Abstract: A pet chew may be manufactured by co-extruding multiple compositions to form a layered construction. Separate extruders may be provided to tailor processing conditions to heat and/or shear sensitive compositions, such as nutritional additives, and the respective extrudates may be combined such that relatively higher levels of nutritional compositions may be provided as an outer layer.

Abstract: The invention provides for the use of a texture modifying agent added to nutritionally enhanced pasta dough, such as pasta dough with high levels of protein, so that a pasta product can be produced with a quality similar to that of conventional pasta. The texture modifying agent, which preferably includes an enzyme, permits the nutritionally enhanced pasta dough to be extruded in conventional pasta manufacturing equipment and to form a pasta product with a texture similar to typical semolina-based pasta.

Abstract: A decorating pen particularly useful for decorating cakes, pastries and other food items provides a reservoir containing a decorating material, a nozzle attached to the reservoir, a housing which holds the reservoir and a compression member pivotally attached to the housing member. A user holds the decorating pen in a fashion similar to a standard writing pen or pencil and squeezes the housing and compression member together to extrude the decorating material from the reservoir through the nozzle to write, draw, or color with the decorating pen.

Abstract: An extrusion process is disclosed for turning vegetable protein compositions such as soy protein into a fibrous, meat-like structure. The process involves the application of relatively high moisture contents. An open structure is produced that can be infused with water so as to influence the product's tenderness. The products of the invention can be provide with a fibrosity and tenderness at will. The invention offers the possibility to include relatively high amounts of fat in the product.

Abstract: An apparatus for making cheese including a whey conduit, a milk conduit, and a heat exchange device between the whey conduit and the milk conduit. Preferably, the heat exchange device includes a heat transfer circuit including a heat transfer conduit, heat transfer medium in the heat transfer conduit, a whey heat exchanger between the whey conduit and the heat transfer conduit, and a milk heat exchanger between the heat transfer conduit and the milk conduit. A thermal storage device can be in thermal contact with the heat exchange device to allow heat energy from the whey to be accumulated and stored for future use in heating incoming milk. The thermal storage device includes a thermal storage conduit, a thermal storage heat exchanger between the heat exchange device and the thermal storage conduit, thermal storage medium in the thermal storage conduit, and a thermal storage tank.

Abstract: Pet treats and chews that have been aerated during their production by a supercritical fluid are provided. The aeration process results in pet treats and chews that have a lower density and increased oral care properties in comparison to treats of similar composition that have not been similarly aerated.

Abstract: A method improving the textural attributes of baked snack foods. The method comprises mixing ingredients, extruding the ingredients to form a collet, hydrating the collet with a hydrating fluid to form a hydrated collet, and baking the hydrated collet. The hydrating fluid can comprise water, oil, a surfactant, an emulsifier, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment the baking comprises utilizing an impingement oven. The method discussed herein more resembles the taste and texture of a fried product than does prior art baking methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particulate composition in the form of a large spherical glassy bead having a cross-sectional diameter greater than 5 mm. The bead comprises an encapsulating carrier composition essentially made of fibrous materials, which are both sugarless and non-cariogenic and an encapsulant, such as a flavor material.

Abstract: A product-spreading hood assembly (10) for use with a die unit (128) includes a deflector (14) having wall structure defining a product inlet opening (90) and a product outlet opening (92); the deflector (14) is preferably generally frustoconical in shape and is supported by a housing (12). An optional air delivery assembly (16) allows air currents to be directed from the area of the inlet (90) towards outlet (92) to facilitate separation of discrete products. Advantageously, the air currents are delivered in a circumferential fashion about the die unit (128). Use of the hood assembly (10) serves to separate high moisture or “sticky” extrudates, thereby preventing agglomeration thereof.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to methods for manufacturing shaped, comestible articles. Multiple comestible articles are connected by flash, and stress lines in the flash surround the articles. The comestible articles are subsequently separated from the flash at the stress lines. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to an intermediate comestible product. In certain embodiments, the intermediate comestible product comprises multiple articles, web-like flash connecting the articles, and stress lines formed in the flash and about each article.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed to manufacture a plurality of edible pieces in a continuous process where each piece is generally different in thickness, shape, size and/or texture from another piece, so as to create, in the aggregate product distribution, pieces of randomly varying thickness, size, shape and/or texture.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fabricating food items include extruding a first hot plastic food mass through multiple passages and co-extruding a second hot plastic food mass through a feed stem received in each of the multiple passages and through nozzles. Each nozzle includes a first portion in communication with the feed stem but not the passage and a second portion in communication with the passage but not the feed stem. The nozzles are rotatable in gearing relation with the drive gear of a servomotor. The co-extruded ropes are conveyed at a linear speed rate less than or equal to the discharge speed from the nozzles, cooled, and cut into individual pieces in the form of peelably separable strands.

Abstract: An extruder die designed to produce a spiral corn-based snack food product with consistent, tight spiral pitch and the resultant food product. The extruder die has a center post parallel to the flow path along with three cone-shaped receiving ports arranged in a cloverleaf pattern around the center post. The die has three curved slots on the output side of the die which are in fluid communication with the cone-shaped receiving ports. At the distal end of each of these slots is a semi-circular tip. The tip has a diameter larger than the width of its associated slot. Further, the tip is located at the apex of a cone-shaped receiving port with which it is in fluid communication, thus providing for the highest flow velocity of the extrudate through the tip. The resultant flow profile produces the consistent spiral shape of the snack product produced by the die design described.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a confectionery mass comprising at least one discharge passageway extending to at least one elongate discharge outlet, wherein at least one discharge passageway diverges in a direction towards the discharge outlet, and a machine for producing a confectionery product having at least one such apparatus for depositing. In a method of producing a confectionery product, the confectionery mass is deposited as at least one strip having a width in the range of 5 to 500 mm and/or thickness in the range of 0.5 to 100 mm.

Abstract: A method for producing a high density compact livestock feed from a loose granular material may include feeding distiller grain into a loading zone and passing the distiller grain into a heating zoned comprising one or more heaters and a rotating screw. The method further includes rotating the screw to transfer the treated material through the heating zone while increasing the compressive force applied to the treated material. The method may further include pressing the treated material through a compression enclosure that simultaneously applies a transverse force and a parallel force onto the treated material to form a high density compact body. The method may then include a cooling process and an extraction process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing cores of granules intended for animal nutrition, the said cores comprising: a hydrophilic active principle present in an active content of greater than or equal to 60% by weight, at least one meltable binder, at least one plasticizer, the said process comprising (a) a first step of mixing of the ingredients, (b) a second step of extrusion of the mixture through an extruder, especially a single-screw or twin-screw extruder, equipped with one or more dies, so as to obtain rods, and (c) a third step of spheronization of the rods, the said process being characterized in that a preliminary dry co-grinding of the ingredients is performed before extruding the mixture, the said co-grinding being performed at a temperature of not more than 50° C. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing granules of hydrophilic active principle comprising the said cores.

Abstract: An apparatus for extruding foodstuffs is comprised of a one-piece housing having an inlet configured to be attached to a food processing machine, a distributor portion integrally formed with the inlet, the distributor portion having at least two side walls outwardly angled from the inlet, a die retaining portion configured for housing a die therein and integrally formed with the side walls, and an outlet through which an extruded food product can exit. A die defining at least one passage for forming a food product having a shape defined by the passage is inserted into the housing. A pair of removable retaining members extends through the housing and abuts against the die to retain the die within the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides batter-like compositions including flour or flour replacement ingredient, sweetener, a fat source, a chemical leavening system, and a setting agent. The resulting batter-like compositions are capable of being formed into discrete product pieces (such as pucks), and maintaining the discrete product form throughout storage and handling of the batter-like composition prior to baking. The invention further provides methods of preparing batter-like compositions having a discrete form, and methods of using such batter-like compositions to provide baked goods.

Abstract: The invention relates to low-fat batter-like compositions comprising flour or a flour replacement, sweetener, about 3% weight or less of a fat component, a fat replacing fiber having a high water-holding capacity, a leavening system, a setting agent, and a total moisture content of about 40 to about 50 weight percent.

Abstract: A process for preparing aerated ice confection particles by manufacturing an aerated ice confection in a mass; further freezing the mass cryogenically to a temperature close to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the aerated ice confection to form a aerated frozen mass, and comminuting the frozen mass to aerated ice confection particles with a high surface area to volume ratio. These particles can be used for a variety of purposes but preferably are used for forming frozen ice drinks in a simple, rapid and convenient manner. This is particularly useful when a single serving of such drinks is desired as no special equipment to make the drink is required. The invention also relates to packaging for the aerated ice confection particles and methods of making frozen ice drinks from the aerated ice confection particles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a food manufacturing apparatus comprising a feed system for inputting a plurality of materials, an extruder and a cutting assembly. The extruder comprises a pump system and a rotating extrusion die removably connected to the pump system, wherein the rotating extrusion die comprises at least one product channel for receiving and extruding the plurality of materials. The cutting assembly comprises at least one groove and a wire attached through the groove. The feed system is attached to the extruder and the cutting assembly is located at a position to cut the extruded plurality of materials with the wire from the rotating extrusion die.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frozen confectionery product and to a method of manufacturing same. It furthermore relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a frozen confectionery product by rotary vertical extrusion. Said apparatus comprises a nozzle at least one ice cream passage with at least one inlet port and an outlet portion, and at least one chocolate passage with respectively an inlet port and an outlet port. The outlet ports are provided in the nozzle and have elongated cross-sections, and each chocolate outlet port extends in parallel to an ice cream outlet port, so as to form annular or helical chocolate layers upon rotation of the nozzle and the container with respect to each other.

Abstract: An extrusion process incorporates a forming manifold where a tubular flow of a second material is intermittently interrupted while a core flow of a first material is discharged substantially continuously. Subsequently, the core flow is severed to form individual food items or treats for humans, animals, and the like, where the tubular flow results in an outer component surrounding an inner component which protrudes from one or both ends of the outer component. Material of the core flow is bone-like, while material of the tubular flow is meat like. Material of the tubular flow may include material from the core flow subjected to mixing in a static mixer to achieve a marbled texture of the outer material.

Abstract: Extruded, directly expanded, high fiber reduced calorie food products, such as a ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal or sweet or savory snack, are produced at high production rates without substantial loss of extrusion functionality and extrudability by replacing a substantial portion of at least one flour with a gelatinized, enzyme-resistant starch type III ingredient or bulking agent as a reduced-calorie, high fiber flour replacer. The resistant starch type III ingredient or bulking agent contains an enzyme-resistant starch type III having a melting point with an endothermic peak temperature of at least about 140° C., and may have a water-holding capacity of less than 3 grams water per gram of the starch-based bulking agent. The total dietary fiber retention of the gelatinized, starch-based bulking agent may be at least about 90% by weight after extrusion using a die temperature of least about 100° C., and a die pressure of at least about 150 psig.

Abstract: Nutritious granular materials of fine particle sizes agglomerated within versatile micropellets are useful for inserting significant amounts of nutritious properties into snack foods. Expandable micropellet-containing formulations provide for introduction of fine particle ingredients such as proteins, minerals and other components or desirable nutrients into food processing lines not typically amenable to the fine particle sizes. Micropellet-containing formulations may consist entirely of micropellets, or may contain an expandable starch such as, for example, corn meal, sheeted doughs, and expanded collet products onto which the micropellets may be basted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of compacting a microporous fat powder, notably a microporous fat powder that can suitably be used as an oil structuring agent. One aspect of the invention relates to a process for compacting a microporous fat powder, said process comprising: feeding the fat powder into the feed zone of an extruder having a forwarding screw and a barrel within which said screw is centrally positioned; rotating said forwarding screw to advance said fat powder feed through a compacting zone of the extruder where the barrel comprises a plurality of venting openings having a shorter dimension that exceeds the volume weighted average diameter of the fat powder feed and that is less than 10 mm; and expelling the compacted fat powder from the extruder; wherein the temperature of the fat powder during passage through the extruder is maintained below 40° C. and wherein the compaction factor achieved exceeds 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing co-extruded food products, comprising the processing steps of: A) co-extruding an elongate dough strand with an enclosing casing, B) bringing the encased elongate food strand into contact with a salt solution for a maximum of 5 seconds, and C) dividing the encased elongate food strand into separate products. The present invention also relates to a device for manufacturing co-extruded food products.

Abstract: A chew toy of non-uniform shape may be manufactured from an edible starch composition by introducing said composition to an extruder having a barrel and subjecting the composition to shear and heat to form a melt, and conveying the melt through an adjustable orifice while varying the cross-section dimensions of the orifice to form an extrudate having thickness dimensions that varies along its length. This may be followed by cutting the extrudate to length. The extrudate may also be passed between cooperating cavities and formed to shape. The extrudate may also be guided into predetermined patterns by repositioning the die relative to a molding surface.

Abstract: The invention provides protein compositions containing structured protein products having protein fibers that are substantially aligned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for producing a tea wherein water-insoluble components of tea leaves have been made soluble in water and the natural umami components inherent to tea leaves have been increased. It also provides a technique for manufacturing a tea-based alcoholic drink which has “tea leaf-origin aroma”, “umami and body” and “mild alcoholic aftertaste” in a good balance. Tea leaves are processed with an extruder at a temperature of 80 to 150° C. and under a pressure of 0.2 to 30 MPa for 5 to 600 sec while supplying 1 to 100 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the tea leaves, of water or an aqueous sugar solution, Thus, a processed tea leaf product is stably produced while avoiding blowout from the outlet. A tea extracted from this processed tea leaf product shows a significantly improved taste.

Abstract: A reduced digestible carbohydrate food made from a dough and consisting of a pasta, noodle or restructured rice particle, the food having a modified matrix structure that comprises discrete units of starch granules that comprise available carbohydrate, and a protective food film network that includes a non-digestible protective material, which surrounds the discrete units of starch granules to provide protection of a portion of the available carbohydrate from digestion in the small intestine when the reduced digestible carbohydrate food is eaten, the dough comprising a flour and the non-digestible protective material. Reducing the digestion of carbohydrates in a digestible carbohydrate-based material, and reducing the absorption of the digestion product(s) of carbohydrates (that is, simple sugars) within the small intestine. The undigested digestible carbohydrate and the unabsorbed digestion products pass through the small intestines and into the colon, where they are fermented, acting like dietary fibers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing products comprising an outer casing of a first material (12) and containing at least one chamber (18) filled with a second material (14) comprises extruding the first material through a die (10) to form an extrudate body (16) and delivering the second material through at least one fluid outlet (22) in the die to form the least one filled chamber. The extrusion process is varied periodically and momentarily to produce sections (30) of extrudate body having no filled chamber. In one embodiment, the flow of the second material (14) is periodically reduced to form the unfilled sections. The flow of the second material (14) may be reduced by increasing the volume of a supply path for the second material upstream from the die (10). Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The method and apparatus are particularly adapted for producing food, and especially confectionery, products.

Abstract: A food cooking apparatus comprising: a bottom continuous belt, the bottom continuous belt comprising a plurality of bottom channels on the outer surface of the belt; a top continuous belt, that meshes with the bottom continuous belt along a belt mesh length, the top continuous belt comprising a plurality of top channels on the outer surface of the belt such that at the belt mesh length, each pair of adjacent top and bottom channels form a cooking volume, where the cooking volume has a cooking surface that is configured to generally completely abut the outer surface of a food located in the cooking volume; where the food cooking apparatus is configured to rotate the top continuous belt and bottom continuous belt and the food remains in the cooking volume for such time that the food is suitably cooked when it leaves the bottom continuous belt.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for manufacturing semi-moist meatballs. An illustrative embodiment provides a method of manufacturing generally spherical pet treats comprising: (a) providing a ground mix of proteinaceous material, flavor enhancers and preservatives to a portioning device that divides said mix into smaller portions of roughly uniform volume, (b) placing said portions on a first belt of a first conveyor moving at a first speed in a longitudinal direction, (c) periodically pressing said portions with a second belt of a second conveyor, where said second belt operates in a plane at a height above, and substantially parallel to, said first belt, said second belt moving at a second speed in substantially the same longitudinal direction as said first belt, while also oscillating back and forth in a lateral direction that is at an angle to said longitudinal direction, such that said portions are transformed into generally spherical shapes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a cooked multilayered food product, the method comprises the steps of: providing a food base product; and subjecting the food base product to a cooking extrusion process through a multilayer shaped extrusion die providing a cooked multilayered food product with controlled expansion.

Abstract: Medical foods containing glycomacroprotein and additional supplemented amounts of arginine, leucine, and optionally other amino acids, such as tyrosine, are disclosed. The medical foods can be used to provide the complete protein requirements for patients having metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria.

Abstract: Reducing the digestion of digestible carbohydrates in a digestible carbohydrate-based material, and reducing the absorption of the digestion product(s) of digestible carbohydrates (that is, simple sugars) within the small intestine. The undigested digestible carbohydrate and the unabsorbed digestion products pass through the small intestines and into the colon, where they are fermented. In effect, the food materials made by practicing the present invention cause a controlled amount of digestible carbohydrate to by-pass the small intestine, resulting in the fermentation of digestible carbohydrates in the colon. The invention also provides for processing of a digestible carbohydrate-based ingredient with a non-digestible food film material, to form a reduced digestible carbohydrate food having a protective food film network, which can inhibit or prevent digestion of the digestible carbohydrate.

Abstract: An edible pet chew has a single sheet of a hardened chewable material dimensioned large enough and thin enough to be initially malleable for flexing, folding or rolling into a final shape. The single sheet is shaped into a final shape by flexing, folding or rolling and then hardened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing frozen confectionery products. In particular, the invention is concerned with a method which contributes to the improvement of textural and sensorial attributes of the confections obtained thereof, in particular of products based on lower fat formulations. The method includes the use of controlled heat (between 90° C. and 140° C. for 5 seconds to 30 minutes) on an acidified ice confection mix (pH between 5.6 and 6.5) to at least partially form a coagulated protein system including casein whey protein. Such a protein system is used according to the invention in frozen confection prepared by conventional freezing alone or combined with low temperature freezing wherein it improves the microstructure and stability on frozen products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a consumable product comprising an extruded body portion, the body portion being formed with a plurality of capillaries disposed therein, wherein the capillaries have a non-uniform cross section along their length. The present invention also provides a method of producing the same.

Abstract: Methods for extruding a product are provided. In particular, a method for producing a striped confectionery product is provided. The method includes co-extruding at least two base products to form a co-extruded product stream comprising generally parallel layers of said base products extending laterally across a flow path; dividing the layered co-extruded product stream into at least two separate sub-streams, each sub-stream containing layers of said at least two base products; rotating said sub-streams about each other to re-orientate layers in one of said sub-streams relative to said layers in at least one other of said sub-streams; and recombining said re-oriented sub-streams of co-extruded product to form a single recombined product stream comprising an increased number of generally parallel layers of said base products when compared with said initial co-extruded product stream.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for shaping at least one food product by cryoextrusion, the extruder being provided with a double-walled jacket surrounding the extrusion screw and through which jacket a coolant flows, this jacket consisting of a single module or several independent modules, the cryoextrusion being temperature-regulated on the basis of a curve, determined for said product to be cryoextruded, representing, plotted on the X-axis, the difference D between the actual temperature of the product and the desired temperature setting for the product at the exit and, plotted on the Y-axis, the setting to be applied for the gas temperature at the exit of the module or modules, the curve being split into three linear zones: an abrupt (steep-slope) zone, around a difference D close to 0, surrounded by two quasi-plateau zones.

Abstract: A method of extruding products comprises varying the rate of flow of at least one material (12) through an extrusion aperture in a die (10). The method may be used to produce an extrudate body (16) whose cross-sectional area varies along its length or to produce an extrudate body comprising two or more different materials in which the proportions of the materials varies along its length. Apparatus (11) for carrying out the method comprises an extrusion die (10) defining an extrusion aperture and a material delivery system for delivering the material(s) to the die in a suitable condition for extrusion. A control system is operative to vary the rate of flow of the material. The control system may comprise a flow control mechanism (240) in a supply path for the first material upstream from the die (10). The flow control mechanism (240) may be operative to vary the volume of the supply path and may comprise a fluid actuated resiliently deformable flexible element.

Abstract: A molded animal chew toy including a resin, a fluid such as water, and meat jerky, particularly chicken jerky, is provided. Processes for forming such resin/water/jerky composition into shapes by direct injection molding, including a desired screw design, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a jerky food product. The method comprises: (a) preparing a raw meat to obtain a moldable meat dough; (b) contacting at least a portion of the meat dough with a jerky mold apparatus having a pre-determined geometric configuration, wherein a plurality of sectors are spatially separated and defined by supported partitions arranged in a pre-determined pattern; (c) causing at least one of the partitions of the jerky mold to impale the meat dough to dispose portions of the meat dough into at least one of the sectors, thus separating the meat dough into a plurality of meat segments having a size and shape corresponding to that of the sectors; (d) removing the meat segments from the jerky mold; and (e) treating the meat segments to produce a plurality of jerky pieces.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for forming sliced cheese directly from a quantity of cheese, without the need to thermally process the cheese. In general, cheese slices are formed from a quantity of cheese in which at least one discrete cheese piece is introduced into an elongated chamber having a longitudinal interior surface and housing a conveyor. Resulting cheese mass is transported forwardly and longitudinally of the chamber via the conveyor to a discharge outlet of the chamber and into a funnel. The cheese mass is extruded at a temperature of less than about 50° F. as a plurality of cheese extrudate sheets through a plurality of elongated orifices of a die plate which receive cheese mass exiting from the outlet of the funnel. The cheese extrudate sheets are cut along their lengths to provide discrete cheese slices.

Abstract: Methods for producing a partially hydrated bean paste are disclosed. The methods include inputting a quantity of uncooked whole beans or split beans into an extruder comprising an inlet, one or more temperature zones in series downstream of the inlet, and a die downstream of the one or more temperature zones; rotating a screw assembly of the extruder to extrude the beans and force the beans through the one or more temperature zones, wherein a quantity of steam and a quantity of water is added to the beans as the beans are forced through each temperature zone; and forcing the beans exiting the final temperature zone of said one or more temperature zones in series through the die to produce a bean paste. The partially hydrated bean paste produced by the methods of the disclosure comprises a water content of at least about 45% by weight. The partially hydrated bean paste can be further processed into partially hydrated bean products, such as refried beans.

Abstract: An extrusion die for extruding cooked dough includes at least one slot having an inlet, an outlet and a land. The land has a length and a depth, with the depth extending between the inlet and the outlet and the length extending between a first side and a second side of the land. The depth of the land varies along at least a portion of the length. A process for forming cereal flakes using the extrusion die includes the steps of extruding and cutting.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a single extrudable food stream such as a cooked cereal dough into a plurality of differently colored and/or flavored dough streams is disclosed including an extruder having screw augers for advancing a plastic food mass, a head or manifold for dividing the plastic food mass into a plurality of substreams each in turn in fluid communication with a plurality of sub-divided dough passageways, and a die head having a plurality of die ports. Each subpassage is separately supplied an additive and has disposed therein a multiplicity of in-line static mixer elements to admix the additive into the substreams of the plastic food mass before passage through the die ports. In a preferred form, first and second substreams are intermixed in a non-homogenous manner before reaching the exit ports. The extrudates are severed into individual pieces by a rotary cutter.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of sandwich baked goods having a high volume of filler includes conveying a bottom base cake, detecting the position of the base cake, and extruding a filler through a die aperture to form a ribbon in response to the detection of the position of the bottom base cake. In response to detection of the base cake, a signal or timing mechanism may activate a guillotine knife or blade to open the die aperture to allow filler to be deposited on the bottom base cake and to close the die aperture to sever or cut the ribbon to a predetermined dimension. The severing prevents further flow of the filler through the die aperture until the next bottom base cake is detected and the die aperture is again opened to allow filler to be deposited on the next bottom base cake.