Abstract: The present invention relates to total gelatine replacement in chewy candies and fruit chews. The gelatine is replaced by a combination of a maltodextrin and wheat gluten. Maltodextrin is preferably combined with a (partially) hydrolysed wheat gluten. The maltodextrin has a DE between 0.1 and 20, preferably DE between 4 to 10, more preferably DE is 5.

Abstract: A method for reducing postprandial oxidative stress and associated pathologies by the dietary intake of cocoa procyanidins, such as epicatechin is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the production of a frozen food product comprising AFP, wherein the conditions are chosen such that the ice-crystals in the product have an aspect ratio of from 1.9 to 3.

Abstract: A novel encapsulated product is provided and includes: at least one active ingredient; at least one compressible material; and at least one tableting material; wherein the encapsulated product is in the form of a caplet having a diameter of from about 1 millimeter to about 7 millimeters and a length from about 1 millimeter to about 7 millimeters. A method for preparing the encapsulated product is also provided. The encapsulated product may be incorporated into a food item, a soft confectionery product, a hard confectionery product, a jelly gum confectionery product, and a dry beverage or chewing gum product.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of food products is provided which includes the steps of providing a mold, filling the mold with a quantity of molding material in a fluid state, and inserting a plug made of an edible material, such as wafer, into the mold cavity to define a space to be filled by molding material.

Abstract: A process for preparing a flavonoid extract from the leaves of ginkgo biloba comprising multiple distractions of the leaves of the ginkgo biloba with solvents wherein at least one of the extraction stages is a deterpenation step using a solvent of the formula RC(O)OR′ wherein R and R′ are individually lower alkyl.

Abstract: An edible confection with a recognizable shape which repeatedly rises and sinks, i.e., “swims,” in a transparent carbonated beverage due to changing buoyancy resulting from the formation of carbonation bubbles on the surface of the confection, and the escape of the bubbles to the atmosphere when the confection reaches the top of the beverage. The ability of the confection to ascend and descend is determined by the density, volume and surface area of the confection, and the volume per unit surface area of bubbles which form on the confection. For a thin confection the conditions for ascension and descension are substantially independent of the dimensions other than the thickness. Bubble nucleation is promoted by a surface which is rough on small length scales, and large bubbles can be retained on the surface if the confection is smooth on larger length scales.

Abstract: Methods for continuously molding finished chocolate tablets, pieces and the like are disclosed. Apparatus for use with the method, comprise a chilled rotating mold having at least one recess into which liquid chocolate is deposited. Liquid chocolate, is held in place by a retaining/casting belt as the rotating mold turns. The liquid chocolate cools and partially sets while in contact with the rotating mold and retaining/casting belt, and a molded chocolate is removed from the recess. Novel finished chocolate molded products made by the methods and with the apparatus, having detailed surface design and surface gloss are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrocolloid confectionery product that includes, as a gelling agent, comprising iota-carrageenan or a mixture of carrageenans containing more than 50% iota-carrageenan in an amount sufficient to provide characteristics and properties of the product that are essentially the same as in hydrocolloid confectionery products that include gelatin as a gelling agent. Also, a process for making the hydrocolloid confectionery.

Abstract: A process for making an aerated, confectionery product of multiple colors includes, as a first step, preparing a slurry of water, sugar, and gelatin. The slurry is divided into at least first and second portions or batches having a defined color to provide a second color. A dye or colorant of a color is added to the second portion or batch to provide a second color. Each of the first and second batches are then individually aerated to form first and second aerated streams of first and second colors of substantially identical density and rheological properties. After aeration of the first and second portions, the first and second colored streams are fed to an extrusion die manifold, where they are extruded in disproportionate amounts to form a multicolored a rope having the first and second colors of unequal proportion. A starch anti-sticking agent is applied, and the rope is cut into individual pieces. The individual pieces are then dried to a 1 to 5% moisture content.

Abstract: Throat drops suitable for relief of cough and cold symptoms comprise a cooling composition and a warming composition in distinct and discrete regions thereof, the cooling and warming compositions being adapted to provide sequential relief profiles. The cooling composition includes from about 0.001% to about 10%, by weight, cooling agent, and the warming composition comprises from about 0.001% to about 1.0%, by weight, warming agent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing thin pieces of chocolate, in particular slices of chocolate, whereby the chocolate is melted and is provided in the shape of flat, thin pieces of chocolate, which are put one after the other, on at least one endless, flexible conveyor belt of a conveying device, whereby the conveyor belt is subsequently bent crosswise so that it forms a trough before the pieces have stiffened, and the conveyor belt is kept in this bent position until the pieces lying in the trough and which are bent along with the conveyor belt have sufficiently stiffened so as to keep their bent shape.

Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing confectionery bars in the form of a three dimensional core at least partially covered with at least one layer of boiled sugar confectionery material. The method involves dimensioning at least one continuous band of boiled sugar confectionery material on a roller, cooling the band of boiled confectionery material, detaching the band from the roller, depositing the band on a core by bringing the band substantially into contact with the core on a plane that is adjacent to the most elevated surface or point of the core, and allowing the band to bend under its own weight to cover the sides of the core. The band is deposited in a viscoplastic state such that the band is capable of bending under its own weight.

Abstract: A confectionery bar made up of a proteinaceous material and a carbohydrate material in a relative weight ratio higher than 1 and low in calorie content. The bar is made from (A) a proteinaceous material having a water absorption property of less than 2.5 grams of water per gram of protein at pH 5.5, and that is capable of emulsification with (B) a carbohydrate material that is digestible or indigestible. The bar is produced by cold extrusion. The proteinaceous material and the carbohydrate material are both present in a protein to carbohydrate ratio higher than 1. The proteinaceous material has a filler protein and a binding protein. The bar produced is very palatable, easy to masticate and has good organoleptic properties. It may be coated or not as desired.

Abstract: A patterned composite food product has an ice confectionery composition component and an edible material component which is different from the ice confectionery composition, the edible material having a pattern form which is an inclusion pattern zone in the ice confectionery composition, and the pattern may have a layer form wherein a plurality of edible material layers are separated one from another and surrounded by the ice confectionery composition. The composite product is prepared by pumping an ice confectionery composition into a former structure provided with an extrusion die for product extrusion from the former structure and by pumping a the edible material component through an assembly of a hollow spindle with nozzle(s) attached wherein the nozzle(s) is (are) provided with ports, particularly slots, for delivering the edible material to within the ice confectionery composition pumped through the former structure.

Abstract: A comestible product which includes inulin, a polyol and a divalent zinc or copper compound which effectively controls breath malodor.

Abstract: A throat drop comprises from 60 to 95% of a candy shell and from 5 to 40% of an aqueous filling, by weight of the drop. The filling comprises, by weight, by 8 to 20% water, from 50 to 85% bulk sweetener, and sufficient emulsifier to provide a contact angle of from 90° to 120°, the filling having a contact angle of greater than 120° in the absence of the emulsifier. The reduction in contact angle relative to a composition without the emulsifier provides an improved perception of liquidity of the filling.

Abstract: Non-emulsion based, moisture containing fillings for dough products and dough products incorporating the filling, are provided. In particular, the fillings comprise at least two water activity impacting ingredients so that the water activity of the filling can be adjusted, e.g., as by the incorporation of moisture, so as to be substantially equivalent to the water activity of the dough into which the filling is to be incorporated to provide a dough product in accordance with the present invention. By reducing the differential in water activities between the dough and the filling, moisture migration between the filling and the dough can be reduced or eliminated so that when the dough product is baked or otherwise cooked, a baked dough product with excellent visual and organoleptic properties is produced, even after prolonged periods of storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition, comprising one or more polyols, which has prolonged deformability and can be processed to give tablets, compacts or boiled sweets having improved properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pulverulent sorbitol, characterized in that it exhibits a hygroscopicity value, determined according to a test A, of less than 2%, preferably of less than 1.7%, and a specific surface, determined according to the BET method, at least equal to 2 m2/g, preferably at least equal to 2.2 m2/g, and also relates to its process of preparation. The invention also relates to compositions intended in particular for the food and pharmaceutical fields and to the use of the said pulverulent sorbitol in the preparation of tablets exhibiting a <<smooth in the mouth>> texture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a shaped confectionery product of Bingham plastic rheology by cold extrusion wherein particles of the confectionery product are fed between counter-rotating form rolls having depressions corresponding to the desired product shape. The particles are compacted and compressed between the form rolls and fuse together to exit with a thin web of material interconnecting the shaped confectionery product. The release of the product from the roll surface is aided by induced differential motion between the rolls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of consumable items having an outer jacket made from a flowable mass, which is filled in a mold. A tempered die (5) is immersed into the mold (9) and the mass is extruded. The dew point of the atmosphere around the consumable item is kept below the temperature of the die (5).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for printing indicia on confectionery products such as chewing gum. A mass of confectionery product is formed into a thin, flat sheet. The sheet may be divided into individual sheets for cooling. Next, the sheet or sheets of confectionery are passed through the printing machine to print indicia thereon. Printed confectionery products and packages thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to lozenges comprising a sweetening component and a binder, wherein more than 50% of the sweetening component consists of dextrose, this percentage being expressed by weight, based on the total weight of the sweetening component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding and fast chilling food products, preferably confectionery products. The method involves sequentially depositing a solidifiable food substance into one or molds that are part of a plurality of molds radially attached to a chilled roller while the molds are in a substantially horizontal position. The chilled roller is then rotated to move the one or more molds filled with the food substance into contact with a conveyor belt sufficiently soon after the solidifiable food substance is deposited in the molds so as to avoid the exterior surface of the food substance from becoming distorted when the molds move away from the horizontal. The chilled roller at least partly solidifies the food substance in the molds. The at least partially solidified food substance is then separated from the molds onto the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Crumb products for preparing chocolate products are prepared by adding together ingredients which include milk solids and a sugar ingredient, particularly sucrose, and which include, optionally, cocoa solids and so that the ingredients added together have a moisture content between 1.2% and 8%, and the ingredients added together are mixed and heated so that the ingredients being mixed are heated-up to a temperature in a range of from 85° C. to 180° C. and so that upon being heated-up to a temperature in the range which is a temperature of at least 85° C. and up to 180° C., the ingredients being mixed are maintained at temperatures in a range of from 85° C. to the heated-up temperature for a period of from 2.5 minutes to 25 minutes to provide a heat-treated reaction product which then is dried. Crumb may be prepared which has, by weight, a milk solids to sugar ingredient ratio of between 1:0.1 and 1:3.

Abstract: The invention provides food products, including confectioneries and chocolates, having conserved concentrations of polyphenols, and in particular cocoa polyphenols. The method of this invention avoids the significant and detrimental losses of polyphenols that occur during conventional manufacture by controlling the handling of ingredients in batching processing to provide a product having a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenol concentration present in the raw materials conserved in the finished product. Additionally, the production steps of milling/refining and conching may also be controlled and modified to provide the confectioneries of the present invention having conserved concentrations of cocoa polyphenols relative to the concentration of the polyphenols present in the starting ingredients. The cocoa polyphenol ingredient may be a cocoa ingredient, an extract of a cocoa ingredient (beans, liquor, or powder, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved confectionery compositions which have a substantial reduction in the unpleasant organoleptic sensations associated with the release of functional ingredients from the confection in the oral cavity. The confectionery composition comprises a confectionery base, a functional ingredient which is a botanical or a mineral or a mineral salt having an unpleasant mouthfeel, and from about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weight of the composition of one or more fats, said amount being effective to suppress the unpleasant mouthfeel of the functional ingredient. For botanicals the confectionery composition is a hard boiled candy composition or a hard gum composition and the fat is one or more partially hydrogenated vegetable oils or saturated fats. For minerals or their salts the confection is a hard boiled candy composition and the fat is one or more partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Abstract: The method enables food products to be manufactured which include two half-shells with their respective mouth portions coupled together. The products contain an accessory element occupying an inner volume enclosed in a wrapper.

Abstract: A pourable dessert liquid product comprising a protein source; fat; sweetener; stabilizer; flavoring agent; and emulsifier.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) and methods are disclosed where plastic extrudable food product is provided such as by an extruder or pump and is combined with another food product without intermixing to form a complexly patterned food product, such as by a pattern forming die (20). The cross-sectional area of the patterned food product is reduced from an inlet end (34) to an outlet end (36) by a factor of 4:1 to as much as 50:1 at an average convergence angle of 5 to 65° while maintaining the cross-sectional pattern to form a reduced cross-sectional patterned food product, and then is extruded through a die port having an opening equal to the reduced cross-sectional area to form a complexly patterned extrudate.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing vitreous molten mass from sweeteners by means of an extruder, in particular a double screw extruder. The sweetener is introduced into an inlet zone of the extruder, is extruded in a melting zone at an increased temperature, in a vacuum zone at a reduced pressure and increased temperature, and finally in a cooling zone at a reduced temperature, forming a vitreous molten mass.

Abstract: A coated high-boiled confection and a method for making the coated high-boiled confection. The coated high-boiled confection includes a coating of a solid fat or fat derivative, having a melting point of from about 25° C. to 65° C., that is applied directly to the surface of the high-boiled confection. The coating is applied to the surface by melting the coating, applying the coating to the surface of the high-boiled confection, and cooling the high-boiled confection to solidify the coating on the high-boiled confection. The coating reduces the stickiness of the high-boiled confection.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a moulded soft confectionery item. The soft confectionary item is relatively soft at room temperature and therefore difficult to handle mechanically at room temperature. The confectionery item can be selected from the group consisting of at least one of caramels, fudges, fondant creams, toffees, and jellies, the confectionery item further based on at least one of starch, gelatine, pectin, agar-agar, gum Arabic, and soft fondant creams. The process and apparatus includes a method and apparatus for depositing a liquid form of the confectionery item into a mold, by the use of gravity, subjecting the mold, together with the liquid confectionery item deposited, to a low temperature environment between 0° C. and −196° C. so as to solidify at least the exterior of the deposited confectionery material, and demolding the resulting solidified item of confectionery.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved confectionery compositions which have a substantial reduction in the unpleasant organoleptic sensations associated with the release of functional ingredients from the confection in the oral cavity. The confectionery composition comprises a confectionery base, a functional ingredient which is a botanical or a mineral or a mineral salt having an unpleasant mouthfeel, and from about 0.5% to about 5.0% by weight of the composition of one or more fats, said amount being effective to suppress the unpleasant mouthfeel of the functional ingredient. For botanicals the confectionery composition is a hard boiled candy composition or a hard gum composition and the fat is one or more partially hydrogenated vegetable oils or saturated fats. For minerals or their salts the confection is a hard boiled candy composition and the fat is one or more partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Abstract: An improved chocolate manufacturing and/or refining process is provided. This process allows chocolate refining at a significantly increased throughput rate while maintaining the particle size distribution at the desired level. Thus, the production rates of existing or newly designed chocolate-making processes can be increased significantly. High shear is applied to the chocolate mass during the later stages of refining and before conching. Generally, this high shear is in the range of about 200,000 to about 1,000,000 sec−1. By significantly increasing the shear rate in the later stages of the refining process, the throughput of refining process, and thus the overall chocolate manufacturing process, can be significantly increased without significantly increasing the particle size of the chocolate mass entering the conching step.

Abstract: A composition for gelatin replacement is disclosed. The composition comprises wheat fiber gel and starch. The wheat fiber gel may be Vitacel™ and the starch is a modified starch, preferably modified waxy maize starch or modified tapioca starch. The composition is used for gelatin replacement in dairy products, fermented milk products, fat spreads and margarine.

Abstract: A wafer product comprises a wafer shell comprising at least two wafer half-shells coupled together face to face. This shell contains a filling of a substantially hydrated mass which includes a soft toffee core and is covered substantially by a coating which covers the wafer shell on the side opposite the filling. The product also includes at least one praline which comprises a casing of firm material, such as chocolate, enclosing a respective filling.

Abstract: A confectionery product, suitable for the relief of cough and cold like symptoms, includes from about 0.5% to about 80%, by weight, of a coolant composition and from about 20% to about 99.5%, by weight, of a flavour composition in separate, distinct and discrete regions thereof. The coolant and flavour compositions are adapted to provide different release profiles.

Abstract: In the disclosed process for making chocolate, only part of the chocolate mass raw materials is mixed, roller refined and conched. This part contains the cocoa liquor and part of the cocoa butter, possibly part of the emulsifier and, when milk chocolate is to be prepared, also the ingredients derived from milk. The conched portion of the chocolate mass raw materials as a percentage of the total ingredients of the chocolate mass is about 30-60%, preferably 40-55%. Separate from said first part, another part of the raw materials, i.e. the sweetener or the major part thereof, part of the cocoa butter, the possible flavourings, and a small quantity of an emulsifier, is mixed and roller refined. This latter part is not conched. This roller-refined part of the mass is mixed with the conched part of the mass together with the remainder of the cocoa butter and emulsifier and the possible intense sweetener.

Abstract: Methods for continuously molding finished chocolate tablets, pieces and the like are disclosed. Apparatus for use with the method, comprise a chilled rotating mold having at least one recess into which liquid chocolate is deposited. Liquid chocolate, is held in place by a retaining/casting belt as the rotating mold turns. The liquid chocolate cools and partially sets while in contact with the rotating mold and retaining/casting belt, and a molded chocolate is removed from the recess. Novel finished chocolate molded products made by the methods and with the apparatus, having detailed surface design and surface gloss are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel oil blends suitable for use in edible products. More specifically, the invention is directed to oil blends including palm kernel oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, palm kernel stearin and hydrogenated palm kernel stearin, and at least one seeding agent, optionally with hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or a mixture thereof. The oil blend compositions of the present invention have a flavor release and texture properties similar to those of cocoa butter. They are particularly useful as cocoa butter substitutes in edible food products such as confectionery products and chocolate alternative compositions. Also disclosed are edible food products, such as confectionery products and chocolate alternative compositions, made from these oil blends.

Abstract: The invention provides for the manufacture of food products. In one preferred form, methods and apparatus are provided for cutting individual confectionery products from a slab or strip of product material into a product with a particular silhouette. In another form, the invention provides methods and apparatus for both cutting and forming individual confectionery products from strips or ropes. The process can be used for simply forming products from pre-cut segments or other blanks of confectionery material, including imparting a relatively precise texture, finish or detail to such products. The products may, but need not, be subsequently enrobed in chocolate or another coating. The confectionery material may also include candied fruit bits, dry fruits, nuts, or the like.

Abstract: A process for the production of a frozen food product comprising anti-freeze peptide (AFP), wherein the product is at least partially pre-frozen in the substantial absence of free AFP, followed by including the free AFP therein.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for forming popcorn bars utilizing methods according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is disclosed where popcorn popped in an air popper (12) and coated with a molten binder in the form of a caramel syrup in an auger mixer (20) is compressed into a sheet by a device (32). In the sheeting device (32), the coated popped popcorn is drawn into and passes between an input conveyor (30) and a compressing conveyor (34) arranged at a non-parallel angle thereto. An air manifold (37) directs cooled air to the upper surface of the compressing conveyor (34) to cool the belting (36) thereof, with the cooled air being deflected to cool a spreader box (28) which receives the coated popcorn from the auger mixer (20) and distributes it on the input conveyor (30).

Abstract: A food item and method of fabrication is disclosed wherein the food item is packaged in a manner promoting marketability. The food item includes a fruit-based strip having a predetermined length defined by a leading end and a trailing end. The strip is rolled around its leading end into a roll having multiple rotations with an outer layer in contact with an inner layer. Further, a region of the outer layer proximate to the trailing end is attached to the inner layer of the roll.

Abstract: A decorative food formed of a plurality of kinds of fluid food materials and manufactured by using a mold is provided. The decorative food has an outside shape thereof conforming to an interior surface of the mold inclusive of an opening of said mold. The decorative food has a colored pattern divided into multiple divisions extending up to a central portion of the decorative food, in a direction to extrude the food materials into the mold, the colored pattern being formed such that the multiple divisions are arranged with substantially the same ratio at any of a cross sectional area intersecting the direction to extrude the food materials, and wherein the decorative food contains therein a foodstuff. Also disclosed are an apparatus and method for manufacturing the decorative food.

Abstract: The amount of a fat ingredient employed to produce a chocolate product is reduced by preparing the chocolate product with limonene as an ingredient so that a reduced-fat product is obtained, particularly for preparing a product having a fat content of from, by weight based upon a total product weight, of from 16% to 25%. An oil containing the limonene, particularly a deodorized oil, may be employed for providing the limonene.

Abstract: A pourable dessert liquid product comprising a protein source; fat; sweetener; stabilizer; flavoring agent; and emulsifier.

Abstract: A method for processing at least one rope of aerated confectionery foam. The method includes extruding at least one rope of aerated confectionery foam from an extruder. The rope is conveyed from the extruder to a rotary cutter. An anti-sticking agent, such as powdered starch, is applied to the rope as the rope is conveyed from the extruder to the rotary cutter. Finally, the rope is cut into pieces with the rotary cutter. In one preferred embodiment, the rotary cutter is operated to perform at least 5,000 cuts per minute.