Abstract: A chocolate confection has a coated surface that has a coarse sugar coating formed from one or more layers of a first solution having a first sugar to water ratio and a finish sugar coating applied over the coarse sugar coating and formed from one or more layers of a second solution having a second sugar to water ratio. The first sugar to water ratio is less than half water by weight and the second sugar to water ratio is more than half water by weight. There is at least one edible dye marking adapted for application to the finish sugar coating.

Abstract: Roasted infused seeds and a process for preparing roasted infused seeds are described. In one aspect, the roasted infused seeds may have salt, flavors, nutrients, colors, and/or functional ingredients as well as mixtures of these components infused internally into the seed. By infusing such components into the seeds, the methods described herein provide roasted seeds with unique flavors, nutrients, colors, textures, densities, and/or other functionalities.

Abstract: A white coloring composition comprising calcium carbonate as a white pigment. It may be used in the manufacture of food and pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: Compositions comprised of water, at least one sweetening agent and at least one food grade emulsifier/foaming agent are useful for forming frosted sweet coatings on consumable articles. The inclusion of a food grade emulsifier/foaming agent in such a composition helps to render the dried coating obtained therefrom more opaque in appearance, even though the sucrose content may be relatively low.

Abstract: A shelf stable, confectionary food product having a core and a confectionary coating. The core is formed from dehydrated crumbs, such as dehydrated cake crumbs sweetened with sugar, and a shortening-based matrix comprising shortening and water. When the dehydrated crumbs are combined with the shortening-based matrix, the crumbs rehydrate. The food product has a shelf life at room temperature of more than one month, such as more than 3 months, or more than 6 months, or up to 9 months.

Abstract: Steel cut oat granola compositions comprising a grain component including steel cut oats, a conditioning syrup, and optionally additional grains, seeds, inclusions, sweeteners, flavorings, colors, oils, and emulsifiers are disclosed. A process for making the steel cut granola compositions of the disclosure is also disclosed in which conditioning syrup is readily absorbed by the steel cut oats to hydrate the steel cut oats and impart an acceptable texture and flavor to the granola composition. A steel cut oatmeal bar comprising the steel cut oat granola compositions and a cold forming process for making the steel cut granola bar in which a binder syrup exhibits reduced cold flow is also disclosed.

Abstract: Controlled release, discrete, solid particles which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component such as a heat sensitive or readily oxidizable pharmaceutically, biologically, or nutritionally active component are continuously produced without substantial destruction of the matrix material or encapsulant. A release-rate controlling component is incorporated into the matrix to control the rate of release of the encapsulant from the particles. The additional component may be a hydrophobic component or a high water binding capacity component for extending the release time. The plasticizable matrix material, such as starch, is admixed with at least one plasticizer, such as water, and at least one release-rate controlling component under low shear mixing conditions to plasticize the plasticizable material without substantially destroying the at least one plasticizable material and to obtain a substantially homogeneous plasticized mass.

Abstract: The composition and process of a set of food products whereas each individual food product is composed from ingredients within a specific food group, which are measured and processed to a full day's supply according to USDA Dietary Guidelines, sold individually or in a box of seven for the week.

Abstract: A controlled release form of a non-protein nitrogenous feedstock for animals is provided. In certain embodiments, the non-protein nitrogenous feedstock is urea, the animals are ruminants, and the release of the nitrogen is pH-dependent. Processes and methods for manufacturing and administering a non-protein nitrogenous feedstock for animals, as described herein, are also provided.

Abstract: A food product is within an aqueous solution. The solution includes: at least one edible acid; and at least one osmotic agent, wherein after the solution reaches equilibrium with the food product, the pH of the solution is between about 1 and 5.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compound coating compound containing coffee powder that delivers the substantial equivalent as a cup of coffee in about one to about three ounces of food product. The compound coating may be used in many different snack food products, providing an additional source of energy for the consumer. A method for making a snack food product with the compound coating is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cereal products comprising cereals and isomaltulose, methods for their production, and the use of isomaltulose for the production of cereal products.

Abstract: A solid oral sensorial product includes at least one botanical material and at least one phosphate containing stain inhibitor. The botanical material is selected from the group consisting of tobacco, tea, coffee, cocoa, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Cold and ready to eat bean cakes, with a variety of ingredient combinations suitable for healthy consumption. Serving size can be a single serving, or a six pack of servings for convenience such that the inherent nutritional aspects of beans are able to be included in consumer's diets.

Abstract: Polydimethylsiloxane and/or siloxane (silicone)-derived chemical compounds are used to coating harvested forages to protect against rain and/or other weather damage and to suppress mold and spoilage in harvested forages. The PDMS compound and derivatives thereof are also found to suppress the damage resulting from oxidation within the feedstuff mass. When applied, PDMS coats the feedstuff and is included in the moisture portion of the feed or forage mass. This helps preserve the feed quality and slows the damaging effects of spoilage organisms and oxidation.

Abstract: Potato and other ingredient-based food products. In an exemplary embodiment of a food product of the present disclosure, the food product comprises a first layer comprising a solid food ingredient, and a second layer comprising a processed food ingredient, the second layer positioned relatively above the first layer, wherein the first layer and the second layer form a combined food product, and wherein the solid food ingredient and the processed food ingredient are selected from the group consisting of one or more of potato, rice, soybean, oat, and quinoa.

Abstract: Agglomerated flavor clusters comprising a binder syrup, grain, sweetener, and flavoring agent, and hot cereal compositions comprising the agglomerated clusters are described. The agglomerated flavor clusters are hydroscopic and can be directly consumed similar to granola or mixed into a bulk hot cereal composition. When heated, the agglomerated flavor clusters liquefy and coat the grain components of the hot cereal composition providing a flavored hot cereal composition. As the agglomerated clusters exhibit reduced settling in hot cereal compositions, each single serving of the bulk hot cereal compositions of the disclosure comprises substantially the same flavor intensity and nutritional value.

Abstract: Shredded or flaked whole grain-containing composite food products, such as ready-to-eat cereals, and sweet and savory snacks, are continuously produced by pelletizing cooked, tempered, whole cereal grain particles in the presence of vegetables, fruit, or dairy cheese. In another aspect, an enrobing coating containing chocolate is applied to a baked shredded laminate product of the pelletization, wherein the shredded product may further optionally include fruit added and present during pelletization.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coated frozen confection product comprising an aerated fat-continuous coating with an overrun of 20 to 200%, characterised in that the coating comprises from 0.05 to 5%, preferably from 1 to 5% by weight of at least one sucrose ester with an HLB value of between 1 and 9, wherein the coating has an average thickness of from 0.5 to 2.8 mm.

Abstract: A frosted cereal food containing catechins in an amount of 0.1 mass % or more with respect to the dry mass of the frosted cereal food, wherein the frosted cereal food includes a coating material containing a solid content other than saccharides in an amount of 1 mass % or more, the solid content other than saccharides containing the catechins in an amount of 40 mass % or more.

Abstract: A chocolate confectionery and a method for manufacturing same chocolate confectionery where the chocolate confectionery has multiple pearls of flavor distributed evenly throughout a base chocolate wafer such that the flavor and consistency of the chocolate confectionery is consistent throughout. In one form of the chocolate confectionery, small pearls of flavor are suspended within the chocolate creating a pleasing flavor balance and mouth feel with overall lower sugar content and higher cocoa content.

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

Abstract: Textured, co-deposited, freeze-dried food products are provided, as well as methods of making same. In a general embodiment, the food products have a first component and a second component that are disposed adjacent one another. The first and second components may be the same or different materials and may have any number of distinguishable characteristics including, but not limited to, flavor, color, texture, optical properties, etc. The food products are subjected to a sublimation step during manufacturing to remove excess water in the food product to provide a freeze-dried food product.

Abstract: The coating can have a low-sweetness perception. During manufacturing and processing, the coating maintains a flowability to allow a glaze state of the coating to be applied to a food. Upon cooling, the glaze state of the coating forms a glass state that provides a low-sweetness impact which facilitates application of savory taste perceptions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cereal products comprising cereals and isomaltulose, methods for their production, and the use of isomaltulose for the production of cereal products.

Abstract: A chewy and intermediate moisture bar is provided that uses a dairy-based binder generally without the need to employ gums, humectants, and sugar syrups as a binder to achieve the moist and chewy texture. In one aspect, the bar includes a dry base uniformly blended with a dairy-based binder that uses high levels of dairy proteins as the main binding component. A method of forming the chewy and intermediate moisture bar is also provided that may use a lay or delay period to allow moisture equilibration or migration from the binder to the dry base.

Abstract: This application relates to a snack food product, and more particularly, to a snack food product food product that contains just two solid ingredients (nuts and dried fruits) and a syrup. In certain embodiment the snack food product contains pistachios, dried cranberries, agave and brown rice syrup.

Abstract: A co-extruded dual component food product having a cereal-based outer component and an inner cream textured component encapsulated within the cereal-based outer component. The cream textured component includes an aqueous phase dispersed in a continuous oil phase. The aqueous phase includes at least partly gelatinised starch. The starch is mixed with water to provide an aqueous phase, which is mixed with an oil phase to provide the cream textured inner component having a first The cereal-based outer component is cooked and the cream textured inner component is injected into the hot cereal based outer component. The starch in the aqueous phase is partly gelatinized to provide the cream textured component with a viscosity greater than the first viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a confectionery composition comprising an at least partially convoluted or rolled sheet of a confectionery material having at least one capillary disposed therein, wherein the composition has a longitudinal axis which extends along the convolutions or axis of rolling and the at least one capillary runs parallel, perpendicular or at an inclined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the product. The present invention also relates to a method of production of the same.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a food emulsion, such as a water-in-oil emulsion. In some aspects the fat phase of the emulsion has a first fat and a second fat, where the melting point of the second fat is lower than that of the first fat. The first fat can exist in several crystal forms, but is present in the emulsion substantially in a single crystal form. The emulsion may be useful as a filling for confectionery compositions. Other aspects relate to confectionery compositions incorporating the emulsions, and to methods of making the emulsions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a flake having a high level of whole grains, such as oat groats, nuts and/or other particulate. An embodiment of the present invention provides a flake having a low degree of degradation giving the flake a granola appearance and texture, a relatively large thickness of the flake, which further contributes to the appearance and the crunchy texture, and/or uses a low degree of cook to the binding constituent that provides the high viscosity for binding and a resultant crunchy texture.

Abstract: The Present Invention relies upon a physical process for preparing reduced fat, high fiber, high protein, low calorie roasted snack nuts. The process of the Present Invention exhibits significantly lower process times and higher yields than the prior art processes. The process comprises expelling the oil from nutmeat kernels (defatting) using a novel pressing process that takes less than a minute. The defatting process deforms the nuts. The nuts are reformed to their original shape using water. Then the reformed nuts are annealed using cold water to produce hardened nuts. The nuts are then dried and post-processed with coatings and roasting using state-of-the-art technology. The yield of snack nuts produced by this process is generally greater than eighty percent.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention provides processes for making a spray-dried whole botanical food powder from a whole botanical food. The processes comprise combining 0-95% of a juice component and 5-100% of at least one non-juice component of a whole botanical food to create a whole botanical food slurry, the at least one non-juice component comprising 0-100% intact botanical food, 0-100% skin, 0-100% pomace, and 0-100% seed or seed fiber, wherein the juice and non-juice components total 100%; adding water to the whole botanical food slurry to produce a mixture with a solids content of about 1-50%; heating the mixture to reduce viscosity and improve flow properties; shearing the mixture to create a uniform slurry; and spray drying the uniform slurry to form a spray-dried whole botanical food product. Also provided are powderized compositions made, for example, using the disclosed processes.

Abstract: Roasted infused seeds and a process for preparing roasted infused seeds are described. In one aspect, the roasted infused seeds may have salt, flavors, nutrients, colors, and/or functional ingredients as well as mixtures of these components infused internally into the seed. By infusing such components into the seeds, the methods described herein provide roasted seeds with unique flavors, nutrients, colors, textures, densities, and/or other functionalities.

Abstract: A method of providing a comestible plant material taken orally by coating a micronized plant material with a first layer of polysaccharides or proteins, then a second layer of polysaccharides or proteins is disclosed. A bi-encapsulated plant material produced by this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a consumable biscuit product comprising an extruded biscuit portion, the body portion being formed with one or more channels disposed therein, wherein the one or more channels contain a substance which is different from the substance of the body portion and wherein at least one of the channels does not extend along the full length of the body portion. The present invention also provides a method of production of the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a confectionery product comprising an extruded body portion, the body portion having a plurality of capillaries disposed therein, one or more of the capillaries being at least partially filled with a fill material which is a different material from that of the extruded body portion, the fill material and optionally the body portion comprising various active and/or reactive components. Some embodiments are designed to provide sequential release profiles. The invention also relates to a process for the manufacture of the same.

Abstract: A dairy-based food component is provided that includes high levels of lactose in moisture, but still retains a smooth and creamy consistency. The compositions and methods provide for higher levels of lactose in moisture phase than previously found possible and still retain low crystal sizes in a finished product to maintain a smooth and creamy texture.

Abstract: Described are coated food products having a sugar (sucrose) coating, the coating exhibiting desirable levels of sucrose crystallinity and a desired sucrose ratio (total sucrose per total soluble solids), as well as methods or preparing such coated food products and coating.

Abstract: A method for making a coated food product having a heat susceptible coating is disclosed. In one aspect, the invention is directed towards a nut having a proteinaceous or fruit-based coating with no visible scorching in the outer, visible coating layer. In one aspect, the food center is par-coated with or without a heat susceptible coating, pre-roasted, finished coated with or without a heat susceptible coating, and cooked. In another aspect, the food center is first coated with a heat susceptible coating, then coated with a non-heat susceptible coating and cooked. In yet another aspect, the food center is coated with a heat susceptible coating and then cooked in a two-stage process whereby the first stage is at a hotter temperature than the second stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aerated chocolate-based coatings for frozen confectioneries. In particular, it relates to a composite frozen confection fully coated with a chocolate-based composition having a density comprised between 0.13 and 1.29 g/cm3.

Abstract: Disclosed are particulate coating compositions containing powdered gum arabic. Also disclosed are particulate coated confectionery and methods of preparing the coated confectionery.

Abstract: A method of making a flavoring unit according to claim 1 which comprises forming a liquid composition containing honey and a molten edible gel-forming polymer, cooling said mixture to produce a gel and producing forming individual flavoring units containing from about 1 to about 20 grams of honey thereform. Preferably the unit comprises from 70 to 90% by weight honey incorporated in a gel which comprises honey and gelatin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated food composition comprising a food product and a coating, wherein the coating comprises a mixture of erythritol and at least one bulking agent, wherein the erythritol comprises between 20% to 90% by weight of the coating, and wherein the bulking agent comprises between 10% to 80% by weight of the coating, and a method for preparing such a coated food composition.

Abstract: A surface treatment for the preparation of gasified consumable materials comprising active ingredients. The surface treatment may comprise a combination of flavors, sweeteners, and active ingredients such as nutritional supplements and/or pharmaceuticals. The invention avoids the degradation of active ingredients during the manufacturing process since the active ingredients are applied to the surface of the composition and not cooked with the gasified consumable material. Methods for making and using the disclosed compositions are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel processes for manufacturing a complex confection comprising a first confection that has an edible hollow shell and a separately-formed second confection that is also edible and rests within the first confection. Novel products and processes are described.

Abstract: Food articles comprising topically seasoned taco shells, and methods and apparatuses for producing topically seasoned taco shells.

Abstract: Ready-to-eat cereal flakes include 10 to 50 weight percent (wt %) legumes, such as black beans, and have a can weight of 19 to 22 ounces per 231 cubic inches and structural integrity similar to conventional ready-to-eat cereal flakes. The cereal flakes also include 6 to 13 wt % protein isolate, processing aid in an amount of 3 to 9 wt % and 18 to 66 wt % grains. The cereal flakes provide at least 7 grams of protein and at least 6 grams of fiber per 52 gram serving. In one process, the cereal flakes are formed by cooking and extruding a combined mass of the legumes, protein isolate, processing aid and grains without expansion of the combined mass. The extruded mass is processed in a cold pellet former and cut into a plurality of non-expanded pellets which are dried to a moisture content of 14 to 24 wt %. The pellets are then flaked at a temperature of 110 to 150° F. and dried to a final moisture of 1 to 5 wt %.

Abstract: A process for producing a chocolate or chocolate-like product comprising: (i) dry grinding a mixture of solid components of chocolate or a chocolate-like product; and (ii) homogenizing the ground mixture with fat to form a liquid chocolate or chocolate-like product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating mixture comprising a sweetening agent, a hydrolyzed whole grain composition, an alpha-amylase or fragment thereof, which alpha-amylase or fragment thereof shows no hydrolytic activity towards dietary fibers when in the activestate, and wherein the coating mixture has a content of sweetening agent of more than 20% by weight of the coating mixture. In addition the invention relates to cereal products comprising such coatings.