Abstract: Improved food products including cheeses, fruits, cookie materials, snack chips, and seasonings are provided which are highly shelf-stable and can be stored at room temperatures for long periods of time. The products have a total moisture content of less than about 5% by weight, and more preferably less than about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the ingredients used in the product. The products of the invention have a water activity of from about 0.2-0.3 and an average particle size of from about 0.0006-0.0012 inches (15-31 microns). The processes by which the products are made comprise subjecting the starting ingredients to two stages of average particle size reduction, wherein the first stage results in an average particle size of less than about 0.0090 inches (229 microns), and the second stage results in an average particle size of from about 0.0006-0.0012 inches (15-31 microns).

Abstract: A baked reduced fat battered and breaded vegetable product is described which is based on a dried or dehydrated vegetable substrate which is coated with a fat and oil free batter as a first inner layer which directly coats the dried or dehydrated vegetable and a breading mixture that is an outer layer on the fat and oil free batter. The drying profile is critical to obtaining an optimum texture and taste.

Abstract: A method of making a coated ball-shaped frozen dessert product in which an ice cream mix is coated around a center material. The method includes charging an edible center material into a rotary kettle, spraying an ice cream mix which has been adjusted to a temperature of -15.degree. C. to -35.degree. C. into the rotary kettle (the rotary kettle being at a temperature of -35.degree. C. to -15.degree. C.), while concomitantly feeding cooling air at a temperature of -15.degree. C. or below and coating the ice cream mix around the edible center material. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a spherical and spheroidal three-dimensional product can be efficiently produced. The frozen dessert product is free from any undesirable taste and does not contain needle holes or surface damage.

Abstract: A method and device for heating and cooling, such as for the sterilization, pasteurization, drying and/or roasting, of food products, such as nuts and beans, for example whole and crushed peanuts and coffee and cocoa beans, comprising bringing the raw food products into contact with a heated granular material, separating of the granular material from the food products after the heat transfer from the heated granular material to the food products, and the subsequent cooling of the food products, the cooling of the food products taking place by means of a granular material which is first conveyed to the product to be cooled and is separated therefrom after the cooling.

Abstract: Processed oats having a remarkably decreased viscosity when dispersed in hot water or boiling water, a method of preparing the same, and a food and beverage containing the same are disclosed. The processed oats may be prepared by contacting pressed oats with water or an aqueous protein solution and then drying the oats. The contacting of oats with the aqueous protein solution may be carried out before the pressing of the oats.

Abstract: Weather-resistant protein supplement feeds for animals and methods of making same are disclosed. A trace mineral premix in the form of free-flowing granules is produced in a series of steps comprising (1) mixing a liquid binder with a relatively coarse granular feed ingredient to provide damp binder-coated cores, (2) while damp, the binder-coated cores are mixed with a trace mineral base mix, (3) the cores with their outer layers of trace minerals are mixed with substances which impart water-resistant sheaths thereto, and (4) dusting powder is applied to complete the formation of trace mineral premix granules. The premix granules are mixed with coarse granular macromineral feed ingredients, iron oxide, liquids including a water-resistant coating solution, and one or more of a proteinaceous ingredient to form weather-resistant protein supplement feed granules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a preparation containing the polyphenols of green tea (Thea chinensis) in readily available, unoxidised form, in which fresh green tea leaves are cooled until the activity of the phenol oxidases therein has dropped to at most 1% of the value at normal temperature and at the same time or immediately afterwards the water acting as the reaction medium is removed. Products made by this process are packed in capsules soluble in hot water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fixing and/or preserving labile materials, especially food materials, in an extruded glassy substrate. A minor component containing of a high molecular weight water-soluble polymeric carbohydrate is dry-blended with a major component comprising of a low molecular weight water-soluble carbohydrate, sugar alcohol or food acid. Typically, the carbohydrate admixture comprises between about 15% to 40% high molecular weight carbohydrate material and at least about 40% low molecular weight carbohydrate, sugar alcohols or adipic, malic or citric acids or combinations thereof. A labile material like omega-3 oils or .beta.-carotene is combined with this substrate mixture. The dry-blended admixture is extruded so that the temperature of the material in the extruder is between about the glass transition state of the substrate and the melting point of the major ingredient. The free-flowing product is relatively non-hygroscopic and has a high fix.

Abstract: Food compositions in the form of a glassy low molecular carbohydrate matrix comprising an emulsifier. The food compositions comprise about 50 to 90% of a low molecular carbohydrate and the balance emulsifier. The food compositions are in powder form (1000 .mu.m>) and are useful as emulsifier ingredients in dry mixes for dough and batters for prepared foods such as layer cakes, muffins, breads and pancakes. Also, preparation methods involving heating the low molecular carbohydrate to above its melting point, admixing the emulsifier to form a magma, rapidly cooling the magma sufficiently low enough to form a solid matrix and size reducing to form a powder of the requisite size.

Abstract: An enrober (100) for applying a topical coating to an exterior surface of multiple pieces of a food base is disclosed having a marked decrease in the amount of build-up upon the internal surface of the drum (102) allowing for reductions in cleaning service requirements and its concomitant losses in production capacity and for reductions in undesirable product agglomerates. In the preferred form, the drum (102) is formed by a thin wall in a generally cylindrical shape and formed of hydrophobic material in the form of high-density polyethylene having low-stick characteristics with the topically coated food base. Moisture, in addition to any present in the topical coating, is added to the drum (102) to prevent or practically eliminate build-up on the drum (102). The topical coating in the form of a slurry can be co-sprayed with steam in an atomized intermixed spray onto the food base by a nozzle (10, 80).

Abstract: Carotenoid preparations in the form of coldwater-dispersible powders are produced bya) preparing a molecular-disperse solution of a carotenoid, with or without an emulsifier and/or an edible oil, in a volatile, water-miscible, organic solvent at elevated temperature and adding therein an aqueous solution of a protective colloid, whereupon the hydrophilic solvent component is transferred into the aqueous phase, and the hydrophobic phase of the carotenoid results as nanodisperse phase,b) heating the resulting hydrosol at from 40.degree. C. to 90.degree. C., with or without cooling of the hydrosol to from 0.degree. C. to 30.degree. C. beforehand, andc) removing the solvent and the water from the heated hydrosol, and converting it into a water-dispersible dry powder.

Abstract: By fluidized-bed spray granulation, dextrin granules having a high content of enclosed alcohol are obtained from dextrin/water/alcohol mixtures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spray dried composition consisting essentially of sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol, the method of making the composition and the use thereof in a compacted article or chewing gum products.

Abstract: The use of complex coacervates of two or more biopolymer materials, preferably at least one of these being gelatin, as a fat-replacing ingredient. The complex coacervates may be used in foods and cosmetics and preferably are of substantially spherical or elliptical shape and have an average D.sub.3,2 particle size, of from 0.2 to 100 microns.

Abstract: A feed additive comprising granules containing amino acids and other fermentation products and a caking preventive agent. The feed additive has excellent flowability, exhibits less caking following moisture absorption, and is convenient to use. and store.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ready-to-eat cereal flakes exhibiting higher percentages of curled flakes and reduced bulk densities as well as processes for preparing said cereal flakes. More specifically, the present invention provides ready-to-eat cereal flakes fabricated from cooked cereal dough pellets having a bulk density of 150 to 200 g/100.sup.3 inch, an average flake thickness of 600 to 800 .mu.m and at least 45% of the flakes being curled to provide a flaked width of at least five millimeters.

Abstract: A granular food product for preparation of instant foods is prepared by mixing an oil or fat with an edible carbohydrate and/or protein powder materials to obtain a first mixture, and then further edible carbohydrate and/or protein powder materials are mixed with the first mixture to obtain a second mixture which is powdery or dough-like and that mixture is formed into granules by moistening and particle-to-particle contacting, and then the granules are dried.

Abstract: The present invention provides a comestible product having extended release of additives wherein the additives are mixed with a carrier containing from about 10 wt. % to about 100 wt. % of a microcrystalline material, the microcrystalline material having a particle size ranging from about 0.1 .mu.m to about 100 .mu.m. Additives which may be mixed with the microcrystalline carrier are flavors, sweeteners, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, minerals, colors, acids, and mixtures thereof. Examples of carriers are microcrystalline cellulose, zeolites, carbon black, and mixtures thereof. Examples of comestible products in which the additive/carrier blend may be used are chewing gum, bubble gum, instant beverages, and frozen desserts.

Abstract: Methods for producing a fully cooked and breaded bone-in poultry product, such as chicken, in which the steps of pre-dusting, batter, breading and par-frying are performed in advance of full cooking in a vapor cooker.

Abstract: Carbohydrate-based glassy matrices which are stable in the glassy state at ambient temperatures may be prepared by the use of aqueous plasticizers with melt extrusion. Such glassy matrices are useful for the encapsulation of encapsulates, in particular, flavoring agents.

Abstract: Particles which provide a foodstuff binding agent which is dispersible in hot water and hot milk have a farinaceous or proteinaceous material core, an emulsifier coating layer about the core and a fat coating layer about the emulsifier layer, the emulsifier being, in particular, a phospholipid or a sucroglyceride and the fat being one which has a melting point of above 35.degree. C. The particles are prepared by dissolving an emulsifier in an apolar lipid composition, including a liquid oil, and spraying the lipid composition containing the emulsifier onto farinaceous and/or protein particles to coat the particles and thereafter, (a) melting an edible fat and spraying the melted fat onto the coated particles to coat the emulsifier-coated particles with the fat or and then, cooling the twice-coated particles, or (b) combining a ground particulate fat with the coated particles and coating the coated particles with the fat in the solid state.

Abstract: A process for producing a roux-like binding agent for foodstuffs. Fine particles of farinaceous material are transported into an enclosed particle coating zone where a molten, high-melting point fat is sprayed, in the form of fine droplets, onto the particles to coat them. At the same time, the coated particles are cooled to a temperature below the melting point of the fat using chilled gas. The coated particles are flowable and disperse readily in hot water.

Abstract: An enrober (100) for applying a topical coating to an exterior surface of multiple pieces of a food base is disclosed having a marked decrease in the amount of build-up upon the internal surface of the drum (102) allowing for reductions in cleaning service requirements and its concomitant losses in production capacity and for reductions in undesirable product agglomerates. In the preferred form, the drum (102) is formed by a thin wall in a generally cylindrical shape and formed of hydrophobic material in the form of high-density polyethylene having low-stick characteristics with the topically coated food base. Moisture, in addition to any present in the topical coating, is added to the drum (102) to prevent or practically eliminate build-up on the drum (102). The topical coating in the form of a slurry can be co-sprayed with steam in an atomized intermixed spray onto the food base by a nozzle (10, 80).

Abstract: A meltable food product for applying seasonings to food, or serving as a sauce for food, is disclosed. The product is designed to apply seasonings to food when it melts, which occurs as the food is cooked. The product has a gel-like consistency and is comprised of water, a solidifying agent, a food base, and seasonings embedded in the product. Methods for making and using the product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A low sodium edible salt composition comprises, based on dry weight of ingredients, 0-50% NaCl, 45-99.5% KCl and at least 0.5% additives, which comprise at least one edible nucleotide monophosphate salt and at least one member other than the nucleotide monophosphate salt selected from the group consisting of low organic acid, low organic acid salt, phosphoric acid, phosphate salt, a magnesium salt, sugar and burnt sugar. The additives have the effect of countering the bitter taste of KCl.

Abstract: The amount of oleaginous or aqueous liquid carrier used as an adhesive or binding agent for the topical application of a particulate composition to the major surfaces of baked good pieces or snack pieces is reduced by separately spraying the liquid composition and dispensing the particulate composition in substantial side-by-side relationship within a rotating drum. The liquid composition causes the particulate composition to adhere to the pieces prior to and without substantial penetration of the liquid composition into the pieces. Highly porous or absorptive products such as reduced fat, low fat, or no-fat crackers or snacks may be transferred hot to the drum. The liquid composition is sprayed substantially coextensively but separately from the dispensing of the particulate composition. The particulate curtain and the liquid spray both extend in the direction of transport of the pieces.

Abstract: A process for producing a granulated material from a powder mixture containing at least two components, one of which is in crystal or crystalline form and at least one contains water of crystallization and/or is reactive, granulation is carried out in an inclined drum. Powder is fed in at one end and granulate removed at the other, after being transported inside the drum for a desired period while the drum is rocked in a way which largely eliminates shear forces. A quantity of liquid at least approximately equal to the quantity of water of crystallization present and sufficient for the formation of a superficially active solution adhesive is released inside the drum, where appropriate by partial reaction of the reactive component(s), after which the powder mixture components are granulated by surface adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oil-free, fat-free, edible adhesive for affixing seasoning to foods substrates which in its preferred embodiment is applied at room temperature. The edible adhesive comprises: from about 3% to about 60%, preferably 3% to about 28%, more preferably about 4.8 to about 9.8% of a starch hydrolysate having a dextrose equivalent of from about 4 to about 38, preferably about 10 to about 26, more preferably about 18; from about 3% to about 80%, preferably about 26% to about 75%, more preferably about 70% to about 75% of at alcohol having 1 to 4 hydroxyl groups, preferably 2 or 3 hydroxyl groups and 2 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 3 carbon atoms; from about 0% to about 50%, preferably about 5% to about 30% more preferably about 10% of a polymerized glycol having a molecular weight of about 200 to 9,500, preferably about 200 to 900, more preferably about 400; and preferably a solvent.

Abstract: The process of the present invention is conducted in a liquid medium and concerns the preparation of a sweetening salt as the reaction product from two sweetener components in which one component is a sweetener derived from aspartic acid and the other is an intense sweetener not derived from aspartic acid. The process steps include adding to a liquid medium, in any order, a sweetener derived from aspartic acid, a derivative, such as a salt, of a sweetening acid not derived from aspartic acid, and a strong acid whereby a liquid system is obtained, allowing the components then present in the liquid system to react for at least one minute such that the sweetening salt formed, and isolating the sweetening salt. Novel sweetening salts having a good thermal stability and a low moisture content, as well as a new crystal modification of the sweetening salt from aspartame and acesulfamic acid are also disclosed. The sweetening salts can be used in foodstuff and the like.

Abstract: A stabilizer composition, useful for reduced fat frozen desserts and whipped toppings, containing, as a first component, microcrystalline cellulose coprocessed with guar and, as a second component, microcrystalline cellulose coprocessed with carboxymethylcellulose. The method of using the stabilizer composition provides reduced fat food products, particularly products with less than ten percent fat, with many of the desirable body and textural characteristics of full-fat products.

Abstract: A breaded food product having a piece of core food (e.g., fish, poultry, or vegetable) in an uncooked state, and a breaded coating system on the core food, the coating system comprising bread crumbs and fat, the product having at least 3% and no more than 8% by weight of fat (preferably less than 6%, most preferably less than 5.5%). A breaded food product is made by applying breading on an uncooked core food, and a starch overcoat film on the breading.

Abstract: A method of flavoring and mechanically processing foods by incorporating heat-stable and fracturable upon chewing polymer encapsulated flavor oil capsules formed by coacervation into a food in an effective flavor amount. The food is then cooked by heating with the capsules protecting food flavor oil in said food both during cooking and in the resulting cooked product.

Abstract: Encapsulation of a flavor or active agent in a matrix of whey protein yields an encapsulation composition which results in the controlled release of the flavor or active agent and which may be incorporated in a yeast-leavened dough without causing a deleterious effect on the rising of the dough.

Abstract: Edible foodstuff wrapping foil comprises collagen wherein the foil contains finely powdered spices as an integral ingredient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to both a thickener/stabilizer/gelling agent for edible lipids comprising a stabilizing effective amount of a combination of (1) a finely divided cellulose component and (2) a surfactant component comprising one or more surfactants, in powder aggregate form and the use of this agent to stabilize an edible lipid, and to the method of making the agent. The invention is also directed to the resulting stabilized lipids, which have viscosity and consistency characteristics that were previously only obtainable with use of stabilizers such as fats that have the undesirable effect of increasing LDL and decreasing HDL.

Abstract: Substantially dry, rehydratable, water-dispersible, gel-forming, porous hydrocolloid micro-particulates containing internally or internally and externally at least one water-soluble, non-gelling, hydration enhancing hydrocolloid, processes and intermediates for their preparation, and their uses.

Abstract: A method of processing shellfish and product thereof which reduces the susceptability of shellfish or mollusc shells to fracturing and cracking during freezing and subsequent frozen storage and transport. The method comprises blowdrying the shellfish by means of heated, unheated or dehydrated air; applying an edible oil to the shellfish; draining the oiled product; and freezing the shellfish.

Abstract: Dry granular yeast compositions for use in the production of bakery products and beverages. In particular, a dry granular yeast composition having a moisture content of not more than about 8% (w/w) and containing about 0.1 to 8% (w/w) of a bread-improving agent, wherein the dry yeast is present in granular form and said bread-improving agent is a coating on the dry yeast granules in the form of a film or adhered particles.

Abstract: A process for producing flavor-containing sugar-free capsule, the flavor being encapsulated in a carbohydrate mixture containing polysaccharide(s) and hydrogenated saccharide(s) at a weight ratio of from about 15:85 to about 85:15 on a solid basis. Flavor-containing sugar-free capsules which have a low cariogenicity and a structural strength of a certain level and can be stored for a prolonged period of time can be obtained.

Abstract: A granular particulate composition, which may be employed to coat an exterior surface of a food, particularly meat, to provide for fluid retention, is prepared by combining individual particles of aggregated solids of intracellular starch, undenatured milk protein and uncoagulated egg albumen, the individual particles being formed by at least one of the milk protein, egg albumen and intracellular starch solids. The granular composition may be prepared by drying an aqueous mixture of egg albumen, milk protein, and intracellular starch under conditions of temperature which substantially avoid coagulation of the albumen, denaturation of the protein and gelatinization of the starch to obtain a mixture dried suitably for being formed into granules and by forming the dried mixture into granules.

Abstract: A method of forming a food product that includes dehydrated food pieces coated with a preselected amount of edible particles. The method includes providing dehydrated food pieces having outer surfaces. Next, a fat is provided that is substantially solid at room temperature and substantially flowable at a temperature of at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The fat is preheated to a temperature which is at least hot enough to cause the fat to flow. Next, food pieces are coated on their outer surfaces with the flowable fat and are further coated with coating particles. The resulting coating is nonflowable even at temperatures which exceed a temperature which caused a majority of the fat without the particles to flow.

Abstract: The amount of oleaginous or aqueous liquid carrier used as an adhesive or binding agent for the topical application of a particulate composition to the major surfaces of baked good pieces or snack pieces is reduced by separately spraying the liquid composition and dispensing the particulate composition in substantial side-by-side relationship within a rotating drum. The liquid composition causes the particulate composition to adhere to the pieces prior to and without substantial penetration of the liquid composition into the pieces. Highly porous or absorptive products such as reduced fat, low fat, or no-fat crackers or snacks may be transferred hot to the drum. The liquid composition is sprayed substantially coextensively but separately from the dispensing of the particulate composition. The particulate curtain and the liquid spray both extend in the direction of transport of the pieces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chewing gum product which has a content of two or more active ingredients for improved dental health. In one embodiment a present invention chewing gum product has a content of ingredients which include a gum base, dispersed particles of organic-encapsulated sodium bicarbonate, a peroxygen compound, a bulking sweetener, and a flavorant.

Abstract: New lysine derivatives containing a containing an alkylsulphonyl or alkylaminocarbonyl group of formula (I):COOH--CH(NH.sub.2)--(CH.sub.2).sub.4 --NH--Xin which X represents an --SO.sub.2 R or --CONHR group, where R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, alkyl radical having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, salts thereof, and mixtures of the derivatives and the salts. A process for the preparation of these derivatives, salts, and mixtures and use of such derivatives, salts, and mixtures, especially in cosmetics. Compositions, especially cosmetic compositions, comprising the derivatives, salts, and mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a natural flavoring composition for imparting a deep-fried flavor to foods without added fat. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of making the flavoring composition. To this end, a fatty acid starch component and anti-caking agent is provided. In an embodiment, a fatty acid component is provided, comprising approximately 10% by weight of the total composition. The fatty acid component includes caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic and stearic acids. An anti-caking agent, preferably silicon dioxide, comprising 3.75% by weight of the total composition is provided; and a starch component, preferably maltodextrin, comprising 86.25% by weight of the total composition is provided.

Abstract: Solid delivery systems for highly volatile flavor oils which include a stabilized, substantially non-volatile mixture of a highly volatile flavor oil or flavor component and a medium chain triglyceride are disclosed. The stabilized mixtures may be absorbed or adsorbed onto a non-fat solid substrate and incorporated into a saccharide based matrix and flash flow processed. The delivery systems may be added to chewing gum and confectionery products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chewing gum product which has a content of one or more therapeutic ingredients for improved dental health. In one embodiment a present invention chewing gum product has a content of ingredients which include a gum base, dispersed particles of organic-encapsulated sodium bicarbonate, and a bulking sweetener. The sodium bicarbonate ingredient is a novel composition of particles having a co-encapsulated content of a flavorant ingredient.

Abstract: An anticaking agent which reduces the stickiness of the chunked, diced, or shredded cheese and improves the functionality of cheese is formulated of fine mesh vegetable flour, bentonite, cellulose, and antimycotic agents or bacterial cultures. This anticaking agent also will reduce the yeast and mold growth. This discovery is also extended to include various flavors, colors, enzymes and other supplements into the anticaking agent, to ultimately add to the cheese.

Abstract: An improved feed block provides discrete portions of mineral supplement and feed supplement in the same feed block. The mineral supplement is provided as an inner package that is surrounded by a shell of feed supplement such as a dehydrated molasses feed supplement. By so providing the two different supplements, the amount of consumption of each can be accurately controlled. Moreover, different feed blocks can be tailored depending on the desired ratio between the two different supplements.

Abstract: A beadlet suitable for flavoring a beverage comprising a shell material and core composition suitable for ingesting comprising: (a) from about 0.1 mg to about 400 mg of a flavor component; and (b) from about 0.02 mg to about 450 mg of a sweetener component comprising: (1) acetosulfame; and (2) a second artificial sweetener selected from the class of the aspartyl peptide esters, the sulfamate sweeteners, the sulfimide sweeteners, the dihydrochalcone sweeteners and the ammoniated glycyrrhizins and mixtures thereof; wherein the ratio by weight of (1) to (2) is from about 1:15 to about 15:1; and wherein the beadlet core contains from about 15 mg to about 2,000 mg of material.