Abstract: The invention relates to a coated snack product, and to a method for the preparation thereof. According to the invention, a snack product is prepared by coating a core with a least two coating layers, while a coating layer of a dough material located further inwards expands more strongly than an outer coating layer; the outer coating layer is broken on a part of the surface of the core; thereupon, the thus coated core is heated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for packaging a non-contact printed edible substrate as well as the resultant packaged product. The packaging apparatus may include a non-contact printer, a carrier, and a package located at a discharge position. The carrier may be constructed and arranged to transport the edible substrate from the print position to the package and orient same in the package so that the printed ink indicia is visible through at least a portion of a panel of the package. At a print position, the non-contact printer is constructed and arranged to apply an edible ink indicia to an edible substrate. The packaging apparatus may form a packaged product having a plurality of compartments where at least one compartment at least partially defined by a panel. The interior of the compartment contains at least one edible substrate comprising a surface and a printed edible ink indicia on the surface so that the ink indicia is visible through at least a portion of the panel.

Abstract: A removable, reusable food marking tag includes: (a) a head portion including a marking on an upper surface of the head portion; and (b) a spike portion including a substantially solid shaft and a plurality of projections projecting from the shaft, the shaft extending in a generally downward direction from a lower surface of the head portion; the length of each of the projections is less than a diameter of the shaft; the spike portion including a substantially pointed or curved tip at a lower end of the shaft; wherein, when the food marking tag is in use, the spike portion is inserted in the individual food item and the head portion remains adjacent an upper surface of the individual food item until the food marking tag is removed.

Abstract: A novel baking stamp imprints designs comprising alphanumeric symbols or graphics into baked goods. Recesses in the novel baking stamp allow the alphanumeric symbols and graphics to be clearly shown in baked goods.

Abstract: Articles of commerce comprising a container including a coffee product containing Robusta and Arabica coffee roasted to an overall Hunter L color of no darker than about 19L and a message communicating that the coffee is stomach friendly.

Abstract: A food delivery system packaged individually yet together in a perforated sequentially numbered system to be consumed in a pre-determined time frame spreading out ones caloric intake over a period of time throughout the day. The food delivery system has individual compartments connected via a perforated tear away forming one long strip of individual packets. The food delivery system has a pre-determined amount of food, calories, carbs, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals in the individual packets consumed at certain intervals throughout the day culminating to ones total caloric intake at the end of the day. The food delivery system combines pre-determined daily caloric intake with a pre-determined time frame for consumption.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for tracking processed meat provided to the public from the time the raw meat was handled by an initial production facility.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides edible products having edible advertising indicia printed directly on the product. The product may be wrapped in a transparent wrapper exposing the edible advertising indicia to a consumer. The present disclosure further provides methods for advertising which include distributing to consumers edible products having edible advertising indicia printed directly on the edible product.

Abstract: A metal co-ordinated complex in a medium, e.g. a palladium-fluorophore, may be used to detect food spoilage products by the release of a detectable component by preferential binding of the metal to, for example, sulphur compounds or amines. It can be easy to detect food spoilage in sealed packs.

Abstract: A packaged food product includes a food product and a package enclosing the food product. The package may be formed from a coated, printed film that includes a substrate film including one or more thermoplastic materials and having an average thickness of less than about 15 mils. An image is printed on the print side of the substrate film. A radiation-cured varnish covers the printed image. The radiation-cured varnish was formed by coating the printed image with a radiation-curable varnish that includes one or more polymerizable reactants and optionally one or more photointiators. The radiation-curable varnish is subsequently exposed to radiation sufficient to polymerize at least 90 weight % of the polymerizable reactants. When the coated, printed film is tested according to the FDA migration test protocol, no more than 50 parts per billion total of any of the polymerizable reactants and the optional photoinitiators migrate within 10 days at 40° C.

Abstract: A label is bonded to the inner ply of a two ply barrier film in which an outer ply of the barrier film is removable, leaving the label in place against the inner ply of the barrier film.

Abstract: Die fold and sleeve packaging uses a closed shape breakaway portion located in a first region of a die fold wrapper adhesively attached to an overlapping region, such that when the packaging is tampered with, the closed shape breaks away from the first region, providing evidence of tampering and an optional communication feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing a candy having a stereoscopic picture therein comprising the step of pouring a measured amount of the first mixture, prepared by dissolving and concentrating the raw materials, for candy into a mold, while a temperature of the mixture is maintained at of about 130 to 150° C.; partially cooling the first mixture at about 30 to 45° C. of its surface temperature; printing desired pictures by using a pad printing method with one or more of black, yellow, red, and blue edible ink compositions onto the mixture at a temperature of about 15 to 25° C. and a relative humidity of 40 to 60%, and then drying the mixture; pouring a measured amount of the second mixture, prepared by dissolving and concentrating the raw materials, for candy into the mold atop the first mixture, while a temperature of the second mixture is maintained at about 120 to 135° C.; and cooling the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A beverage container configured from a front and a rear surface portion, a base portion, and a pair of gusset portions. The gusset portions configure side portions of the container by being sealed to mutually confronting edge portions of the front and rear surface portions and the base portion. The upper portions of the front and rear surface portions configure a neck portion that has a more slender shape than the remainder of the front and rear surface portions and that extends in a single direction. A notch is formed in the edge sealed portion of the neck portion. The front and rear surface portions are sealed directly together at a predetermined region corresponding to the notch without the gusset portions existing therebetween. A straw extends from and is positioned within the neck portion. The neck portion can be opened from the notch.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved device and method for automated cooking foods with a liquid such as water.

Abstract: Food packaging articles are manufactured by providing top and bottom sheets of flexible material and securing selected areas of the sheets along sealing edges to define a plurality of triangular-shaped pouches, with each pouch corresponding to an individual food packaging article. The sealing edges preferably are secured by fusion or adhesion welding. In an illustrative embodiment, the sealing edges are secured by ultrasonic welding using a pair of weld heads that are positioned to weld lines at different angles from one another.

Abstract: A chocolate confectionery is disclosed having on a surface thereof a chocolate base layer, a non-delaminating integral substantially white or light colored edible image-substrate coating disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the chocolate base layer and a high resolution edible black and/or colored print image disposed on at least a portion of the edible image-substrate coating. A method is also disclosed for preparing the confectionery.

Abstract: Greeting cards and other items to be enjoyed by animals and pets combine an article composed of a non-toxic material which is typically chewable or fully consumable and digestible, in conjunction with a greeting that may include a graphical image (i.e., of an animal, pet, and/or pet owner), a textual message, or both. An edible greeting card embodiment assumes the form of a panel having a thickness, a perimeter, and front and back surfaces and at least one message on one or both of the front and back surfaces using and edible colorant or other medium. In embodiments utilizing two or more such panels or construction elements, joining means are provided in the form of a flexible strip threaded through holes, an edible adhesive or flexible edible hinge. Alternate embodiments may be suspended from a cage rail by a hook, wire.

Abstract: A container for monitoring consumption of a volume of liquid or selected chemical compounds thereof includes a container body having a construction defining an open top. A first set of linear scale indicia is positioned on a container side wall along with a corresponding first set of graduated numeric indicia for indicating an amount of liquid consumption. Second sets of corresponding linear scale and graduated numeric indicia are positioned on another side of the container body for indicating consumption of a preselected chemical compound of the liquid. Thus, a user is able to visually determine the relationship between consumption of a particular volume of the liquid and consumption of an amount of a preselected chemical compound thereof. This enables a user to modify consumption habits if desired. The container may include a third set of indicia, the second and third sets being distinguished by different shape and color components.

Abstract: A packaged decorated composite frozen confection that includes an open-ended shell made of a solid, fat-based composition and having a shell wall that defines an interior volume for holding at least a portion of an ice confection therein, the shell wall having a smooth outer surface; a decorative pattern forming a portion of the smooth surface outer wall; a packaging sleeve for protecting all or part of the outer surface of the shell; and a filling of a frozen confection at least in the interior volume of the shell. Also, methods for producing such confections.

Abstract: A portable beverage system is provided for allowing consumers to combine one or more portions of beverage or other concentrates with a liquid to form a drink. The system includes an inner storage container for the portions and an outer container for mixing the portions with a liquid. The portions may contain beverage concentrates, soup flavorings and spices, or nutritional additives, such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals. Different portions may be provided with system, allowing consumers to make drinks customizable according to personal preferences. The portions may be provided in capsules, gelatin compositions, or other forms.

Abstract: An edible film and method of using same for decorating foodstuffs, in particular and baked goods, wherein anyone can easily, inexpensively and artistically decorate foodstuffs. The edible film according to the present invention is composed of an edible polymer film which is preferably releasably mounted upon a flexible substrate to provide a reinforced edible film. The edible film is peelably released from the substrate to provide decorations for the foodstuff. The edible film may be decoratively prepared into predetermined decorations prior to distribution, which may include being pre-printed, pre-cut, colored, or being of pre-selected opacity and sheen. Pre-printing may be accomplished by any suitable printing process utilizing edible inks. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up to the user.

Abstract: An improved meal-substitute food bar, herein called a meal-equivalent food bar because it is divided into segments equivalent to the sequence of courses in a conventional meal, including appetizer with functional appetite stimulants; main-course with major nutrition ingredients; and desert with functional appetite depressants. Further, the food bar is divided frangibly lengthwise into strips, each strip a selectable meal-equivalent with pre-determined calories. As a result, the meal-equivalent food bar provides a meal with improved physiological and psychological values for a consumer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for identifying a characteristic of a bulk flowable material. An identification marker is inserted into a bulk flowable material. The identification marker carries information identifying a specified property or properties of the material. A marker dispenser can be located at one or more handling sites of the bulk flowable material. The identification markers can be pre-prepared or property-related information can be added to the marker prior to or subsequent to dispensing. The identification markers can be paper-like labels, for example, or more complex devices. The system can be used to track the lifespan of a material or to indicate a property of the material to others, such as whether the material is a genetically modified organism (GMO). A pre-printed marker source containing a single continuous bar code is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for melting a luminescent oxygen sensitive compound into extruded polymer films. Specifically, there is disclosed a process for thermal melting of oxygen-sensitive indicators into common packaging polymers used for commercial packaging of products, such as foods. The oxygen-sensitive indicators can be used for real-time monitoring of oxygen in commercial packaging operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides edible articles (e.g., candies, confections, foods and medicines) that incorporate optical elements (e.g., holographic or lenticular gratings, and/or printed patterns) capable of producing visually interesting and unique optical images and/or effects, wherein such optical elements are safe to consume, and do not detract from the taste of the edible articles, and wherein the edible articles can be manufactured (to incorporate the optical elements) via a variety of differing techniques, thus providing the ability to produce unique and visually interesting edible articles.

Abstract: Rapid, efficient, and systematic processes and apparatuses for making repeatable imprints on multiple, individual sweet dough pieces are provided. An advantage of the process is the ease of making uniform imprints that are aligned with the individual dough pieces as formed and deposited. Such provides the ability to create a three-dimensional pattern on the surface of a sweet dough piece, particularly a soft cookie dough piece. The methods can be accomplished by high-speed wire cutting production methods as well as other dough piece depositing apparatuses, such as roller-type depositors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel consumer package having a changeable medium or image fields as well as other non-changeable medium or imaged fields, wherein the changeable medium or image fields transition from colored to transparent, or a different color at a temperature of about 48° F. (8° C.) to about 59° F. (15° C.). The present invention is directed further to a plurality of at least a first and second design of the novel consumer package having changeable medium and non-changeable medium or imaged fields contained within a rigid container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a edible, frozen confectionary holder having a primary chamber for holing the confectionary. Attached to the primary chamber is a fortune that can be stamped on the primary chamber sidewalls or contained on a media residing in a secondary chamber.

Abstract: An edible food serving receptacle, such as an ice cream cone, with an embedded, but removable, strip, such as a paper strip, bearing an indicia such as a message about e.g. good fortune or wisdom, nutritional or education information, especially nutritional education, a sales discount coupon, a collectible item, an edible sample or medication, or a game or puzzle piece; the strip may have a partial adhesive coating covered by a releasable cover strip.

Abstract: A metal can for holding a carbonated or otherwise pressurized beverage or the like, having a rigid metal lid formed with an aperture, and a flexible closure member extending over the aperture and peelably bonded to the lid, the closure member including a portion that undergoes an irreversible change in appearance upon bending and is disposed to be bent by peeling of the closure.

Abstract: This invention is a method for manufacturing candy using a first and second mold, which comprises the steps of filling a measured amount of the first mixture comprising raw materials for candy and additives into the first mold, partially cooling said mixture, printing a desired picture onto the partially cooled mixture by using one or more compositions selected among red, blue, and yellow edible ink compositions, filling a measured amount of the second mixture comprising raw materials for candy and additives into the second mold, partially cooling the first arid second mixture, joining the first mold and the second mold to combine the first mixture and the second mixture by pressing the joint pin, and hardening the mixture of the mold to form the candy product from the mold.

Abstract: There is provided a method and a system for monitoring or controlling and recording a nutritional intake of a subject comprising providing a plurality of different types of foods packaged to contain a predetermined and substantially uniform content of at least one nutritional component; and monitoring or controlling the number of food packages consumed during a predetermined time period. There is also provided a food unit and an assembly of food units for use in effecting the method and the system.

Abstract: An edible film and method of using same for decorating foodstuffs, in particular baked goods, wherein anyone can easily, inexpensively and artistically decorate foodstuffs. The edible film according to the present invention is composed of an edible polymer film which is preferably releasably mounted upon a flexible substrate to provide a reinforced edible film. The edible film is peelably released from the substrate to provide decorations for the foodstuff. The edible film may be decoratively prepared into predetermined decorations prior to distribution, which may include being pre-printed, pre-cut, colored, or being of pre-selected opacity and sheen. Pre-printing may be accomplished by any suitable printing process utilizing edible inks. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up to the user.

Abstract: An edible film and method of making and using same for decorating foodstuffs, in particular baked goods, wherein anyone can easily, inexpensively and artistically decorate foodstuffs. The edible film according to the present invention is composed of an edible polymer film which is preferably releasably mounted upon a flexible substrate to provide a reinforced edible film. The edible film is peelably released from the substrate to provide decorations for the foodstuff. The edible film may be decoratively prepared into predetermined decorations prior to distribution, which may include being pre-printed, pre-cut, colored, or being of pre-selected opacity and sheen. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up to the user.

Abstract: A portable beverage system is provided for allowing consumers to combine one or more portions of beverage or other concentrates with a liquid to form a drink. The system includes an inner storage container for the portions and an outer container for mixing the portions with a liquid. The portions may contain beverage concentrates, soup flavorings and spices, or nutritional additives, such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals. Different portions may be provided with system, allowing consumers to make drinks customizable according to personal preferences. The portions may be provided in capsules, gelatin compositions, or other forms.

Abstract: An edible film and method of using same for decorating foodstuffs, in particular and baked goods, wherein anyone can easily, inexpensively and artistically decorate foodstuffs. The edible film according to the present invention is composed of an edible polymer film which is preferably releasably mounted upon a flexible substrate to provide a reinforced edible film. The edible film is peelably released from the substrate to provide decorations for the foodstuff. The edible film may be decoratively prepared into predetermined decorations prior to distribution, which may include being pre-printed, pre-cut, colored, or being of pre-selected opacity and sheen. Pre-printing may be accomplished by any suitable printing process utilizing edible inks. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up to the user.

Abstract: Greeting cards and other items to be enjoyed by animals and pets combine an article composed of a non-toxic material which is typically chewable or fully consumable and digestible, in conjunction with a greeting that may include a graphical image (i.e., of an animal, pet, and/or pet owner), a textual message, or both. An edible greeting card embodiment assumes the form of a panel having a thickness, a perimeter, and front and back surfaces and at least one message on one or both of the front and back surfaces using and edible colorant or other medium. In embodiments utilizing two or more such panels or construction elements, joining means are provided in the form of a flexible strip threaded through holes, an edible adhesive or flexible edible hinge. Alternate embodiments may be suspended from a cage rail by a hook, wire.

Abstract: A dyestuff capable of undergoing a clearly visible colour change when contacted with a color-developing material is dispersed in the body of a plastics film and used in the identification of goods. The film can be used for packaging of the goods or as a label or seal affixed to the goods. When testing the authenticity of packaging goods, the plastics film is marked with the color-developing chemical to produce a colored mark on the package. The dyestuff is preferably a latent dyestuff which is colorless and invisible to the eye under ambient conditions for use of the film but which forms a clearly visible color when contacted with the color-developing material.

Abstract: An improved package for pulverulent egg preparations, said package being intended for the preparation of egg-based food products without having to manipulate fresh eggs.

Abstract: A method and package for packing food products with a calorie-division indicating function is disclosed. In the method, a food product is preliminarily sectioned into a plurality of portions while indicating calorie content on each of the portions prior to packing the product with a package. Thus, people are allowable to consume one or more measured portions containing a desired number of calories. On the other hand, a package for food products are sectioned into a plurality of segments while indicating calories on each of sectioned portions of a packed food product. In the above package, the calorie content is expressed separately on each of the sectioned portions while indicating the calorie content of each portion or total calorie content of partially divided portions. The invention also provides a container for food products, having a calorie scale on its sidewall. In such a case, the calorie scale indicates calorie content of portions of a food product within the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a decorative container for controlling dietary intake comprising: a sculptural frame, the frame defining an inner receiving surface; a product containing package, having at least a portion of the front portion being transparent. The product containing package having a generally annular sidewall configured and dimension to mating we be engaged by said inner receiving surface. Further, the product containing package's annular sidewall can defines a valley for lockingly engaging the inner receiving surface of the sculptural frame. An individual or a plurality of decorative containers being contained within a support member.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus that enable consumers to experience, prior to purchase, the aroma of a finished product even though the product as sold is unfinished. Further, methods and apparatus provide users of a product with a reference aroma that may be employed to determine if the product is suitable for use, while, prior to purchase, consumers can experience a selected aroma of a consumer product that has a plurality of aromas, and the aroma bouquet of a consumer product where a particular aroma in the bouquet has been intensified. Among other advantages, this invention enables marketers to employ additional sensual modalities, and particularly the sense of smell, in offering products for sale, and thus permits consumers to make better informed purchasing decisions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing an edible substrate such as a chocolate tablet having pellet shaped candy pieces arranged on the surface thereof in a predetermined defined pattern. Also disclosed is a novel chocolate confectionery prepared by the disclosed method and an apparatus for practicing the method.

Abstract: A device and method for use in conjunction with exercise of about one hour or less which enhances convenience, and encourages compliance with a regimen of exercise beverages to accomplish preexercise hydration and postexercise hydration and muscle glycogen replenishment, and which includes a preexercise beverage formulation and a postexercise beverage formulation combined in a unified package with indicia and instructions. The preexercise beverage has a volume of from about 240 ml to about 300 ml, and the postexercise beverage has a volume of from about 300 ml to about 600 ml.

Abstract: Greeting cards and other items to be enjoyed by animals and pets combine an article composed of a non-toxic material which is typically chewable or fully consumable and digestible, in conjunction with a greeting that may include a graphical image (i.e., of an animal, pet, and/or pet owner), a textual message, or both. An edible greeting card embodiment assumes the form of a panel having a thickness, a perimeter, and front and back surfaces and at least one message on one or both of the front and back surfaces using and edible colorant or other medium. In embodiments utilizing two or more such panels or construction elements, joining means are provided in the form of a flexible strip threaded through holes, an edible adhesive or flexible edible hinge. Alternate embodiments may be suspended from a cage rail by a hook, wire.

Abstract: Method for marking an object where the object is placed in a package whereby a pattern in said package is caused to make a marking in said object. Objects being marked with the above method. The invention is especially useful for marking solid or semi-solid formulations of drugs, candy and food-stuff. Specifically the invention is useful to mark nicotine-containing chewing gums. Other solid or semi-solid objects can equally well be marked using the present invention.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for melting a luminescent oxygen sensitive compound into extruded polymer films. Specifically, there is disclosed a process for thermal melting of oxygen-sensitive indicators into common packaging polymers used for commercial packaging of products, such as foods. The oxygen-sensitive indicators can be used for real-time monitoring of oxygen in commercial packaging operations.

Abstract: A device for marking the head of a beverage which has a body portion having a marking end which, in use, is held in or under a developing head whilst the beverage is poured and is then drawn through the head after the head has substantially developed. A method for marking the head of a pint of beer using this device, including the steps of pouring beer into a glass and forming a head thereon, and drawing said device through said head to form a mark therein. Preferably, at least part of the device is located under the head as it forms and then drawn through the head from underneath to the top of the head. In a second aspect, the device has a body portion with at least one opening defining a shape. A granulated substance is sprinkled through the opening and lands on the top of a beverage or a food in a pattern reflecting the shape of the opening.

Abstract: A coffee filter pack apparatus has a coffee filter bag formed with a plurality of coffee filter sheets attached together to form a plurality of enclosed spaced therein, each enclosed spaced having a plurality of measured amounts of predetermined ground coffee. One of the coffee filter sheets has indicia thereon to indicate the direction of flow of heated water through the coffee bag during brewing of the coffee. A method of making a coffee filter bag includes the steps of selecting predetermined amounts of first and second ground coffee, closing each into attached first and second coffee filter bags, and labeling the combined coffee filter bags to indicate the direction of flow of heated water therethrough.