Abstract: A liquid edible composition with a pH of more than 6, a viscosity below 600 mPas at a shear rate of 100s-1 and 20° C., and a viscosity of at least 125% of the aforementioned viscosity at a pH below 5 and a temperature of 37° C., the composition comprising at least 0.05 wt. % of pectin having a degree of methoxylation between 2 and 50 and/or of alginate; at least 5 mg calcium per 100 ml; and at least 0.1 wt. % indigestible oligosaccharide having a degree of polymerisation between 2 and 60. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for the treatment or prevention of overweight or obesity in mammals, the method comprising the enteral administration to a mammal of an effective amount of the aforementioned composition.

Abstract: The invention provides an edible composition comprising: at least 35 wt. % of a transparent aqueous phase having a pH of less than 5.5, wherein the aqueous phase has a light transmission of at least 70% using a 1 cm cuvette at wavelength of 400-750 nm and at room temperature; at least 0.5 wt. % of gelled pieces with a minimum weight of 0.1 g; and up to 60 wt. % of one or more additional ingredients; wherein the gelled pieces comprise a continuous gelled water phase and a dispersed particulate material, wherein the dispersed particulate material comprises at least 30 wt. % of a cheese ingredient selected from the group consisting of cheese, curd, processed cheese and enzyme modified cheese. The gelled pieces retain their eating properties even when stored in direct contact with the acidic aqueous phase under ambient conditions for several months. The taste and texture of the gelled pieces advantageously resembles that of natural cheese.

Abstract: A composition for coating foodstuffs is described, where the composition comprises a first polysaccharide that is negatively charged in the composition and gels under the influence of cations, and at least a second polysaccharide which is neutral in the composition. A method for producing an edible coating is also described, as well as a method for coating foodstuffs. A coating formed by the first-named method and a foodstuff which contains such a coating are furthermore disclosed.

Abstract: A food product that includes a casing of a gelatin-free, water-based, set hydrocolloid gel that forms an enclosure, and at least one solid, liquid, soft or particulate center enclosed by the casing. The casing is made of a carageenan, alginate, agarose, gellan gum, pectin or cellulose compound, and the food product can withstand changes in temperature. Also, a process for the production of such a food product, wherein a liquid hydrocolloid mass is partially set and a hard, liquid, soft or particulate center is injected therein with the final completing or the setting of the hydrocolloid mass providing the encapsulation of the center.

Abstract: A microencapsulated composition containing lipophilic compounds is prepared by reducing the particle size of the lipophilic compound in the presence of a surface active agent to form a first solution; preparing a solution of alkali metal alginate to form a second solution; combining the first and second solutions to form a third solution; adding the third solution dropwise to a fourth solution containing calcium ion, obtaining beadlets, and removing the formed beadlets from the fourth solution; rinsing the beadlets with an acidic solution and drying the beadlets; and coating the beadlets to obtain microcapsules.

Abstract: In this application are disclosed a method for producing nutraceutical chips, comprising the steps of: preparing a viscous liquid by use of at least one selected from the group consisting of vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and seaweeds which may have been heat-treated in advance as desired or as required, and a calcium-coagulable edible polymer material, spreading the viscous liquid into thin layers, applying an aqueous calcium salt solution onto the thin layers, whereby the calcium-coagulable edible polymer material is caused to gel, and heat-drying or/and vacuum-drying the resulting thin-film gel products, and a method for producing nutraceutical chips, comprising the steps of: preparing a gel by use of at least one selected from the group consisting of vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and seaweeds which may have been heat-treated in advance as desired or as required, a calcium-coagulable edible polymer material, and a calcium salt, molding the gel into thin films, and heat-drying or/and vacuum-drying the re

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment and/or prevention of overweight in a monogastric mammal. More particularly, the invention is concerned with such a method comprising administering to the mammal a liquid edible composition with a pH of more than 5, a viscosity below 50 mPas at a shear rate of 100s?1 and 20° C., and a viscosity of at least 125% of the aforementioned viscosity at a pH 3 and a temperature of 37° C.; and with a caloric density between 0 and 500 kcal per liter, the composition comprising: between 0.01 and 5 wt. % of one or more polysaccharides selected from the group consisting of pectin and alginate; and between 0.01 and 3 wt.

Abstract: Food composition comprising soluble solids in the range of about 50% to about 90% by weight, at least 70% by weight thereof being a sweetening system comprising sucrose and non-sucrose sweeteners in a weight ratio of sucrose to non-sucrose sweeteners of 0:100 to 95:5, wherein the non-sucrose sweetener is of a DE (Dextrose Equivalent) of at least about 30, a carrageenan component in an amount sufficient to form a gel, and water to balance, and wherein the gelation temperature of the composition is <95° C. The food composition may be produced by a process comprising (a) dispersing carrageenan in a syrup of a non-sucrose sweetener at a temperature sufficient to disperse the carrageenan in the syrup while stirring, (b) adding water and heating the mixture to the boiling point thereof, (c) adjusting the soluble solids content to from about 50% to about 90% by weight, (d) depositing the mixture and (e) cooling the mixture to below the depositing temperature of the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of making processed cheese, especially mozzarella type cheese, comprising the steps of A) preparing a blend comprising young low-sodium-chloride cheese, hydrocolloids, and emulsifying salts, B) cooking the blend as obtained in step A to create a fibrous structure, and C) holding the fibrous structure as obtained in step B at an elevated temperature, wherein sodium chloride is added immediately before or during step C. According to another aspect, the instant invention relates to processed cheese obtainable by the above method, especially individually-wrapped cheese in slices.

Abstract: Beads as food additive consisting of a matrix of a reticulated multivalent cation containing acid polysaccharide and at least one water soluble and/or volatile liquid or solid active ingredient filling at least partly the voids built by the acid polysaccharide are prepared by a process comprising the steps of forming a system consisting of a dispersion or emulsion of a water immiscible material in an aqueous solution of an acid polysaccharide, especially in the form of an alkali metal salt, an emulsifier and, optionally, one or more other water soluble or water dispersible substances; forming of discrete droplets of said system; converting said droplets to water-insoluble gel beads by introducing said droplets in an aqueous or alcoholic solution containing multivalent cations, thereby building a suspension of gel beads; isolating said gel beads from said suspension; optionally, drying the isolated beads, and loading the isolated beads with at least one active ingredient.

Abstract: An imitation cheese composition containing moisture, preferably in an amount that is at least 60% by weight, a hydrocolloid, a cheese-derived component in an amount less than about 15% by weight of the composition, cheese flavoring that is natural or artificial and an acidulents in an amount that causes a pH of the composition to be not greater than 4.6. The composition is sufficiently firm such that it can be at least one of sliced, cut, shredded or grated. Preferably, no more than 1% protein is present, and/or the acidulent is in a total titrateable amount of less than 1.5% by weight of the composition, resulting in an imitation cheese having a flavor, texture and consistency that was only previously attainable in a pasturized process cheese product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein stabilizing agent for stabilizing a protein suspension in an aqueous acidic liquid such as a juice. The protein stabilizing agent is comprised of a high methoxyl pectin and a propylene glycol alginate. The present invention also includes compositions for suspension in an aqueous acidic liquid comprising a protein material and a protein stabilizing agent that contains a high methoxyl pectin and a propylene glycol alginate. The invention further includes aqueous acidic protein suspensions and methods of producing such suspensions, where the suspensions have a pH of from 3.0 to 5.5 and contain a stabilized suspension of a protein material and a protein stabilizing agent containing a high methoxyl pectin and a propylene glycol alginate therein.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a liquid edible composition with a pH of more than 6, a viscosity below 600 mPas at a shear rate of 100s?1 and 20° C., and a viscosity of at least 125% of the aforementioned viscosity at a pH below 5 and a temperature of 37° C., the composition comprising at least 0.05 wt. % of pectin having a degree of methoxylation between 2 and 50 and/or of alginate; at least 5 mg calcium per 100 ml; and at least 0.1 wt. % indigestible oligosaccharide having a degree of polymerisation between 2 and 60. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for the treatment or prevention of overweight or obesity in mammals, said method comprising the enteral administration to a mammal of an effective amount of the aforementioned composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions having a superior stability and flavor profile, despite the presence of a fatty acid material (and even without use of a surfactant or emulsion), and may be utilized as a variety of different finished compositions, for example, cosmetic, health care, food, and beverage compositions, preferably food and beverage compositions, and most preferably beverage compositions. The compositions herein comprise: a) a fatty acid material selected from the group consisting of fatty acids, esters thereof, glycerides thereof, and mixtures thereof; b) a pectin compound; and c) an alginate compound. The present invention further relates to methods of stabilizing a product comprising incorporating into the product a composition as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sugarcane juice spread and more particularly, the present invention relates to a sugarcane juice spread which incorporates ginger and cumin flavors and a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: A gelled juice product which includes a fruit or vegetable juice and carrageenan and which is palatable, stable and can be formed into a desired shape is disclosed herein. A method of making such a gelled juice product is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous process for making a high solids confectionery product containing agar-agar using high temperature short time processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions which are useful as stabilizer and thickener systems, as well as methods of their use. The compositions are useful as, for example, cosmetic, health care (including pharmaceutical and over-the-counter compositions), food, and beverage compositions, preferably food and beverage compositions. The present invention is further directed to methods of stabilizing such compositions. The compositions comprise a pectin compound, an alginate compound, a cellulose compound such as carboxymethylcellulose.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymannuronate composition including polymannuronate having molecular weight from about 4,000 to about 500,000 in a high purity. The composition can be used in producing nutritional compositions such as functional foods and health aids. Also, the composition can be used in a pharmaceutical composition along with a pharmaceutical carrier. The composition has various effects, including controlling serum lipids, preventing hyperlipidemia, preventing obesity, preventing diabetes, enhancing functions of liver, expelling heavy metals from a body, etc. Further disclosed is a process to producing the polymannuronate composition, in which alginate is hydrolyzed and then the polymannuronate components are isolated. Further disclosed herein is a composition produced by that process. In the hydrolysis, an organic acid is preferably used, and the isolation of the polymannuronate involves adjustment of pH of the resulting mixture of the hydrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a beverage food product. The beverage food product is in a gel phase at room temperature and is converted to a liquid phase at a temperature elevated above room temperature. The invention has a particular application to a bi- or multi-layered beverage food product, in particular a cream liqueur. The invention provides a beverage food product whose top layer comprises less than 70% (w/w) water. This overcomes a prior art problem of color migration between layers.

Abstract: Methods of producing low viscosity glucomannan compositions by mixing a viscosity lowering compound with glucomannan under conditions suitable to form a low viscosity glucomannan composition are disclosed. The ability to modulate (increase or decrease) viscosity by combining glucomannan with compounds of differing molecular weights is described. Also, methods for lowering blood glucose and cholesterol in mammals by administering an effective therapeutic amount of maltodextrin-glucomannan complex are described. Additionally, methods for converting a food or beverage product from an initial low viscosity substance to a high viscosity end-product are also described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flavor composition comprising a flavor such as peach, orange, etc., with a sucrose fatty acid having an HLB of 16 to 19, preferably sucrose monopalmitate, and lysolecithin, optionally together with a polyglycerol fatty acid ester and/or monoglycerol fatty acid ester; and stable, acidic and transparent drinks containing these flavor compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating patients with type 2 diabetes using a food composition able to control the release of glucose into the patient's blood. This is achieved by the introduction into the food composition of an additive, such as propylene glycol alginate, which reduces the cooking losses and enhances the starch cell wall membrane to thereby slow the enzymatic hydrolysis of the starch by insulin. The result is a steady state release of glucose and a net reduction in the release of blood glucose (glycemic index) relative to release of glucose observed in a diabetes patient having consumed a food composition without propylene glycol alginate.

Abstract: A sweet jellied paste which is produced without sugar, using materials which have medicinal properties. Dried fruits 1 are immersed in water to thereby obtain restored fruits and immersion water 2, which are then kneaded together with agar liquor 3 through several kneading processes including a first kneading process 4 and a second kneading process 5. Thus, respective materials are well mixed and harmonized, thereby obtaining healthy sweet jellied paste with an enhanced flavor.

Abstract: Processes and compositions for treating food products comprising adding to the food product an aqueous composition which is gellable in the food product. The process can include wherein the composition comprises a thixotropic gel which has been shear thinned, and is added to the food product in a shear thinned condition, as well as wherein the aqueous composition comprises a composition that does not form a gel externally of the food product, and which composition is gellable in the food product.

Abstract: A jellying food product contains agar-agar as a jellying agent. Agar-agar is dissolved in water, boiled, cooled and mixed with alcohol to prepare a gelatinous food product. A sweetener and a flavoring agent are added depending on the taste of the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for imparting creamy mouthfeel to foods and beverages. Said agent comprises a water-insoluble component and a water-soluble component. Said water-insoluble component has particles with a mean particle size diameter of from about 0.1 to about 3.0 microns and comprises: (a) from about 5 to about 70% of a microparticlulate component; (b) from about 0 to about 60% of fat/oil component; (c) from about 0 to about 5% of emulsifier component; (d) up to about 5% of a microcrystalline cellulose component. Said water-soluble component comprises: (a) from about 0.05 to about 40% of a thickener; (b) from about 0 to about 10% sodium caseinate; (c) from 0 to about 40% milk solids; and (d) from about 0 to about 4% processing aids. The creamy mouthfeel agent of the present invention comprises from about 0 to about 10% flavorants; said flavorants may be part of the water-insoluble components, the water-soluble components; or both.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a setting system for use in the making of gelatin desserts comprising gelatin and an anionic hydrocolloid gum wherein the weight ratio of gelatin to anionic hydrocolloid gum is approximately 250-375:1. Through the use of such a setting system, lower gelatin use of up to 10% or more can be realized while achieving an increase in gel strength of up to about 20%.

Abstract: Improved, intermediate moisture sweetened gelled food compositions comprise: A) about 55 to 85% by weight nutritive carbohydrate sweeteners; B) sufficient amounts of a gelling system to provide a gel strength of about 1-8 kg/cm2; C) about 10% to 20% moisture. The gelling system comprises high methoxyl pectin and kappa carrageenan. The gelling system allows for a high solids level but a low viscosity when maintained above 130° F. Also disclosed are methods for the preparation of such gelled products involving forming a hot fluid high solids gellable slurry, forming the hot fluid gellable slurry into pieces such as by starch molding and curing to form gelled food product in the form of pieces of about 1 to 5 g. By virtue of the high solids concentrations the duration of the curing step is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Various compositions for producing translucent to opaque protein enhanced dessert gels are disclosed. In general, the dessert gels comprise a gelling system plus flavorings, colorings, and nutritional additives. Exemplary embodiments of the gelling system comprise water, sweetener, carrageenan, and various proteins such as soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, whey, and sodium caseinate.

Abstract: A composite flexible frozen confection containing a distinct block(s) of a gel component, that is combined with one or more frozen dessert components, in such a manner that the composition may exhibit hand-held flexibility without significant separation of one or more of the components.

Abstract: A cream substitute comprising from 5% to 40% by weight of butter, from about 0.25% to about 5% by weight of a thickening agent, and about 0.25% to about 4% of a food protein, based on the total weight of the cream substitute, together with a sufficient amount of water to total 100% by weight, and, optionally, from about 0.05% to about 2% by weight of a food acceptable acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to intermediate-moisture formed food products made from a mixture of partially dehydrated fruit or vegetable pieces and a gelled matrix such that the water activity in the matrix is substantially equivalent to the water activity of the fruit or vegetable pieces in the mixture. The product may be made from one type of fruit or vegetable alone, a mixture of different fruits, a mixture of different vegetables, or a mixture of various fruit and vegetable pieces.

Abstract: Various compositions for producing translucent to opaque protein enhanced dessert gels are disclosed. In general, the dessert gels comprise a gelling system plus flavorings, colorings, and nutritional additives. Exemplary embodiments of the gelling system comprise water, sweetener, carrageenan, and various proteins such as soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, whey, and sodium caseinate.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a dietetic milk jam having no sucrose and having the same organoleptic properties as traditional milk jam is formulated by addition of a solution of polydextrose at a pH of 6.4 in a proportion of about 17% to 33% of the final composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified gellan gum in which the total acyl content as well as the ratio of acyl substituent groups to glycerate substituent groups per linear saccharide repeat unit is altered to be higher than 1. The invention further relates to a process for the modification of a gellan gum to alter its acyl content in which the gum is treated with a weak base such as sodium or potassium carbonate or a suitable phosphate. The process enables “tailor made” gums having appropriate setting temperatures and theological properties to be made. Novel compositions containing them are also claimed.

Abstract: Various compositions for producing translucent to opaque protein enhanced dessert gels are disclosed. In general, the dessert gels comprise a gelling system plus flavorings, colorings, and nutritional additives. Exemplary embodiments of the gelling system comprise water, sweetener, carrageenan, and various proteins such as soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, whey, and sodium caseinate.

Abstract: A hydrocolloid confectionery product that includes, as a gelling agent, comprising iota-carrageenan or a mixture of carrageenans containing more than 50% iota-carrageenan in an amount sufficient to provide characteristics and properties of the product that are essentially the same as in hydrocolloid confectionery products that include gelatin as a gelling agent. Also, a process for making the hydrocolloid confectionery.

Abstract: A gelatin-free gummy confection comprising the combination of gellan gum and nu-carrageenan, nu-/iota-carrageenan or both. The gellan gum and nu-carrageenan, nu-/iota-carrageenan or both, provides a firm, resilient, gelatin-like texture in a gelatin-free gummy confection.

Abstract: A quick-setting gel mix suitable for preparing dessert gels contains sodium and/or potassium alginate and a slowly-soluble calcium salt, with the calcium salt being incorporated in a crystalline sugar product comprised of aggregates of fondant-size sugar crystals. Preferably the mix contains an anti-oxidant, such as ascorbic acid, and a catalyst, such as copper gluconate, in amounts effective to promote clarity with the gel.

Abstract: An oil-in-water type emulsion composition which comprises an oil or fat, water, a protein, and a carrageenan but is free from emulsifiers. The oil-in-water type emulsion composition, though not containing an emulsifier, shows high emulsion stability against physical stresses such as heating, freezing, stirring, kneading, etc.

Abstract: A composite food composition, in particular a frozen water ice confection in which two or more component phases are present in an intermingled manner that is neither consisting of distinct component blocks of phases, nor present as a fine mixture(s) of phases, and in which at least one of the component phases comprise a polyanionic gel.

Abstract: An oil absorption retarder containing alginic ester and fried foods produced by using the oil absorption retarder. The oil absorption retarder of this invention can efficiently retard oil absorption during frying, which results in providing fried foods with lowered oil contents.

Abstract: Improved, intermediate moisture sweetened gelled food compositions comprise: A) about 55 to 85% by weight nutritive carbohydrate sweeteners; B) sufficient amounts of a gelling system to provide a gel strength of about 1-8 kg/cm2; C) about 10% to 20% moisture. The gelling system comprises high methoxyl pectin and kappa carrageenan. The gelling system allows for a high solids level but a low viscosity when maintained above 130° F. Also disclosed are methods for the preparation of such gelled products involving forming a hot fluid high solids gellable slurry, forming the hot fluid gellable slurry into pieces such as by starch molding and curing to form gelled food product in the form of pieces of about 1 to 5 g. By virtue of the high solids concentrations the duration of the curing step is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The Methods of the present invention prepare carrageenan products from processed seaweed material using shear stress treatment are disclosed. The carrageenan products comprise at least about 65% by weight of carrageenan and at least about 2% by weight of acid insoluble material. The carrageenan products of the present invention preferably have an onset of hydration below about 40° C. and a color of greater than about 74 *L units. The carrageenan products of the present invention are useful as components in food products, such as, dairy products, meats, and dessert gels as well as non-food products, such as, toothpaste formulations, cosmetics, and paints.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a setting system for use in the making of gelatin desserts comprising gelatin and an anionic hydrocolloid gum wherein the weight ratio of gelatin to anionic hydrocolloid gum is approximately 250-375:1. Through the use of such a setting system, lower gelatin use of up to 10% or more can be realized while achieving an increase in gel strength of up to about 20%.

Abstract: A diet food formula for overweight people and diabetics, comprising of agar, carrageenans, alginate, chlorella, spirulina, and water. The diet food formula comprises of all natural materials. The diet food formula cannot be metabolized by the human body after ingestion and will supply the human body with proper nutrients that it requires.

Abstract: The present invention provide a gelatinous food product for supplying balanced nutrition, which is a gel of an emulsified mixture comprising 10 to 50 wt. % of total solid content on a dry weight basis and 50 to 90 wt. % of water, the solid content contains 30 to 90 wt. % of saccharide, 5 to 40 wt. % of lipid, 2 to 60 wt. % of protein, 0.2 to 5 wt. % of organic acid, 0.2 to 5 wt. % of organic acid salt, 0.2 to 5 wt. % of emulsifying agent and 0.2 to 5 wt. % of gelling agent, the food product having a pH of 3.3 to 4 and being a composite of an isoelectric gel of the protein and a heat-soluble gel formed with the gelling agent. The invention also provides a process for preparing the food product. The gelatinous food product of the invention is particularly suitable for nutrition of patients with dysphagia, since it comprises various nutrients in suitable proportions and has good eating qualities, for instance, ease of swallowing even by patients with dysphagia, owing to the soft jelly form.

Abstract: Improved, intermediate moisture sweetened gelled food compositions comprise: A) about 55 to 85% by weight nutritive carbohydrate sweeteners; B) sufficient amounts of a gelling system to provide a gel strength of about 1-8 kg/cm2; C) about 10% to 20% moisture. The gelling system comprises high methoxyl pectin and kappa carrageenan. The gelling system allows for a high solids level but a low viscosity when maintained above 130° F. Also disclosed are methods for the preparation of such gelled products involving forming a hot fluid high solids gellable slurry, forming the hot fluid gellable slurry into pieces such as by starch molding and curing to form gelled food product in the form of pieces of about 1 to 5 g. By virtue of the high solids concentrations the duration of the curing step is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Beads as food additives consisting of a matrix of a reticulated multivalent cation containing acid polysaccharide and at least one water soluble and/or voltaile liquid or solid active ingredient filling at least partly the voids built by the acid polysaccharide are prepared by a process comprising the steps of forming a system consisting of a dispersion or emulsion of a water immiscible material in an aqueous solution of an acid polysaccharide, especially in the form of an alkali metal salt, an emulsifier and, optionally, one or more other water soluble or water dispersible substances; forming of discrete droplets of said system; converting said droplets to water-insoluble gel beads by introducing said droplets in an aqueous or alcoholic solution containing multivalent cations, thereby building a suspension of gel beads; isolating said gel beads from said suspension; optionally, drying the isolated beads, and loading the isolated beads with at least one active ingredient.