Abstract: An improved snack food product in the form of resilient, molded, self-sustaining bodies preferably made from a heated mixture comprising a dairy product (cheese, yogurt or pudding), gelatin, fat and water. The product bodies are small and bite sized, having a mass to surface area ratio of from about 0.05-5 g/cm2, which facilitates molding thereof. Preferred food products are prepared by first creating a heated flowable mixture of including cheese, gelatin, fat and water, and depositing small quantities of the mixture into molding depressions formed in powdered starch; after hardening, the resultant products are separated from the starch and packaged.

Abstract: Nutritionally balanced, firm, flexible gels are prepared in shapes attractive to animals, e.g. in the shape of fish for fish-eating animals, the gels comprising: A. At least one gelling agent, e.g. a gelatin and/or a gum; B. At least one animal protein; and C. Water. The gel optionally comprises other nutritionally valuable ingredients such as various oils and fats, plant protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and the like. In one embodiment, the gel is prepared by first blending the appropriate ingredients into a homogenous mass, casting the mass into a block, and then cutting the block into the desired shapes using a patterned cutter.

Abstract: A process for controlling the softness of a food product which tends to lose water and become progressively harder during storage which comprises adding an immobilized edible plasticizer to the food product.

Abstract: The stabilizer is able to stabilize both fat/oil and water in food and to operate in a temperature range that encompasses both the freezer and the oven. The stabilizer is a composite of gelatin, an acid, a sugar component and/or a starch component. The gelatin component is made by treating the gelatin in an aqueous slurry with an acid such that a pH of 1.0 to 4.5 is maintained throughout the treatment process. The stabilizer is used to make a variety of foodstuffs.

Abstract: The invention includes a composition, method and apparatus for use in treating a bale of hay. The composition is essentially free of ammonia, urea and lye, and contains about 10% to about 50% by volume sweetener, about 0.5% to about 8% by volume liquid fat, about 0.5% to about 10% by volume gelatin, at least about 0.2% by volume phosphoric acid, at least about 0.3% by volume elemental calcium, at least about 500 IU Vitamin A per gallon of composition, at least about 100 IU Vitamin D per gallon of composition, and water. The method includes injecting this composition into a bale of hay. A concentrate is also provided that may be mixed with water to form the liquid composition, which concentrate is essentially free of ammonia, urea and lye, and contains about 30% to about 85% by volume sweetener, about 1.5% to about 40% by volume liquid fat, about 1.5% to about 40% by volume gelatin, at least about 1% by volume phosphoric acid, at least about 1.

Abstract: A microgranular enzyme composition having an average particle size of from about 20 to 400 microns is disclosed. The microgranular composition has low dusting, high blendability and quick dispersion characteristics particularly beneficial to the food and/or feed industries. Also disclosed are methods for making such enzyme-containing microgranules.

Abstract: A non-dairy, refrigerator-stable foam having an overrun of 50-350% is formulated from water, sweetener, hydrogenated vegetable oil, non-ionic emulsifier having an HLB of at least 10 and a gelling hydrocolloid having a gel temperature below 80.degree. F. (21.1.degree. C.). Preferably, the emulsifier is polysorbate 60 and/or sucrose fatty acid ester and the gelling hydrocolloid is gelatin. The foam may be free of non-gelatin protein material and has a pH of 3.2-4.6. The foam may be packaged as a ready-to-eat dessert or used as a topping on packaged, ready-to-eat dessert gels or puddings.

Abstract: A method for suspending inclusions in an acidic or alcoholic liquid composition is provided. The method includes the steps of preparing a pre-gel solution including gellan gum in water, providing a liquid composition having inclusions, incorporating the pre-gel solution into the liquid composition, and acidifying the liquid composition to produce a beverage and suspend the inclusions in the beverage. Alternatively, the liquid composition can be provided without inclusions and the inclusions may be added after the pre-gel solution is incorporated into the liquid composition to form a suspending solution or after the suspending solution is acidified to produce a beverage.

Abstract: Edible laminated dough, e.g. for making croissants or puff pastries, is prepared by combining a pre-dough with a lamination dispersion and subjecting the combination to rolling and folding to obtain a plurality of layers, wherein the lamination dispersion is a water-continuous dispersion, characterised in that the lamination dispersion has a pH of 5.0 or less and that the lamination dispersion comprises, calculated on the non-fat content of the lamination dispersion______________________________________ 40-80% water 17-55% aggregate forming polysaccharide gelling hydrocolloid, and 0.1-8% non-gelling polysaccaride thickening hydrocolloid that provides at 20.degree. C. and a shearrate of 50s.sup.-1 a viscosity of at least 50 mPas.

Abstract: The invention provides a temperature-stable liquid droplet comprising a terature-stable hydrocolloid membrane. The hydrocolloid is chosen from low methoxy pectin, Konjac mannan, sodium alginate, or a mixture thereof. The membrane encapsulates a droplet of an edible product or a droplet containing a microorganism, an enzyme or a cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved, intermediate moisture sweetened gelled food compositions fortified with calcium supplied by calcium phosphate. 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/cm.sup.2 ; C) about 50 to 1500 mg/oz total calcium; and D) about 9 to 20% moisture. 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 .mu.m, forming a gellable blend and admixing the gellable composition with the slurry to form a gellable calcium fortofied composition and forming into desired shaped and sized pieces.

Abstract: A crystalline pumpable confection mass for obtaining a chewy confectionery product is provided by preparing a sugar-containing liquid medium, concentrating the medium, cooling the concentrated medium to a temperature below its sugar saturation point and kneading to induce sugar crystal nucleation, and then, the medium in which sugar crystallization was induced is heated to obtain a product which is pumpable and so that sugar crystal nucleates are retained in the heated product. To obtain a solidified product, the heated product is cooled, and additionally, the cooling and kneading and heating may be carried out in an extruder.

Abstract: Fat-like protein compositions for use in foods and cosmetics comprising a protein of gelatin and a water-soluble albumin, a carbohydrate, and a phospholipid wherein said gelatin, albumin, carbohydrate, and phospholipids are in the form of a water-insoluble complex coacervate, and processes for making the same. Preferred are compositions wherein some or all of the ingredients are optionally crosslinked.

Abstract: Pourable fat compositions, provided with thickeners having a good closed-shelf life are obtained, if the compositions have the following composition:0-45 wt % herbs, spices, nuts or seeds5-60 wt % of thickener0-5 wt % of emulsifier0-10 wt % of milk proteins0-10 wt % of egg yolk powder1-10 wt % salt50-89 wt % of fat blend, comprising(i) 90-99.8 wt % liquid oil(ii) 10-0.

Abstract: An composition containing transglutaminase and collagen. The composition can be used to prepare bound food, preferably without the use of allergy-causing casein proteins.

Abstract: Described is an edible, water insoluble film which is a blend of polysaccharide and protein and, in particular, a ternary blend of konjac flour as a major constituent, agar and gelatin. Also, described is a method of forming the film including a deacetylating step to insolubilize the konjac flour.

Abstract: A method for making a stable dessert type food product using cream, artificial cream, thickened cream or cream cheese which involves adding to the first aerated mixture as a hot liquid solution gelatine directly into the much cooler mixture while this is being substantially beaten and then allowing the resultant product to set while maintaining the aerated structure.

Abstract: "Gumi" (or gummy) candies made by mixing water, sugar, starch syrup, an acid, a setting agent, a buffer solution, a flavoring material and a coloring agent. A combination of pectin and gelatin is used as the setting agent. Pectin and gelatin are used in the amounts of 1.9 to 2.6% and 1 to 3.8%, respectively, by weight relative to the total solid weight of the principal materials which are sugar, starch syrup, acid, setting agent and a buffer solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a methods of making an edible material and the application thereof to sticky or moist food products. The edible material may be sprayed on the moist food product. The food product with the edible material thereon may be used make sandwiches or stored without any additional protection. Individually wrapped slices of the moist food product may be further wrapped in plastic films, boxed and transported. Sandwiches utilizing the moist food products with the edible material thereon may be made and stored and sold in convenience store, grocery stores and the like.

Abstract: Fat-like protein compositions for use in foods and cosmetics comprising a protein of gelatin and a water-soluble albumin, a carbohydrate, and a phospholipid wherein said gelatin, albumin, carbohydrate, and phospholipids are in the form of a water-insoluble complex coacervate, and processes for making the same. Preferred are compositions wherein some or all of the ingredients are optionally crosslinked.

Abstract: The invention provides a biodegradable protein/starch-based thermoplastic composition. The composition is particularly useful in preparing low ratio expanded foams. Natural cellulosic fibers such as grass fiber, wood fiber, chopped straw, bagasse, etc. function as reinforcement filler. A metallic salt hydrate is added to improve mechanical properties of the protein/starch-based thermoplastic. The composition is processed by conventional methods, such as extrusion and injection molding, into packaging material or articles that are low density, high compressive strength, tensile strength, and good resilience.

Abstract: A process for controlling the softness of a food product which tends to lose water and become progressively harder during storage which comprises adding an immobilized edible plasticizer to the food product.

Abstract: Creamy, cultured dairy based water continuous spread comprising less than 35% fat, up to 4.5% milk protein, gelatin or a gelatin replacer, optionally up to 2% structuring agent, the spread having a pH value between 4.6 and 5.2, and a Stevens value hardness at 10.degree. C. of 200-500 g and of 50-250 g at 20.degree. C., a whey protein to casein weight ratio higher than in milk, and the spread having a butter-like mouthfeel, texture and taste. In one preferred embodiment, the fat is a dairy fat. In another embodiment, the fat is a mixture of non-dairy fat and dairy fat, preferably 10-55% non-dairy fat and 90-45% dairy fat.

Abstract: A liquid butter replacement exhibits a pleasant fat-like mouth feel despite a very low or no fat content, good color, good flavor, and a degree of fat-like melt without causing toast or other similar substrate to which the product is applied to become soggy due to moisture release. A flowable fat mimetic is prepared from an aqueous solution comprising a cross-linkable carbohydrate gelling composition (preferably pectin) and at least one gelling agent (preferably a calcium salt) that together form a heat-stable inner gelled phase which is agitated to produce gel particles that provide an organoleptic sensation similar to fat. The weight of the fat mimetic is at least about 75% of the weight of the butter substitute. The flowable fat mimetic is then combined with an second, continuous outer phase containing an unhydrated heat-reversible or heat-thinning, water-soluble gelling agent, and preferably salt and milk or milk solids.

Abstract: A pizza sauce disk and a method for making the same are provided. The pizza sauce disk comprises a pizza sauce which includes a heat-reversible gelling agent. When activated, the gelling agent causes the pizza sauce to at least partially congeal at room temperature or below so that it may be retained in place on a non-edible support surface. Upon further cooling, the pizza sauce forms a more complete gel structure which, even after warming to room temperature, allows the disk to be handled as a cohesive mass and placed and repositioned on a pizza crust without tearing, breaking or smearing of the disk. The pizza sauce disk may optionally include cheese and assorted pizza toppings. To form a pizza with the present disk, the disk is removed from the support surface and is combined with a pizza crust shell. The pizza may then be cooked and served.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of preparing a beverage in the form of a dilute aqueous solution, suspension or dispersion of an encapsulated product. The capsule is added to a potable liquid, and the capsule material breaks down when submerged in the liquid to release its contents and itself dissolve. A primary advantage of providing the product in this way is that it can be confined within the capsule in liquid form, and can therefore disperse or dissolve in water more readily. Additionally, the capsule would normally sink to the bottom of the body of water before releasing its contents, thereby ensuring that the contents are released within the body of water, and not at the surface thereof.

Abstract: A process for controlling the softness of a food product which tends to lose water and become progressively harder during storage which comprises adding an immobilized edible plasticizer to the food product.

Abstract: A fat continuous spread having less than about 35 wt. % of a fat phase and a method of preparing the spread are described. The fat blend of the product must have a solid fat content at 10.degree. C. of greater than 25 wt. % and the aqueous phase must contain 0.05 to 0.5 wt. % of a modified protein. The viscosity of the aqueous phase must be at least 25 mPa.s at a shear rate of 17090 sec-.sup.1 and a temperature of 5.degree. C.

Abstract: A meltable food product for applying seasonings to food, or serving as a sauce for food, is disclosed. The product is designed to apply seasonings to food when it melts, which occurs as the food is cooked. The product has a gel-like consistency and is comprised of water, a solidifying agent, a food base, and seasonings embedded in the product. Methods for making and using the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: An edible material thin file is applied to sticky or moist food products. The edible material may be sprayed on the moist food product. The food product with the edible material thereon may be used make sandwiches or stored without any additional protection. Individually wrapped slices of the moist food product may be further wrapped in plastic films, boxed and transported. Sandwiches utilizing the moist food products with the edible material thereon may be made and stored and sold in convenience store, grocery stores and the like.

Abstract: Hard cheese containing gelatin, as well as a method for making it, is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of adding a starter culture to milk, ripening the milk, adding rennet, breaking the resulting coagel to curd, agitating the curd, drawing off whey and pressing the curd, either before or after the drawing-off of whey, and then shaping and ripening the curd. The method is distinguished by adding gelatin a) to the milk before the addition of rennet, or b) to the curd after the whey has been wholly or partly drawn off in the making of granular-eyed cheese.

Abstract: Soluble bulking agents for replacing up to 100% of the sucrose or other soluble, simple carbohydrates in edible formulations are provided. The bulking agents are substantially non-digestible and have an average molecular weight range of 500 to 50,000. Also provided are edible formulations containing these bulking agents and processes for preparing these bulking agents, preferably by enzymatically depolymerizing naturally-occurring, heteropolysaccha-rides such as pectin, guar gum, locust bean (carob seed) gum, konjac gum, xanthan gum, alginates, agar or other food gums to yield a mixture of heteropolysaccharide fragments having an average DP of 3 to 75, preferably 3 to 30. The process employs one or more enzymes such as 1,4-beta-D-Mannanmannohydrolyase, or 1,6-alpha-D-Galactosidase for degrading 1,4-beta-D-linked mannose-containing heteropolysaccharides (e.g.

Abstract: Coated animal feed agglomerates such as pellets are made starting with uncoated agglomerates or pellets that may be formed of easily agglomerated or pelleted ingredients but which may be lacking in desirable nutritional or other ingredients. A binder such as a viscous aqueous gel is coated onto the uncoated agglomerates or pellets. Thereafter, the damp binder coated agglomerates or pellets are dusted with a powder containing ingredients having a substantial lactose content which usually are not amenable to being extruded. After the dusting powder has been applied, the coated and dusted pellets undergo a curing step before they are dried and cooled.

Abstract: Simulated egg yolk in the nature of a thermoreversible, preferably homogenized, gel which is non-flowable at room temperature is extruded into disk-like shapes. A restrictive barrier is formed around the egg yolk disks by a reverse method of first contacting the non-flowable yolk with a setting agent such as calcium chloride in water and then with a film former such as sodium alginate in water. The resulting simulated egg yolk looks and behaves like natural egg yolk and may be incorporated into natural egg white while preserving a separate phase, so one can make "sunny side up" and "easy over" eggs.

Abstract: Suspensions of hydrated gelled biopolymer particles obtainable by hydrating dry biopolymer particles at a temperature below T.sub.gel. Such suspensions may be used in food products such as edible spreads and ice creams or in personal care products such as skin creams and moisturizers, to impart a fatty-like character to the product.

Abstract: A continuous solvent free gelatin encapsulation apparatus and process includes an oil roll back assembly (20) for applying a controlled amount of a food-approved lubricant to a first side of the gelatin ribbon and an applicator guide bar assembly (40) for applying a controlled amount of food-approved lubricant to a second side of the gelatin ribbon. Two opposing food-approved lubricant coated gelatin ribbons are then united in a die assembly (50) to form gelatin capsules which are then dried and recovered.

Abstract: A low fat coated dry fabricated fruit pieces are provided that simulate dried fruit pieces for use as a particulate additive in a Ready-To-Eat cereal. The coated fruit piece includes about 25% to 50% of a low moisture gelled center having high humectant levels and about 50% to 75% of a base coating comprising dried fruit material in particulate form and about 1% to 10% of thin film top coat. Methods for preparing such fabricated fruit pieces are provided comrising the steps of (A) forming a low moisture gelled center having high levels of humectant to form sticky gelled core pieces; (B) optionally coating the low moisture gelled center with dried particulate fruit to form a gelled center having a dried fruit particulate base coat; and (C) applying a final thin film coating comprising a sweetened aqueous dispersion of a film forming hydrophilic colloid.

Abstract: The salty taste of a food or beverage is enhanced by adding to the food or beverage a dehydrated composition containing from about 15% to about 65% by weight of an ammonium salt and from about 35% to about 85% by weight of a proteolyzed protein. The dehydrated composition contains from about 0.2% to about 3% free lysine and from about 0.2% to about 3% free arginine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a powdered seasoning, which comprises adding to and dissolving in a seasoning liquor or soy sauce, 100-250% by weight in total of a dextrin of DE value 6-15 and a dextrin of DE value 1-5 and 3-20% by weight of gelatin, and then spray-drying the resultant solution, a content of the DE 1-5 dextrin being 5-60% by weight of the total dextrin, all the percent weights being based on the weight of a solid in the seasoning liquor or soy sauce.

Abstract: A lozenge contains a binder such as gelatine and a sweetener which is partly or totally erythritol or maltitol. A process for making the lozenge comprises kneading the erythritol or maltitol at an elevated temperature, e.g. 35.degree. to 60.degree. C., while slowly adding an aqueous solution of the binder, kneading the erythritol or maltitol and binder into a smooth paste, forming the paste into suitable shapes and heating the shapes at an elevated temperature, e.g. 40.degree. to 45.degree. C., to harden them.

Abstract: A dry food acidulent composition, reminiscent of vinegar when hydrated, comprises a dry food acid, a buffering salt and a fully dissociatable salt. The dry food acid preferably comprises adipic, citric, fumaric, malic acid or a mixture. The buffering salt is preferably a sodium or potassium salt of a food-grade acid such as sodium citrate, potassium citrate, disodium phosphate, dipostassium phosphate, and mixtures. The fully dissociatable salt is preferably sodium chloride or potassium chloride. The preferred weight ratio of the buffering salt to the acid is within the range of from about 0.1:1 to about 0.3:1, that of the fully dissociatable salt to the acid is within the range of from about 1:1 to about 6:1, and that of the fully dissociatable salt to the buffering salt is within the range of from about 10:1 to about 30:1. These compositions are admixed with other dry ingredients to prepare dry sauce and dressing mixes.

Abstract: A stable liquid suspension of an encapsulated flavor oil, oleoresin or spice in a gel matrix is prepared by forming a gel matrix in an aqueous medium with high shear mixing of a colloidal gelling agent at a temperature above the freezing point of the aqueous medium and preferably below ambient temperature and dispersing and encapsulating the flavor oil, oleoresin or spice in the gel matrix during the formation of the gel matrix.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of preparing a beverage in the form of a dilute aqueous solution, suspension or dispersion of an encapsulated product. The capsule is added to a potable liquid, and the capsule material breaks down when submerged in the liquid to release its contents and itself dissolve. A primary advantage of providing the product in this way is that it can be confined within the capsule in liquid form, and can therefore disperse or dissolve in water more readily. Additionally, the capsule would normally sink to the bottom of the body of water before releasing its contents, thereby ensuring that the contents are released within the body of water, and not at the surface thereof.

Abstract: A pizza sauce composite preform and a method for making the same are provided. The pizza sauce composite preform comprises a pizza sauce which includes a heat-reversible gelling agent. When activated, the gelling agent causes the pizza sauce to at least partially congeal at room temperature or below so that it may be retained in place on a non-edible support surface. Upon further cooling, the pizza sauce forms a more complete gel structure which, even after warming to room temperature, allows the preform to be handled as a cohesive mass and placed and repositioned on a pizza crust without tearing, breaking or smearing of the disk. The pizza sauce composite preform may optionally include cheese and assorted pizza toppings. To form a pizza with the present preform, the preform is removed from the support surface and is combined with a pizza crust shell. The pizza may then be cooked and served.

Abstract: Coated animal feed agglomerates such as pellets are made starting with uncoated agglomerates or pellets that may be formed of easily agglomerated or pelleted ingredients but which may be lacking in desirable nutritional or other ingredients. A binder such as a viscous aqueous gel is coated onto the uncoated agglomerates or pellets. Thereafter, the damp binder coated agglomerates or pellets are dusted with a powder containing ingredients which usually are not amenable to being extruded. After the dusting powder has been applied the coated and dusted pellets are dried and cooled.

Abstract: Liquid-centered jelly candy and method for manufacture are claimed. In this invention jelly candy is processed to about 25-30% moisture content and deposited in a starch mold to a level that half fills the mold. A small hard candy pellet is made from sugar, color, flavor, and acidulant. The hard candy pellet is centered on the jelly candy in each of the half full molds. A second deposit of warm jelly candy is filled over the pellets completing the candy pieces. The candy is cured at about 130.degree. F. to about 140.degree. F. for about 24-48 hours. During which time, moisture from the jelly candy migrates to and liquifies each candy pellet forming the liquid-centered jelly candy.The completed candy pieces are cured in the molds at about 130.degree. F. to about 140.degree. F. for about 24-48 hours. During the curing process, the moisture from the jelly migrates into and liquifies the sugar paste forming a liquid-centered jelly candy.

Abstract: A process to add carbon dioxide under low shear conditions to an already formed food to produce a semi-solid or solid carbonated food. The carbonated semi-solid or solid spoonable food has the following properties:(a) a viscosity of between about 2000 and 200,000 centipoise at between about 1.5.degree. and 25.degree. C., and(b) a carbonation level of between about 0.5 and 4.0 volumes of carbon dioxide per volume of food. The process includes contacting the formed food with carbon dioxide gas with low shear agitation.

Abstract: A method and composition for producing an edible casing from an aqueous gelatin plasticizer composition which is given specific through-put parameters by means of a elongated rotating extruder which terminates in a die extruder for forming a film. The aqueous gelatin composition may also contain chitosan and/or hydroxypropylcellulose. Optionally, cross-linking agents, coloring agents, flavoring agents, preservatives and/or antioxidants may be included.

Abstract: Methods are claimed for producing egg-yolk containing artificial egg-yolk materials and egg-white or other thermally non-reversile gell formers. The egg-yolk is produced in the form of a cylinder, which is useful to be cut into disks, which after being encapsulated into an edible membrane, are used in combination with egg-white to form egg-products which may be fried or poached in a similar manner as real eggs.

Abstract: A continuous coupled jet-cooking/spray-drying process for processing or co-processing inherently water-dispersible or water-soluble crystalline polymers, such as starches, starch mixtures, gums (e.g., locust bean gum, carrageenan, agar), viscosifying proteins (e.g., gelatin), starch-gum mixtures, and fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohols, is disclosed. The process involves the steps of: (a) forming a slurry or paste of the polymer and water, (b) jet-cooking the slurry or paste with steam at a temperature sufficient to fully disperse or solubilize the polymer, (c) immediately conveying and introducing, under elevated temperature and pressure, the jet-cooked dispersion or solution into a nozzle of a spray-dryer chamber, (d) atomizing the jet-cooked dispersion or solution through the nozzle, (e) drying the atomized mist within the spray-dryer chamber at a temperature sufficient to dry the polymer; and (f) recovering the dried polymer as a water-dispersible or water-soluble powder.