Abstract: A method of enhancing a butter product involves removing all of all, or at least most of, the water content from butter leaving mainly clarified butter and milk solids. The milk solids in the clarified butter are browned and then the milk solids and the clarified butter are cooled. The clarified butter and browned milk solids are agitated once cooled to attain at least, generally uniform consistency. The product is then solidified and packaged. In some forms, an additive can be introduced into the product, preferably before the agitation step. Such additive can include a bulking agent (e.g., safflower oil) and/or a flavor enhancement (e.g., lemon zest).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a dairy product with reduced sodium, wherein a yeast extract comprising at least 30% w/w 5?-ribonucleotides, on the basis of sodium chloride free dry matter, is added to a dairy composition used in the production of dairy product with reduced sodium. Preferably, a yeast extract is used wherein the total amount of 5?-GMP plus 5?-IMP is at least 15% w/w on the basis of sodium chloride free dry matter. The method of the invention may advantageously be used since off-tastes are masked and salt perception is enhanced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing fractions of a milk composition by treating a milk composition with a phospholipase and separating it into at least two fractions with different fat content. The fractions obtained have improved properties for producing food products. The invention further relates to a method for producing food products from one or more of the fractions obtained.

Abstract: A food selected from the group comprising milk and dairy products derived from milk, comprising a carnitine in an effective amount to stimulate, through the natural fatty acid metabolic processes that take place in a consumer of said food, the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the saturated fatty acids originally contained in the food.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the improvement of food items through the increased utilization of plant-derived stearidonic acid. Many long chain fatty acids have been classified as being Omega 3 and have been shown to provide several health benefits, including heart health. According to the current invention plant-derived stearidonic acid (18:4?3) has been incorporated into a wide range of food products by using either oil or flour processed from soybeans with enhanced levels of stearidonic acid. These foods range from oil-based products (salad dressing, mayonnaise) to dairy products (milk, cheese) to prepared foods (entrees, side dishes). In addition to improved health benefits the current invention provides food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that have enhanced storage and/or shelf life characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides dried food compositions. In particular, the dried food compositions generally contain a structured protein along with other macronutrients and micronutrients.

Abstract: A butter related food product comprising a water component and a hydrocolloid dietary fiber component with a butter component. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the water component and the dietary fiber component are mixed to form a hydrocolloid mixture, and this mixture is in turn mixed with the butter component. Inulin as a dietary fiber is utilized in many instances. The butter related product can advantageously be used in various food recipes where there is butter and also sugar as two of the components. The actual butter fraction would be substituted for all or part of the butter in the recipe, and also the sweetness provided by the inulin would reduce all or part of the sugar in the recipe. In another embodiment the buttermilk MFGM that is derived from churning the cream that is being processed in a butter churn is able to function as the water component of the mixture.

Abstract: A process for the heterotrophic or predominantly heterotrophic production of whole-celled or extracted microbial products with a high concentration of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids, producible in an aerobic culture under controlled conditions using biologically pure cultures of heterotrophic single-celled fungi microorganisms of the order Thraustochytriales. The harvested whole-cell microbial product can be added to processed foods as a nutritional supplement, or to fish and animal feeds to enhance the omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid content of products produced from these animals. The lipids containing these fatty acids can also be extracted and used in nutritional, pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to cows capable of producing milk low in total saturated fatty acids and high in mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: A method of forming a butter product comprises forming a primary oil-in-water emulsion by dispersing liquified stearine butterfat in a butter serum, the liquified stearine butterfat forming stearine globules within the butter serum. The primary oil-in-water emulsion is dispersed into an olein butterfat component forming an oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion, and the oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion being cooled to form the butter product which is spreadable at a temperature of less than about 45° F.

Abstract: A seasoning having particles less than 20 microns in size is added to food to provide taste enhancement and flavor potentiation. In one embodiment, a microwave popcorn product comprising a charge of popcorn kernels, a charge of seasoning for flavoring the charge of kernels, and a bag for containing the charge of seasoning and charge of kernels is disclosed. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a seasoning comprising a first seasoning component including a salt and a second seasoning component selected for at least one of complementing the first seasoning component and reducing the amount of the first seasoning component required for flavoring a food product.

Abstract: A method of forming a fat product, the method entailing heating a first material to a first temperature to form a first intermediate, the first material comprising fat and the first temperature adequate to remove any memory of crystallization from the fat; rapidly cooling the first intermediate to a second temperature to form a second intermediate, the second temperature adequate to provide nascent seed crystals in the second intermediate; and quiescently cooling the second intermediate to form the fat product, the quiescent cooling adequate to support growth of macro-crystals about the nascent seed crystals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing arachidonic acid. In one embodiment, Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms are cultured in fermentation medium, preferably containing a component of a complex nitrogen source. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms or lipid isolated from such microorganisms to enhance the arachidonic acid content of the food product.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the use of phenolic compounds and their derivatives represented by formula I wherein R1 and R2 are selected from among: OH, OCOalkyl, or OCOalkenyl, and R3 is either H, OH, OCOalkyl or OCOalkenyl, wherein the alkyl or alkenyl chains present from 2 to 22 carbon atoms and wherein at least one OCOalkyl or OCOalkenyl group is present in the structure, for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular, hepatic or renal diseases, as well as to their cosmetic applications, to compositions that include these compounds and to some novel phenolic compounds and derivatives.

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: A food selected from the group comprising milk and dairy products derived from milk, comprising a carnitine in an effective amount to stimulate, through the natural fatty acid metabolic processes that take place in a consumer of said food, the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the saturated fatty acids originally contained in the food, the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acid from the saturated fatty acids originally contained in the food.

Abstract: A method of forming a light butter that includes removing water or butter fat from a feed material to yield a first intermediate and a second intermediate, the feed material including butter, the first intermediate including butterfat, the second intermediate including water, and at least the first intermediate or the second intermediate including interfacial butter solids, combining the first intermediate and the second intermediate to form an intermediate blend, and processing the intermediate blend to form the light butter.

Abstract: A protective coating or film is applied to at least a portion of the outermost surfaces of the outermost layers of a farinaceous product including a high solid fat index lipid or hard butter to form an outer high solid fat index layer. Reheating the product in a toasting environment from a refrigerated or frozen state causes the high solid fat index layer to transfer heat into the interior of the food product by continuously melting and resolidifying in a controlled way to limit toasting while absorbing into the surface of the product at a rate limited by the high solid fat index. The film serves as a protective barrier which limits toasting (i.e., browning) in the toasting environment by conducting heat into the interior of the product and to prevent moisture escape from the product during refrigerated or frozen storage and during the reheating process.

Abstract: A method of forming a butter/margarine blend that includes removing water of butterfat from a feed material that includes butter to yield an intermediate, combining a non-dairy fat with the intermediate to form an intermediate blend, and processing the intermediate blend to form the butter/margarine blend.

Abstract: An all natural ingredient peanut butter and/or peanut butter spread which contains a homogeneous mixture of peanut particles, peanut oil and a natural stabilizer. The natural stabilizer forms a matrix with the peanut particles and peanut oil to inhibit or prevent the settling of the peanut particles from the peanut oil. The natural stabilizer includes natural, unmodified fatty acids and less than 2 weight percent water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing arachidonic acid. In one embodiment, Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms are cultured in fermentation medium, preferably containing a component of a complex nitrogen source. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms or lipid isolated from such microorganisms to enhance the arachidonic acid content of the food product.

Abstract: An all natural ingredient peanut butter and/or peanut butter spread which contains a homogeneous mixture of peanut particles, peanut oil and a natural stabilizer. The natural stabilizer forms a matrix with the peanut particles and peanut oil to inhibit or prevent the settling of the peanut particles from the peanut oil. The natural stabilizer includes natural, unmodified fatty acids and less than 2 weight percent water.

Abstract: A method of forming a fat product, the method entailing heating a first material to a first temperature to form a first intermediate, the first material comprising fat and the first temperature adequate to remove any memory of crystallization from the fat; rapidly cooling the first intermediate to a second temperature to form a second intermediate, the second temperature adequate to provide nascent seed crystals in the second intermediate; and quiescently cooling the second intermediate to form the fat product, the quiescent cooling adequate to support growth of macro-crystals about the nascent seed crystals.

Abstract: A method for improving the chalky-off taste and/or the homogeneity of a solid, active component in a food product by incorporating in the food product an effective amount, preferably 1 to 70 wt % on food product, of a structured particulate system comprising one or more active components in a matrix in a weight ratio of 1:99 to 99:1 and wherein the mean weight diameter of the particles of the structured particulate system ranges from 25 to 500 microns.

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 present invention relates to a process for producing arachidonic acid. In one embodiment, Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms are cultured in fermentation medium, preferably containing a component of a complex nitrogen source. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms or lipid isolated from such microorganisms to enhance the arachidonic acid content of the food product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corn syrup composition that can be used in many applications in place of butter, margarine or other spreadable products. The corn syrup composition is lower in fat than conventional spreads, provides a pleasing flavor and is compatible with many flavoring and coloring options.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the crystallisation of a solid phase from a liquid, characterized in that the liquid during crystallization is subjected to ultrasound in the absence of transient cavitation. In particular the liquid is sonicated under such conditions of time and frequency that nucleation of stable crystals in the liquid is induced without exceeding the cavitation threshold and the occurrence of transient cavitation and the accompagnying flavor deterioration is avoided. The liquid preferably is a triglyceride oil such as a vegetable oil or animal fat, e.g. liquefied milk fat.

Abstract: Calcium amino acid chelate complexes for fortification of dairy products and oleaginous foods, dairy products and oleaginous foods fortified with calcium amino acid chelate complexes, and methods of preparing calcium amino acid chelate complexes are disclosed and described. The calcium amino acid chelate complexes of the present invention are stable, palatable, and bioavailable. Preparation steps include reacting a calcium compound, an amino acid ligand, a pH adjuster, and, optionally, a stabilizing/suspending agent in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a food ingredient of anhydrous milk fat and an effective amount of vegetable fat to enhance the oxidative stability of the anhydrous milk fat.

Abstract: Aerated confections that dissolve quickly in water or in a dairy beverage are disclosed. The aerated food products preferably include 50 to 98% of a saccharide component; about 0.5 to 30% of a structuring agent; about 1 to 6% moisture; and about 1% to 5% of a whipping agent. The aerated food products have a density of about 0.1 to 1.0 g/cc. The compositions can be formed into pieces ranging from about 0.1 to 5 g each. Preparation methods for the pieces are also disclosed. The confectionery food products find particular suitability for use as ingredients for children's RTE cereals.

Abstract: A process for removing free fatty acids (FFA) and preferably cholesterol from liquid anhydrous animal fats is described. The process uses a dilute solution of alkali metal base to form a salt of the FFA and then an alkali metal salt to precipitate the FFA from the animal fat. Preferably, a cyclodextrin is used in the process to remove cholesterol. Liquid vegetable fats are used in blends with the processed animal fat to produce a spreadable mixture for table use. The processed animal fat can be reconstituted to whole milk with the FFA and cholesterol removed for various commercial uses.

Abstract: A butter-like food fat being directly spreadable at refrigeration temperature, i.e. 4 to 5.degree. C., and preferably containing 80 to 83% fat is produced by addition of vegetable oil, water, and salt. Initially conventional butter is produced, which preferably contains 80 to 83% fat and which is made exclusively from milk. Subsequently, the conventional butter is passed continuously through a tight, closed plant, whereby the butter initially passes through a kneading station followed by addition of half the total amount of added vegetable oil. Then the butter mixture passes through a mixer, whereafter the remaining portion of the amount of added vegetable oil and water and salt are added. In this manner buttermilk results exclusively as a by-product from the production of the conventional butter and contains therefore nothing but pure milk fat. Accordingly, the buttermilk can be used as market milk and sold at the highest possible market price.

Abstract: Thioredoxin, a small dithiol protein, is a specific reductant for major food proteins, allergenic proteins and particularly allergenic proteins present in widely used foods from animal and plant sources. All targeted proteins contain disulfide (S--S) bonds that are reduced to the sulfhydryl (SH) level by thioredoxin. The proteins are allergenically active and less digestible in the oxidized (S--S) state. When reduced (SH state), they lose their allergenicity and/or become more digestible. Thioredoxin achieved this reduction when activated (reduced) either by NADPH via NADP-thioredoxin reductase (physiological conditions) or by dithiothreitol, a chemical reductant. Skin tests and feeding experiments carried out with sensitized dogs showed that treatment of the food with reduced thioredoxin prior to ingestion eliminated or decreased the allergenicity of the food. Studies showed increased digestion of food and food proteins by pepsin and trypsin following reduction by thioredoxin.

Abstract: Preparations are disclosed containing the 3R-3'R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin as a sole detectable isomer, packaged for oral ingestion by humans as a therapeutic drug or nutritional supplement. Zeaxanthin is a yellow carotenoid pigment found in the macula (in the center of the human retina), which helps protect retinal cells against phototoxic damage. The pure R-R stereoisomer can be prepared by fermenting cells, such as Flavobacterium multivorum (ATCC 55238), which do not create any detectable quantity of the undesired and potentially toxic S-S or S-R isomers, and which do not synthesize any other carotenoids. The R-R isomer can be concentrated, in large quantities and at low cost, into a viscous oily fluid containing about 5 to 20% zeaxanthin, by means of a simple solvent extraction process. This oily fluid can be mixed with a carrier such as vegetable oil and enclosed within a digestible capsule, comparable to a conventional capsule containing Vitamin E.

Abstract: Thioredoxin, a small dithiol protein, is a specific reductant for major allergenic proteins present in widely used foods from animal and plant sources. All targeted allergenic proteins contain disulfide (S--S) bonds that are reduced to the sulfhydryl (SH) level by thioredoxin. The proteins are allergenically active in the oxidized (S--S) state. When reduced (SH state), they lose their allergenicity. Thioredoxin achieved this reduction when activated (reduced) either by NADPH via NADP-thioredoxin reductase (physiological conditions) or by dithiothreitol, a chemical reductant. Skin tests and feeding experiments carried out with sensitized dogs showed that treatment of the food with reduced thioredoxin prior to ingestion eliminated or decreased the allergenicity of the food.

Abstract: A low-fat saute and method for making the same is disclosed, the mixture substantially simulating the appearance, taste, texture, and mouth feel of traditional fat-filled sautes.

Abstract: A low fat substitute fat food stuff mixture and method for making the same is disclosed, the mixture substantially simulating the appearance, taste, texture, and mouth feel of traditional fat-filled foods. The mixture can be easily substituted in one to one proportions for butter, margarine, shortening, oil, lard and other fats called for in many foods.

Abstract: A low-fat saute and method for making the same is disclosed, the mixture substantially simulating the appearance, taste, texture, and mouth feel of traditional fat-filled sautes.

Abstract: An oil-based vitamin A and Vitamin D preparation having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 used to fortify milk products. The preparation contains vitamin A palmitate, Vitamin D.sub.3 resin, ester gum and/or brominated vegetable oil, corn oil, polysorbate 80, and triglycerol monooleate. The preparation is added to the milk product any time during processing and remains dispersed in the milk phase during centrifugal separation. The preparation is concentrated, resists oxidation, and does not require refrigeration.

Abstract: Honey butters prepared from a honey and dairy cream. Lecithin and/or a stabilizer can be added to the dairy cream to optimize the product. Dairy products--milk, skim milk, and dairy fats--are employed as required to adjust the fat content of the product; and optional ingredients may be added to, inter alia: adjust the texture of the product, inhibit oxidation and otherwise extend shelf life, alter color, and enhance flavor. The product may have a fat content low enough to qualify it as a reduced fat or even a light (or lite) honey butter.

Abstract: In a formulated food containing a dairy product and having a significant dairy flavor, improvements are provided when the dairy product is at least in part one physical form of freeze concentrated liquid dairy product in sufficient amount so as to improve at least the dairy flavor of the formulated food.

Abstract: This invention provides a dry butter flake product for incorporation into baked goods and flour confections, and methods of manufacture. The dry butter flake product comprises from substantially 0 to 2% moisture, from about 20% to about 60% dry dairy solids, and the balance is a butterfat. The dry dairy solids are naturally occurring milk solids from which substantially all water has been removed. The method of manufacture provides for mixture of the ingredients so that the solids are suspended in the butterfat. Butterfat or butter oil crystallization is initiated in a tempering unit, and the tempered product is deposited on a moving belt which passes through a cooling tunnel to cool and crystallize the fats to produce a dried butter flake product.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing fatty acid esters of polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, fatty acid alkyl ester is reacted with alkylene oxide in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of a magnesium oxide added with at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of Al.sup.3+, Ga.sup.3+, In.sup.3+, Tl.sup.3+, Co.sup.3+, Sc.sup.3+, La.sup.3+, and Mn.sup.2+ to manufacture a compound having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 independently represents an alkyl group, R.sub.2 represents an alkylene group, and n is a positive integer.

Abstract: This invention provides a dry butter-based flake product for incorporation into baked goods and flour confections, and methods of manufacture. The dry butter-based flake product comprises from substantially 0 to 2% moisture, from about 20% to about 60% dry dairy solids, and the balance is a butterfat. The dry dairy solids are naturally occurring milk solids from which substantially all water has been removed. The method of manufacture provides for mixture of the ingredients so that the solids are suspended in the butterfat. Butterfat or butter oil crystallization is initiated in a tempering unit, and the tempered product is deposited on a moving belt which passes through a cooling tunnel to cool and crystallize the fats to produce a dried butter-based flake product.

Abstract: A process for the production of low cholesterol butter fat or butter by steam treatment, wherein the fat is treated with steam in one or more horizontal or slightly inclined reaction pipes at a temperature of from 195.degree. to 250.degree. C. and at a pressure of from 0.5 to 5 mbar, the steam is injected from one or more steam pipes arranged parallel with each other which extend through the layer which conducts the liquid fat (oil) along the entire length of the reaction pipe and having boreholes in the pipe wall as outlet apertures for the steam, into the oil stream flowing in the reaction pipe axial direction, the vapors are separated and the fat is cooled, to which optionally fat recombination substances may be added.

Abstract: A liver function improver, food, or drink comprising, as an effective ingredient, a dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane derivative, such as sesamin, sesaminol episesamin, episesaminol, sesamolin, 2-(3,4-methylene dioxyphenyl)-6-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane, 2,6-bis-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane or 2- (3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-6-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-3,7-dioxabicyclo [3.3.0]octane.

Abstract: The low calorie butter consists of choice grade or table butter, a first aqueous phase with a slightly acidic buffer substance and a second aqueous phase with milk albumens. A quantity of choice grade and/or table butter corresponding to a butter fat content of up to 60% by weight, based on the end product, is brought to a processing temperature of 15.degree. to 25.degree. C. and, is pushed in a tightly sealable machine by cutting blades operating with a high shearing force. During the subsequent mixing and kneading of the finely cut choice grade and/or table butter composition the first aqueous phase with 2 to 8% by weight, based on the end product, of natural lactic acid concentrate which buffers the aqueous phase of the end product to a pH of 5 to 6.5 is firstly added, then the second aqueous phase with 4 to 10% by weight, based on the end product, of alkali and/or alkaline earth caseinate is added. The components are mixed thoroughly by the kneading operation with a rise in temperature of 3.degree. to 5.

Abstract: Glycerides of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and other higher fatty acids, which contain high levels of EPA and docosahexaenoic acid. These glycerides are incorporated in oils and fats products such as margarine, shortening, mayonnaise, butter, dressing or edible oil.

Abstract: Preparations are disclosed containing the 3R-3′R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin as a sole detectable isomer, packaged for oral ingestion by humans as a therapeutic drug or nutritional supplement. Zeaxanthin is a yellow carotenoid pigment found in the macula (in the center of the human retina), which helps protect retinal cells against phototoxic damage. The pure R-R stereoisomer can be prepared by fermenting cells, such as Flavobacterium multivorum (ATCC 55238), which do not create any detectable quantity of the undesired and potentially toxic S-S or S-R isomers, and which do not synthesize any other carotenoids. The R-R isomer can be concentrated, in large quantities and at low cost, into a viscous oily fluid containing about 5 to 20% zeaxanthin, by means of a simple solvent extraction process. This oily fluid can be mixed with a carrier such as vegetable oil and enclosed within a digestible capsule, comparable to a conventional capsule containing Vitamin E.