Abstract: In order to provide a novel free-flowing gelatin composition, in particular for use as food precursor, which gelatin composition retains its flowability, in particular even at temperatures below 30° C., it is proposed that the free-flowing gelatin composition comprises an aqueous liquid, gelatin gel particles dispersed therein and/or dissolved gelatin hydrolysate and one or more sugar components, wherein the sum of the contents of gelatin, gelatin hydrolysate and sugar components(s) is selected such that the water activity (aw value) of the composition is less than or equal to 0.97.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a softgel capsule, and methods of producing a softgel capsule, comprising a gelatin shell and a fill. Prior to encapsulation, a flavored composition is applied to the gelatin sheets used to encapsulate the fill.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a carotenoid and/or fat-soluble vitamin in a matrix of a protein which is cross-linked with a reducing substance, a solid vegetable fat and, optionally, auxiliary agents provide increased stability of the carotene and/or vitamin when incorporated into food, particularly a vegetable fat.

Abstract: A composition includes a delivery vehicle including a caloric component, a functional component, and a matrix-forming component, the matrix-forming component being selected from the group consisting of a thickening agent, a gelling agent, an emulsifier, and combinations thereof, each of the caloric component and the functional component being substantially homogenously mixed within the delivery vehicle and being compatible with the matrix forming component. Each of the caloric component, the functional component, and the matrix-forming component has been compatibilized together. The delivery vehicle is arranged and disposed to receive an additive component thereby producing a substantially solid consumable product upon manual agitation.

Abstract: An improvement in water-soluble polysaccharide films, such as pullulan films, by inclusion of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in the film is disclosed herein. The films exhibit surprisingly improved physical properties such as tear strength, and retain good water-solubility. The films optionally include other additives such as gelatin, plasticizers, and surfactants. Methods of making the films include first dissolving the polysaccharide polymer, such as pullulan, in water, heating the solution, next admixing gelatin, then CMC, and then optional ingredients including plasticizers and more water if desired.

Abstract: A solid, edible ethanol containing product which may be either a rubbery solid or a hard solid that is frozen about 24.8° F. (?4° C.). The product contains gelatin and the ethanol may be provided in the form of selected alcoholic beverages.

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 beverage composition includes water, milk solids, a tea material, and a pH buffer that itself includes a lactate salt and a carbonate salt. The pH buffer reduces or eliminates precipitation of milk protein when dissolved milk solids are mixed with acidic tea components. Methods of preparing the composition, and packaged beverages are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food composition comprising an amino acid part having at least the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, valine, threonine and lysine in an amount of from about 35 to 90 g/100 g of the total amount of the amino acid part as a method how to produce said food composition. The invention relates to different food products comprising said food composition.

Abstract: A beverage comprising at least one flavoring and a rice extract, a derivative thereof, or combinations thereof is provided. The beverage has a cream-like mouthfeel. A method of providing a beverage which imparts a cream-like mouthfeel is also provided. The method comprises providing a rice milk product and adding at least one flavoring to the rice milk product is also provided. A beverage comprising at least one flavoring, a thickener, and a rice extract is further provided.

Abstract: A layered cereal bar with at least two cereal layers having identifiable RTE cereal pieces and at least one visible filling layer in between the two cereal layers is described. In one embodiment, the cereal bar is a non-cooked cereal bar having a total nutrient level equal to or greater than the nutrient level of a single serving of RTE cereal with milk. In one embodiment, the cereal layer is comprised of a cereal composition containing RTE cereal, high-protein rice pieces and TVP in a ratio of about 2:1:1. The cereal layer further comprises a binder to hold the cereal composition together. In one embodiment, the filling layer is a confectionery center that is high in milk content, but possesses a relatively low water activity. In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a layered cereal bar having a visible filling layer is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of encapsulated particles containing PUFAs embedded in a protein matrix for the preparation of extruded food, to the PUFA-supplemented extruded food and to the process for the preparation thereof.

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: The present invention relates to a fish maw glue product and preparation process thereof. The product is characterized in that having tiny yellow and transparent appearance, being powdery, having moisture content of less than 10%, and particle size of 80-200 mesh. Its preparation process includes: pre-treating raw material, washing with water, preparing glue, drying, obtaining glue, pulverizing, packing under vacuum. The process is advanced, easy to handle. After people eat the product, it is easy to digest and to absorb, and has the functions of improving nutrition and nature of a drug. Said fish maw glue may further be made into slice, gel or glue liquor.

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: Microencapsulated polyphenol compositions suitable for use in food and beverage products are provided. Microencapsulation significantly reduces the astringency and/or bitterness of the polyphenol compositions and protects the polyphenol compositions from oxidation, ingredient interactions, enzymatic degradation, and the like while maintaining gastrointestinal bioavailability within the digestive system.

Abstract: The present invention covers a low-fat confectionery product comprising 0-15% fat phase, 15-50% aqueous phase, electrically charged particles, and a structuring agent, the low-fat confectionery product being a co-suspension.

Abstract: The present invention resides in methods of preparing low moisture sweetened fruit product base. The methods comprise the steps in sequence of forming a hot sweetened intermediate moisture flowable fruit or confectionary composition or slurry by extended cooking with agitation at final moisture levels and a solids content ranging from about 85 to 92° Brix; and without intervening drying, forming the hot slurry into sized and shaped individual pieces.

Abstract: Stable acidic milk drinks characterized by composed of an acidic milk drink base together with collagen peptides obtained by hydrolyzing collagen and stabilizers. Thus, it becomes possible to add a collagen substance to the existing drinks containing various stabilizers without worsening the stability of the drinks achieved by the stabilizer.

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: An edible article comprises a food product and a film that encloses the food product. In one embodiment, the film comprises a major amount of pullulan on a dry solids basis, and a minor amount of at least two of glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol. In another embodiment, the film comprises a major amount of pullulan on a dry solids basis, gelatin, and at least two of glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol, and can also comprise salt. The edible article can be manufactured by preparing a film-forming composition as described above, forming the film-forming composition into a film, and enclosing a food product with the film.

Abstract: The invention relates to high performance gellan gum compositions having a 0.1% curdmeter gel strength of at least about 117 g/cm2, i.e. from about 117 g/cm2 to about 400 g/cm2. The high performance gellan gums have a low acyl content but an increased molecular weight. One embodiment of the invention also relates to processes for producing high performance gellan gums having high clarity. The invention further relates to food and non-food industrial products comprising high performance gellan gums.

Abstract: An evaporation based method for generation of high pressure steam from produced water in the heavy oil production industry. De-oiled produced water is processed through a high pH/high pressure evaporator driven by a commercial watertube boiler. The vapor produced by the evaporator is suitable for the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) method being utilized by heavy oil recovery installations, without the use of once through steam generators that require extensive chemical treatment, and without requiring atmospheric distillation, which requires high power consuming compressors. Evaporator blowdown may be further treated in a crystallizing evaporator to provide a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system and, with most produced waters, at least 98% of the incoming produced water stream can be recovered in the form of high pressure steam.

Abstract: A soup composition comprises an edible soup material and an edible binding/molding substance, and is in the form of a non-liquid shape. A method of making a soup composition comprises mixing an edible soup material with an edible binding/molding substance to provide a soup mixture, depositing the soup mixture into a mold, and molding the soup mixture into a non-liquid shape. A method of making a soup composition, comprises depositing into a mold a soup mixture comprising an edible soup material and an edible binding/molding substance, and molding the soup mixture into a non-liquid shape.

Abstract: A process for a portionable, rapid melt sauce is disclosed which forms a gel, to which additional ingredients of the sauce are then added. After formation of the mixture, it may be homogenized and refrigerated to make the resulting product sufficiently firm to allow it to be processed into segments of a desired size, such as small cubes, shreds, or another portionable shape. The product may then be packaged either into individualized portions, or into larger sizes if desired. The small solid segments contained may be portioned out as desired, and rapidly melt into a sauce when heated or when placed onto hot food and will preferably remain as a sauce at room temperature.

Abstract: A process for a portionable, rapid melt sauce is disclosed which forms a gel, to which additional ingredients of the sauce are then added. After formation of the mixture, it may be homogenized and refrigerated to make the resulting product sufficiently firm to allow it to be processed into segments of a desired size, such as small cubes, shreds, or another portionable shape. The product may then be packaged either into individualized portions, or into larger sizes if desired. The small solid segments contained may be portioned out as desired, and rapidly melt into a sauce when heated or when placed onto hot food and will preferably remain as a sauce at room temperature.

Abstract: Compositions of a water in water emulsion having a first phase of gelled particles with specific aspect ratio and width, are suitable for application in products. The compositions impart a creamy impression to the final product.

Abstract: A multi-stage thickening composition for use in facilitating the handling and continuous packaging of a food product, and for providing a desired final shape and texture for the food product. Relatively rapid-setting and slower-setting consumable gels form one preferred thickening composition. The rapid-setting gel allows the food product to be shaped and packaged, while the slower-setting gel allows the food product to be provided with desired texture characteristics that appeal to the consumer.

Abstract: A device and process for adjustably controlling the dimensions of an extruded food product cast into a sheet using, for example, a pressure manifold mounted on a casting belt, or a chill roll/gauge roller combination.

Abstract: An efficient method for the continuous production of a dairy-based confection prevents protein burning and precipitation during processing. The method comprises heating an aqueous sugar composition to at least its boiling point in a first heat exchanger, admixing a dairy component with the boiling, aqueous sugar composition after it exits the first heat exchanger to form a dairy-based mass, and cooking the dairy-based mass to a desired final temperature in a second heat exchanger, without substantial separation or precipitation of the protein within the second heat exchanger. The first and second heat exchangers are preferably plate and frame heat exchangers. The solids content of the dairy-based mass is preferably increased prior to entering the second heat exchanger and again after leaving the second heat exchanger. The solids content of the cooked, dairy-based mass is increased to at least about 88% by weight, preferably at least about 90% by weight.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved, intermediate moisture sweetened gelled food compositions fortified with calcium supplied by calcium phosphate that is dispersed in an oil and/or fat. The gelled compositions comprise: A) about 55 to 85% by weight nutritive carbohydrate sweeteners; B) sufficient amounts of a gelling agent(s) to provide a gel strength of about 2-8 kg/cm2; C) about 50 to 1500 mg/oz total calcium; and D) about 9 to 20% moisture, and E) about to 0.1% to 5% of an edible fatty triglyceride. Also disclosed are methods for the preparation of such fruit products involving forming a concentrated slurry of calcium phosphate having a particle size such that at least 90% are less than 150 ?m dispersed in at least a portion of the oil and/or fat, forming a gellable blend and admixing the gellable composition with the slurry to form a gellable calcium fortified composition and forming into desired shaped and sized pieces.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing soft, gummy candies that retain their physical shapes well and have a pleasant bite and chew when employed in ice cream. The process entails preparing a first premix of sucrose, glycerin, corn syrup and water and blending it with a hydrated gelatin/pectin solution. The resulting combined solution is then cooked at elevated temperature and pressure to form a candy melt. The resulting candy melt is reduced in moisture content and mixed with color, flavor and acid prior to forming the candy melt into discrete, soft candy pieces, e.g., by depositing in starch moulds. The candies are mixed with ice cream to form a soft candy and ice cream confection.

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: An acidified imitation cheese sauce or pudding is prepared comprising a thickener, an acidulant in an amount not grater than about 0.5% equivalents of glacial acetic by weight of the composition, and a protein in an amount of less than 1% by weight of the composition. The acidified composition has a pH of not more than 4.6, moisture in an amount of at least about 55% by weight of the composition, a moisture phase acidity level of not more than about 1.5%, and organoleptic properties similar to a low acid cheese sauce or low acid pudding. Methods for the preparation of the acidified composition are also provided herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a storage-stable brown stock from meat extract and vegetable juice and other customary additives. In a first reaction, a liquid mixture having a solids content of 65-85%, preferably 75-80% by weight, of meat extract, gelatin and vegetable concentrate with or without other customary additives is allowed to react at a temperature around boiling point, preferably 90-100° C., for 3-20 minutes, preferably 5-15 minutes. In a cooking step, a soup stock is added to the product of the prior reaction and, after dilution to a solids content of 10-45% by weight, preferably 15-35% by weight, the mixture is cooked for 40-180 minutes, preferably 50-80 minutes, at a temperature around boiling point, preferably 90-100° C. The product is concentrated to a solids content of at least 60% by weight, preferably 70% or more. The end product can be dried to give a pulverant dry product.

Abstract: There is provided an oil-in-water type emulsion food comprising a gelatin, in which the gelatin contains 13% by weight or less of a gelatin fraction having a molecular weight of 20,000 or less. The emulsion food exhibits a marked improvement in cold resistance such as refrigeration resistance, freeze resistance or the like. A fish gelatin is preferred as this gelatin.

Abstract: A process for the production of a dairy product containing gelatine and cream, wherein the ingredients are mixed, heated and put into a pack, and wherein skimmed milk is mixed with the gelatine in a mixing tank, that mixture is then left to soak and in further succession it is mixed with the remaining ingredients.

Abstract: A firm, flexible feed gel that provides animals, especially non-human primates such as orangutans, with fiber. The gel comprises a gelling agent, added-fiber, and water. While nutritional foods consumed by animals, both natural and manufactured, can contain certain amounts of fiber, the amount of fiber can be insufficient in maintaining the health of the animal. The invention provides a firm, flexible gel that contains an amount of fiber that is over and above the amount of fiber normally found in the animal's nutritional foods, i.e., it provides added-fiber. A method of preparing the gel comprises: (i) providing a gelling agent, a source of added-fiber, and water; (ii) blending the gelling agent and the added-fiber to form a mixture; (iii) combining the water and the mixture to form a homogeneous mass; (iv) transferring the homogeneous mass into a mold; and (v) cooling the homogeneous mass to form the firm, flexible feed gel.

Abstract: A man-made caviar alternative, including granules having a gelled center in a syrup exhibiting the same organoleptic properties as caviar from sturgeon. The granules are made from a mixture of encapsulation material, salt, coloring agents and flavoring agents, and granules are formed having a size of between about 2 to 4 millimeters. The thus formed granules may be treated with firming agents, crisping agents, and antioxidants. The caviar syrup in which the granules reside is a mixture including flavoring agents, salt, and stabilizing agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel confection, and more particularly a tasty soft candy, which is a soft candy in which gummi is dispersed through a candy base substance with a solid content consisting essentially of one or more saccharides, the moisture content of said base substance being 6 to 20 wt %, and said base substance containing 0.001 to 0.3 wt % crystalline cellulose, and further a soft candy, wherein the solid content of the candy base substance consists essentially of gelatin and one or more saccharides, and gummi with a moisture content of 10 to 20 wt % is dispersed through said base substance at a rate of 5 to 30 wt %.

Abstract: A food condiment slice, method of using, composition and method for making, and methods for manufacturing are described. The food condiment slices are used with sandwiches, other food products, and beverages. The food condiment slices may have different structures such as face-fused, side-fused, face-fused-side-fused, woven, and chopped. The food condiment slices are formed from condiments such as catsup, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, steak sauce, jellies, jam, preserves, butter, margarine, marinades, creamers, and syrups. More than one food condiment can be integrated into a single food condiment slice. The food condiment slices eliminate the need and inconvenience of using and carrying spreadable, squeezable, and pourable food condiments. Also included are beverage condiment slices or discs such as coffee or tea dairy and non-dairy creamers.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrocoloids that are used as thickening, binding, gelling or stabilising agents used in the food industry. The invention provides a starch composition, comprising a first fraction comprising cross-linked starch and at least a second fraction comprising copolymerised starch. Said composition is suitable for example to serve as gelatine replacement in foodstuff of varied nature, and is preferably suitable for use in foodstuff such as confectionery.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient acid conversion process by which native and modified starches may be treated to afford products with low viscosity and a higher proportion of lower molecular weight compounds than the corresponding aqueous acid conversion processes. Such converted starches demonstrate unique properties and, accordingly, are useful in a variety of products.

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: Firm, flexible animal feed gel are prepared by a method comprises the steps of: A. Forming a liquid animal feed at a temperature above ambient temperature; B. Passing the liquid animal feed through a pipe cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the liquid animal feed of step (A) such that the feed solidifies to a stiff, flexible gel while in the pipe; and C. Collecting the gel as the gel exits the pipe. The pipe may be straight or coiled, and it may be cooled through the effect of a cooling jacket or container. The composition of the animal is feed is predominantly water containing at least one gelling agent and at least one source of protein, typically an animal-derived protein such as fish or poultry meal.

Abstract: A frozen dessert novelty which is a water ice molded confection product that includes a thin translucent shell and a multi-colored core which is encased into the shell and which is visible in the product before and during consumption, and a process for preparing it. The product is mounted on a stick to facilitate handling and eating.

Abstract: Low-fat food emulsions comprise a continuous aqueous phase and a dispersed phase which comprises fat particles, gel particles and fat-soluble flavor molecules; substantially all of the fat particles are located within the gel particles, and at least 35 w. % of the flavor molecules are located in a plurality of the gel particles. The rate of release of the flavor molecules from the emulsion is delayed and controlled following the gradual break down of the particles, thereby imparting the taste and mouthfeel of a full-fat emulsion.