Ready To Eat Patents (Class 426/620)
  • Patent number: 8080273
    Abstract: A method and formulation are disclosed for using a mixture of inulin and surfactant to overcome adhesive and viscoelastic problems associated with using tortilla sheeters for processing rice-based dough to make rice crisps. The inulin decreases viscoelasticity whereas the surfactant decreases adhesiveness. The additive decouples the relationship between water content and the adhesiveness and viscoelasticity of the dough, allowing water content to be used to control other product variables such as product moisture content and oil take-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitris Lykomitros, Dianne Renee Ripberger
  • Patent number: 8071145
    Abstract: The present invention provides a food product comprising: a formed reduced glycemic response cereal component; and a non-sticky reduced glycemic response sweetener coating over the formed cereal component, the sweetener coating comprising: a first sticky layer comprising at least about 30% fructose (of the total sweetener coating); a second less sticky layer having a DE value of about 60 or less and comprising up to about 17% fructose and at least about 1% non-fructose carbohydrates (of the total sweetener coating); and third layer comprising crystalline fructose. The present invention also provides a process for forming the sweetener coating over the formed cereal component comprising the following steps: (a) providing a formed cereal component having thereon a first sticky layer comprising fructose; (b) forming over the first sticky layer a less stick second layer comprising non-fructose carbohydrates and optionally fructose; and (c) applying crystalline fructose over the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Normanella T. DeWille, Judith R Atkinson, Neile K. Edens, Terrence B. Mazer, Kelley J. Lowe, Douglas J. Wearly, Allison Ogilvie
  • Publication number: 20110281007
    Abstract: Preparing soluble oat or barley flour in one-step using an extrusion (continuous cooking) process to dextrinize and gelatinize cook the oat or barley flour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: THE QUAKER OATS COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Chatel, Yongsoo Chung, Justin French
  • Patent number: 8053010
    Abstract: Bran treatment methods are described, comprising acidifying bran with a acid to pH's ranging from 4-6 forming acidified bran and thereafter treating with low levels of ozone to oxidize native bitter constituent, ferulic acid, preferably to vanillin to provide better flavored bran. The treated bran is useful as an ingredient for use in products such as flour based food products such as flours, pastas, dry mixes, refrigerated uncooked doughs, pet foods, ready-to-eat cereals, breads, tortilla, and grain based snacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Adelmo Monsalve-Gonzalez, Aruna Prakash
  • Publication number: 20110262612
    Abstract: Rosehip powder has been finely ground such that it contains essentially no particles larger than 600 um when measured by laser diffraction. In one aspect of the invention (claim 1) 50% of the particles have a size of 100-150 microns. The fine powder can be used in foodstuffs which are subsequently high pressure homogenized, such as smoothies and milk based beverages. Additionally, the fine powder can be added to yoghurts and other juices while retaining acceptable sensory characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Nicolle Götz, Ullrich Kranzer, Swen Wolfram
  • Patent number: 8043643
    Abstract: Cereal pieces at least partially coated with a composition typically containing a starch component, generally a wheat starch or a dextrin component, are provided. The coating composition provides the cereal pieces with enhanced resistance to breakage and superior ability to retain their texture and strength in milk or other liquids compared to traditional cereal pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Food Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheree L. B. Stevens, John F. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20110256207
    Abstract: The present invention is a grain product. The grain product includes a first fraction including bran. The first fraction is milled to a first particle size of less than 500 micrometers. The grain product also includes a second fraction including germ. The second fraction is milled to a second particle size of less than 500 micrometers. The grain product is at least one of: a food product, a nutritional supplement, a dietary supplement, a fiber supplement, a digestive supplement, a functional food, and a medical food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: CONAGRA FOODS FOOD INGREDIENTS COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Arndt, Theodore Korolchuk
  • Patent number: 8039037
    Abstract: A multi-textured ready-to-eat cereal flake includes a plurality of rice based pellets embedded in a cooked cereal grain. The plurality of rice pellets are formed from a rice product and have a first moisture content. A cooked cereal grain mixture is then formed and has a second moisture content that is greater than the first moisture content of the rice pellets. The plurality of rice pellets are then embedded within the cooked cereal grain mixture to create a multicomponent mixture. A multicomponent pellet is formed from the multicomponent mixture. The multicomponent pellet is then formed into a flake. The flake is heated to create a multi-textured flake. Based on the moisture differential between the cooked cereal grain and the plurality of rice pellets, the plurality of rice pellets expand to create a blistered appearance on the multi-textured flake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: James Whitham, Wolfgang Demelt, Paul Neumann, Brinda Govindarajan, Viswas M. Ghorpade, Tamila Williams
  • Patent number: 8029835
    Abstract: A grain-based food product comprising a grain-based component covered by a moisture-sensitive powder layer and a binding layer adhering the powder layer to the grain-based component. The binding layer is chosen so that the powder layer can later disperse into a liquid that is added just prior to consumption. The powder layer comprises a component of interest to make the product more interesting to consume. For example, the component of interest can be chosen to produce a difference in color, appearance, texture or flavor of the food product in the presence of a liquid, such as milk or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Parsons, Karen Lewis
  • Publication number: 20110183045
    Abstract: A cereal bar comprising identifiable ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal pieces; and a carbohydrate binder combined with the cereal pieces, wherein the carbohydrate binder contains inulin is provided. In one embodiment, the cereal bar comprises added protein. A method of making a cereal bar is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Barrie R. Froseth, Dean F. Funk, Dena K. Strehlow
  • Patent number: 7976888
    Abstract: Dry milling methods for preparing oat products enriched in the content of ?-glucan and methods for preparing foodstuffs incorporating such an enriched oat product especially ready-to-eat cereals are provided. Heat conditioned dehulled oats are dry milled to form a coarse whole non defatted oat flour and then, without a preceding removal of fat, dry fractionated into coarser bran and finer oat flour fractions at multiple stages. The coarse oat flour is first dry classified to separate or form a coarser fraction oat bran containing more concentrated ?-glucan and a finer oat flour or starch containing or endosperm containing fraction. The oat bran is fractionated into a coarse and fine oat bran sub-streams. The oat bran sub-streams are each is subjected to second roller milling step and then bolted. The second bolting of oat bran is then subjected to a third round of milling and classification to form a high ?-glucan content (>7-9%) oat bran and a low ?-glucan content (3%) oat flour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: General Mills IP Holdings II, LLC
    Inventors: John H. Hellweg, John D. McKeehen, Michael Dietsch
  • Patent number: 7964233
    Abstract: Shredded whole grain products, such as ready-to-eat cereals, and sweet and savory snacks, such as whole grain shredded corn chips are continuously produced by pelletizing agglomerates of cooked, tempered, whole cereal grain particles. Cooked whole grains, such as corn and other non-gluten or low-gluten containing grains have a tendency to become hard and rubbery after cooking during the cooling and tempering process. The pelletization results in the production of whole grain pellets having a soft, pliable texture, which are shreddable into continuous net-like sheets on a mass production basis. The pelletizing may be at a pressure of about 200 psig to about 600 psig, preferably from about 400 psig to about 500 psig. The pelletizing temperature may be controlled to provide a pellet temperature of about 80° F. to about 120° F., preferably from about 90° F. to about 110° F., upon exiting the pelletizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC.
    Inventors: Jan Karwowski, Vani Vemulapalli, C. Y. (Eric) Wang, Kenneth Maas, Alex Gong, Mihaelos Nicholas Mihalos
  • Patent number: 7959961
    Abstract: Disclosed are cooked dried farinaceous food products such as cooked cereal doughs, ready-to-eat cereals and grain based snacks fabricated from such cooked cereal doughs containing or fortified with rice bran oil supplied at least in part by non-hydrogenated rice bran oil especially high oryzanol rice bran oil. The cereals contain about 0.1 to 10% added rice bran oil. The rice bran oil ingredient can be incorporated into the dough and/or topically applied. The rice bran oil provides the processing advantages of oil addition during processing with low or now transfatty acids but with extended shelf stability. The finished fortified cereal products are not only organoleptically desirable but almost indistinguishable from their counterparts containing hydrogenated fats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: General Mills IP Holdings II, LLC
    Inventors: Xia Liu, Monica Decastro
  • Patent number: 7939122
    Abstract: Shredded whole grain products, such as ready-to-eat cereals, and sweet and savory snacks, such as whole grain shredded corn chips are continuously produced by pelletizing agglomerates of cooked, tempered, whole cereal grain particles. Cooked whole grains, such as corn and other non-gluten or low-gluten containing grains have a tendency to become hard and rubbery after cooking during the cooling and tempering process. The pelletization results in the production of whole grain pellets having a soft, pliable texture, which are shreddable into continuous net-like sheets on a mass production basis. The pelletizing may be at a pressure of about 200 psig to about 600 psig, preferably from about 400 psig to about 500 psig. The pelletizing temperature may be controlled to provide a pellet temperature of about 80° F. to about 135° F., preferably from about 90° F. to about 110° F., upon exiting the pelletizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Jan Karwowski, Vani Vemulapalli, C. Y. (Eric) Wang
  • Patent number: 7935376
    Abstract: This invention relates to a storage stable buoyant waxy grain wherein the waxy grain is waxy triticale and waxy wheat. The starch in the waxy grain is gelatinized throughout and the cooked waxy grains of this invention can be stored for prolonged times in air tight or conventional cereal containers having a liner without acquiring rancid odors or tastes even in the absence of preservatives that inhibit the development of rancidity. Preferably, the waxy wholegrain is a waxy wheat having a protein content of no more than 14% by dry weight. The processes for preparing the waxy wholegrain food products of this invention are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignees: Kellogg Company, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Lori Ann Wilson, John William Colyn, Grace Lai, Craig Morris
  • Publication number: 20100183772
    Abstract: Improved granola and granola products containing chocolate and their methods of preparation are provided. The methods include adding chilled chocolate containing dextrose to granola ingredients prior to the addition of a sugar binder formulated to perform as required at about 29-32° C. (85-90° F.) or colder. The methods include baking granola containing chocolate, cooling and packaging granola products such as breakfast cereals and granola bars. By using chilled chocolate and the sugar binder formulated for this method the problems of chocolate separation, smearing and off-flavors can be avoided in granola products containing chocolate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: GREGORY A. CLANTON, Monica DeCastro
  • Patent number: 7740894
    Abstract: Methods for providing cooked rice with enhanced levels of fiber, wherein the fiber-containing cooked rice is suitable and especially adapted for use in preparing fiber-containing rice-based cereal products and especially for preparing fiber-containing puffed rice-based cereal products, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Post Foods, LLC
    Inventors: George McDonald Squire, Andrew McPherson, Edward Larue, Louise Slade, Lynn Haynes
  • Publication number: 20100075000
    Abstract: A combined particulate solid and liquid container includes a base for holding a particulate solid; and a top removably attached to the base. The top includes a reservoir for holding a liquid and has an opening defined by a lower part projecting downwardly from the reservoir. The top also includes a port door removably attached to the opening and having a thermally-conductive insert projecting upwardly from the port door and into the reservoir when the port door covers the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Susan Rybar Michaeli, Roberto Tomas Rybar
  • Patent number: 7648722
    Abstract: A ready-to-eat cereal that is capable of changing color upon immersion into an aqueous medium such as milk. The cereal base has a non-dispersible first color. The cereal base has a coating comprising cornstarch, powdered sugar, and optionally food coloring. The coating is of a second color different from the first color and is in a quantity sufficient to obscure the first color. Preferably, glycerine is used to adhere the coating to the cereal base. Two methods of making the ready-to-eat cereal of the invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: Joseph R. Farinella, Justin A. French
  • Publication number: 20090317509
    Abstract: The present invention provides edible aqueous oil-in-water emulsions comprising 15-70% wt oil having a saturated fatty acid content of at least 20% wt, 0.1-5% wt of an emulsifier system. The oil preferably comprises hydrogenated and unhydrogenated rapeseed oil and the emulsifier system preferably comprises milk protein and monoglycerides. The emulsions provide good satiety benefits and do not adversely affect the taste of products into which they are incorporated. Also provided are food and beverage products comprising the emulsion of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew Duncan Golding, Petrus Wilhelmus N. de Groot, Remco Johannes Koppert, Sergey Michailovich Melnikov, Edward George Pelan
  • Publication number: 20090317530
    Abstract: A stable okara concentrate is provided, being a protein-rich powder to be used in producing healthy foodstuffs, enriched in proteins, dietary fibers, and free of cholesterol, essentially consisting of natural materials not contacted with any toxic or harmful substances during their production. Useful premixes for use in food industry or household are also provided. The concentrate may be made from a by-product obtained in soybeans processing. Food products comprising the okara concentrate are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Ilan Rotem, Nava Almog
  • Patent number: 7625591
    Abstract: A method for producing amorphous insoluble cellulosic fiber gel, preferably in the form of a dietary fiber gel, and an aqueous product comprising soluble cellulose for use as an adhesive component from the fiber-containing by-products from a variety of grain manufacturing processes is described. The treatment of the fiber residue in the presence of alkali and mechanical shear produces a slurry containing amorphous insoluble cellulosic fiber. The slurry can be further processed to improve color attributes. The amorphous insoluble cellulosic fiber can be separated from the slurry to produce a dietary fiber gel. Water and solute are separated from a liquid component of the slurry. The solute can be yielded as an aqueous product that contains soluble cellulose and can be used as an adhesive component. The recovered water can be recycled within the method so as to reduce waste disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Z Trim Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Triveni P. Shukla
  • Publication number: 20090238935
    Abstract: A stabilized bran component and a stabilized whole grain flour containing the component are produced by subjecting a bran-enriched coarse fraction which contains bran, germ and starch to grinding or milling to reduce grittiness of the coarse fraction without substantially damaging the starch due to abrasion. The coarse fraction may be stabilized by heating to substantially reduce the lipase and lipoxygenase activity of the coarse fraction without substantial gelatinization of the starch. High levels of natural antioxidants and vitamins are retained while avoiding substantial acrylamide formation during the stabilization. The stabilized coarse fraction or stabilized bran component may be combined with a fine fraction which contains predominantly endosperm to obtain a stabilized whole grain flour. The stabilized whole grain flours and the stabilized bran component exhibit extended shelf life and may be used for making baked goods, such as cookies, with desirable oven spread, and a non-gritty mouthfeel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL BRANDS LLC,
    Inventors: Lynn C. Haynes, Harry I. Levine, Louise Slade, Ning Zhou, James Manns, Diane Gannon, Edward D. Howey, Mihaelos N. Mihalos, Charles W. Epperson, Sarwat Gabriel, Domenico Cassone, Jeanny E. Zimeri
  • Patent number: 7566467
    Abstract: Dried foods infused with inulin are provided, especially whole vegetable pieces. Such products are characterized as food pieces having a water activity ranging from about 0.15 to 0.5. The foods can comprise about 1% to 30% inulin. The inulin has a D.P ranging from about 2-9. The products are shelf stable and provide high levels of fiber. Methods of preparing dried inulin infused vegetable products are described comprising the steps of providing a quantity of un-comminuted food pieces having a moisture content ranging from about 40% to about 95%; infusing the food pieces with an inulin wherein the inulin has a degree of polymerization ranging from about 2-9 to form an at least partially inulin infused food piece; and drying the inulin infused food piece to a finish water activity ranging from about 0.4 to 0.55.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Barrie R. Froseth, Sean W. Creedon
  • Publication number: 20090162498
    Abstract: Comestible grain products are provided, e.g. cereal, oatmeal, snack bars, etc., including at least one grain constituent and a non-sweetening amount of at least one potent sweetener. The non-sweetening amount of potent sweetener may comprise a natural potent sweetener, an artificial potent sweetener, or a mixture of both. The non-sweetening amount of potent sweetener can modify the taste of the comestible grain product by decreasing or eliminating one or more undesirable taste characteristics, creating or increasing one or more desirable taste characteristics, or any combination of these.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: Richard McArdle, Sandy Mui, Marcus H. Parsons, Andrew Sleyko
  • Publication number: 20090155424
    Abstract: Dry milling methods for preparing oat products enriched in the content of ?-glucan and methods for preparing foodstuffs incorporating such an enriched oat product especially ready-to-eat cereals are provided. Heat conditioned dehulled oats are dry milled to form a coarse whole non defatted oat flour and then, without a preceding removal of fat, dry fractionated into coarser bran and finer oat flour fractions at multiple stages. The coarse oat flour is first dry classified to separate or form a coarser fraction oat bran containing more concentrated ?-glucan and a finer oat flour or starch containing or endosperm containing fraction. The oat bran is subjected to second and third rounds of milling and classification to form a high ?-glucan content (>7-9%) oat bran and a low ?-glucan content (3%) oat flour. The oat bran and oat flours can be used to prepare foodstuffs such as ready-to-eat cereals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL MILLS, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Hellweg, John D. McKeehen, Michael Dietsch
  • Publication number: 20090155425
    Abstract: Dry milling methods for preparing oat products enriched in the content of ?-glucan and methods for preparing foodstuffs incorporating such an enriched oat product especially ready-to-eat cereals are provided. Heat conditioned dehulled oats are dry milled to form a coarse whole non defatted oat flour and then, without a preceding removal of fat, dry fractionated into coarser bran and finer oat flour fractions at multiple stages. The coarse oat flour is first dry classified to separate or form a coarser fraction oat bran containing more concentrated ?-glucan and a finer oat flour or starch containing or endosperm containing fraction. The oat bran is subjected to second and third rounds of milling and classification to form a high ?-glucan content (>7-9%) oat bran and a low ?-glucan content (3%) oat flour. The oat bran and oat flours can be used to prepare foodstuffs such as ready-to-eat cereals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL MILLS, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Hellweg, John D. McKeehen, Michael Dietsch
  • Publication number: 20090087527
    Abstract: A method of producing cooked cereal grains containing a high level of whole oats for a shredded ready-to-eat cereal. The method begins by disposing a whole grain oat into a mixer. The whole grain oat has an exposed first starch. Next, a second whole grain is disposed into the mixer. The second whole grain has an exposed second starch that is different from the first starch. A third starch is disposed into the mixer to act as a binder of the whole grain oat and second whole grain. Water is added to the mixer to form a mixture that is cooked to form cooked cereal grains containing high levels of whole oats. The cooked grains are shredded and layered to form a shredded wheat-like biscuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Michael E. Belanger, Douglas Eugene Brooks, Maria Denelle Ruhlman, Zarini Tahir
  • Patent number: 7494683
    Abstract: Dry milling methods for preparing oat products enriched in the content of ?-glucan and methods for preparing foodstuffs incorporating such an enriched oat product especially ready-to-eat cereals are provided. Heat conditioned dehulled oats are dry milled to form a coarse whole non defatted oat flour and then, without a preceding removal of fat, dry fractionated into coarser bran and finer oat flour fractions at multiple stages. The coarse oat flour is first dry classified to separate or form a coarser fraction oat bran containing more concentrated ?-glucan and a finer oat flour or starch containing or endosperm containing fraction. The oat bran is subjected to second and third rounds of milling and classification to form a high ?-glucan content (>7-9%) oat bran and a low ?-glucan content (3%) oat flour. The methods are low cost and commercially practical. Preferably, the high ?-glucan content oat bran and oat flour fractions can have a syringic acid to ferulic acid ratio of at least 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: General Mills IP Holdings II, LLC
    Inventors: John H. Hellweg, John D. McKeehen, Michael Dietsch
  • Publication number: 20090047407
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for modifying materials that have low soluble fiber content and high insoluble fiber content so as to enhance bile acid binding capacity by increasing the level of available soluble fiber that can be obtained from such starting materials in order to create ingredients that are useable in food intermediates that are suitable for lowering unhealthy cholesterol levels. More particularly, the present invention relates to controlling the moisture content, mechanical pretreatment and alkali treatment of such starting materials as wheat bran or shorts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Patrick C. Dreese, Alicia A. Perdon, Daniel J. Lewandowski, David W. Plank, Fred Hemker, Richard H. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20080260908
    Abstract: A stabilizer system comprising blends of cellulose, lambda-carrageenan, and guar gum. Food products and beverages, such as energy drinks, are prepared with the stabilizer blends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: PEPSICO, INC.
    Inventors: William Mutilangi, Ricardo Pereyra
  • Patent number: 7431954
    Abstract: Cooked cereal dough products are provided that are fortified with calcium from multiple sources, at least a major portion of which is supplied by calcium phosphate salts having an median particle size of 2 to 15 ?m. Dried cereal finished products such as Ready-To-Eat breakfast cereals are fabricated from cooked cereal doughs that can comprise even lightly colored cereal materials. Methods for preparing such calcium fortified cooked cereal compositions and dried cereal finished food products essentially comprise: A. providing a calcium fortified cooked cereal dough or mass containing multiple calcium sources, at least a portion of which is supplied by calcium phosphate; B. forming the lightly colored calcium fortified cereal dough into pieces; and, C. drying the pieces to form the finished food products fortified with high levels of calcium, preferably puffed RTE cereal pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: General Mills Holdings II, LLC
    Inventors: Darryl J. Ballman, Sean W. Creedon, James W. Geoffrion, Thomas D. Hede, Mathew F. Langenfeld, Jonathan E. Trautz
  • Patent number: 7413757
    Abstract: A method of making a color-stable, cooked, flour-based food that is, for example, a RTE cereal or snack food that can be colored red with all natural ingredients is provided. A colored flour mixture is provided that is colored with natural ingredients suitable for making a cooked, ready-to-eat, color-stable, color-based food product. The food product may be a ready-to-eat cereal or a snack food, for example. In addition, a color-stable, cooked, ready-to-eat, flour-based food product that can be colored red with natural ingredients is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventor: Beata Z. Klamerus
  • Patent number: 7413760
    Abstract: Visually appealing heterogeneous puffed flaked Ready-to-Eat (“R-T-E”) cereal products with varied texture and density have a first continuous denser portion and a second discontinuous portion in the form of more highly puffed discrete regions. The R-T-E cereal products are fabricated from a dried heterogeneous cooked cereal mass comprising a continuous phase provided by macerated cooked cereal ingredients, e.g., cut whole wheat and a discontinuous phase containing added discrete hydrated intact parboiled medium grain rice. The cereal products are made by preparation methods involving forming the workable heterogonous cooked cereal dough into wet pellets having discrete pieces of the parboiled rice; drying the wet pellets to form dried pellets; flaking the dried pellets to form wet flakes; and, heating the wet flakes to dry and puff the flakes to form puffed flakes having 2-5% moisture and bulk density of 270-480 g/liter. The flakes can be pre-sweetened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Green, Nathan W. Lukecart
  • Publication number: 20080171103
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel healthy and functional food having an obesity-suppressing activity. The healthy and functional food according to the present invention is manufactured by using an extract or a raw juice of purple-colored potato as a main/minor ingredient, or by adding the extract or a raw juice of purple-colored potato to various favorite foods. The extract of purple-colored potato according to the present invention has an obesity-suppressing activity by preventing an adipose cell from being differentiated and reducing leptin protein aiding to differentiate into adipose cells, and has an ability to reduce free fatty acid which is a hyperlipidemia-inducing factor and cholesterol in blood. Therefore, the healthy and functional food containing the extract of purple-colored potato according to the present invention can be useful to treat obesity patients including a wide age group of teenagers and adults and old persons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: Potato Valley Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hak Tae Lim, Youn Soo Kim, Sung Hoon Kim, Yun Hee Rhee, Min Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20080152763
    Abstract: The invention provides food products having additives useful for providing a desired effect, such a stimulating effect. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a food product having an additive amount of caffeine incorporated therein. In specific embodiments, the food product is a doughnut, a bagel, or a breakfast bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Bohannon
  • Patent number: 7351439
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making hand-held shaped cereal and milk products having a smooth, homogenous-consistency texture and a moisture content higher than 35%, using about the same amount and ratio of cereal flour to fluid-milk as found in a traditional combination of (RTE) cereal pieces (made from cereal flour) and fluid-milk that have to be eaten from a bowl with a spoon. In the process of the present invention, each pound of cereal flour is cooked with 3 to 4 pounds of fluid-milk together with starch-complexing agents in a continuous cooker at temperatures above 175 F. It is then discharged as a hot, fluid-milk-hydrated, starch-complexed cereal flour which continues to absorb retained fluid-milk until it becomes fully-cooked, fully-hydrated and viscous enough to retain a shape. It is then formed into units, baked to firm their textures while retaining a higher than 35% moisture, and stored refrigerated or frozen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: Harold W. Zukerman, Rachel B. Zukerman
  • Patent number: 7244457
    Abstract: Food products and methods of production, specifically RTE cereals of reduced density and enhanced perceived sweetness and methods of production are provided. The present invention relates to RTE cereals of reduced density and enhanced perceived sweetness without increasing the amount of total sugar of the cereal piece. By reducing the amount of sugar in the base cereal mix and adding a substantially equivalent amount as a coating, the cereal piece exhibits reduced density and enhanced perceived sweetness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: William F. Racicot, Marcus H. Parsons
  • Patent number: 7235276
    Abstract: Disclosed are ready-to-eat puffed dried food products that are high both in protein and in fiber. The cereals contain sufficient amounts of at least one protein ingredient to provide a total protein content about 50% to 75% (dry weight) of the cooked food product; sufficient amounts of at least one dietary fiber ingredient to provide a total fiber content of about 1-45% (dry weight); and sufficient amounts of a starch containing ingredient to provide a starch content of about 5-45%. The food products have a crush strength raging from about 0.25 to 3.5 kg/cm3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: General Mills IP Holdings II, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick E. Allen, Gregory Flickinger, Terry T. Kirihara, Steven C. Robie
  • Patent number: 7118772
    Abstract: Dried foods infused with inulin are provided, especially whole fruit pieces. Such products are characterized as food pieces having a water activity ranging from about 0.15 to 0.5. The foods can comprise about 1% to 30% inulin. The inulin has a D.P ranging from about 2–9. The products are shelf stable and provide high levels of fiber. The inulin bearing dried products can be added to other foods such as Ready-to-eat cereals base to provide high fiber blended products without need to altering the characteristics of the cereal base or its method of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Barrie R. Froseth, Sean W. Creedon
  • Patent number: 7097870
    Abstract: A layered cereal bar with at least two cereal layers having identifiable RTE cereal pieces and at least one visible filling layer in between the two cereal layers is described. In one embodiment, the cereal bar is a non-cooked cereal bar having a total nutrient level equal to or greater than the nutrient level of a single serving of RTE cereal with milk. In one embodiment, the cereal layer is comprised of a cereal composition containing RTE cereal, high-protein rice pieces and TVP in a ratio of about 2:1:1. The cereal layer further comprises a binder to hold the cereal composition together. In one embodiment, the filling layer is a confectionery center that is high in milk content, but possesses a relatively low water activity. In one embodiment, the filling layer is a low water activity fruit filling layer. In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a layered cereal bar having a visible filling layer is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean F. Funk, Robert J. Harrison, Donald J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7063866
    Abstract: A coated, uncooked oat product is provided that has no added fat and comprises uncooked oat flakes having a coating adherent to the oat flakes. A coated, oat flake agglomerate is also provided, wherein each agglomerate comprises at least two uncooked oat flakes and has a fat-free coating. A flavored, coated oat product in bulk and a flavored, coated, agglomerated oat product are provided, both of which products have flavors uniformly distributed throughout the bulk. Corn grit products are also provided and include (1) individual pieces of corn grit having a fat-free coating and (2) clusters of corn grit pieces having a fat-free coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: James Hansa, Alice Hibbs, Kent Salisbury
  • Patent number: 7037551
    Abstract: A method for creating bite-sized or filled pieces of chewy or crunchy granola. The invention is an improved process for manipulating and shaping chewy granola without having the granola lose its characteristic texture. The improved process includes: adding extra water to the ordinary ingredients of chewy granola, allowing the water to soften the granola, extruding or shaping the softened granola, and drying or removing the water from the softened granola thereby restoring the granola to about its original texture and composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Steven Moore, Susan L. Franz
  • Patent number: 6951659
    Abstract: A method of coating uncooked, flaked oats with a desired fat-free coating to form the uncoated, uncooked, flaked oats product is provided. The method involves coating the flaked oats by spraying the flaked oats with coating material, drying the coated, uncooked, flaked oats until the flaked oats have attained the desired moisture content, and packaging the coated, uncooked, flaked oats. The method forms a coated, unagglomerated, uncooked, flaked oats product which is packaged in bulk as discrete, coated, uncooked, flaked oats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: James Hansa, Alice Hibbs, Kent Salisbury
  • Publication number: 20040197462
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a feline multi-component foodstuff which enables the animal to optimise the macronutrient content of its diet. The invention also relates to food components for use in such a foodstuff, and to use of the multi-component foodstuff in feline health benefits. The present invention relates to a feline multi-component foodstuff comprising two or more compartmentalized food compositions, of which at least two compositions differ in their content of at least two of fat, protein or carbohydrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: MARS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Simon R. Hall
  • Patent number: 6800310
    Abstract: An improved, low-fat cereal product contains clusters of base cereal comprising crisp, friable cereal preferably principally or all crisp cereal comprised of crisp rice, flaked cereal and/or puffed cereal. The clusters are prepared by binding together a plurality of crisp cereal pieces by applying in sequence, liquid oil, dry binder mix and a liquid sugar mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: George M. Squire, Dale W. Cox, Elizabeth L. Walker, William P. Citarella, Christopher Kallgren
  • Publication number: 20040175482
    Abstract: A method for producing a choline-fortified, ready-to-eat cereal including the steps of cooking a blend of cereal ingredients to produce a cooked cereal mass; and blending a source of choline into the cooked cereal mass to produce a choline-fortified cereal mass used in the production of the ready-to-eat cereal. The source of choline may be lecithin and/or a choline salt. The step of blending a source of choline into the cooked cereal mass may include blending the choline source into the cooked cereal mass in an amount supplying at least 5% of the Adequate Intake (AI) of choline per serving of the choline-fortified, ready-to-eat cereal. A composition including a ready-to-eat cereal, the ready-to-eat cereal including a cereal grain and a nutritionally significant amount of choline. The nutritionally significant amount of choline is an amount supplying at least 5% of the AI of choline per serving of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Solae, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph N. Casey, Paul J. Whalen
  • Patent number: 6773734
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing the ready-to-eat food bar. The ready-to-eat food bar produced by the present process includes agglomerated particles of one or more cereal bases is provided. The cereal bases include primarily amalyceous materials and optionally milk solids. The agglomerated particles are coated with a binder which includes sugars, milk solids, humectants or fat and optionally milk solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Dhan Pal Sirohi, Birgit Sievert, Jean-Jacques Desjardins, Gilbert Geoffroy
  • Patent number: 6761923
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for using Prowashonupana barley to produce a food product comprised primarily of the Prowashonupana barley. The resultant food product is desired because, when consumed, it does not contribute to significantly elevated glycemic indices in a host, as indicated by the rapidly available glucose (RAG) assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: ConAgra, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Arndt, Sambasiva R. Chigurupati, Sarath K. Katta
  • Patent number: 6759077
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved breakfast cereal biscuit comprising grain which includes waxy grain in an amount of at least 20% by weight of total grain content. The grain has been hydrated and cooked either sequentially or simultaneously, rolled into flakes, and either agglomerated and toasted into a desired biscuit shape or toasted and agglomerated into a desired biscuit shape. A process for the production of the improved breakfast cereal biscuit is also provided. The improved breakfast cereal biscuit typically exhibits extended bowl life, has improved nutritional qualities, is tender and crisp in texture, has better flavors, and requires reduced energy in the manufacturing process, when compared to standard flaked wheat breakfast cereal biscuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Byron Australia Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Deborah Ann Lewis, David Adrian Lewis, Victor Marcus Lewis