Abstract: Discrete entities of a solid suspension are made from a solid fat matrix and a non-fat solid substrate having an active associated with said substrate. These entities are spheroidal in shape, have uniform size and substantially the same active content due to the flash flow process used to make them. They are especially useful as delivery systems for comestibles, pharmaceuticals and personal products.

Abstract: Fully cooked, starchy foodstuffs, such as rice and pasta, are preserved against microbiological spoilage by treatment with a predetermined quantity of an edible acid. Packages of fully cooked starchy foodstuffs are provided which are shelf-stable for periods in excess of 6 months and are neutralized to a proper pH to avoid sourness. Ready-to-eat meals of neutralized acid preserved starchy foodstuffs are also provided. Edible alkaline neutralizing agents may be used to balance the pH. Also provided are methods for producing shelf-stable fully cooked, starchy foodstuffs wherein measured quantities of acid are introduced to fully cooked, starchy foodstuffs to inhibit microbiological growth.

Abstract: Ice confection and couverture are co-extruded with the ice confection from a first volume and supercooled couverture extruded from a second volume thermally separated from the central volume to contact a surface of the ice confection. Preferably the extrusion volumes have cylindrical geometry to provide a layer of couverture enveloping the ice confection.

Abstract: A process for adding fat to an extruded pet food composition using an under oil cutting process wherein the extrudate is simultaneously cut, infused with oil and dried to form food pellets.

Abstract: The adherence of coatings to frozen fat-based confections can be improved by applying a composition which includes a polysaccharide and a suitable carrier as an interface layer between a frozen fat-based confection and a coating.

Abstract: A coating of creamy material, for example chocolate, is applied by spraying by making the chocolate mass flow to a main nozzle surrounded by an auxiliary nozzle to which air is supplied under pressure. During the spraying, the chocolate mass cools and hardens.

Abstract: A double walled drum of concentric cylinders having end seals and insulation between the cylinders. The drum is open at both ends and rotates on its center longitudinal axis which is pitched from the horizontal with the entrance on the high side. Diameter restrictions at the entrance and discharge ends of the drum increase product residence time. Lifters at the entrance end discharge end push flexible strandular food subject to microbial spoilage such as strands of cooked pasta away from the entrance and out the discharge. Pins are mounted perpendicular to the inner cylinder wall and point to the central axis of the drum. Liquids such as acid and oil are sprayed onto the food in the drum from a spray bar or spray manifold. The pins continuously lift and separate the strands of food while it moves through the drum, and mix the liquid and product, resulting in a uniform coating. This process and apparatus produce a uniformly coated flexible strandular food such as spaghetti with minimal temperature loss.

Abstract: Improved chewing gums and methods for manufacturing same. A chewing gum is provided comprising an edible film having sufficient barrier properties to provide the chewing gum with increased moisture stability at ambient conditions than a chewing gum without the edible film, the edible film including at least one active chewing gum agent.

Abstract: A novel process for the preparation of food products comprising rapid total surface heating via high intensity short wave infra-red. A variety of food products can benefit from such a preparation, for example coated products, meat products and vegetables which are heat treated before packaging in order to seal the product and produce a crisp outer layer, those products are then further heated/cooked by the consumer before consumption.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating volatile aroma compounds in which an inert gas, such as carbon dioxide, is dissolved in an aromatized edible liquid, and the aromatized, gasified liquid is co-extruded with a molten carbohydrate material having a glass transition temperature of between 20.degree. C. and 80.degree. C. to provide a continuous stream having an outer shell of the carbohydrate material surrounding an inner core of the aromatized, gasified liquid. The continuous stream is extruded into a pressure chamber having a pressure higher than the internal pressure of the inert gas in the aromatized liquid core, and is maintained under such pressure until the carbohydrate shell has cooled to below the glass transition temperature to provide capsules having a shell of hardened amorphous carbohydrate glass surrounding an inner core of gasified, aromatized liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to coat an edible pellet with an edible coating composition having a melting temperature below that of the pellet. The method comprises forming a slurry of the pellets and the coating composition between the melting and set points of the coating composition. A rotatable member having a working surface is axially rotated. A stream of the slurry is directed to impinge on the working surface. Pellets coated with the edible coating are spun off of the working surface and cooled.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing chewing gum and the packaging of same is provided. To this end, a method for packaging at least one stick of chewing gum is provided comprising the steps of preparing a stick of chewing gum that includes a coating of an edible material that provides sufficient vapor barrier properties to provide the stick of chewing gum with a more stable moisture content at ambient conditions than a stick of chewing gum that does not include the coating, and wrapping the stick of chewing gum in a wrapper that does not include any metal foil material to create a wrapped stick of chewing gum. The sticks of chewing gum can then be packaged in a counterband.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of chocolate confectionery by entrapping a fatty cream with fine gas bubbles. The confectionery is manufactured by preparing a shell chocolate with open end in a mold, feeding under pressure a fine gas bubble entrapping fatty cream base into the shell chocolate through the opening to fill the shell, scraping off excessively charged fatty cream, solidifying the fatty cream in the shell, pouring a chocolate base on the solidified fatty cream to close the opening of the shell chocolate, scraping off excessively charged chocolate base, solidifying the chocolate base, and demolding the product. A stencil plate can be used, when the gas bubble entrapping fatty cream is charged into the shell of shell chocolate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for infusing dried fruits by coating the dried fruits with an edible humectant containing gel. This process provides novel infused products using a minimum of energy with a minimum of damage to the infused product while maintaining a maximum of flavor of the dried fruit.

Abstract: A method for preparing flavored unpopped popcorn kernels is disclosed involving dehydrating unpopped popcorn kernels to produce partially dehydrated kernels having retained sufficient moisture for popping and having an increased tendency to absorb an aqueous flavor liquid. Upon coating or soaking the kernels with flavor liquid and drying, popping of the kernels results in a flavored popcorn. The method provides for a low-fat or no-fat popcorn product.

Abstract: A process for packaging a product, particularly one with sharp protrusions, a composition for cushioning the sharp protrusions during packaging and a foamed material prepared therefore, the process including the steps of applying a foamed composition to the product to be packaged; and encasing the product in an outer package. The foamed material can be applied in liquid or semi-liquid form at a point-of-contact temperature less than about 130.degree. F. and solidifies substantially on contact. The foamed material is, preferably, applied selectively to cover the sharp protrusions and contains a chemical substrate containing a polymer having the general formula, a resin and a stabilizer. A suitable gas is encapsulated therein. The process, composition and foamed material have particular utility in the meat-packing industry.

Abstract: A coated vitamin C preparation for animal feed comprises a particulate core containing vitamin C and a coating material composed of one or more fine powdery lipids having a melting point of at least 40.degree. C. and containing vitamin E. The coating material is present as an agglomerated coating layer surrounding the entire circumference of each particle of the particulate core.The coated vitamin C preparation is produced by a process, which comprises a step of bringing particles of a particulate core containing vitamin C into colliding contact with particles of a coating material composed of one or more fine powdery lipids having a melting point of at least 40.degree. C. and containing vitamin E, so as to form a coating layer of agglomerated particles of the coating material surrounding the entire circumference of each particle of the core.The coated vitamin C preparation is useful as a supplement to feeds for animals, such as, livestock, poultry and marine animals, by admixing same with the feed.

Abstract: The process for treating deep-frozen vegetable foodstuffs, comprising the following steps in succession:preparation and deep-freezing of the vegetable matter;coating of the pieces of vegetable matter with a coating composition without water which is essentially composed of one or more vegetable fatty substance(s),chilling of the pieces of vegetable matter which have thus been coated to bring the coating composition into a solid and sufficiently hard state;packaging and storage of the pieces of vegetable matter which have thus been coated and deep-frozen.

Abstract: A bakery icing spreader includes an elongate spine or handle portion sized for ease of grasping by a baker. A plurality of tines depend in spaced relation and like direction from said handle and are sufficiently long and have sufficient surface area to retain icing thereon for a time after the tines are dipped in a bakery icing pan. The loaded spreader is then manually passed over pieces of bakery baked on batch-type trays and a stream of icing falls onto the bakery in any pattern manipulated by a user.

Abstract: A method for producing an improved food product comprising the steps of providing an unlayered, substantially-homogeneous mixture of previously popped popcorn and shredded cheese; heating the mixture to melt the cheese; cooling the mixture to form a cohesive mixture of cheese and popcorn; freezing the cohesive mixture to form a frozen mixture; and freeze-drying the frozen structure; and the resulting food product.

Abstract: Pack for containing foods made from a porous material, and having for sealing purposes on at least one part of an inner wall of the food pack at least two different fat-based impregnations, at least one of which is a first or prime coat and at least one other is a cover glaze or impermeable top glaze, wherein at least the cover glaze or impermeable top glaze is free from saccharose.

Abstract: A composition of matter and method for administering a bioactive substance to the post-rumen portion of the digestive system of a ruminant substantially without introducing the substance to the rumen portion of the digestive system is provided. The composition of matter comprises particles which have a specific gravity between about 0.3 and 2.0, preferably between about 1.0 and 2.0. The particles comprises a core comprising bioactive substance; a hydrophobic coating essentially completely encapsulating said core in a quantity sufficient to essentially preclude introduction of bioactive substance into the rumen; and a surfactant applied to the surface of the hydrophobic coating in a quantity sufficient to ensure that said particles do not float on the rumen. The method comprises orally administering this composition of matter to a ruminant.

Abstract: By adding lecithin and/or a surfactant having an HLB value of not greater than 6 either before or during the addition of a peptide sweetener to a heated and melted fat or oil, the problems of viscosity increase and gelation may be overcome even when the sweetener is added in large amounts and has a small particle size.

Abstract: There is disclosed a browning composition for uncooked foods comprising a colorant and a fat or an oil. Also disclosed is a process for imparting a brown color to cooked foods by using the composition of the present invention on foods cooked, for example, in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A coated chewing gum product with an emulsifier subcoat and method of producing the same are disclosed. Chewing gum centers are coated first by an emulsifier, preferably hydrated lecithin, and then by a hard coating, such as a sugar coating applied by conventional hard-panning techniques. Preferably a binder layer, such as gum arabic, is provided between the emulsifier subcoat and the hard-panned coating.

Abstract: Encapsulated corn kernels consisting essentially of kernels of corn suitable for popping coated over at least a portion of the outer surface thereof with an edible oleaginous substance or edible wax and thereover with an outer shell comprising an edible polymeric material and an anti-fragility and palatability enhancer; the process of making such encapsulated kernel; and microwaveable pop corn products consisting essentially of the encapsulated corn kernels in a microwaveable package.

Abstract: The present inventive composition concerns a composite delivery system having a substantially hydrophobic exterior comprising:(a) an agglomerated mixture of a core material selected from the group consisting of sweeteners, flavoring agents and mixtures thereof and a matrix wherein the matrix comprises:(i) about 0.5% to about 20% fat soluble lecithin;(ii) about 65% to about 90% of an edible material having a melting point in the range of about 25.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. selected from the group consisting of (a) a fatty acid having an iodine value of about 1 to about 10; (b) natural waxes; (c) synthetic waxes; and (d) mixtures thereof,(b) about 0.5% to about 20% of a glyceride; and(c) a silicone based anti-foaming agent in a concentration of about 0.001% to about 0.5%; said composite having a melting point in the range of about 20.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C.

Abstract: Described is a chewing gum comprising a chewing gum base having dispersed therein, separately, a multiplicity of sweetener bearing polymeric particles and/or flavor-bearing polymeric particles, said polymeric particles further comprising:(a) at least one water-soluble normally solid polymer;(b) at least one water-insoluble normally solid polymer;(c) and either(i) at least one flavor composition a substantial portion of which is incorporated in the water-insoluble polymer and a substantial portion of which is incorporated in the water-soluble polymer; and/or(ii) at least one sweetener composition a substantial portion of which is incorporated in the water-insoluble polymer and a substantial portion of which is incorporated in the water-soluble polymer;the water-soluble polymer and the water-insoluble polymer being physically associated with each other associated in such a manner that one is in the form of a multiplicity of discrete entities in a matrix of the other.

Abstract: A coating is prepared from a composition of fat, selected polyols, and emulsifier. The coating cooled in the normal enrobing process provides a coated product in which the coating resists the onset of blooming and resists melting at elevated temperatures, while still exhibiting desirable mouth feel and melting properties when the product is consumed. The coating includes a structured fat emulsion that is a polyol-in-fat emulsion which is stable and consistent enough to be distributed as a bulk fat component.

Abstract: The adherence of coatings to frozen fat-based confections can be improved by applying a composition which includes a polysaccharide and a suitable carrier as an interface layer between a frozen fat-based confection and a coating.

Abstract: Novel controlled release flowable flavoring powders and processes and apparatus for preparing and using such agents, the processes comprising heating a high melting point encapsulating or enrobing material, such as a fat and/or wax and one or more emulsifiers to melt this starting material; mixing one or more water-containing flavor compositions with a texture conditioning agent; mixing the flavor compositions and texture conditioning agent(s) with the molten fat or wax to obtain a homogeneous mixture in the form of an emulsion; and chilling the flavor composition-containing mixture to provide discrete particles of solid encapsulated flavoring agent, together with the products so produced and methods for using same.

Abstract: A container of ingredients for an iced bakery good, and a method of icing a bakery good. The container comprises a first compartment which can hold batter or dough which can be frozen or cooled, and can hold the batter or dough during baking, or can also hold a prebaked bakery good. A second compartment is removably attached to the first compartment and has a layer of icing, which can be frozen or cooled, on a surface thereof. After baking the batter or dough in the batter compartment, or heating the pre-baked good, to form an uniced bakery good, the bakery good can be iced by orienting the second compartment over the first compartment with the layer of icing facing a surface of the uniced bakery good. Heat rises from the baked good and heats the icing. The icing separates substantially from the suface of the second compartment and coats a substantial portion of the bakery good surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a food product comprising the steps of providing a base layer of cheese; covering the base with a layer of previously popped popcorn; adding a second layer of cheese on top of and in the interstices of the popcorn layer; heating to melt the cheese and to bond the second layer of cheese and popcorn to the base, thereby forming a structure having a plurality of layers; freezing the structure to form a frozen structure; and freeze-drying the frozen structure; and the resulting food product.

Abstract: A chewing gum base composition containing elastomer polyvinyl acetate having a medium molecular weight of about 35,000 to 50,000; acetylated monoglyceride; fat having a melting point below about 65.degree.C.; and remaining amounts of filler material; a chewing gum composition containing the same; and an extended flavor release gum product.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for preparing a stable sweetening agent delivery system which comprises the steps of (A) providing the following ingredients in percentages by weight of the sweetening agent delivery system (a) at least one solid natural or artificial high intensity sweetening agent present in an amount from about 0.01% to about 50%, (b) an emulsifying agent present in an amount from about 0.

Abstract: A butter dispensing unit is provided for use with a hot air popcorn popper having an exit chute. The unit consists of a perforated housing for holding butter therein and a structure for removably disposing the perforated housing at the front of the exit chute of the popcorn popper. Hot air coming out of the exit chute will melt the butter in the perforated housing and mix with the popcorn also coming out of the exit chute.

Abstract: A delivery system for one or more sweeteners offers enhanced up front sweetness intensity in combination with prolonged sweetness duration, and improved protection and stability of the active. The delivery system comprises a first high intensity sweetener encapsulated in a first core coating, and a second outer hydrophilic coating containing up to the solubility limit of the second coating of a second sweetener. The resulting delivery system may be incorporated into a variety of comestible products including chewing gums and other confections, baked goods, oral pharmaceuticals and oral hygiene preparations.

Abstract: Gradual release structures for the release of active agents in chewing gum and a process for making such structures are provided. The gradual release structures are formed by meltspinning techniques and comprise an active agent and a wall material.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an enclosed tank for containing fat. The bottom wall is cone shaped and at the lower end of the cone is an outlet opening. A valve is placed in the opening to permit fluid to be added to or drained from the tank. A heater element is placed in the bottom of the tank or immediately below the bottom of the wall of the tank and can be an electrical heated element, a helical tube containing steam or hot water, or a gas powered infrared heater. A circulation system permits the removal of fat from the bottom of the tank and the recirculating of the fat to the upper portion of the tank. A valve within the recirculation system permits the fat to be pumped to a spray nozzle where it can be sprayed onto a feed mixture for animals.

Abstract: Food coating compositions, e.g., sauces, are disclosed which impart desirable brown color and crisp texture to the surface of microwave-cooked foods. These sauces comprise a substantially water-immiscible liquid having dispersed therein effective amounts of a coagulant, and foodstuff which is grindable and exhibits crispness when substantially dehydrated and which has a low affinity for said water-immiscible liquid.

Abstract: A coated dried fruit piece is prepared by applying a coating of a melted fat or oil followed by a dusting of a dry particulate coating. The steps may be repeated as desired to build a coating of a desired thickness. The dry particulate coating includes a cereal component, such as wheat germ or shredded wheat fines, a sweetener and preferably a nut meal. The cereal component has a particle size sufficiently large to form a coating with crunchy particulates over the soft dried fruit. The particle size of the cereal component is sufficiently small to ensure the particles will adhere to the dried fruit pieces.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing a chewing gum with a zein coated delayed release high-potency sweetener. In accordance with the invention, the zein coating is modified so as to be softer so that the sweetener particles are less crunchy and perceptible in the chewing gum. The process beings by mixing a quantity of zein, solvent for the zein, and a water soluble modified cellulose compound, such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, together to form a modified zein solution. The amount of the inclusion material is preferably about 5 to about 40 percent by weight of the zein. This modified zein solution is applied to a high-potency sweetener and then dried to produce the delayed release sweetener particles. These particles are then added to a chewing gum formulation.

Abstract: A process for making candy coated snack foods comprising popping corn kernels in a microwave oven and melting a candy bar of specified formulation and dimension over the popped corn. Specific moisture, shortening and emulsifier content assure satisfactory melt characteristics of the candy bar when subjected to microwave heating.

Abstract: A method of making a tortilla cone with a closed apex, and including a kit to help facilitate the operation so that a large number of tortilla cones may be formed and cooked at one time. The kit and method of using it includes a set of cone forming molds each consisting of a pliable metallic conical body having an overlapping convex surface about which a tortilla patty having a tear shape may be positioned and wrapped in cone from so as to close the come form at its apex. The method of using the kit includes using a first mold as a female receptacle and using a second mold as both a female and male receptacle to wrap a tortilla patty to the mold and secure the same between the two molds.

Abstract: A mass of cheese which is not mature or only slightly mature, and excluding processed cheese, is provided with a semi-permeable outer envelope wherein the envelope is a food gel selected to regulate the exchange of elements such as enzymes, ions, gas, salts and amino acids between the interior and exterior of the mass of cheese for the purpose of obtaining controlled maturing of the cheese product and prolonging its life.

Abstract: A process or method for packaging an edible food product, particularly one having at least one bag puncturing surface such as a sharp protrusion, for cushioning the bag puncturing surface during packaging and shipping. The process includes the steps of selectively applying a foamed composition to the bag puncturing surface of the product to be packaged and encasing the product in an outer package or bag. The foamed material can be applied in liquid or semiliquid form at a point-of contact temperature less than about 130.degree. F. and solidifies substantially on contact. The foamed material contains a chemical substrate which includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate and mixtures thereof having a molecular weight between about 1,800 and 25,000 molecular weight units, a resin and a stabilizer. A suitable gas is encapsulated within the chemical substrate. The process has particular utility in the meat-packing industry.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making chewing gum with a wax-coated delayed release ingredient. According to the method, a quantity of a powdered ingredient, such as a high-potency sweetener, is heated and mixed with a quantity of molten wax, such as a polyethylene wax. Preferably, the quantity of wax is limited so as to produce a damp mix which is characterized as being dust-free, non-flowing and crumbly. The damp mixture is then cooled in order to solidify. The cooled mix is then treated, e.g. by grinding and/or screening, to produce the desired particle size range in the coated ingredient particles.

Abstract: The present invention teaches sweetening a comestible such as a ready-to-eat cereal with a coating comprising a sweetening syrup having from 9% to 85% by weight reducing sugars and a pectin solution. The present invention also teaches a method for sweetening a comestible with a sweetening syrup comprising forming a mixture of sweetening syrup and a pectin solution and coating said mixture onto the surface of the comestible and drying same to a desired moisture content for packaging.

Abstract: Encapsulated corn kernels consisting essentially of a kernels of corn suitable for popping coated over at least a portion of the outer surface thereof with an edible oleaginous substance or edible wax and thereover with an outer shell of an edible polymer. The process of making such encapsulated kernel; and microwaveable corn products consisting essentially of the encapsulated corn kernels in a microwaveable package.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil or fat coated substance comprising a core material coated with a mixture comprising a solid fat and an edible wax.