and a cross-linking agent such as polyvalent cations. The coating at least partially encloses the outer surface of the tissue. The coating is dried prior to frying. The coating (initial, dried and fried) includes at least ten percent equivalent weight of cross-linking agent based on the neutralization equivalent weight of the hydrocolloid. The dried coating is adapted to substantially impede the penetration of oil therethrough. The coated fried products have a low concentration of cooking oil.

Abstract: A food product having the crisp texture, golden brown appearance and fresh fried taste of conventionally-fried foods, comprising a food substrate coated with a cereal-based batter containing sodium caseinate and no egg albumen in which the batter has a solids level of at least 30 percent by weight and provides at least about 0.2 percent by weight of sodium caseinate.

Abstract: In order to provide a food product which has all the ingredients necessary for cooking, breadcrumbs are applied to a food fillet such as fish, oil being subsequently applied to the food portion after which the product is frozen. Preferably oil is applied at a first temperature in a first step and at a higher temperature in a second step. As a result, it is possible to produce a frozen food product comprising a food portion coated with a coating comprising oil/fat and particulate coating material, the weight ratio of oil/fat to particulate coating material being greater than 2:1, and the food product having greater than 10% by weight of oil/fat. Substantially all of the particulate coating material is coated with oil/fat.

Abstract: A method and composition for preparing battered and breaded food compositions which resist absorbing oil during deep fat frying. The breading composition is prepared by enriching the breading formulation with calcium. This is accomplished by either dry blending, spray drying or agglomerating (e.g., spray coating or application with subsequent drying), by baking the calcium source into the bread crumb or any combination of the above. The battered and breaded food composition is then treated, with a solution of calcium reactive pectin. The calcium-pectin coating functions to significantly impede the absorption and adsorption of frying oil, increases the moisture content, the crispness and heat lamp stability of the food composition. Alternatively, the food may first be treated with the calcium reactive pectin and then the calcium source, depending upon the circumstances of use.

Abstract: A free-flowing, coated, frozen food and a method for making the same are disclosed. Discrete pieces of a free-flowing frozen food are introduced into a coating vessel where they are agitated to expose their surfaces and to maintain their free-flowing state throughout the coating process. A liquid coating material is sprayed onto the free-flowing pieces to cause coating material to adhere and the temperature at the surfaces of the frozen food pieces to rise. The surfaces of frozen food pieces are then recooled with a cryogen. The spraying and recooling steps are repeated until a thorough, even coating is built up on the discrete pieces of free-flowing food.

Abstract: A coated confectionery having a crispy starch based center with a thin continuous rigid outer, coating is disclosed. The integrity of the thin continuous rigid outer coating is maintained even after prolonged storage. Also disclosed is a method for preparing such coated confectionery.

Abstract: A chocolate coating having a marbled appearance, a confectionary product provided with a chocolate coating having a marbled appearance, and methods for preparing the same. The chocolate coating may be water or chocolate based.

Abstract: A coating syrup is made using an emulsion of an emulsifier and either an oil-based flavoring agent, a food acid or both. The emulsion may be used to coat comestibles, such as pellets of chewing gum. The emulsion helps to retain volatile flavors that may otherwise flash off during the coating operation.

Abstract: A method for protecting the activity and bioavailability of heat- and/or oxygen-labile compounds during processing, particularly processing by extrusion of a food product containing the heat- and/or oxygen-labile compounds. Beadlets are formed wherein the heat- and/oxygen-labile compound is protected by a shell of calcium alginate and an ancillary polymeric compound, such as gelatin. The beadlets are added to a food product prior to extrusion and protect the active compound against heat degradation during the extrusion process. The beadlets also provide a protected form of the compound that decreases oxidation. In an alternative embodiment, oxidizing agents and/or free radical initiators to be added to a product containing labile compounds are coated with the protective material to protect the labile compounds from degradation by the oxidizing agents and/or free-radical initiators.

Abstract: A full moisture shelf stable rice product, which comprises a cooked or precooked whole grain rice having a dry matter content of from about 30% to about 55% by weight, an acid in amount effective to obtain a pH of about 3.5 to about 4.5, and an oil in an amount sufficient to coat the surface of the rice.

Abstract: An ice confection comprising an ice confection core, a fat-based outer coating layer and an edible emulsifier as a precoating layer between the ice confection core and the edible fat-based outer coating layer, wherein the edible emulsifier includes both hydrophilic and lipophilic moieties.

Abstract: A protective coating for food or agricultural products made of 5-85% dried ydrocolloid gel, together with 0.2-50% of at least one natural compound isolated from the surface of the product, or at least one compound substantially similar thereto, for example, sitosterol, stigmasterol or milk.

Abstract: A method for preparing a food portion where the food portion is frozen to a temperature of at least -15.degree. C. a first fat containing layer is applied onto the surface of the food portion and the layer frozen as a first gravy layer, and a second layer of a fat-free liquid is applied onto the first layer and the second layer frozen to inhibiting oxidation of the first layer.

Abstract: A finger-food snack containing from about 8 to 16% of whole milk solids and being in the form of a body, obtainable by cooking-extrusion-expansion of a cereal based mixture, that is coated with a sugar based slurry.

Abstract: The product, formed essentially as a praline, comprises a shell which encloses a creamy filing with very low viscosity, possibly enhanced by a nut. The shell which is coated by one or more coating layers, possibly with the addition of a sprinkled substance and decorative element, is constituted by two half-shells, coupled face to face. One of the half-shells is made of a moldable fat-containing substance such as chocolate, whereas the other half-shell is made of wafer. The contribution of the half-shell made of a moldable substance to the weight of the shell is preferably greatly predominant in comparison with the corresponding contribution of the wafer half-shell.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method for applying sugarfree hard coatings to cores consisting of edible, chewable or pharmaceutical components. The present invention discloses a process for coating cores wherein the sorbitol syrup is applied to a rotating mass of cores and then at least one other of the selected polyols is added in a crystalline form. The coated cores are dried and the process is repeated until a coating of the desired thickness and composition is obtained. The crunchiness of the coatings according to the process of this invention is at least comparable to that obtained with sucrose.

Abstract: In cooler used for coating a product such as food with a uniform layer of a liquid coating material, the mass of the product is measured either in the cooling chamber or just before it is introduced into the cooling chamber; the mass of a liquid cryogen which will suffice, when introduced into the cooling chamber and into contact with the product, to reduce the temperature of the mass of product to a first predetermined temperature below the melting point temperature of the coating material is calculated; the introduction of the calculated mass of liquid cryogen into the cooling chamber is controlled and the product is thereby cooled to the first predetermined temperature prior to application of a predetermined mass of coating material onto the cooled product to provide a coating thereon.

Abstract: A method of making a coated ball-shaped frozen dessert product in which an ice cream mix is coated around a center material. The method includes charging an edible center material into a rotary kettle, spraying an ice cream mix which has been adjusted to a temperature of -15.degree. C. to -35.degree. C. into the rotary kettle (the rotary kettle being at a temperature of -35.degree. C. to -15.degree. C.), while concomitantly feeding cooling air at a temperature of -15.degree. C. or below and coating the ice cream mix around the edible center material. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a spherical and spheroidal three-dimensional product can be efficiently produced. The frozen dessert product is free from any undesirable taste and does not contain needle holes or surface damage.

Abstract: Weather-resistant protein supplement feeds for animals and methods of making same are disclosed. A trace mineral premix in the form of free-flowing granules is produced in a series of steps comprising (1) mixing a liquid binder with a relatively coarse granular feed ingredient to provide damp binder-coated cores, (2) while damp, the binder-coated cores are mixed with a trace mineral base mix, (3) the cores with their outer layers of trace minerals are mixed with substances which impart water-resistant sheaths thereto, and (4) dusting powder is applied to complete the formation of trace mineral premix granules. The premix granules are mixed with coarse granular macromineral feed ingredients, iron oxide, liquids including a water-resistant coating solution, and one or more of a proteinaceous ingredient to form weather-resistant protein supplement feed granules.

Abstract: Processed meat is prepared by impregnating raw meat with a solution of a salt and a solution of an alkali in a concentration of 1.0 mole to 7.0 mole or a solution containing the salt and the alkali or by physically applying external force to the meat in the salt solution and in the alkali solution in a concentration of 0.1 mole to 4.0 mole or in a solution containing the salt and the alkali or while injecting the meat with the salt solution and in the alkali solution in a concentration of 0.1 mole to 4.0 mole or in a solution containing the salt and the alkali.

Abstract: Preservative compositions using toxicologically acceptable ingredients, and employing a pH of 9.0 or above for at least part of the process, for controlling the growth of spoilage bacteria and for preventing unwanted color changes in fresh and processed mushrooms. Aqueous solutions of preservatives are prepared and applied in multiple stages to the mushrooms, by spraying or immersion. More specifically, disclosed is a method for preserving fresh and processed mushrooms, comprising the steps of: contacting the mushrooms with an antimicrobial buffer solution having a pH of from about 9.5 to about 11.0; and rinsing the mushrooms one or more times immediately after the contacting step with pH-neutralizing buffer solutions of erythorbic acid and sodium erythorbate, in ratios of about 1:4, with a sufficient pH to return the mushrooms to the mushroom physiological pH of about 6.5.

Abstract: Particles which provide a foodstuff binding agent which is dispersible in hot water and hot milk have a farinaceous or proteinaceous material core, an emulsifier coating layer about the core and a fat coating layer about the emulsifier layer, the emulsifier being, in particular, a phospholipid or a sucroglyceride and the fat being one which has a melting point of above 35.degree. C. The particles are prepared by dissolving an emulsifier in an apolar lipid composition, including a liquid oil, and spraying the lipid composition containing the emulsifier onto farinaceous and/or protein particles to coat the particles and thereafter, (a) melting an edible fat and spraying the melted fat onto the coated particles to coat the emulsifier-coated particles with the fat or and then, cooling the twice-coated particles, or (b) combining a ground particulate fat with the coated particles and coating the coated particles with the fat in the solid state.

Abstract: An novel egg holder is claimed. The egg holder is used in combination with a tray and dye containing liquid for coloring eggs.

Abstract: Breakfast cereal products coated with a cold-water-soluble coating made from milk solids or high protein, vitamins, and mineral supplement powders adhering to the surface of the cereal via an adhesive or conditions making the surface of the cereal adherent are described. The cereal itself may contain in its basic recipe milk solids, fibers, sugars, fats and carbohydrates, various proteins and minerals, thus classifying the basic cereal formula as a high energy and/or high protein and/or high fiber cereal product, which may be fortified with other essential minerals and vitamins used commonly as dietary supplements. This product is processed in a manner so that a coating is applied composed of such products which remain soluble in cold water at the time of consumption, even after drying and eliminates the need for liquid milk requiring only tap water to generate a similar taste, color, and texture, as well as mouth sensation, at the time of consumption of the cereal.

Abstract: A process for producing a frozen fat-free chopped and formed potato product. The process entails peeling potatoes, cutting the peeled potatoes into potato pieces, and blanching the cut pieces. The cut pieces are then partially blended to produce a mixture of potato bits and paste. A hydrocolloid fat substitute, such as a cultured skim milk powder stabilized with additional hydrocolloids, is introduced to the partially blended potato mixture, preferably at a level of 2 to 5% by weight. The potato pieces and hydrocolloid fat substitute are then further blended, and are then extruded into a formed fat substituted potato product. The formed potato product is then dusted with a wheat flour, precaramelized saccharide, annatto, and seasoning powder composition. The dusted formed fat substituted potato product is then prebaked to form a crust on the product, which subsequently may be frozen and packaged for storage, transport and sale.

Abstract: Potato strips, which are cut from raw potatoes and blanched, are contacted with an aqueous solution containing one or more hydrocolloids to deposit a hydrocolloid layer on the surface of the strips. The potato strips preferably are partially dried before being contacted with an aqueous starch-based slurry to provide a starch-based batter coating over the hydrocolloid layer. The potato strips having the dual coating of a hydrocolloid and a batter are then parfried and frozen. When reconstituted by finish frying in hot oil, the resulting french fries have an extended holding quality, remaining crisp and tender for prolonged periods after finish frying.

Abstract: A new SPICY HOT CORN for providing a snack food. The inventive device includes red peppers, vinegar, salt garlic and chili powder cook with corn kernels to form a popcorn with a zesty flavor.

Abstract: A breaded food product having a piece of core food (e.g., fish, poultry, or vegetable) in an uncooked state, and a breaded coating system on the core food, the coating system comprising bread crumbs and fat, the product having at least 3% and no more than 8% by weight of fat (preferably less than 6%, most preferably less than 5.5%). A breaded food product is made by applying breading on an uncooked core food, and a starch overcoat film on the breading.

Abstract: A coated food product containing a non-starch containing coating composition is disclosed; the composition includes: 2 to 10% oligosaccharides, 3 to 12% soluble protein, 10-60% vegetable oil, 0 to 5% emulsifier, 13 to 85% water. The particular advantage of the use of this coating composition is that there is no longer the need to pre-fry the product prior to freezing, however a product is achieved having the desired pre-fried taste.

Abstract: A method of forming a food product that includes dehydrated food pieces coated with a preselected amount of edible particles. The method includes providing dehydrated food pieces having outer surfaces. Next, a fat is provided that is substantially solid at room temperature and substantially flowable at a temperature of at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The fat is preheated to a temperature which is at least hot enough to cause the fat to flow. Next, food pieces are coated on their outer surfaces with the flowable fat and are further coated with coating particles. The resulting coating is nonflowable even at temperatures which exceed a temperature which caused a majority of the fat without the particles to flow.

Abstract: A method of coating popcorn pieces is provided. According to one application of the method, an aqueous-based adhesive composition is applied to prepopped popcorn flake. Flavorant is then added in a preferred manner. In another application, a adhesive composition is applied to unpopped kernels with a follow up step of applying flavorant. Also a preferred, flavored, prepopped popcorn product is provided. Finally a preferred coated unpopped popcorn product, capable of being popped in a microwave oven in the absence of added oil or fat to advantage, is provided.