Abstract: To provide a composition and a method for producing a carbonic acid gas-containing soft jelly beverage in an airtight container suitable for drinking by pouring the beverage from the container after gently shaking the container several times to break the jelly product or for sucking through a drinking straw inserted in the container. Mixing 0.3% (w/v) or less (total amount) of a gelatinizer containing kappa carrageenan in an amount of 0.001% (w/v) or more to less than 0.035% (w/v) to a beverage stock, adding a carbonate to the resultant mixture, charging a container with the carbonic acid gas-containing liquid mixture, subjecting the container to a heat treatment of 700 C to 800 C for 10 to 20 minutes to melt and dissolve the gelatinizer, stirring the liquid mixture having the gelatinizer melted and dissolved therein to a homogeneous state, and cooling the mixture.

Abstract: Batters are described having gellan gum and other components. The gellan gum is present in an amount effective to provide a baked good formed from the batter having a retained moisture content ranging from about 25% to about 40%. The baked goods and methods for making the baked goods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel triglyceride oils are provided for human consumption. Traditionally, agricultural materials such as canola, soybean, and olives have been the sources of edible oils, and such materials are limited by the geography in which these crops can be cultivated. Oils of the invention can be manufactured from edible and inedible heterotrophic fermentation feedstocks, including corn starch, sugar cane, glycerol, and depolymerized cellulose that are purpose-grown or byproducts of existing agricultural processes from an extremely broad diversity of geographic regions. The food oils disclosed herein are low in saturates, high in monounsaturates, and can be manufactured in reduced pigment form through the use of pigment-reduced microalgae strains. The food oils disclosed herein can be manufactured through the use of a variety of different types of oil-producing microalgae.

Abstract: The present invention provides an industrially useful chitosan-containing composition in the form of any of a transparent aqueous solution, gel or dry powder having a neutral to weakly alkaline pH when in the form of an aqueous solution that can be applied to pharmaceutical additives, foods, beverages and cosmetics. A production process of the chitosan-containing composition of the present invention has a step for preparing an acidic chitosan aqueous solution, a step for forming a solid by removing a water-soluble salt from a salt formed by mixing an acidic polymer component into the acidic chitosan aqueous solution, and a step for dissolving the solid in a weakly basic solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant strains of the genus Sphingomonas which have a mutation in at least one gene encoding a protein involved in polyhydroxybutyrate (“PHB”) synthesis that allows the mutant strains to produce PHB-deficient sphingans. The invention is also directed to a process for preparing a clarified sphingan solution comprising heating aqueous sphingan solution, in particular PHB-deficient sphingan solution, to a clarification temperature of about 30° C. to about 70° C., and treating the solution with a clarification agent and enzymes. In addition, the invention is directed to a food or industrial product comprising a PHB-deficient and/or clarified sphingan. One particular embodiment of the invention is directed to a clarified, PHB-deficient high-acyl gellan and the processes of making thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kappa-2 carrageenan composition comprising: (i) kappa-2 carrageenan, (ii) at least 70% sodium by weight of all cations in the composition; and (iii) free salt present in an amount of 0-25% by weight of the composition; wherein the composition has a viscosity of 20 cps to 40 cps. The present invention is also directed to products made from such kappa-2 carrageenan composition, as well as to processes of manufacture and use thereof.

Abstract: Ingestible compositions that include one or more anionic soluble fibers are provided herein. An ingestible composition can be in solid or liquid form. In certain cases, a solid ingestible composition includes an extruded food product, such as a crispy, that includes one or more anionic soluble fibers. Liquid ingestible compositions that can include one or more alginate anionic soluble fibers and one or more pectin anionic soluble fibers are also provided. Methods for making ingestible compositions are provided, as well as methods for using the ingestible compositions, e.g., to induce satiety or to increase the viscosity of stomach contents.

Abstract: A food stabilizer formed from natural components used in food products. The natural components include microcrystalline cellulose/alginate, native starch, or carrageenan. Effective amounts of the natural components are provided to the food product to maintain physical stability during its shelf life while imparting good mouthfeel. The food stabilizer can be incorporated in dairy-based beverages, such as milkshakes.

Abstract: Methods for preparing cheese are provided that involve combining a slurry with a cheese precursor to form an admixture that is subsequently processed to form the cheese product. The slurry typically includes a liquid such as water, milk and/or cream and one or more ingredients that are useful for inclusion in the final cheese product. Systems for preparing such slurries and cheese products are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kappa-2 carrageenan composition comprising: (i) kappa-2 carrageenan, (ii) at least 70% sodium by weight of all cations in the composition; and (iii) free salt present in an amount of 0-25% by weight of the composition; wherein the composition has a viscosity of 20 cps to 40 cps. The present invention is also directed to products made from such kappa-2 carrageenan composition, as well as to processes of manufacture and use thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for fining fermentable beverages, such as alcoholic fermentable beverages, for example, wine, beer, lager, ale, cider, perry, spirit and liqueur. The compositions herein comprise a pectin and carrageenan which are used to treat the beverage prior to fermentation.

Abstract: A dough-like confectionery material contains a solid particulate, a liquid, and a diffusion controller. The dough-like confectionery material is an effective replacement for panned coatings, and it can be applied to an edible substrate, such as candy or chewing gum to form a layered confection. Methods and apparatus for forming layered confections are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a vegetable food product, preferably a 100% vegetable and gluten-free food product, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a protein-hydrocolloid composition by mixing a vegetable protein with an alginate or carrageenan, b) blending the composition of step a) with an aqueous di- or more valent ion solution or dispersion thereby obtaining a fibrous product, c) rinsing of the fibrous product obtained in step b), d) optionally concentrating the rinsed fibrous product of step c), and e) processing the fibrous product of step d) thereby obtaining said vegetable food product. The method is characterized in that it comprises the additional step of blending a non-animal binding agent, preferably in powder form, with the fibrous product of step d) prior to processing said fibrous product. The present invention further provides a fibrous product and a vegetable food product obtainable by carrying out the present method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of fibers and/or sugar esters to reduce the sensory cooling effect of polyols, in particular, erythritol.

Abstract: A beverage composition comprises fat, protein and water, said fat comprising at least 5% by weight of pinolenic acid or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: A pet food composition containing chunks and a clear gellified sauce or base, the composition being obtainable by: i) incorporating at least one semi-refined gelling agent and/or semi-refined gelling biopolymer blend, in a mixture comprising meat and meat by-products, the mixture being used for the manufacture of the chunks; ii) mixing the manufactured chunks with a sauce or base containing no gelling agent; and iii) treating the mixture under conditions to release the pure gelling agent molecules from the chunks into the sauce or base to gelify it and to achieve chunk structure.

Abstract: Confectionery products comprising erythritol and methods of producing the confectionery products are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a jelly confectionery product comprising erythritol, a jellying agent and a gastrointestinal tolerant ingredient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing soft or firm/semi-hard cheese are provided, as well as soft or firm/semi-hard cheese prepared by the methods. The methods typically involve the formation of a slurry that contains blended or molten cheese curd. A variety of ingredients can be introduced into the curd used to prepare the slurry, the slurry that is formed, or at other stages along the manufacturing process to tailor the performance and nutritional characteristics of the final cheese product. The slurry in some methods is directly processed to form a final cheese product. In other methods, the slurry undergoes various types of processing to achieve certain desired composition or performance requirements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sweet confectionery products, in particular sweet confectionery products- with reduced content of sugar and calories. The present invention furthermore relates to methods for producing such products, the present invention relates to gelled low calories sweet confectionery products comprising at least one intensive sweetener, at least one texture giving agent, and two or more low calorie bulking agents.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a dietary fiber composition containing Amorphophallus konjac as an ingredient for an easy-to-take functional food, a controlled-release drug or the like, and it is obtained by adding and mixing water in Amorphophallus konjac with an average molecular weight of 50,000 or more purified using an alcohol from a matter in which starch is separated and removed from a tuber of Amorphophallus konjac plant and an inclusion agent which suppresses a water-absorbing property of Amorphophallus konjac. Further, it can also be obtained by adding and mixing water in one or more members selected from polysaccharide thickeners consisting of Amorphophallus konjac, seed coat of Plantago ovata (psyllium), carrageenan, xanthan gum, curdlan, pectin, gum Arabic, chitin, chitosan, guar gum, gellan gum, tara gum, tamarind gum, tragacanth gum and pullulan and an inclusion agent which suppresses a water-absorbing property of the polysaccharide thickeners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising citrus fruit fiber having a water binding capacity of from 8 to 25 (w/w) and native starch selected from the group consisting of corn starch, rice flour, sorghum starch, tapioca starch and mixture thereof.

Abstract: A beverage composition comprises fat, protein, thickener and water, wherein the fat comprises at least 40% by weight of conjugated linoleic acid or a derivative thereof (CLA).

Abstract: Salad dressing compositions comprising from 1 to 50% of an oil phase and from 50% to 99% of a an aqueous phase, said aqueous phase comprising from 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of acetic acid and a further acid having a pKa of less than 2.5, said composition having a pH between 2.5 and 4.5, provide improved longer term properties, such as colour, leaf integrity, volume and overall appearance of the salads.

Abstract: A process for thickening human breast milk, the process comprising admixing the human breast milk with an effective amount of an aqueous thickener concentrate. Preferably, the aqueous thickener concentrate is contained in a package and consists essentially of fully hydrated xanthan gum and water.

Abstract: Disclosed are emulsions and microcapsules that comprise one or more substances with a low interfacial tension. Methods of making the emulsions and microcapsules as well as methods of using them are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for thickening a liquid food comprises admixing an effective amount of an aqueous concentrate thickener composition with a liquid food which is capable of being thickened by a concentrate thickener composition. Preferably, the aqueous thickener concentrate is contained in a package and consists essentially of fully hydrated xanthan gum and water in a concentration suitable for thickening a portion of liquid food to facilitate its consumption by a person with dysphagia. A method of preparing the packaged aqueous concentrate thickener comprises preparing the aqueous concentrate thickener composition and packaging the aqueous concentrate thickener in packages suitable for sending the packaged aqueous concentrate thickener to a locale of a person with dysphagia.

Abstract: Shelf-stable products, particularly beverages, containing polyphenols and optionally sterol and/or stanol esters are disclosed. Loss of polyphenols during the heat processing of the products is prevented by reducing the pH of the product by at least 0.2 after mixing and prior to heat processing. The pH of the final beverage should be about pH 4.6 to about pH 6.8. The preferred products are low fat cocoa beverages containing at least 0.2-5 micrograms of cocoa polyphenols per gram of the beverage.

Abstract: A gel type enteral nutrient, which is excellent in the form-maintaining capability of solid matter (gel) in the stomach, is not easily disintegrated or dissolved even depending upon a pH change, shows little change in the physical properties such as water liberation, or the like even during long-term stage, can be thermally sterilized and has a preferable property passing through a feeding tube, can be prepared by blending agar and alginic acid and/or its salt, and further soybean protein as a nitrogen source. It is expected to exert effects that neither gastro-esophageal reflux nor leakage of the nutrient occur when intaking the gel type enteral nutrient of the present invention.

Abstract: A substantially fat free pourable salad dressing with food particulates is described, such that the salad dressing has a flavor, aroma, color and appearance that is “just right”. The food particulates having an Approximate diameter of at least about 0.64 cm and up to about 1.27 cm, and comprise about 15% to about 45% of the system. The chunky salad dressing system, in addition to the food particulates, includes an aqueous solution comprising a mixture of at least about 0.20% acetic acid and at least about 0.10% inorganic acid, and has a pH of less than about 4.5.

Abstract: A method of preparing a gum arabic replacement, partial replacement or extending composition, for use in a variety of applications such as food, pharmaceutical and industrial applications is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention is directed towards a method of preparing a gum arabic replacement, partial replacement or extending composition for use in panning, candy, coating and adhesion applications. The method includes selecting a strong (key) film former of natural and/or modified polysaccharides that comprises between approximately 0.1% and approximately 10% of the composition, or used at a level in the finished application equivalent to about 0.1 to 10% of what gum arabic would typically be used regardless of whether the gum arabic is used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diet product comprising an alginate in an aqueous dissolved or swelled form at a pH value causing the alginate not to gel.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a vegetable containing half product and final product. The vegetable containing food products have a high content of non-potato vegetable puree and can be made to resemble French fries. The vegetable containing food product and half product can be easily inserted into the supply chain of a quick service restaurant for efficient delivery to the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention provides instant noodles containing agar and curdlan, having water absorption of 250% or more upon reconstitution with water at 20° C. for 3 minutes, and being capable of reconstitution with water in a time of 5 minutes or less, and having an excellent texture with suitable hardness.

Abstract: The invention provides fruit-like products based on alginate or low-methoxy pectate gel which are spherical with two dimples spaced at opposite extremes of the sphere. These are prepared by extruding a sol through a cylindrical nozzle and at the same time extruding a gelling agent through a tube centrally located in the nozzle and co-terminous with it. The extrudate is cut off at the end of the nozzle below the surface of a bath of the gelling agent. The extrudate is allowed to gel by diffusion of calcium ions. The gelling agent is an aqueous solution containing calcium ions. The sol, which is an aqueous alginate or low-methoxy pectate sol, preferably contains dispersed fruit puree. Preferably the solution in the bath has a lower density than the density of the sol. In a preferred form of the invention equipment is used comprising a nozzle, a centrally spaced tube, a gelling bath and a perforated support surface in the bath for the gelling product.

Abstract: The invention relates to process and apparatus for creating shaped objects from incipiently gelling alginate or low-methoxy pectate sol in which the incipiently gelling sol is guided into cavities of a movable belt. V-shaped wiper blades can be used as guides. The sol is preferably fed onto the belt at a rate not greater than the volumetric feed rate of the cavities. The process and apparatus can be used to prepare such products as imitation fruit e.g. by incorporating pureed fruit in the incipiently gelling sol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved beverage thickener system and beverage which achieve desired perceived viscosity levels and mouthfeel with reduced amounts of thickener while improving the mouthfeel characteristics of the beverage. The beverage and beverage thickener system comprise a thickener, preferably modified food starch, and a thickener adjuvant that is not a thickener. The weight ratio of modified food starch to thickener adjuvant typically is in the range of from about 40:1 to about 10:1.

Abstract: A polysaccharide casing and a collagen/polysaccharide casing, and method of manufacturing the casings, are disclosed. The casings maintain their structural integrity over time and do not adversely affect the quality and taste of the encased foodstuff.

Abstract: A calcium fortified creamed honey product. An effective amount of calcium mineral having a mean particle size of about 30 nanometers to about 10 microns is added to the honey to provide not only calcium fortification but also to provide creamed honey with a smooth texture for enhanced spreadability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition of liquid nutritional supplement and nutritional components in a concentrated form. The composition includes sweeteners, nutritional supplements, flavors, colors, thickening agents, acidifying agents or combinations thereof in a shelf stable format. The composition also describes making a portable lightweight liquid nutritional supplement mix or nutritional supplement. Additionally, the composition includes providing clear and non-turbid liquid nutritional supplement upon dilution in dilution media.

Abstract: A method of producing seaweed paste including the steps of: placing seaweed, a chelating agent and water in a tank; and stirring the resulting composition at 0-20° C. to cut the seaweed, wherein the interior of the tank is in a vacuum state. A method of producing seaweed paste having good texture, smell and flavor and seaweed paste obtained by such a method are provided. A method of producing seaweed paste having good quality, which does not require treatment at a high temperature and thus can give a color and smell inherent to seaweeds and seaweed paste obtained by such a method are provided. A method of producing seaweed paste which requires a short treatment time, has good productivity and can reduce production costs, and seaweed paste obtained by such a method are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for treating precipitated carrageenan, comprising the steps of (a) treating the precipitated carrageenan with an aqueous treatment solution containing an alkali or a salt, (b) washing the treated precipitated carrageenan in water, and (c) drying the washed precipitated carrageenan.

Abstract: The present invention discloses A process for producing a carrageenan composition, comprising the steps of: cleaning kappa carrageenan-containing seaweed in water; treating the cleaned seaweed with an aqueous treatment solution, the aqueous treatment solution containing about 3-30 wt %. preferably 10-25 wt %. and most preferably 15-20 wt %, of a treatment compound; subjecting the treated seaweed to washing with water; and processing the washed seaweed to produce the carrageenan composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carrageenan composition comprising sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a carrageenan composition, comprising the steps of: cleaning iota carrageenan-containing seaweed in water; treating the cleaned seaweed with an aqueous treatment solution, the aqueous treatment solution containing about 3-30 wt %, preferably 10-25 wt %, and most preferably 15-20 wt %, of an alkali treatment compound; subjecting the treated seaweed to washing with water; and processing the washed seaweed to produce the carrageenan composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating precipitated carrageenan, comprising the steps of (a) treating the precipitated carrageenan with an aqueous treatment solution containing an alkali or a salt, (b) washing the treated precipitated carrageenan in water, and (c) drying the washed precipitated carrageenan.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a carrageenan composition comprising: sodium in the range of about 5.410 to about 8.230%, preferably about 6.300 to about 8.230%, and more preferably about 7.380 to about 8.230%; potassium in the range of about 0.023% to about 0.248%, preferably about 0.023 to about 0.238%, and more preferably about 0.023 to about 0.078%; calcium in the range of 0.046-0.553%, preferably 0.046-0.446%, and more preferably 0.046-0.325%; and magnesium in the range of about 0.051 to about 0.338%, preferably about 0.051 to about 0.244% and more preferably about 0.051 to about 0.127%; wherein the carrageenan product has a gelling temperature of 7-30° C., preferably 7-18° C., more preferably 7-12° C.; and a melting temperature in the range 16-38° C., preferably 16-28° C., more preferably 16-24° C.

Abstract: The present invention covers a low-fat confectionery product comprising at most 20% fat phase, at least 60% aqueous phase, cocoa particles, and a structuring agent, the product being a water in oil emulsion. The invention further relates to processes of manufacture of said low fat confectionery product.

Abstract: A layering mass comprising protein and carbohydrate, where between 10% and 55% by weight of the layering mass is protein, is described together with methods of making the same. Also described are confectionery type bars and nutritional bars comprising the confectionery layering material of the present invention.

Abstract: Interacted starch products made up of resistant starch and hydrocolloid are provided which exhibit at least about 20% resistance to ?-amylase digestion. The products are prepared by mixing together quantities of resistant starch and hydrocolloid in water with mixing and optional heating, followed by drying. Foods containing the interacted starch products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a health bar or composition having high levels of a cacao-based product, and with correspondingly high levels of cocoa anti-oxidants, that are shelf stable, heat-resistant, and have good taste and mouthfeel properties. The energy bars and food compositions can deliver healthful cocoa ingredients to improve vigor, enhance physical energy, enhance mental energy, enhance cognitive focus abilities, and/or improve athletic performance. Methods of making such health bars, food ingredients, or heat-resistant compositions that comprise the same high levels of cacao product and other ingredients in effective amounts and that are shelf-stable are also disclosed.