Abstract: The present invention relates to reduced sugar-content sugar-coated ready-to-eat (RTE) cereals and methods of their preparation. The RTE cereal has a sugar coating comprising from about 56% to about 70% sugar and from about 16% to about 28% maltodextrin. A method of preparing a reduced sugar-content sugar-coated RTE cereal includes providing a cereal base and forming a coating over the cereal base, the coating comprising on a dry weight basis from about 56% to about 70% sugar and from about 16% to about 28% maltodextrin. The coating may also include a fruit flavor and an acidulant. The method may also include drying the coated cereal and actively cooling the dried cereal below the coatings glass transition temperature while agitating the cereal so that the cooled RTE cereal does not form agglomerations of RTE cereal that do not break apart during packaging.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions for flat icings. The compositions comprises a gum system comprising Gum Arabic, carboxymethylcellulose and optionally, Gellan gum. The composition can be used as a flat icing for baked products such as doughnuts. Also provided is a method for using the composition as a flat icing and as a glaze.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a stable lactate metal salt in powder form, the product of said preparation, functional pre-mixes for foodstuff comprising said stable, lactate metal salt powder, and foodstuffs comprising said stable lactate metal salt powder. In the method according to the invention, a concentrate that contains lactate metal salt is processed, with cooling, in a mixer/extruder to form a powder of the lactate metal salt and subsequently the powder of the lactate metal salt is partially encapsulated by means of an encapsulating agent. According to the invention the alkali metal lactates in powder form are storage stable for at least one year.

Abstract: Improved coatings and methods for manufacturing coated confectionary or chewing gum products are provided. Polyol coatings can be formed while polyols are in a molten state. Trehalose can also be used to form coatings on a confection or chewing gum by applying the trehalose while in a molten state.

Abstract: Capsules made of gellan gum and a polyvalent salt and having various flavors and colors are provided in a flexible gelatin and carragheenan gel, of which the appearance differs from that of ordinary gelatin, by suspending the capsules having various flavors and colors in a gel medium by adjusting the process variables and formulation to prevent color and flavor migration into the gel medium.

Abstract: A three-phase center-filled gum or bubble gum candy lollipop product. An extruded gum or bubble gum material has a semi-liquid center-fill material added to it in a batch forming mechanism simultaneously with the formation of an exterior candy shell. The three-phase rope of material is formed into lollipop candy members in a forming machine and lollipop sticks are inserted into them. The formed lollipop products are then cooled, tumbled and prepared for further processing.

Abstract: A process and device is provided for coating a formed rod or pellet of shortening with a layer of shortening having a higher melting point to prevent agglomeration of the shortening pellets during storage and transportation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an edible film and film solution comprising incorporated organic acids; protein and glycerol useful for coating raw whole fruit, fresh cut fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, cereals, nuts, etc. Moreover, the edible films of the present invention can inhibit pathogen growth including Listeria monocytogens, Salmonella gaminara and E. coli 0157:H7. In a preferred embodiment, the edible film comprises 0.9% glycerol; 10% soy protein; and 2.6% malic acid. The present invention also provides a method for coating comestible products with edible films without masking the color but increasing the shelf-life.

Abstract: An edible product such as a unit dosage form of a pharmaceutically active substance includes a layer of a material that can receive and retain a high resolution microrelief that can convey information. The microrelief is themo-formable, preferably formed from an aqueous solution of HPMC and/or HPC plus a plasticizer and colorant. Other additives such as strengtheners, surfactants and adherents may be used depending on the application. The materials are selected and proportioned to control the fading or change in color of the visual image or effect produced by the relief to indicate exposure to an unacceptable degree of heat or humidity. The dosage form can be the relief-containing layer itself with the pharmaceutical carried therein. In a preferred form, the layer is an outer coating over a core containing the pharmaceutically active substance. Coated tablets are configured to resist twinning.

Abstract: A method of preparing smoke-impregnated tubular casings is described. The process comprises: (a) providing a tubular casing having interior and exterior surfaces, the tubular casing being selected from cellulose fiber tubular casings and synthetic tubular casings, and the tubular casing being suitable for encasing food fillings having a form selected from one of liquid and paste; (b) applying to the interior surface of the tubular casing a mixture comprising, (i) liquid smoke, (ii) browning agents, and (iii) optionally water; (c) allowing the mixture to remain in contact with the interior surface of the tubular casing for at least 5 days; and (d) optionally shirring and watering the mixture treated casing. The smoke-impregnated tubular casings prepared in accordance with the method of the present invention are suitable for liquid or paste-like food fillings, such as sausagemeat emulsions.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus (1) that may be used for providing ice lollies (2) with a coating from a dipping container (4). The coating mix (3) comprises almond flakes (16) and fluid chocolate (10) which is inserted in a third area (38). Displacement bodies (25) are lifted and lowered into first areas (28) while the ice lolly (2) is lowered in a central second area (20). The lowering occurs when the displacement means are completely down whereby a well-defined surface level (23) is achieved by using level plates (21). The movement of the displacement means (25) creates sufficient stirring and flow in flow ducts (36, 43) in order to ensure homogenisation of the coating mix (3) situated in the central second area (20) where the ice lollies (2) are coated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a chocolate-flavored confectionery which consists in coating at least a particle with alternative layers of fats and powders comprising cocoa.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of preparing solid flakes of fats and emulsifiers having a Solid Content index or a Solids Fat Index which is below the Agglomeration Boundary is provided utilizing a generally flat, cold plate to solidify the fat or emulsifier and a method which allows the application of a coating to the flake to assist in avoiding loss of flake separation and to maintain pourability of the flaked product.

Abstract: The inventive method for producing an iced food product that comprises of depositing a mixture containing water and a polyol on the inner face of a mold and arranging a substance which constitutes the food product in contact with the mixture in the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of preparing solid flakes of fats and emulsifiers is provided utilizing a generally flat, cold plate to solidify the fat or emulsifier.

Abstract: Coatings for bakery/confectionery use and coated cakes or breads. These coatings have transparency like glaze, and appearance and crispiness like fondant, and suffer from neither stickiness nor sugar-sagging with the passage of time after coating. Coatings for bakery/confectionery use comprising fat and sugar as the main components and containing coarse grains of non-fat components having a grain size of 50 ?m or more; and a process for producing a coating for bakery/confectionery use characterized by heating materials, which comprise fat and sugar as the main components and contain coarse grains of non-fat components having a grain size of 50 ?m or more, to the melting temperature of the fat or above and solidifying the same substantially without pulverizing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating hams is provided. Sugar is uniformly dispensed on an inclined plate that is heated to melt the sugar. The sugar flows into a reservoir from which it is poured onto hams passing below the reservoir on a conveyor. Spices are poured onto the melted sugar that sticks to the ham to form a glaze. Jets of water can cool the glaze to increase retention on the ham. The process can be repeated.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for providing controlled protection for hygroscopic ingredients that will be exposed to moist or humid environments for significant periods of time by encapsulating the hygroscopic ingredients with a controlled-protection lipid coating. The methods and compositions are particularly useful for stabilizing a hygroscopic bioactive substance, such as choline chloride or lysine hydrochloride, in an animal feed composition and also providing adequate rumen protection in ruminant feeds.

Abstract: The present invention describes aromatized particles containing aromatized vegetable oil contained within a shell of a water soluble encapsulant such that upon dissolution with hot water a burst of aroma will be released. The process to produce the aromatized particles is also set forth.

Abstract: A coating such as liquid milk chocolate is applied to articles such as confectionery bars. The bars are conveyed by conveyor under a curtain of liquid chocolate issuing through an outlet slot in a trough. A layer of air is caused to flow through the outlet slot in the trough so as to modify the flow characteristics of the curtain. The layer of air permits a curtain of even thickness to be achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating hams is provided. Sugar is uniformly dispensed on an inclined plate that is heated to melt the sugar. The sugar flows into a reservoir from which it is poured onto hams passing below the reservoir on a conveyor. Spices are poured onto the melted sugar that sticks to the ham to form a glaze. Jets of water can cool the glaze to increase retention on the ham. The process can be repeated.

Abstract: A method for producing an additive for bread including adding charcoal to rice bran, a water elimination process, which eliminates water by roasting or drying the rice bran and an oil-fat coating process by adding an oil-fat to a dried rice bran and mixing therewith, such process covering a surface of the dried rice bran. Therefore, the smell and bitterness derived from the rice bran is prevented.

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: An oven-stable edible moisture barrier for food products is provided. This oven-stable moisture barrier is useful in preventing moisture migration within a multi-component food product between components having different water activities even when the multi-component food product is exposed to elevated temperatures. The oven-stable edible moisture barrier of this invention is formed from a composition comprising an edible, low melting oil having a melting point of about 35° C. or lower and an edible, high melting fat having a melting point of about 70° C. or higher, wherein the edible, low melting oil and the edible, high melting fat are co-micromilled at a temperature above the melting point of the edible, low melting oil but below the melting point of the edible, high melting fat to form a cream-type mixture. This composition has unique thermal and mechanical properties that makes it ideal as an edible moisture barrier for use in food products, especially for baking applications.

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: Methods of making chocolates that minimize the dramatic increases in viscosity typically associated with tempered chocolate. The invention also relates to the ability to process chocolates at higher temperatures without the need to temper at low temperatures.

Abstract: An improved method of adding food-additive ingredients to a food product, particularly a reduced fat fried snack product, and an ingredient suspension containing a flowable edible, preferably a nondigestible fat, and food-additive ingredients. The method consists of suspending the encapsulated or powdered ingredients in the flowable edible fat, and applying the suspension in a controlled amount to the surface of a food product. The preferred food product is a fabricated reduced fat or fat-free potato chip which is a fried snack made by frying a dough in a nondigestible fat to a moisture content of less than 5%. The ingredient suspension is applied to the surface of the fried snack soon after emerging from the fryer. The food product has a light, crispy, improved crunchy texture, improved flavor and a fat content of from about 20% to about 38% nondigestible fat, and is fortified with food-additive ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method for making and an apparatus for applying a chocolate coating to a confectionery to produce a confectionary with a laced appearing coating. The laced appearing coating preferably includes more than one type of chocolate, preferably two types of chocolate. Advantageously, the laced appearing coating is formed from two layers of chocolate, a foundation chocolate layer and a laced chocolate layer, thus giving the laced 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: Coated confectionery is formed by introducing pieces of a first confectionery material into recesses in one of a pair of cooled rollers. These are carried around by contra-rotation of the rollers to a nip where chocolate or the like is introduced into the nip to coat the pieces so as to produce the coated confectionery.

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: The invention relates to a method for the production of two-component ice cream, in which a core of ice cream, the surface of which is cooled to at least about −15° C., is dipped into a fat-containing coating solution, in order to form a coating layer, and to the two-component ice cream which can be obtained with the method. Thereby, the fat content of the coating solution should be at least about 10%.

Abstract: A multi-layer food composition packaged in a container has a layer of a sterilized fat-containing composition, such as a chocolate, on a heat-treated component, such as a mousse, a creme, a jelly and/or a sauce, and a heat-treated component may be positioned on the fat-containing composition layer. The heat-treated food component has a Bostwick viscosity less than 8 cm, and the fat-containing composition layer has a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. The food component and sterilized fat-containing composition are introduced into the container under ultrahygienic or aseptic conditions, and after introduction of a heat-treated food component into the container, the fat-containing composition is sprayed under pressure onto the component.

Abstract: A decorative food formed of a plurality of kinds of fluid food materials and manufactured by using a mold is provided. The decorative food has an outside shape thereof conforming to an interior surface of the mold inclusive of an opening of said mold. The decorative food has a colored pattern divided into multiple divisions extending up to a central portion of the decorative food, in a direction to extrude the food materials into the mold, the colored pattern being formed such that the multiple divisions are arranged with substantially the same ratio at any of a cross sectional area intersecting the direction to extrude the food materials, and wherein the decorative food contains therein a foodstuff. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for manufacturing the decorative food.

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: Techniques for melting and forming aerosols from solid CIPC are disclosed. Solid CIPC in block form is convenient to ship and to handle. Solid CIPC in block form appears to have a consistency of solid paraffin wax. Solid CIPC is melted by controlled techniques to form a substantially pure liquid stream of CIPC. The molten or liquid stream of CIPC is converted to an aerosol of CIPC either by a pressurized, hot air stream or by a combustion gas stream.

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: A process for coating nuts which comprises immersing the nuts in a molten edible material which is solid at ambient temperature to coat the nuts with molten edible material, separating the excess molten edible material and then cooling the coated nuts to solidify the molten edible material.

Abstract: Techniques for melting and forming aerosols from solid CIPC are disclosed. Solid CIPC in block form is convenient to ship and to handle. Solid CIPC in block form appears to have a consistency of solid paraffin wax. Solid CIPC is melted by controlled techniques to form a substantially pure liquid stream of CIPC. The molten or liquid stream of CIPC is converted to an aerosol of CIPC either by a pressurized, hot air stream or by a combustion gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the solidification rate of a fat-based confection and to a fat-based confection product wherein the improvement comprises 0.1 to 2.0% insoluble fiber by weight effective for increasing the rate of solidification of the product.

Abstract: A meltable food product for applying seasonings to food, or serving as a sauce for food, is disclosed. The product is designed to apply seasonings to food when it melts, which occurs as the food is cooked. The product has a gel-like consistency and is comprised of water, a solidifying agent, a food base, and seasonings embedded in the product. Methods for making and using the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed where plastic extrudable food product is provided such as by a food cooker extruder and is mixed with an additive to form a patterned food product, such as by a pattern forming die. The cross-sectional area of the patterned food product is reduced from an inlet end to an outlet end by a factor of at least 50:1 at an average convergence angle of <45.degree. while maintaining the cross-sectional pattern to form a reduced cross-sectional patterned dough, and then is extruded through a die port having an opening equal to the reduced cross-sectional area to form a complexly patterned extrudate.

Abstract: Articles of frozen confectionery which effervesce upon consumption contain frozen granitas and effervescent reagents. In one embodiment, first and second frozen granitas which contain differing effervescent reagents, where the reagents, in aqueous solution, react to produce carbon dioxide, are prepared and then admixed. In another embodiment, frozen granitas are admixed with a dry mix of effervescent reagents where the reagents, in aqueous soltuion, react to produce carbon dioxide. In either embodiment, the admixture is metered into a mold and tamped to obtain an article which also may include a shell or coating.

Abstract: There is disclosed an oily composition for inhibiting moisture migration in frozen food which includes 1- or 3-saturated diunsaturated triglycerides (SUU) and 2-unsaturated disaturated triglycerides (SUS) in a total amount thereof of at least 40% by weight based on the total weight of oil-and-fat ingredient of said composition and the weight ratio of SUU to SUS is 0.3 to 3.0 times. A frozen food including the above oily composition provided between a low moisture content-ingredient and a high-moisture content-ingredient is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a sugar coated R-T-E cereal product. The method comprises the steps of applying a high moisture sugar slurry to a wet cereal base to form a slurry coated wet cereal base and thereafter toasting the slurry coated wet cereal base under conditions of, for at least a portion of the drying step, elevated temperature (>250.degree. F., 121.degree. C.), e.g., toasting to form the sugar coated R-T-E cereal. By applying the diluted slurry to the wet cereal base and then toasting, the conventional final slurry drying step is eliminated. Also, the sugar coated cereal exhibits superior flavor and crispness in milk resulting from the formation of a "crust" layer in the R-T-E cereal piece. The R-T-E cereal exhibits improved shelf life compared to an uncoated R-T-E cereal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus that achieves improvements in weight recovery ratio and processing capability in the separation of a protein-rich component from brewer's spent grain (BSG), without reducing the protein content in the protein-rich product, and thus makes it possible to reuse BSG as an inexpensive, but superior, protein-rich resource. Brewer's spent grain in a wet state is supplied to a roll mill having a pair of rolls provided with cutting edges and rotating at a predetermined rotational speed ratio, whereby the protein-rich product of the BSG is crushed and peeled from the husk component.

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: Disclosed are microwave popcorn articles which upon microwave heating provide popcorn of reduced fat content, better fat distribution and improved taste as well as methods for the preparation of such articles. The articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag and an improved popcorn/fat charge. In addition to unpopped popcorn kernels and fat, the charge further essentially includes minor amounts of salt, color and/or flavors. The present method involves the spraying of a fat/salt slurry at the same time as and at an angle to a falling cascade of unpopped popcorn kernels as they are charged to the upper open end of the microwave popcorn bag. The angle of the fat/salt spray is such as to intersect with the falling popcorn cascade within the popcorn bag below the top seal area. By applying the fat/salt slurry to a falling cascade of unpopped popcorn kernels during bag filling, improved distribution of the slurry over the popcorn is achieved.

Abstract: A composition for use as a substitute for petrolatum and for surface treatment of confectionery, food products and surfaces which get in contact therewith as well as for external treatment of animals and plants comprises (a) oxidation resistant glyceride oil and/or liquid wax, (b) solid wax, which may be omitted if (a) comprises liquid wax, (c) structuring fat, and optionally (d) additions selected from crystallization inhibitors, hydrolysis inhibitors, food product ingredients, additives to food products, diet supplements, bioactive substances, cosmetic ingredients, pigments, and solvents. The combination of oxidation resistant glyceride oil, wax and structuring fat provides a composition with a semi-transparent, petrolatum-like structure having a high taste and smell stability, good gloss and anti-sticking effect, regulated adhesion and a very fine crystal structure.

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.