Abstract: Appealing traditional nutritious snacks and mixes from which consumers can prepare appealing traditional nutritious snacks are disclosed. These snacks and mixes offer an alternative to appealing but unhealthy snacks. The nutritious snacks of the present invention are traditional in form, provide a balanced mix of an amino acid source, fat, and carbohydrates and typically have an appeal similar to that of unhealthy snacks of similar form. Thus, the snacks and snack mixes of the present invention resolve the dilemma that consumers are currently faced with—healthy eating or enjoying what you eat. Processes for making and methods of using appealing traditional nutritious snacks and mixes from which consumers can prepare appealing traditional nutritious snacks are also disclosed.

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: There are provided high quality pectins obtained by extraction from root vegetables, a process for their production, acidic protein foods that are stable in an acidic pH range above the isoelectric point of their proteins and are obtained using the pectins, and a process for their production. By adding an emulsifier during extraction of pectins from root vegetables for insolubilization of the starch impurities for their separation and removal, it is possible to produce highly pure pectins, which may be used to obtain acidic protein foods of satisfactory quality.

Abstract: A novel process for extracting pectin from waste hull/hypocotyl streams during soybean processing is described. Chemical extracting agents in addition to or in conjunction with heat and agitation are used to extract pectin from the waste streams. The pectin is then precipitated in alcohol, washed and dried. A process for whitening the extracted pectin is also described.

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 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: The present invention provides novel compositions having an eating texture similar to that of a natural fruit flesh, an artificial fruit flesh having an eating texture similar to that of natural fruit flesh prepared by using the compositions, and a food product containing artificial fruit flesh. The aforementioned compositions are the gel-containing liquid composition containing a pectin with a degree of esterification of 20% or less, a divalent metal ion and water, and the heterogeneous gel composition containing a negatively-charged gelling agent in addition to the above-mentioned ingredients.

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.

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 cold process method for forming a pumpable, bake stable, pectin based food paste involving providing a liquid component containing solubilized pectin and a food ingredient, providing a dry component containing a gelling agent for the pectin, dry acid and buffer salt, selecting the particle size of the acid and salt to delay gelling by a desired time, rapidly blending the dry component into the liquid component for a time less than the desired time; and, transporting the blended components to a container where it gels into the food paste.

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: A cream for use as a topping on beverages, such that the cream floats on the surface of the beverage, whether hot or cold. The cream contains a hydrocolloid fluid gelling agent at a concentration sufficient to form a fluid gel which is subsequently sheared. This enables the cream to float on beverages, whilst maintaining its inherent stability and remaining immiscible with other liquids whether hot or cold. Usually the gelling agent has a concentration between 0.05 and 2% by weight.

Abstract: A process for making confection compositions such as ice pops of gel consistency, in the absence of heat treatment which takes advantage of a chemical reaction between an alginate salt, other than calcium alginate, or a low methoxy pectin and free calcium provides a homogeneous gel product which can be subsequently depositing into a mold pocket and converted into a desired product such as an ice pop by traditional steps.

Abstract: Expanded edible products having a porous, foamed, or cellular interior and self-sealing surface or skin are provided. The texture and structure of the expanded products are controlled by manipulating a pre-expanded food formulation comprising hydrocolloid and moisture.

Abstract: A process for making, or preparing, a reduced-calorie fruit and/or vegetable spread product including whole, natural fruit(s) and/or vegetable(s), or combinations thereof, having improved flavor, texture (e.g., mouth feel), color, and nutritional value as compared to fruit and/or vegetable spread products made with conventional processes. More particularly, the process of the present invention includes a pasteurization step, using a swept-surface heat exchanger, for making fruit and/or vegetable spread products having reduced caloric and sugar content and having increased soluble dietary fiber content. The minimal processing of the present process enables the produced fruit and/or vegetable spread products to retain flavor, texture, color, vitamins and other nutrients which are, typically, lost in traditionally-processed fruit and/or vegetable spread products.

Abstract: Novel gel compositions having a sarcocarp-like texture and taste (mouth feelings): and foods having a sarcocarp-like texture with the use the same. These novel gel compositions comprise pectin, a divalent metal ion and water optionally together with negatively charged gelling agent. The above-described pectin contains at least one member selected from among pectinic acid and its salts and forms heat-stable particles having a diameter of at least 100 &mgr;m in the presence of water, or particles having an average diameter of 10 to 5000 &mgr;m in the presence of water and calcium ion.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a gelled dried sweetened products comprise the steps in sequence of: providing a hot fluid gelable base blend at near finish % solids, and depositing the fluid gelable base blend into shaped cavities. The present methods can further comprise the steps of rapidly curing the base blend to form gelled shaped pieces; and, separating the gelled shaped pieces from the shaped cavities to form quantities of shaped pieces. Depositing a gelable base blend at near finish solids content is possible by completely hydrating any gel hydrocolloids prior to addition to other wet and dry ingredients.

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 ice-cream confectionery product in the form of an emulsion stable in the liquid state at ambient temperature, preservable at ambient temperature in the said liquid state when packaged in sterile conditions and having a microcrystalline structure upon freezing in the absence of beating, comprising alimentary fats, milk proteins, sweeteners, flavorings and water, further comprising a thickening and stabilizing composition comprising a salt acting as a protein stabilizer, a hydrocolloid constituted by a chemically modified starch and at least one further hydrocolloid chosen from water soluble hemicellulose, pectins having a high degree of esterification and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A frozen dessert product that includes as gel providing ingredients an anionic gelling hydrocolloid and a gelation controller or inhibitor, the ingredients providing or forming a gel having a hardness of between about 25 and 150 g and an adhesiveness of less than 5 g.s. Also, composite frozen confections containing such a gel and methods for making the gel and products containing the gel.

Abstract: A composition comprising coloring substance bodies that are at least partially coated with beet pectin, chicory pectin and/or Jerusalem artichoke pectin or other pectin types having a high degree of acetylation. The composition which may be water dispersible is useful for preparation of health improving products and/or coloring products for use in the coloring of edible products including food products and nutraceuticals, and for coloring of pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: There are provided high quality pectins obtained by extraction from root vegetables, a process for their production, acidic protein foods that are stable in an acidic pH range above the isoelectric point of their proteins and are obtained using the pectins, and a process for their production. By adding an emulsifier during extraction of pectins from root vegetables for insolubilization of the starch impurities for their separation and removal, it is possible to produce highly pure pectins, which may be used to obtain acidic protein foods of satisfactory quality.

Abstract: An edible composition has a first part including a first particulated gel and at least one other part including a second particulated gel, the first part being substantially unmixed with the other part or parts. An edible composition includes a particulated gel in a continuous phase of a hydrocolloid gel. A process for the preparation of such edible compositions is provide.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a low pH nutritional formula that contains high levels of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals. The pH of the enteral formula is from about 3.0-4.6 and delivers at least 25% of the RDI for selected vitamins and minerals in a 237 ml. serving. The enteral formula uses a stabilizing system comprising high methoxy pectin to stabilize the protein and a unique process to produce the formula.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the application of a pectin esterase substantially free from depolymerase activity in the maceration of apple pulp. The use of purified pectin esterase leads to a low amount of pectin degradation products in the juice and to the conservation of protopectin in the apple pomace. Furthermore, the juice yield and the pressability are increased through the use of purified PE.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a prepared mustard product having reduced tendency for syneresis. A slurry is prepared to contain ground mustard seed, water, vinegar, salt and an amount of type JMJ pectin effective to reduce the tendency toward syneresis, e.g., from about 0.1 to 0.5% by weight. The resulting slurry is then homogenized sufficiently to provide a viscosity of from 7,000 to 25,000 centipoises after setting. Upon packaging, the product will have less tendency to suffer separation of water to form a free phase.

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: A calcium-fortified milk or dairy-based product containing a calcium source and a food-grade polyphosphate having at least six phosphate groups.

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 &mgr;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: 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.

Abstract: Enzymatically blocked-deesterified pectins that display pseudoplasticity and substantially no phase separation in aqueous solutions comprising at least one polyvalent cation, and processes for producing the same. Enzymatically blocked-deesterified pectins prepared by deesterifying isolated high methoxyl pectins with enzymes. Processes for suspending particulates using enzymatically blocked-deesterified pectins enzymatically blocked-deesterified pectins prepared by deesterifying isolated high methoxyl pectins with enzymes. Compositions and stabilized aqueous systems containing enzymatically blocked-deesterified pectins prepared by deesterifying isolated high methoxyl pectins with enzymes.

Abstract: Processes for making milk-based freezable confections are disclosed. The confections are liquid at room temperature, and freeze to a sherbet consistency. The present processes use particular gum combinations to attain their unique texture upon freezing and to keep milk proteins and insoluble solids, if used, from settling when the product is liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing the serum separation of an aqueous mass containing pectin, including the steps of: (a) providing an aqueous mass substantially free from pectin depolymerizing enzymes, (b) adding an effective amount of pectinesterase, preferably substantially free from pectin depolymerizing enzymes, and (c) incubating said mass in the presence of divalent cations, is disclosed. The method has been found to be advantageous with products wherein the pectin containing aqueous mass is derived from broccoli, pepper, mustard, apples, tomatoes oranges, lemons, grapes, lime, pears, carrots, peas, cauliflower, and berries, such as blackcurrant, blue-berries, strawberries, and raspberries to obtain products, such as jam, marmalade, jelly, juice, paste, soup, dressing, sauce, condiment, ketchup, salsa, chutney, pudding, mousse, or other deserts.

Abstract: A polymer is provided which comprises acid casein or a non-toxic soluble salt thereof and high-methoxyl pectin cross-linked into a three-dimensional network. A process for preparing the polymer and edible films and food products comprising the polymer are also provided.

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: An ice confection coating of an aqueous based sol containing a pectin and a setting agent in an amount sufficient to cause gelation of the sol. Also included are methods for preparing the coating, methods for applying the coating, and the resultant coated ice confection products.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use as a foodstuff or in the preparation of a foodstuff is described. The composition includes a pectin methyl esterase (PME); a first PME substrate; and a second PME substrate; wherein neither the first PME substrate nor the second PME substrate originates in situ from the other.

Abstract: Certain cultured plant cell gums, including those produced in suspension culture of plant cells of plants of the family Aizoaceae are described. Plant cell gums of plants of the genus Mesembryanthemum are specifically provided. Also described are the methods of using these cultured plant cell gums in the manufacture of food products, pharmaceuticals and veterinary products, cosmetics and other industrial products, such as paper, adhesive, ink, textiles, paint, ceramics, explosives, cleaning agents or detergents, products for firefighting, agricultural chemicals including pesticides and fungicides, for oil and gas production, and in photography, lithography, and other industries are described. Food, pharmaceutical, veterinary, industrial and cosmetic compositions containing certain cultured plant cell gums are also described. Plant cell gums can be employed as substitutes for plant exudate and extract gums and other known emulsifying, viscosifying and gelling agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of vegetable or fruit pieces, in particular to a process for preparing vegetable or fruit pieces which are more firm or which show reduced attrition/disintegration when subjected to shear, and which process does not require the addition of divalent cations such as calcium.

Abstract: A fortified foodstuff comprising a fortifying amount of a complex of calcium and a hydrolyzed polysaccharide, optionally combined with an acid, such as an organic acid. The foodstuff may be a dairy-based product such as milk or a milk product, a confectionery product, or an ice cream.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer comprising acid casein or a non-toxic soluble salt thereof and high-methoxyl pectin cross-linked into a 3-dimensional network. Also provided is a polymer comprising acid casein or a non-toxic soluble salt thereof and high-methoxyl pectin, wherein the polymer has been prepared by reacting the acid casein or pectin under alkaline conditions. Also provided is a process for preparing the polymer and edible films and food products comprising the polymer.

Abstract: There is provided use of a pectin composition to prepare an aqueous composition having high yield stress characteristics without substantial gelation, wherein the pectin composition comprises at least a population of pectin that is calcium sensitive; wherein the pectin composition is capable of imparting high yield stress characteristics to an aqueous composition without causing substantial gelation of the aqueous composition.

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, tamarind seed gum, 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: A food composition, product and method of making thereof uses tissue, such as vegetable, meat, fish or poultry. The tissue is coated with at least one coating, dried and fried. Initially the coating is a gel including water, hydrocolloid gel forming compounds and a cross-linking agent such as polyvalent cations. The coating at least partially encloses the outer surface of the tissue. The coating is dried prior to frying. The coating (initial, dried and fried) includes at least ten percent equivalent weight of cross-linking agent based on the neutralization equivalent weight of the hydrocolloid. The dried coating is adapted to substantially impede the penetration of oil therethrough. The coated fried products have a low concentration of cooking oil.

Abstract: A pet food composition comprising meat chunk and gravy, said gravy having chemically modified starch, gum, or mixtures thereof, in quantities less than that necessary to promote the production of stool quality that is unacceptable.

Abstract: A highly palatable and long lasting dog chew for pets has been developed by combining a formulation and processing sequence which results in a highly palatable meat based filling being incorporated into the center of a preformed rawhide stick or rawhide roll. Such outside rawhide fraction is extremely tough and chewy which results in a dog chew which takes a long period of time for the dog to consume. The inside meat filling is highly palatable which results in the animal maintaining interest in the treat until nearly the entire chew has been consumed. The interior meat filling is preserved by reduced water activity to below 0.85 as a result of incorporating of salt, sugars and natural humectants. Said filling is formulated and processed in such a manner that the water phase is bound within the filling and does not pass by capillary action to the outside rawhide fraction. This results in the outer rawhide shell maintaining a tough and chewable texture until such point as the dog is offered the finished chew.

Abstract: A method and composition for preparing battered and breaded food compositions which resist absorbing oil during deep fat frying. The breading composition is prepared by enriching the breading formulation with calcium. This is accomplished by either dry blending, spray drying or agglomerating (e.g., spray coating or application with subsequent drying), by baking the calcium source into the bread crumb or any combination of the above. The battered and breaded food composition is then treated, with a solution of calcium reactive pectin. The calcium-pectin coating functions to significantly impede the absorption and adsorption of frying oil, increases the moisture content, the crispness and heat lamp stability of the food composition. Alternatively, the food may first be treated with the calcium reactive pectin and then the calcium source, depending upon the circumstances of use.

Abstract: A method of providing selected fractions of high-esterified pectin, each having different functionalities, by consecutive extraction of a vegetable material with acidic aqueous solutions to obtain successive fractions of high-esterified pectin with increasing setting time. The vegetable material is optionally prior to being extracted subjected to an acid pre-treatment by heating it in a homogeneous mixture of water and a water-miscible organic solvent. The pectin fractions obtainable by the method have improved properties when used in the preparation of food products such as preserves and acidified milk products. The pectin fractions are also useful as starting materials in a method of obtaining deesterified and optionally amidated pectin fractions having additionally improved functional characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of making a non-liquid fruit product (fruit chip) which has a natural fruit flavor and which can be formed in desired individual or discrete configurations and sizes.

Abstract: A novel calcium complex for the fortification of beverages and foods, especially milk, is disclosed. Fortifying complexes are made of a calcium source and a negatively-charged emulsifier with or without an organic or inorganic acid or a salt thereof. These complexes have been found to be particularly effective in fortifying milk and milk-protein containing beverages without coagulation of the proteins or without significantly changing the texture of the product.