Abstract: A process is described for preparing chocolate crumb. A milk and sugar mixture is provided, or milk and sugar are mixed together so as to form a mixture, and the mixture is modified so that the total solids are present in the range of 75% to 90% of the mixture. During the process of mixing and/or modifying the mixture, cocoa mass/liquor is added to the mixture. The mixture is then subjected to conditions effective to bring about sugar crystallisation in the mixture, and dried so as to form chocolate crumb.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for chocolate crumb manufacture and to chocolate crumb and confectionery products made using the process. The process comprises: a) providing a milk and sugar mixture or mixing together, milk and sugar so as to form a mixture; b) evaporating liquid from the mixture; c) adding cocoa mass/liquor to the mixture during and/or after step (a) and/or (b); d) subjecting the mixture to conditions effective to bring about sugar crystallisation in the mixtune; e) drying the mixture at a temperature in the range of 50 to 95° C. for 35 to 200 minutes so as to form chocolate crumb; and f) cooling the chocolate crumb by subjecting it to a temperature which is less than the drying temperature. The drying parameters employed in the process result in superior flavour and texture development of the chocolate crumb.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides crumb of the type used in making milk and white chocolates with enhanced flavor and/or aroma. It has been found that adding alpha-dicarbonyls, e.g., 2- or 3-carbon alpha-dicarbonyls, can add noticeable caramel and/or toffee notes to the flavor and/or the aroma of the crumb without a concomitant increase in less desirable flavors and aromas, such as burnt or earthy notes.

Abstract: Carbonated dairy nutrient beverage solutions that supply essential nutrients in the human diet are disclosed. The solutions may contain per 8 oz., calcium, magnesium and potassium ions in the form of salts, vitamins A, D, C, and optionally lutein, zeaxanthin and folic acid in specified amounts to provide dietary supplementation. Sweeteners, stabilizers and flavors can also be added to enhance flavor, sensory appeal, mouth-feel, ingredient solubilization and product appearance. A method of making the beverages is also described. A method of using Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen to reduce bacterial counts and reduce degradation of essential nutrients in dairy beverages with or without pasteurization is also disclosed.

Abstract: Proteinaceous beverages and compositions comprising a cocoa extract which comprises cocoa polyphenols, an edible acid and a stabilizer and processes for formulating said beverages and compositions, shelf-stable proteinaceous beverages and compositions that do not require refrigeration and/or beverages and compositions wherein the cocoa polyphenols have an extended shelf life.

Abstract: The products and methods of the invention relate to reduced-calorie flavored milk products, such as chocolate milk. In particular, the products described herein have all natural sweeteners, and have less than 135 calories per serving. Also described are methods of producing reduced-calorie flavored milk products.

Abstract: A product and method for administering daily micronutrient requirements (DMRs) comprising vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids targeted to reduce appetite and/or the risks associated with aging and associated cognitive impairment. The DMRs are administered to individuals via food products. In an embodiment of the present invention, the DMRs are offered in the form of a health bar, smoothie, or drink. The DMRs may be incorporated into other forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. By way of illustration and not as a limitation, the constituents may be incorporated into a fruit or yogurt “smoothie,” a frozen desert such as an ice cream or sorbet, and a beverage.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions comprising the proteose peptone fraction (PPf). In particular, the present invention relates to a method for the production of an extract comprising a demineralised protein fraction depleted in ?-lactoglobulin and enriched in the PPf and to uses of these extracts, e.g. in a food product, a food supplement, a nutritional, a pharmaceutical and/or a cosmetic composition, for example as emulsifier or as foaming agent. The PPf fraction of the present invention may be obtained by adjustment of the pH of an aqueous native protein dispersion to about 5.6 to 8.4, or to about 3.5 to 5.0, heating the aqueous native protein dispersion to about 70-95° C. for about 10 seconds to 60 minutes, removing at least a part of the formed solid large molecular weight aggregates with a diameter of at least 100 nm from the aqueous protein dispersion after heating and collecting the remaining liquid fraction of the dispersion.

Abstract: A fat continuous confectionery composition comprises less than 2% by weight of a fermentable sugar, and a sweetening component in an amount of at least 25% by weight of the composition. The sweetening component comprises at least 50% by weight non-hydrogenated isomaltulose and may also comprise at least 5% by weight inulin, dextrin or a mixture of inulin and dextrin. The composition may comprise milk or whey protein in an amount of between 1 and 10% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: Process for producing a beverage comprising a cocoa material having an enhanced level of polyphenols, the process comprising the steps of: (a) adding a base to an aqueous phase to adjust the pH to between about 6.5 and about 7.5, (b) mixing ingredients into the aqueous phase to give a dispersion, the ingredients including the cocoa material having an enhanced level of polyphenols, (c) performing a thermal treatment on the dispersion, comprising heating the dispersion to over about 85° C. for at least about 5 seconds, and (d) cooling the treated dispersion. A beverage obtainable by the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A complex coacervate delivery system is provided which encapsulates water-insoluble flavorants. The complex coacervate delivery system provides a stable dispersion of water-insoluble flavorant in an aqueous system, and also protects the flavorant from degradation, e.g., by oxidation or hydrolysis. The complex coacervate delivery system upon ingestion is operative to release at least a substantial portion of the flavorant in the mouth in a pH-controlled manner. The complex coacervate delivery system may be included in a food or beverage product having a pH value within the range of about 1.5 to about 5.0.

Abstract: A process for producing a chocolate or chocolate-like product comprising: (i) dry grinding a mixture of solid components of chocolate or a chocolate-like product; and (ii) homogenizing the ground mixture with fat to form a liquid chocolate or chocolate-like product.

Abstract: Blended fluid concentrates are provided that can be reconstituted into an instant coffee plus dairy beverage using either hot or cold liquids. The blended fluid concentrates include a blend of at least a dairy component, a coffee component, and a stabilizing component to form a shelf-stable pourable liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acidified dairy food comprising cocoa shells, a method for producing the acidified dairy food, and the use of cocoa shells to increase the fibre content and/or lower the fat content of an acidified dairy food.

Abstract: A soluble, dairy additive designed specifically for use in a vending machine that produces consumable beverages includes or consists of agglomerated dry milk powder formulated specifically for use in the vending machine. The agglomerated dry milk powder consists of dairy ingredients only (e.g., dried milk) and has a scorched particle mass not greater than fifteen milligrams and a particle bulk density in the range of 0.25 g/cc to 0.34 g/cc. The powder may be combined with coffee and/or other ingredients, either prior to being placed in the vending machine or upon demand within the vending machine, to vend a consumable beverage from the vending machine. Accordingly, the agglomerated dry milk powder may be pre-mixed with one or more independent flavoring ingredients, such as coffee, sugar, or cocoa powder, to provide a mixture formulated specifically for use in the vending machine.

Abstract: Disclosed are flavored nutritional beverages comprising (A) fat; (B) milk protein representing from about 10% to 100% by weight of total protein; (C) carbohydrate comprising from about 75% to 100% by weight of at least one of (i) from about 0.1% to about 10% sucrose, trehalose, or combination thereof, by weight of the beverage, and (iii) from about 0.1% to about 20% maltodextrin by weight of the nutritional liquid, the maltodextrin having a DE value of from about 1 to about 10, and (iii) combinations of (i) and (ii); (D) an iron-containing material, and (E) a flavorant. The flavored nutritional beverages, unlike many iron-fortified milk-based beverages available today, do not readily develop beige or gray hues during formulation, processing and storage, and are thus more easily formulated with little or no color distortion and with improved or more accurately matched flavor-color combinations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to food compositions comprising composition of cocoa and/or derivatives thereof and a fat-substitute protein having a reduced fat content, being preferably light in fat and/or having a reduced caloric value without addition of sugar. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing said food compositions and to products comprising them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of liquid stabilized, high lactose, high pH whey as an ingredient in the standardization of a dairy product; and a process for the manufacture of a dairy product comprising the steps: a) obtaining liquid stabilized, high lactose, high pH whey, in particular from the coagulation of casein in milk; and b) admixing the stabilized, high lactose, high pH whey obtained in step a) with one or more ingredients comprising: vegetable fat(s), animal fat(s), vegetable protein(s), animal protein(s) and natural or artificial sweetener(s), such as natural or artificial sugar(s), fruit and fruit juice. The use and the process according to the invention accordingly enable a more direct utilization of the valuable constituents of whey obtained from cheese production.

Abstract: Provided is a cream composition superior in handleability. The cream composition contains milk fat, a sugar, and water. The content of the milk fat is more than 5 mass % and 30 mass % or less. The content of the sugar is 40 to 65 mass %. The median diameter of the cream composition is 0.2 to 4.0 ?m, and the viscosity of the cream composition at 20° C. is 100 to 2,500 mPa·s.

Abstract: It has unexpectedly been found that the consumer acceptance of certain chocolate products is increased by the addition of dietary fiber in the form of wheat dextrin to the formulation. In consumer acceptance trials the amount of fiber ranged from about 3 to about 9 percent by weight. In addition to increasing the dietary fiber content of the chocolate, the wheat dextrin decreased the percentage of fat in the product. The fiber-fortified chocolate has particular application as a barrier layer in multi-component confections having layers of significantly different water activities.

Abstract: A product and method for administering daily micronutrient requirements (DMRs) comprising vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids targeted to reduce appetite and/or the risks associated with aging and associated cognitive impairment. The DMRs are administered to individuals via food products. In an embodiment of the present invention, the DMRs are offered in the form of a health bar, smoothie, or drink. The DMRs may be incorporated into other forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. By way of illustration and not as a limitation, the constituents may be incorporated into a fruit or yogurt “smoothie,” a frozen desert such as an ice cream or sorbet, and a beverage.

Abstract: This invention describes formulations for prebiotic milk and dark chocolates comprising of admixture of cocoa components, milk components, emulsifier, a flavor component and sweetener wherein said sweetener comprising of inulin and isolmalt. Also disclosed herein are the methods for producing said prebiotic milk and dark chocolates.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a ready-to-drink cocoa beverage containing high levels of beneficial cocoa polyphenols in a milk or soymilk base. The method incorporates an ultra high temperature treatment followed by a homogenization step. Cocoa powder levels can be selected from about 3.5% to about 10% by weight, while the mouthfeel, solution stability over time, and taste remain acceptable.

Abstract: Milling dry extracts containing cocoa polyphenols (CPs) to reduce the particle size improves the flavor of edible products (e.g., foods, medical foods, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceuticals) or additives containing the milled cocoa extracts. The products, e.g., chocolates, are less astringent and less bitter. The mean particle size after milling is less than about 15 microns, preferably less than about 10 microns, and most preferably less than about 5 microns. The total CP content of the milled extracts is at least about 300 milligrams and preferably about 300 to about 700 milligrams per gram of milled extract. The additives consist essentially of (i) the milled high CP cocoa extract and (ii) a fat (e.g., cocoa butter), an oil (e.g., vegetable oil), or a syrup (e.g., corn syrup).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a milk product, the method comprising: (a) combining a casein source, at least one sugar and glycerol monostearate (GMS), to form an intermediate product; and (b) lowering the pH of the intermediate product to below 4.6.

Abstract: The present invention provides protein hydrolysate compositions, processes for making protein hydrolysate compositions, and food products comprising protein hydrolysate compositions. The protein hydrolysate compositions generally comprise polypeptide fragments having primarily either an arginine residue or a lysine residue at each carboxyl terminus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable alcoholic milk and/or soy protein-based drink with a pH in the range from 5.2-6.5, preferably 5.2-6.2, comprising at least one or more milk and/or soy proteins, alcohol and one or more stabilizers. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for preparing a stable alcoholic milk and/or soy protein-based drink with a pH in the range from 5.2-6.5, comprising as constituents at least one or more milk and/or soy proteins, alcohol and one or more stabilizers, which method comprises the following steps: a) mixing at least a portion of the milk and/or soy proteins and at least a portion of the stabilizers in an aqueous medium to obtain a mixture; b) setting the pH of the mixture to 3.5-4.4; c) homogenizing the mixture obtained in step b) to obtain a homogenate; d) setting the pH of the homogenate to 5.2-6.5; and e) mixing in the alcohol and optionally a residual portion of the milk and/or soy proteins and of the stabilizers during or after one or more of steps a)-d).

Abstract: A reduced calorie beverage comprising rebaudioside A as a sweetener; including reduced calorie beverages, diet beverages, and near waters, and corresponding concentrates.

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: An integrated process for the preparation of a food product based on homemade ice-cream and/or “semifreddo”, which comprises the following phases: a) preparation of homemade ice-cream and/or “semifreddo” with the relative procedure in an apparatus for the production of homemade ice-cream; b) preparation of a single-dose portion of ice-cream by introducing a portion of homemade ice-cream into a single-dose container; c) rapid abatement of “semifreddo” and/or ice-cream in the single-dose container and storage in a negative preserver. According to the invention, the process envisages a phase d) in which the single-dose portion of ice-cream coming from phase c) is extruded into the final container, and a further phase e) for the addition of a drink to be poured onto the product portioned in the final container, coming from phase d).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process using dynamic high-pressure for inactivation of food pathogens. Liquid food are treated by dynamic-high-pressure at 1 to 5 kbars with at least one recirculation depending on the needs. The pasteurization process is performed at relatively cold temperature ranging from 4° C. to 55° C.

Abstract: Particulate frozen food products exhibiting properties that allow the particles to remain free-flowing when stored in a typical retail grocery or home freezing environment are disclosed. Preferred embodiments include dairy-based products.

Abstract: A fat continuous confectionery composition comprises less than 2% by weight of a fermentable sugar, and a sweetening component in an amount of at least 25% by weight of the composition. The sweetening component comprises at least 50% by weight non-hydrogenated isomaltulose and may also comprise at least 5% by weight inulin, dextrin or a mixture of inulin and dextrin. The composition may comprise milk or whey protein in an amount of between 1 and 10% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to functional sweetener compositions comprising non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic high-potency sweeteners and methods for making and using them. In particular, the present invention relates to different functional sweetener compositions comprising at least one non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic high potency sweetener, at least one sweet taste improving composition, and at least one functional ingredient, such as rubisco protein, rubiscolin, rubiscolin derivatives, ACE inhibitory peptide, and combinations thereof. The present invention also relates to functional sweetener compositions and methods that can improve the tastes of non-caloric or low-caloric high-potency sweeteners by imparting a more sugar-like taste or characteristic. In particular, the functional sweetener compositions and methods provide a more sugar-like temporal profile, including sweetness onset and sweetness linger, and/or a more sugar-like flavor profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to sweetener compositions comprising non-caloric or low-caloric high-potency sweeteners and methods for making and using them. In particular, the present invention relates to different sweetener compositions comprising at least one non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic high-potency sweetener, at least one sweet taste improving composition, and at least one preservative. The present invention also relates to sweetener compositions and methods that can improve the tastes of non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic, high-potency sweeteners by imparting a more sugar-like taste or characteristic. In particular, the sweetener compositions and methods provide a more sugar-like temporal profile, including sweetness onset and sweetness linger, and/or a more sugar-like flavor profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to functional sweetener compositions comprising non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic, high-potency sweeteners and methods for making and using them. In particular, the present invention relates to different functional sweetener compositions comprising at least one non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic, high-potency sweetener, at least one sweet taste improving composition, and at least one functional ingredient, such as phytoestrogens. The present invention also relates to functional sweetener compositions and methods that can improve the tastes of non-caloric or low-caloric high-potency sweeteners by imparting a more sugar-like taste or characteristic. In particular, the functional sweetener compositions and methods provide a more sugar-like temporal profile, including sweetness onset and sweetness linger, and/or a more sugar-like flavor profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel carboxypeptidase gene and the polypeptide encoded thereby. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of the present carboxypeptidase and polypeptide in the manufacture of cocoa flavor and/or chocolate.

Abstract: A milk product containing milk, pectin and a fruit ingredient is disclosed, which uses a significant percentage of real milk and which reduces the chalky-taste of prior art fruit-flavored milk products. A process for making such a milk product is also disclosed, wherein milk and pectin are pre-mixed and homogenized prior to blending in the fruit ingredient. The resulting blend is further homogenized. The product disclosed herein may contain other ingredients. The preferred stabilized milk product includes from about 0.25 to about 8.0% of milk protein including solid milk proteins; from about 5 to about 40% of fruit ingredients including solid fruit particles; from about 0.1 to about 2.5% of cations; from about 0.01 to about 5.0% of a stabilizer, preferably pectin; and water; wherein the stabilized milk product is an aqueous fluid having a pH in the range of from 3.2 to about 4.6, and wherein the average particle size of the solid milk protein particles ranges from about 1.38 to about 11.

Abstract: A milk product containing milk, pectin and juice from fruit, vegetables and other natural ingredients is disclosed, which uses a significant percentage of real milk and which minimizes the chalky-taste of prior art fruit-flavored milk products. A process for making such a milk product is also disclosed, wherein milk and pectin are pre-mixed and homogenized prior to blending in the juice and any other ingredients. The resulting blend is further homogenized. The product disclosed herein may contain other ingredients. The preferred stabilized milk product includes from about 0.25 to about 10.0% of milk protein including solid milk proteins; from about 5 to about 98% of juice; from about 0.1 to about 2.5% of cations; and from about 0.01 to about 5.0% of a stabilizer, preferably pectin; wherein the stabilized milk product is an aqueous fluid having a pH in the range of from 3.2 to about 6.5, and wherein the average particle size of the solid milk protein particles ranges from about 1.0 to about 22.0 micrometers.

Abstract: Methods of preparation for cultured milk based products and products prepared thereby are provided wherein a yogurt is produced containing 0.1% to about 5% confectionery filaments. The process involves providing a cooled fermented yogurt base at a temperature of 0° C. to 5° C.; injecting a liquid fat-bearing compound having a total fat concentration of 24% to about 40% into the cooled yogurt base; whereby the liquid fat-bearing compound is shattered into filaments upon contact with the cooled fermented yogurt.

Abstract: The present Invention comprises compositions and methods for preparing foods and beverages using novel peanut powder compositions. Embodiments of the Invention include, among others, flavorful foods and beverages made with cocoa and peanut powders.

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 novel peanut powder composition comprising 50-70% by weight peanut powder, 15-25% fructose by weight, 6-10% by weight sugar and 2-6% by weight dextrose is provided wherein the peanut powder can be used in making flavorful foods and beverages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frozen beverage topping composition which provides a frothy or foam layer to a beverage. The beverage topping composition provides creaming and can flavor, sweeten, and slightly cool coffee and other beverages. The frozen beverage topping composition of the invention may be made in non-dairy, dairy (containing non-fat dry milk and non-dairy fat), and real dairy (containing non-fat dry mile and butterfat) forms, as well as caloric and non-caloric sweetened versions. Methods of producing the frozen beverage topping composition are provided as well as methods of using the frozen beverage topping compositions.

Abstract: Crumb products for preparing chocolate products are prepared by adding together, mixing and heating ingredients which include milk solids and a sugar ingredient, particularly sucrose, and which include, optionally, cocoa solids and so that the ingredients added together, mixed and heated have a moisture content between 1.2% and 8%. The ingredients added together are mixed and heated so that the ingredients being mixed are heated-up to a temperature in a range of from 85° C. to 180° C. an so that upon being heated-up to a temperature in the range which is a temperature of at least 85° C. and up to 180° C., the ingredients being mixed are maintained at a temperature in a range of from 85° C. to the heated-up temperature for a period of from 2.5 minutes to 25 minutes to provide a heat-treated reaction product, and then the reaction product is dried at a temperature of from 60° C. to 80° C., which may be performed without vacuum conditions.

Abstract: A grain based dairy beverage composition and a process for making the beverage is described. The beverage includes the ingredients sugar, evaporated milk, rice flour, chocolate milk powder and water. Optional ingredients include condensed milk and flavors. The beverage possesses an adequate shelf life to permit mass distribution to consumers.

Abstract: A drink component thermally sterilized and flavors which has been removed of microorganism by filtration are formulated under aseptic conditions, and a mixture obtained is filled into containers. Milk-containing soft drinks are produced by a process including obtaining a first drink component containing milk and an emulsifier, sterilizing the first drink component at a high temperature and cooling the same, obtaining a second drink component not containing milk, sterilizing the second drink component at a high temperature and cooling the same, obtaining a flavor component removed of microorganism by filtration, and blending the cooled first drink component and the cooled second drink component under aseptic conditions.

Abstract: A stable, whitened coffee concentrate that is a mixture of milk solids, soluble coffee solids, and coffee aroma, that has a solids concentration above about 25% by weight and a process for making the concentrate. The coffee aroma stabilizes the concentrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a hot beverage having foamed milk-based topping. A frozen concentrated and aerated milk is combined with a liquid to form the beverage. The invention also relates to a product comprising a flavored beverage base and frozen milk concentrates constituting distinct separate portions of the product. The frozen milk incorporates gas, so that the product provides a flavored beverage having a foamed milk topping upon addition of a liquid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process of making milkshake beverage compositions having improved consistency, flavor and physical stability, which process involves eliminating or modifying the pasteurization step used or reversing the sequence of pasteurization and homogenization in conventional methods of manufacturing milkshake beverage compositions so as to limit the swelling of any starch granules present and thus avoid the detrimental effects that the shearing forces found in homogenization processes have on such swollen starch granules.