Abstract: The present invention is directed to an iron fortified bouillon concentrate comprising fat, sodium chloride, monosodium glutamate, ferric pyrophosphate, and a citrate buffer. It is directed to a process to prepare an iron fortified bouillon concentrate. This bouillon concentrate allows easy iron supplementation at low cost, without affecting either the original taste or the colour of the bouillon after dissolving and cooking, it does not discolour during shelf life of the bouillon concentrate, and it provides an optimal source of bioavailable iron to the consumer of the food comprising said bouillon concentrate.

Abstract: A cocoa powder with improved dispersibility.

Abstract: Ready to drink beverages are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a ready to drink high-protein chocolate beverage including a protein component, a cocoa component, and a stabilizing system. The protein component may be present in an amount from about 4% to about 12% by weight of the beverage. The stabilizing system includes sodium hexamethaphosphate and a hydrocolloid component.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a cocoa-containing beverage, or a nutritionally fortified or energy-sustaining cocoa beverage, containing beneficial cocoa polyphenols. Ready-to-drink compositions, concentrates, primary beverage components, and packets for producing the beverages are specifically disclosed and prepared from a cocoa water composition made from steeping a cocoa-containing product in water or an aqueous solution with an acid. A number of vitamins, minerals, supplements, and nutriceutical compositions can be added.

Abstract: Ready to drink beverages are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a ready to drink high-protein chocolate beverage including a protein component, a cocoa component, and a stabilizing system. The protein component may be present in an amount from about 4% to about 12% by weight of the beverage. The stabilizing system includes sodium hexamethaphosphate and a hydrocolloid component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage composition. The beverage composition includes a sweetener and cellulose ether. Accordingly, the beverage composition provides a strong sweet taste with low levels of unpleasant tastes or residual tastes, and satisfactory body-viscosity.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a method of producing a cocoa-containing beverage, or a nutritionally fortified or energy-sustaining cocoa beverage, containing beneficial cocoa polyphenols. Ready-to-drink compositions, concentrates, primary beverage components, and packets for producing the beverages are specifically disclosed and prepared from a cocoa water composition made from steeping a cocoa-containing product in water or an aqueous solution with an acid. A number of vitamins, minerals, supplements, and nutriceutical compositions can be added.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a creamer composition, e.g. for use for addition into a coffee beverage, having good physical stability without the need for low molecular emulsifiers. The creamer comprises protein and hydroxypropyl starch. The invention further relates to a method of producing the creamer, a beverage composition comprising the creamer, and a method of producing a beverage composition.

Abstract: A beverage whitening composition for whitening coffee, tea or hot chocolate, is described. The composition replaces a selected fluid, such as partially skimmed milk or half-and-half cream, in a reduced volume while providing the same or a very similar whitening ability and taste as the selected fluid to be replaced, so as to be indiscernible to the consumer. The target volume for reduction is 45% to 95%. The composition is useful for replacing skim, 1%, 2%, whole milk, light cream, half-and-half cream or coffee cream in dispensers containing bags, to reduce frequency of bag replacement. The composition may be steamed and used to whiten a steamed milk beverage, such as a latte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder composition for preparing a hot beverage having a foam on top of the beverage, in particular a coffee or cocoa drink, comprising a foamer or creamer component in particulate form; a combination of a bicarbonate or carbonate salt and an amphiphilic substance and optionally an instant flavour component in particulate form, in particular instant coffee or instant cocoa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a creamer composition, e.g. for use for addition into a coffee beverage, having good physical stability and mouthfeel even at low fat levels or as a fat free creamer composition. The creamer comprises protein, low molecular weight emulsifier and hydroxypropyl starch. The invention further relates to a method of producing the creamer, a beverage composition comprising the creamer, and a method of producing a beverage composition.

Abstract: Beverages are provided having enhanced colloidal stability using a low calcium sensitive (calcium stable) high acyl gellan gum. The low calcium sensitive high acyl gellan gum has superior suspension performance for colloidal stability compared to other high acyl gellan gums. The low calcium sensitive high acyl gellan gum is prepared by adjusting the pH of a gellan fermentation broth (polymer solution) prior to pasteurization and reducing the pasteurization hold time compared to conventional pH levels and hold times.

Abstract: Sweetened compositions comprising at least one sweetener and rebaudioside X are provided herein. Rebaudioside X is present in the sweetened compositions in a concentration at or below the sweetness recognition threshold, while the at least one sweetener is present in a concentration above its sweetness recognition threshold. Rebaudioside X acts to enhance the sweetness of the sweetened compositions, e.g. beverages and concentrate compositions, thereby allowing for preparation of sweetened compositions with reduced calorie content. Methods of enhancing the sweetness of a sweetened composition with rebaudioside X are also provided herein.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing (1) a first composition obtained by extracting a plant material with a single phase mixture of water and at least a first organic solvent under agitation so as to obtain a first extract rich in polyphenol oligomers, wherein the first composition is the first extract, and (2) a second composition obtained by extracting at least a portion of the first extract with a biphasic mixture of water and at least a second organic solvent under agitation so as to obtain a second extract rich in polyphenol monomers, dimers, and trimers, wherein the second composition is the second extract. Food products, mendicants, and cosmetics containing the first composition or the second composition are also provided.

Abstract: Process for producing a chocolate or chocolate-like product comprising mixing together components of chocolate or chocolate-like product to give a flowable powder mixture, and feeding the flowable powder mixture to a roller compactor whereby the powder mixture is compressed to give the chocolate or chocolate-like product. The process can produce a chocolate or chocolate-like product comprising a compressed mass of particles of chocolate components.

Abstract: The invention concerns a liquid chocolate concentrate presenting a cocoa solids concentration between 14 and 16% in weight and comprising a heat treated cocoa butter. The invention also concerns the process of preparation of the liquid chocolate concentrate and a process for preparing beverage by pumping and diluting the liquid chocolate concentrate. Liquid chocolate concentrates and diluted variations thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Beverages comprising rare sugars and sweetness enhancers are provided herein, wherein the sweetness enhancers are present at or below the sweetness recognition threshold concentration. Also provided are methods for improving the sweetness of a beverage comprising rare sugars by adding a sweetness enhancer in a concentration at or below its sweetness recognition threshold. Beverages comprising natural high potency sweeteners and rare sugars with sugar-like characteristics are also provided, wherein the natural high potency sweetener and rare sugars are present in particular weight ratios.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of making a non-corrosive base solution for use as an alkalinity increasing agent and/or antioxidant. The compositions and methods described herein are useful for optimizing health and performance; preventing illness; decreasing recovery times from exertion, illness, and injury; increasing energy levels; improving exercise performance; improving hydration; preventing muscle damage after exercise; and increasing stamina during exercise. The present invention further provides novel compositions and methods which can be used to provide relief from disorders related to or complicated by acidosis or excessive free radical or other reactive oxygen species production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sintering at least two powdered compounds with different water activities and glass transition temperatures keeping the total water content constant. The method allows sintering of two materials in a closed environment wherein the structure of one material is kept intact.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to palatable beverages and compositions such as non-chocolate flavored water soluble dry powder compositions comprising a cocoa extract which comprises cocoa polyphenols, and an edible acid. The present subject matter further relates to processes for formulating said beverages and compositions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a nutraceutical formulation that provides a balance of 40% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 30% protein. The nutraceutical formulation comprises egg protein, flax seed powder, coconut palm sugar, cocoa powder, raspberry extract, goji berry extract, sweet potato flour, wheat grass powder, and stevia extract. Optionally, MCT's (medium-chain triglycerides)may be included in the nutraceutical formulation.

Abstract: The invention concerns An instant solid beverage in form of granules, each granule (1) comprising: ?0.1 to 30% by weight of a beverage concentrate (2), and ?60 to 95% by weight of a carbohydrate (3), wherein particles of the carbohydrate (3) construct a meshwork structure of the granule (1), and wherein debris or drops of the beverage concentrate (2) inset dispersedly among the carbohydrate particles meshwork structure (3) or debris or drops of the beverage concentrate (2) act as linkage bridges between particles of the carbohydrate (3), and wherein pores (4) are dispersed within the meshwork structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides refined roasted coffee beans having a Hunter L value of 10 to 30 and a hydroxyhydroquinone content of not higher than 30 mg/kg by contacting an aqueous solvent with raw material roasted coffee beans. The invention also provides a process for producing refined roasted coffee beans, which includes contacting raw material roasted coffee beans having a Hunter L value of 12 to 35, with coffee bean-derived extract-containing water selected from water containing an extract derived from roasted coffee beans having a Hunter L value of 40 or more and water containing an extract derived from raw coffee beans.

Abstract: A cellulose composite which contains a cellulose and a polysaccharide and which is characterized in that the median diameter of colloidal cellulose composites contained in the cellulose composite is 0.85 ?m or more as measured by a dynamic light scattering method.

Abstract: A method for forming chocolate having cholecalciferol is provided. The method includes mixing cholecalciferol into an oil to produce a cholecalciferol-oil mixture. The temperature of a chocolate base is raised to a melting point, and the cholecalciferol-oil mixture is blended into the chocolate base to form a cholecalciferol-chocolate.

Abstract: Creamers for whitening food products are provided. The creamers can be shelf-stable and aseptic. The creamers can have high whitening capacity and a pleasant mouthfeel. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a creamer including a hydrocolloid, an insoluble divalent salt, a protein, an emulsifier, and an oil. The creamer does not need to include titanium dioxide to provide a whitening effect. The creamer can be a fat-free, liquid creamer including water ranging from about 50% to about 90% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a creamer composition, e.g. for use for addition into a coffee beverage, with improved oxidative and physical stability. The creamer comprises oil with a high amount of oleic acids and a limited amount of linoleic acid and linolenic acid. The invention further relates to a method of producing the creamer, a beverage composition comprising the creamer and a method of producing a beverage composition.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to palatable beverages and compositions such as non-chocolate flavored water soluble dry powder compositions comprising a cocoa extract which comprises cocoa polyphenols, and an edible acid. The present subject matter further relates to processes for formulating said beverages and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a soluble cocoa product from cocoa powder. The present invention further relates to cocoa products obtained by the present method and uses thereof. The present invention is also directed to a cocoa-derived material comprising a soluble cocoa powder and a cocoa extract, wherein said extract comprises more than 25 wt % based on the extract of polyphenols. The cocoa-derived material can be a syrup, a ready to use beverage or a powder composition. The invention also relates to uses of this cocoa-derived material for preparing carbonated beverages containing cocoa. The invention further relates to a carbonated beverage comprising said cocoa-derived material and to methods for preparing such cocoa-derived materials and beverages.

Abstract: A process for producing powdered cocoa shells as a food ingredient, as replacer for cocoa powder, to impart colouration in food products, and as fat bloom inhibitor in cocoa-based products.

Abstract: A low calcium sensitive (calcium stable) high acyl gellan gum is prepared for enhanced colloidal stability in beverages. The low calcium sensitive high acyl gellan gum has superior suspension performance for colloidal stability compared to other high acyl gellan gums. The low calcium sensitive high acyl gellan gum is prepared by adjusting the pH of a gellan fermentation broth (polymer solution) prior to pasteurization and reducing the pasteurization hold time compared to conventional pH levels and hold times.

Abstract: A defatted cocoa powder composition which is dispersible in cold liquids and method of producing and using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to acidified cocoa nibs, wherein the nibs comprise at least 20 mg/g of polyphenols, preferably more than 30 mg/g of polyphenols, most preferably from 40 to 60 mg/g of polyphenols, cocoa refiner or expeller flakes, liquor, cakes, and cocoa powder obtainable from the nibs and a process for producing cocoa-derived material, comprising the steps of: (i) treating cocoa nibs obtained from beans or seeds which have a higher polyphenol content than fermented cocoa beans with an acid; and (ii) optionally drying the nibs.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of purifying Rebaudioside D from the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant extract along with Rebaudioside A. The methods are useful for producing high purity Rebaudioside D and Rebaudioside A. The invention further provides a low-calorie chocolate containing the purified Rebaudioside D and a process for making the low-calorie chocolate containing the purified Rebaudioside D.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for forming at least a portion of a beverage from a co-milled powdered composition. An amount of a co-milled powdered composition is combined with a fluid to produce at least a portion of a beverage. The co-milled powdered composition is obtained from co-milling together at least one powdered ingredient having a difficult to disperse or dissolve portion with one or more dispersion facilitator components to form a co-milled powder effective to enhance the dispersion or dissolving of the powder when forming a food or beverage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage product comprising a container, a liquid and a dairy foam on top of the liquid covering its surface. The dairy foam comprises 9 Q to about 100 wt % milk and milk fat, 0-10 wt % sweetener, and from 0.1 to about 1.5 wtl, preferably from 0.1 to about 1.0 wt % of a stabilizer. According to the invention the dairy foam has been applied first to an inner wall of the container along the entire circumference of said container before filling up the complete surface of the liquid so that it sticks to said inner wall. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a beverage product.

Abstract: Generally described are extracts and beverages with enhanced nutrients, flavors and textures and methods of making the same. Some embodiments relate to extracts and beverages produced through high pressure extraction techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing high purity gentiooligosaccharides, high purity gentiooligosaccharides obtained therefrom, and uses thereof. The methods of the present invention involve: adding a low purity gentiooligosaccharide to a liquid medium; subjecting the liquid medium to inoculation with a microorganism, followed by incubation and fermentation to consume glucose that is contained in the low purity gentiooligosaccharide; and subjecting the resulting fermentation broth to filtration and purification. According to the method of the present invention, high purity gentiooligosaccharides having a purity of at least 90% that can be used as alternatives to foods such as cocoa, chocolate, coffee, beer, tea, bread or confectionery product, and beverage or the main ingredients thereof.

Abstract: Ready to drink beverages are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a ready to drink beverage including water, a cocoa component, and a stabilizing system. The stabilizing system has a cellulose component including a blend of microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose in an amount ranging from about 0.03% to about 1% by weight, a gum, and an emulsifier ranging from about 0.09% to about 10% by weight. The beverage can also be fortified with one or more vitamins and minerals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a chocolate drink containing at least 2% cacao. The inventive method includes a step involving inserting a capsule containing a concentrate of the chocolate drink into a coffee machine of the type which allows the pressure percolation of a dose of coffee. The invention also relates to the concentrate which is used to prepare the chocolate drink and to the capsules containing said concentrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are beverage compositions containing dissolved gases. The beverage compositions generally contain a mixture of dissolved nitrous oxide and dissolved carbon dioxide. Beverage compositions disclosed herein may include a chocolate flavor.

Abstract: The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.

Abstract: A cocoa powder composition which, when mixed with bulking sugar, is dispersible in cold liquids and methods of producing and using the same. The cocoa powder composition comprises, on a dry weight basis, 75-95% cocoa powder and 0.5-20% of at least one hydrophilic agent, wherein the cocoa powder is coated with the hydrophilic agent.

Abstract: A protein beverage includes at least 90 percent egg white and at least one of a flavoring and sweetener. The beverage may be made by mixing pasteurized egg whites with a flavoring sweetener, and/or other biological enhancing agent, homogenizing the mixture, re-pasteurizing the beverage, and then bottling the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a soluble cocoa product from cocoa powder comprising the steps: a) preparing an aqueous suspension of cocoa powder (1), b) treating said suspension with one or more degrading enzymes (2), c) submitting (3) the suspension obtained in step b) to a pH treatment comprising treating said suspension for at least 2 hours at a suitable pH, a temperature of at 10 least 100° C., and a pressure which is at least 1 bar higher than the ambient pressure, d) optionally bringing the pH of the suspension obtained in step c) to a pH value corresponding with the pH of the suspension obtained in step a), e) treating (4) the suspension obtained in step c) or d) with one or more degrading enzymes, f) separating (6) the suspension (5) obtained in step e) into insoluble material (8) and a soluble part (7), and g) obtaining soluble cocoa components (10) from the soluble parts (7).

Abstract: A process for enhancing polyphenolics content of beverages brewed from polyphenolic containing, processed beverage substrate by pre-soaking substrate (coffee beans, for example) before roasting and then quenching the substrate after processing with the liquid in which the substrate was first “pre-soaked.” Beverages produced from the treated substrate exhibit substantially increased polyphenolics content, when compared to conventionally processed beverage substrate of the same nature and processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer-aided method for preparing chocolates and/or chocolate-/cocoa-flavored compositions from a bank of ingredients Pj using tools such as a valuation system E which can be used to assign a numerical value vij to the taste descriptor Gi of each ingredient Pj and a function f designating the set of rules that can be used to calculate the values vic characterising the taste of a combination C of chocolates. The invention also relates to a device for performing the inventive method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of solid capsules that contain flavours therein, by spray drying of an emulsion of a flavour or fragrance, a natural extract of saponins, water and a water-soluble biopolymer having a molecular weight below 100 KDa. The invention further relates to the solid capsules obtainable by the method and to edible products containing them.

Abstract: Methods of making bright red, brown, and red-brown cocoa powder, the cocoa powder product of that method, food products containing the bright red, brown, and red-brown cocoa powder and methods of using the bright red, brown, and red-brown cocoa powder are disclosed.

Abstract: A coffee composition or creamer composition comprising: a) instant coffee and/or a creamer; and b) confectionery particle comprising a chocolate and having a size of at least 1 mm.