Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.

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 invention relates to a method for obtaining polyphenol-rich cocoa powder with a low fat content and to the cocoa thus obtained. The method optionally includes a phase comprising the purification of the polyphenols obtained from the defatted cocoa cake using an Amberlite column. The end product has a particle size of less than 3 mm for 99% of the particles and a polyphenol content of preferably between 60 and 90% and a fat content of less than 12% in relation to the weight of the dry matter.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide water-soluble dietary fiber obtained by hot water extraction from cacao husks, and to use the water-soluble dietary fiber for addition to acidic protein foods such as milk component-containing beverages, dispersion stabilizers for chocolate beverages and the like, coating agents with improved coatability, age resistors for starch-containing food products, and shelf-life extenders for foods and beverages which continue to maintain their microbiostatic properties even when added only in small amounts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining fibre-rich cocoa with low carbon hydrate and methylxanthine contents and resulting cocoa powder which is suitable for animal feed. The inventive method includes the following main steps in which: the whole cocoa beans undergo cleaning, deffating, treatment with alpha-amylase, centrifugation, extraction-washing and subsequent centrifugation, separation, drying and grinding.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing milk chocolate products containing a higher than normal water content by preparing a dark chocolate containing up to 30% by weight of water, adding a milk powder suspension optionally together with seed crystals of cocoa butter or cocoa butter equivalent, and mixing under low shear. The invention also relates to high water content milk chocolate products, methods of preparing a chocolate coated ice cream article with such products and to the resulting chocolate coated ice cream articles.

Abstract: The invention provides novel means and methods for manipulating cocoa and milk ingredients, for example, to produce edible oil-in-water suspensions. In one embodiment, cocoa products are used to produce a gel network formed by cocoa starches and/or proteins. The suspension is formed with milk proteins and cocoa solids and also comprises crystallized cocoa butter as a dispersed component, and water or skim milk as the continuous phase or aqueous phase. The compositions, products, and ingredients possible according to the invention provide novel methods and components for low or reduced calorie or sugar free chocolate products or ingredients having the same cocoa content as conventional chocolate and/or falling within the standard of identity for chocolate products. In addition, the production and packaging options for chocolate products are expanded by the use of the invention as the viscosity of the chocolate product or ingredient can be varied easily without specific reliance on cocoa butter content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for flavouring cocoa beans, and to flavoured cocoa beans thereby obtained. In particular, the present invention provides a method for flavouring cocoa beans comprising the step of contacting dried cocoa beans with unroasted, natural flavouring plant material. Said unroasted, natural flavouring plant material preferably includes fruit and/or non-fruit plant material selected from the group comprising herbs, spices, leaves, grasses, flowers and any combinations thereof. The invention further relates to the use of flavoured cocoa beans in food products, and in particular in chocolate products.

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 invention relates to a fruit containing chocolate or the like, containing at least one sweetening agent, less than 3 wt % and advantageously less than 1 wt % of dried non fatty cocoa, between 24 and 50 wt % of fatty material, and between 1 and 20 wt % of fruit powder, the fruit powder having a D90 lower than 500 ?m and a water content lower than 5 wt %. The invention further relates to a method for producing said chocolate and to the use thereof in food products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food formulation characterized in that it comprises a mixture of effective amounts of at least 1 ingredient from each of the 4 groups formed by nuts, cocoa, vegetable oils rich in unsaponifiable lipids and flours rich in soluble fiber, in which said mixture provides minimum effective amounts of at least the following bioactive compounds: soluble fiber, unsaponifiable lipids and unsaturated fatty acids, the combination of which produces a positive effect in the prevention of vascular diseases in mammals, including man. The invention also relates to the possible use of said formulation for the preparation of food and/or dietary products which provide beneficial effects in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in mammals, including humans, without involving any weight gain.

Abstract: A frozen confection product that has a relaxatory effect when consumed is provided, the product comprising a frozen composition and a chocolate composition or a chocolate analogue composition which comprises non-fat cocoa solids. The product comprises at least 0.01 wt % ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and at most 0.05 wt % theobromine.

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: The present invention relates to a method to pre-crystallize real chocolate in the form of Beta V crystals, said method comprising the steps of—determining an initial temperature (TCi) for a chocolate mass to have before seed crystals are admixed thereto, said TCi exceeding the critical temperature, —obtaining a liquid chocolate mass by melting it to the initial temperature (TCi), —dispersing into said liquid chocolate mass at the initial temperature (TCi), solid crystal seeds consisting of at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of cocoa butter, a cocoa butter equivalent and/or real chocolate, wherein the crystal seeds contain a dominating amount of stable Beta V crystals, —mixing the chocolate mass and the crystal seeds until the seeds are almost completely melted, —cooling down the thus obtained mixture, that is continuously stirred, to a pre-crystallization temperature (Tpc), said cooling being achieved through the admixing of the crystal seeds and through heat exchange with the environ

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: In a method of producing cocoa mass from nibs from cracked, fermented cocoa beans, nibs are used from which nibs parts of an undesired degree of fermentation have been sorted out, for example by analysis of the individual nibs pieces for fluorescence, preferably by irradiation with UV light at two different wavelengths, preferably of about 254 nm and about 366 nm with a cut-off filter at about 390 nm, the analytical results being the basis of any sorting out of separate nibs pieces, or by sorting of the cocoa beans before cracking by thickness, by density or by hardness. In this respect, the fluorescence detection method can be used for monitoring the separation.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for preparing a chocolate composition comprising at least 10% cocoa butter, said method comprising the steps of: (a) Preparing a chocolate mixture comprising at least 10% cocoa butter by admixing a chocolate mass with a blend of an oil and/or fat having a Solid Fat Content higher than 2% when measured at 30° C. with IUPAC method 2.150 a, and having a Trans Fatty Acid Content below 4%, preferably below 2%, (b) Feeding this mixture in molten state to a scraped surface heat exchanger, wherein the temperature of the scraped surface is below +10° C., advantageously is below 0° C., (c) Crystallization and stabilization of said melt with the aid of said scraped surface heat exchanger, (d) Optionally, extrusion of the thus chilled mixture in block shape. This method advantageously allows the preparation of trans-free chocolate fillings, advantageously without the need of specialty products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing heat-resistant chocolate or chocolate-like confectionery products wherein (I) chocolate mass or chocolate-like confectionery mass which has been mixed with a water-in-oil emulsion or (ii) chocolate mass or chocolate-like confectionery mass having an increased water content is moulded and then subjected to a microwave treatment prior to, during, and/or after cooling. The heat resistance is developed essentially instantaneously and the obtained product can be subjected to temperatures of up to about 40 or even 50° C. without losing its form. The invention also relates to the products obtainable by that process.

Abstract: A composition comprising about 10-65 weight % of a protein particulate material, about 35-90 weight % of a lipid-containing material, and no more than small amounts of an emulsifier, can be used as a coating composition for a food product, or as an ingredient in a coating composition for a food product. When used as a coating for a snack food item such as a protein-containing energy bar, the coating can add to the nutritive value of the bar, and maintain the moisture content of the bar. A method for making the composition includes the steps of adding finely ground particulate protein matter to a fat composition with heat and high shear, then cooling the composition.

Abstract: The invention provides acidified red cocoa products and ingredients, such as acidified red cocoa bean nibs, red cocoa liquor, and red cocoa powder. The acidified cocoa products and ingredients are generally made from under-fermented or unfermented cocoa beans that are treated with an acid composition. The methods include those of making food products and ingredients where the levels cocoa antioxidants are maintained by the use of an acid treatment and the avoidance of dutching, and the food products and ingredient have a distinctive red color. Cocoa nibs, chocolate or cocoa liquor and cocoa powders having a red hue or color and having high levels of cocoa antioxidants are disclosed, as well as food products made from them.

Abstract: The present teaching relates generally to cocoa products. In one embodiment, a composition comprises a sweetener, a digestion resistant soluble fiber, a cocoa powder, and a dispersing agent. In the composition, the sweetener, the digestion resistant soluble fiber, the cocoa powder and the dispersing agent are present in such amounts such that the composition disperses in liquid. Processes for producing the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Confectionery products comprising a tooth-friendly sweetener, bioactive glass particles and at least one product additive, as well as processes for obtaining the products and various applications thereof.

Abstract: Agglomerates comprising calcium-hydrocolloid-composite materials and at least one sugar alcohol, as well of methods for preparing the agglomerates and various applications thereof.

Abstract: A chocolate composition wherein at least 30% by weight, e.g. 33 to 40% or more, of the sucrose content of regular chocolate is replaced by a combination of dietary fibres and wherein the fibre combination comprises, consists of or consists essentially of a dextrin, an inulin and an oligofructose.

Abstract: Casein based puffed products, their preparation and their use in food products. These casein based puffed product include a matrix made of extruded and expanded casein salt and additional nutritional elements which are dispersed throughout the matrix mass. They can be used for providing or delivering additional nutritional elements within the food products, for example as inclusions in food products such as dry food products like cereal flakes or bars, chocolate or confectionery, or wet food products such as ice-creams, milk based desserts or chilled dairy products like yogurts, curds or fresh cheese. A process for their preparation and food products comprising the casein based puffed product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A point-of-sale apparatus for making customized chocolate articles includes one or more temperature-controlled chocolate tempering machine(s) for melting and storing tempered liquid chocolate, a dispenser for dispensing the liquid chocolate into a cavity formed in a single-use mold, a dispenser for depositing one or more selected food product exclusions across the surface of the liquid chocolate, a vibrating table for removing air bubbles and distributing the exclusions evenly, a cooling tunnel for rapidly cooling the chocolate article, and one or more conveyors for moving the single-use chocolate mold and carrying it through the cooling tunnel. The exclusion dispenser may include a hopper having a funnel and a grate with different sized openings corresponding to different sized exclusions. The single-use mold may carry a customer identifier for later identification. The single-use mold containing the solidified custom chocolate article may be deposited directly into a box provided to the customer.

Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.

Abstract: A chocolate composition having a fat phase, characterised in that said fat phase: has a slip melting point of at least 27.5° C., preferably of between 30 and 37° C.; and comprises both modified and unmodified fats, wherein said modified fats comprise an interesterified fat consisting of interesterified cocoa butter.

Abstract: A method of producing a sugar free chocolate composition comprising the steps of: reducing the moisture content in a predetermined amount of agave syrup to produce a reduced moisture agave syrup; thoroughly mixing at least the following ingredients: 1 to 95% by weight reduced moisture agave syrup; and 3 to 60% by weight of at least one edible fat so as to produce a mixture; adding an additional emulsifier to the mixture to provide an emulsion; providing cacao liquor that has been pretreated to remove noxious odors and to reduce all particle sizes to less than 20 microns to provide a pretreated cacao liquor; adding pretreated cacao liquor to the emulsion to provide a chocolate mixture; tempering the chocolate mixture to enable the chocolate mixture to be formed product; and forming a chocolate product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing confectionery highly stable to heat which can be eaten without being deformed, becoming sticky at the surface or sticking to each other while maintaining the original mouthfeel of chocolate. As a result of the present inventors' intensive studied, it has been found out that a process for producing confectionery highly stable to heat can be provided by making the surface of a refined chocolate paste absorb moisture or bringing chocolate into contact with a moisture-containing food material, and then baking.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a health bar or composition having high levels of a cacao-based product, and with correspondingly high levels of cocoa anti-oxidants, that are shelf stable, heat-resistant, and have good taste and mouthfeel properties. The energy bars and food compositions can deliver healthful cocoa ingredients to improve vigor, enhance physical energy, enhance mental energy, enhance cognitive focus abilities, and/or improve athletic performance. Methods of making such health bars, food ingredients, or heat-resistant compositions that comprise the same high levels of cacao product and other ingredients in effective amounts and that are shelf-stable are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are processes for producing cocoa-containing compositions by comminution of cocoa beans and/or portions thereof, systems for carrying out such processes and products produced therefrom.

Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing ready-to-eat health bars such as chocolate granola bars and chocolate confectioneries such as dark or milk chocolate chews. The bars and confectioneries contain sterol ester(s) and/or stanol esters and cocoa solids having a high cocoa procyanidin content. The cocoa solids are pretreated with the sterol/stanol ester(s) or other edible oils or fats during the preparation of the products to prevent the loss of cocoa procyanidins. Other particulate antioxidants can be pretreated with food grade fats and/or oils or emulsifiers such as lecithin to conserve their effectiveness.

Abstract: A method of treating solvent-extracted plant residue comprises (a) providing a plant residue of one or more plant parts with a reduced content of plant fats, the fats having been extracted by means of a solvent for said plant fats; (b) mixing said solvent-extracted plant residue with a conditioning fat; and (c) milling said mixture of plant residue and conditioning fat under reduced pressure, said conditioning fat being in a liquid state. If the milling step has taken place at a temperature below about 100° C., the resulting milled compound mixture is subjected to (d) a post heat treatment at temperatures above 100° C. A compound mixture of milled solvent-extracted plant residue and conditioning fat obtainable by the method. Food products and feeds comprising said compound mixture of milled solvent-extracted plant residue and conditioning fat.

Abstract: A method for regulating fermentation of organic material, such as cocoa beans and pulp is disclosed. The method includes adding at least one strain of lactic acid bacteria and/or acetic acid bacteria to the organic material. Optionally, at least one strain of yeast is added. Bacterial strains and compositions, useful in the described method, are also disclosed. The use of the described starter cultures and compositions permits faster fermentation, fermentations with targeted population dynamics and succession of microorganisms, and fermentations with targeted levels of both desirable and undesirable metabolites.

Abstract: Process for obtaining cocoa polyphenol concentrate includes: a) subjecting unfermented cocoa beans to a blanching step in water at a temperature ranging from 85-100° C. for a period ranging from 3 to 15 minutes to give unfermented cocoa beans with reduced polyphenol oxidase activity; b) drying the unfermented cocoa beans at a temperature of less than 85° C. to obtain dried unfermented cocoa beans with a moisture content of no more than 15%; c) subjecting the dried unfermented cocoa beans to a particle size reduction step to obtain dry unfermented cocoa bean intermediate whereby at least 99 wt % of the product has a particle size less than or equal to 300 pm; e) extracting polyphenols from the dry unfermented cocoa bean intermediate to give a cocoa polyphenol extract and extracted solids; d) concentrating the cocoa polyphenol extract to yield a cocoa polyphenol concentrate; and carrying out a defatting step prior to step d).

Abstract: The invention provides novel means and methods for manipulating cocoa and milk ingredients, for example, to produce edible oil-in-water suspensions and drying the suspensions to reduce the moisture or water activity level. In one embodiment, cocoa products are used to produce a gel network formed by cocoa starches and/or proteins. The suspension is formed with milk proteins and cocoa solids and also comprises crystallized cocoa butter as a dispersed component, and water or skim milk as the continuous phase or aqueous phase, and the suspension is optionally dried to reduce the moisture content and/or manipulate the final texture or characteristics. The compositions, products, and ingredients possible according to the invention provide novel methods and components for low or reduced calorie or sugar free chocolate products or ingredients having the same cocoa content as conventional chocolate and/or falling within the standard of identity for chocolate products.

Abstract: There is provided drug delivery systems for bioactive substances. In particular, there is provided a chocolate product containing bioactive compounds as well as desirable flavours and deliverability.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing milk chocolate products containing a higher than normal water content by preparing a dark chocolate containing up to 30% by weight of water, adding a milk powder suspension optionally together with seed crystals of cocoa butter or cocoa butter equivalent, and mixing under low shear. The invention also relates to high water content milk chocolate products, methods of preparing a chocolate coated ice cream article with such products and to the resulting chocolate coated ice cream articles.

Abstract: A composition which is suitable as a replacement for chocolate comprises: at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of cocoa-derived materials and sugars; and at least 25% by weight of a fat phase, said fat phase comprising at least 60% by weight of the fat phase of a triglyceride mixture of the (H2M+M2H) type, wherein H is selected from saturated fatty acids having at least 16 carbon atoms and monounsaturated fatty acids having 18 carbon atoms and M is selected from saturated fatty acids having from 8 to 14 carbon atoms, and the triglyceride mixture comprises said monounsaturated fatty acids having 18 carbon atoms at a level of between 3 and 25% by weight based on total fatty acids. The composition may be used to coat bakery products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.

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 invention concerns a method for obtaining extracts based on polyphenol compounds contained in cocoa, characterised in that it includes: using fresh beans, which have not been pre-treated or defatted, said fresh beans whereof their pulp and shell have been eliminated, so as to obtain clean almonds; grinding said almonds, in the presence of solvent(s); macerating the ground almonds in conditions enabling extraction of the desired compounds; filtering the macerated mixture; recuperating an extract containing said compounds from the filtrate. The invention also concerns the extracts and their uses for cosmetic, food and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: In general terms, this invention provides nut butter compositions and methods for preparing the disclosed nut butter compositions. In preferred embodiments, the nut butter composition or method is a peanut butter. In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method of preparing a gelled peanut butter composition comprising the steps of: blending peanut butter, emulsifier, sugar alcohol and triglyceride-based stabilizer so as to create a first blend; blending starch with the first blend to create a second blend; resting the second blend until a gel is formed, wherein the peanut butter is not more than 85 ° F. and 65-85%, the emulsifier is 0.15-0.5%, the sugar alcohol is 5-30%, the triglyceride-based stabilizer is 1-5%, and the starch is 1-5%.

Abstract: Anhydrous resilient chocolate chips for use with ice cream novelty products have a melting curve ranging from 0° C. to 37° C., and comprise 15% to 40% chocolate liquor, 15% to 65% sugar, and 20% 50% fat content. At least 50% fat content has a melting point below 20° C. The fat content may be cocoa butter and butterfat; or it may be mixtures and combinations of chocolate compatible unhydrogenated vegetable oils such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil, canola oil, shea butter, illippe butter, Borneo tallow, soya oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil, together with 5% to 15% cocoa powder; or it may be up to 90% butterfat together with chocolate compatible unhydrogenated vegetable oils. The cocoa butter and butterfat form a eutectic mixture; and the vegetable oil fat content of the other fat systems has a depressed melting point.

Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing ready-to-eat health bars such as chocolate granola bars and chocolate confectioneries such as dark or milk chocolate chews. The bars and confectioneries contain sterol ester(s) and/or stanol esters and cocoa solids having a high cocoa procyanidin content. The cocoa solids are pretreated with the sterol/stanol ester(s) or other edible oils or fats during the preparation of the products to prevent the loss of cocoa procyanidins. Other particulate antioxidants can be pretreated with food grade fats and/or oils or emulsifiers such as lecithin to conserve their effectiveness.

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 process for preparation of milled cocoa shell including grinding cocoa shell in a single unit operation in a short-duration manner without the need for moving mechanical parts. The milled cocoa shell product obtained from the grinding treatment has reduced heat degradation and avoids equipment maintenance concerns otherwise associated with mechanical milling of the cocoa shells while providing an edible granular product useful for food manufacture such as chocolate food production.

Abstract: The present invention is a chocolate mush meltaway that is dispensed from a temperature or torque controlled shake freezer machine and that conforms in shape to a receptacle into which it is dispensed. The mush meltaway is made from a selected mixture of chocolate, oil, and fluor salt. Optionally, a flavor can be added to the mixture. The chocolate is melted and then the oil and salt are mixed with the chocolate. The mixture is transformed into a semi-solid chocolate mush meltaway having a selected viscosity in a torque controlled shake freezer machine. The machine automatically and intermittently operates to maintain the desired viscosity and consistency of the mush meltaway, which is similar to soft-serve ice cream. The proper viscosity and consistency are maintained independent of the actual temperature of the mush meltaway. The chocolate mush meltaway is dispensed into the receptacle at a selected time for immediate consumption.

Abstract: An improved method for increasing the dispersibility of cocoa powder which has been treated with liquid solvent extraction procedures to reduce fat content. A dispersing agent such as lecithin is added to wet cocoa mass comprising remaining cocoa butter and remaining solvent from the liquid extraction. The residual solvent improves the uniformity of mixing between the cocoa mass and the dispersing agent.