DE202016103980U1 - Agglomerates for instant beverage compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

Instant beverage composition, in particular an instant beverage composition intended for the preparation of an instant beverage by treatment with a drinkable liquid, in the form of a granulate and / or agglomerate based on at least one carrier and / or matrix material and at least one flavoring agent, which is characterized by A process is obtainable which comprises the following process steps: (a) producing and / or providing a mixture which comprises at least one preferably finely ground carrier and / or matrix material, in particular in particulate form, and at least one preferably finely ground flavoring agent, in particular in particulate form , wherein the at least one carrier and / or matrix material in an amount of at most 60 wt .-%, based on the mixture, is used (step (a)); then (b) preparing a granulate and / or agglomerate from the mixture obtained in process step (a) (process step (b)); and then (c) drying the agglomerates and / or granules obtained in process step (b), in particular while setting a predetermined and / or defined residual moisture (process step c)).

Description

The present invention relates to the field of food technology, in particular instant products or instant drinks.

In particular, the present invention relates to an instant beverage composition. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the uses according to the invention of the instant beverage compositions according to the present invention and the uses according to the invention of finely ground carrier or matrix material and finely ground flavors or of granules and / or agglomerates for the production of instant beverage compositions.

Finally, the subject of the present invention is a packaging unit according to the invention which contains the instant beverage composition according to the present invention.

The term of instant products is a name for most particulate or powdery, water-soluble or dispersible products mainly in the field of food and flavoring, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, dairy, etc., is. The production of instant products is generally carried out by extraction of the food and flavoring agents or their ingredients, followed by subsequent drying, in particular freeze or spray drying. For more details, refer to Römpp Chemielexikon, Volume 3, 10th edition, Georg-Thieme-Verlag, Stuttgart / New York, 1997, page 1936, keyword: "Instant Products" , as well as the literature referenced there, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. In this way, in particular instant tea beverages can be produced.

With regard to instant beverage compositions or the instant drinks made therefrom, a certain degree of sweetness is often desirable, combined with a natural and aromatic taste, which is to be ensured by a combination of sweet-tasting components and aroma components with a natural or authentic taste.

Although instant beverage mixtures can be prepared with little material and time, but often have the disadvantage that the drinks prepared with them in terms of their taste or organoleptic properties not the quality original, d. H. have conventionally prepared drinks. This is due, in particular, to the fact that in the extraction of foods and cures or their ingredients, e.g. from roasted coffee, fruits or tea leaves, as well as the subsequent drying of the extracts a large part of the flavors or taste-forming substances is lost or destroyed or unusable.

In addition, the flavor-forming components in instant beverage mixes of the prior art often have an unnatural or artificial flavor, resulting overall in an artificial taste of the instant instant beverage.

In addition, there is often the problem in known instant drink mixtures that the taste of the flavor-forming components is covered or superimposed by further components, in particular by the sweeteners or carriers used. Oftentimes, instant beverage compositions have excessive sweetness which overshadows the natural or authentic flavors of the flavoring ingredients.

A variety of commercial instant beverage compositions also has the disadvantage that they are often present as a finely divided powder or at best as a small granular or agglomerate, which products are often prone to high dust formation, both in the production and in the packaging and Finally, even in handling by the end user is disadvantageous. In addition, such instant products have a relatively poor dosability. Furthermore, the powder-based instant products of the prior art are not always optimally soluble in the drinking liquid, in particular water, since they tend to agglomerate when introduced into the liquid. In addition, in such instant beverage compositions of the prior art, in particular even with prolonged storage, there is often a tendency to clumping or caking.

For example, this describes EP 0 524 484 A1 an instant beverage powder containing tea concentrate in a water-soluble or water-dispersible powdery, granular or pasty carrier based on inulin. The compositions contain the carrier in an amount ranging from 70 to 85% by weight based on the instant beverage powder. The taste or organoleptic properties of the instant beverage that can be prepared are thus predominantly dominated by the carrier material inulin, whereas the natural aroma of the tea extract fades into the background or is adulterated by the large amounts of inulin.

Against the background of the previously described disadvantages of the prior art is the The object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing an instant beverage composition or an instant beverage composition as such, which is suitable for producing an instant beverage by treatment with a drinking liquid and the disadvantages of the prior art described above at least substantially avoids or at least reduces or attenuates.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an instant beverage composition or process for making an instant beverage composition which has an authentic as well as intense flavor and a pleasant sweetness while maintaining excellent physical and mechanical properties, in particular with respect to the packaging and handling properties, stability and dispensing properties.

The object underlying the present invention is achieved by an instant beverage composition according to claim 1; Further, advantageous embodiments of the instant beverage compositions according to the invention are the subject of the relevant subclaims.

In addition, the present invention is the use according to the invention of instant beverage compositions according to the present invention according to the related independent claim.

The present invention furthermore relates to the use according to the invention of preferably finely ground carrier and / or matrix material or preferably finely ground flavoring agent for the production of instant beverage compositions according to the related independent claim.

Yet another object of the present invention, the inventive use of granules or agglomerates for the production of instant beverage compositions according to the related independent claim.

Finally, the subject of the present invention is the packaging unit according to the invention according to the related independent claim, which contains an instant beverage composition according to the invention.

It goes without saying that in the following description of the present invention, such embodiments, embodiments, advantages, examples or the like, which hereinafter - for the purpose of avoiding unnecessary repetition - are carried out only for a single aspect of the invention, of course, with regard to the rest Invention aspects apply accordingly, without the need for an explicit mention.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that in the case of subsequent statements of values, numbers and ranges, the values, numbers and ranges given in this context are not to be understood as limiting; It goes without saying for the person skilled in the art that it is possible to deviate from the specified ranges or details on a case-by-case basis or application-related basis without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In addition, all of the values or parameters specified below or the like can in principle be determined or determined using standardized or explicitly stated determination methods or else otherwise with methods of determination or measurement known per se to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise stated, the underlying values or parameters are determined under standard conditions (i.e., in particular at a temperature of 20 ° C and / or at a pressure of 1013.25 hPa and 1.01325 bar, respectively).

Incidentally, it should be noted that in all of the relative or percentage, in particular weight-related quantity information listed below, it is to be selected or to be combined by the person skilled in the art in such a way that in total - if appropriate with consideration of further components or components Ingredients, in particular as defined below - always 100% or 100 wt .-% result. This is understood by the skilled person but by itself.

Having said that, the present invention will be described in more detail below.

• (a) Herstellen und/oder Bereitstellen einer Mischung, welche mindestens ein vorzugsweise feinvermahlenes Träger- und/oder Matrixmaterial, insbesondere in partikulärer Form, und mindestens einen vorzugsweise feinvermahlenen Geschmacksbildner, insbesondere in partikulärer Form, umfasst, wobei das mindestens eine Träger- und/oder Matrixmaterial in einer Menge von höchstens 60 Gew.-%, bezogen auf die Mischung, eingesetzt wird (Verfahrensschritt (a)); dann
• (b) Herstellen eines Granulats und/oder Agglomerats aus der in Verfahrensschritt (a) erhaltenen Mischung (Verfahrensschritt (b)); und dann
• (c) Trocknung der in Verfahrensschritt (b) erhaltenen Agglomerate und/oder Granulate, insbesondere unter Einstellung einer vorgegebenen und/oder definierten Restfeuchte (Verfahrensschritt c)).

The present invention is thus - according to a first aspect of the present invention - an instant beverage composition, which is intended in particular for the preparation of an instant beverage by treatment with a drinkable liquid, in the form of a granule and / or agglomerate based on at least one Carrier and / or matrix material and at least one flavoring agent, which is obtainable by a process, which in turn comprises the following process steps:

• (a) producing and / or providing a mixture which comprises at least one preferably finely ground carrier and / or matrix material, in particular in particulate form, and at least one preferably finely ground flavoring agent, in particular in particulate form, wherein the at least one carrier and / or matrix material in an amount of at most 60 wt .-%, based on the mixture, is used (process step (a)); then
• (b) preparing a granulate and / or agglomerate from the mixture obtained in process step (a) (process step (b)); and then
• (c) drying of the agglomerates and / or granules obtained in process step (b), in particular by setting a predetermined and / or defined residual moisture (process step c)).

For the Applicant has found in completely surprising manner that the disadvantages of the prior art described above by the use of preferably finely ground (ie mean particle diameter D ₅₀ smaller than 100 microns) carrier and / or matrix material on the one hand and preferably finely ground (ie mean particle diameter D ₅₀ smaller than 100 microns) on the other hand in the granulation or agglomeration process for the preparation of the instant beverage compositions according to the invention can be overcome, since on this basis large amounts of the flavoring agent can be incorporated or incorporated in relatively small amounts of carrier and matrix material and yet mechanically stable granules or agglomerates are obtained, which have advantageous mechanical or physical properties.

In other words, the present invention surprisingly succeeds in effectively agglomerating or granulating large quantities of flavoring agents with only a small amount of carrier and matrix material.

The instant beverage compositions prepared by the process are thus characterized on the one hand by their excellent taste profile, which is largely determined by the at least one flavoring agent, and on the other hand by their excellent physical or mechanical properties, in particular with regard to the metering and handling properties, the mechanical Stability and storage stability, out.

Overall, the present invention has numerous advantages and special features, which distinguish it from the prior art and which are described in detail below, but not exhaustively:
On the basis of the inventively provided use of finely ground carrier or matrix material on the one hand and finely ground flavors on the other hand - especially in combination with the inventive setting a defined residual moisture content - can be in the context of the present invention, surprisingly without the use of other auxiliary or agglomerate or Granulation aids produce stable granules and / or agglomerates which have excellent organoleptic properties on the one hand and good physical or mechanical properties on the other hand.

In particular, based on the incorporation of large amounts of the flavoring agent in the compositions, an excellent unfolding of the flavor or aromatization in the instant beverages is made possible. Even without the addition of artificial flavors, especially based on food additives with E numbers, an authentic and full-bodied flavor profile is produced in the instant beverage compositions according to the invention. The instant beverage compositions thus produced are distinguished by a significantly improved taste profile compared to prior art instant beverage compositions.

As flavoring agents according to the invention a variety of particular natural raw materials can be used, for. As plant components, (roast) coffee powder, cocoa powder, tea extracts or tea powder, juice powder or the like, so that the instant beverage compositions according to the invention can be tailored with regard to the flavor, so to speak. The process described is particularly well suited for the provision of instant beverage compositions which, as flavoring agents, preferably contain dried and / or comminuted plant components, e.g. based on, in particular, dried and / or comminuted tea leaves or tea drugs or tea powders. Plant ingredients develop in the beverages provided from the instant beverage compositions an extremely natural and full-bodied aroma, which is supported but not superimposed by the carrier material. Equally good results are also achieved in the production of cocoa-containing compositions.

In addition to the improved taste profile, a particular advantage of the use of plant components is that no expensive and time-consuming extraction and subsequent drying processes are necessary. Rather, the raw material plants can be used directly in the method provided according to the invention. The omission of extraction and drying process is in fact associated with the advantage that it does not lead to a falsification or change of the natural flavor composition due to Flavor or flavor losses as a result of the extraction or drying process comes. Alteration of the natural flavor compositions due to extraction processes is a common problem in prior art compositions.

In addition, due to the fine grinding of the flavoring agent, the instant drinks provided with the instant beverage composition according to the invention are at least substantially free of unwanted suspended particles, as otherwise usually found in conventionally brewed tea. The unfolding of the flavorings and flavorings contained in the flavoring agents used according to the invention is also enhanced in the compositions by the comminution, in particular grinding, of the flavoring agent provided according to the invention. Furthermore, the use of finely ground carrier or matrix material or finely ground flavoring agent leads to an improved solubility of the resulting instant beverage compositions in drinkable liquids, since the finely divided particles of the granules or agglomerates disintegrate faster with the addition of drinkable liquids.

In the context of the present invention, it is also possible to provide instant beverage compositions having defined properties with regard to the particle size, in particular the average particle diameter, the residual moisture content and the bulk density. By the targeted adjustment of the aforementioned parameters, in particular a high mechanical stability, a long-term storage stability as well as good packaging and metering properties are achieved in the instant beverage compositions. The setting of the abovementioned properties or parameters despite the small amounts of carrier or matrix material according to the invention of not more than 60% by weight, based on the mixture in process step (a) or the instant beverage composition, is completely surprising only by the inventive Use of carrier or matrix material or flavoring agent in finely ground form, in particular in the form of particles having a particle size less than 100 microns, allows.

The use according to the invention of finely ground carrier or matrix material and finely ground flavoring agent is therefore not only important for the process control for the preparation of the instant beverage compositions according to the invention, but is also reflected directly in the products produced by the process, since the resulting instant beverage compositions as such have improved properties.

Furthermore, the process is extremely convenient and practical to use and, moreover, economical, since it allows high throughput rates in the production of instant beverage compositions according to the invention.

In addition, the instant beverage compositions according to the invention have excellent metering properties, which is due in particular to the homogeneous or uniform distribution of the flavoring agent in the particles underlying the instant beverage compositions, since in this way the final beverages can be produced with constant quality.

Overall, the present invention can be configured in many ways. Preferred embodiments as well as terms used in the context of the present invention are therefore explained in detail below:
The term "granulate" or "agglomerate", as used in the invention, is to be understood very broadly and refers in particular to a preparation of the composition obtainable by the described method in the form of small, in particular solid and optionally porous particles, such as grains or spheres of defined size, wherein the granules or agglomerate underlying particles or particles generally have a macroscopic size, in particular based on the below-defined particle sizes or diameters, in particular the mean particle or particle diameter. In particular, the granules or agglomerate particles of the instant beverage composition can be at least substantially spherical or spherical. Also, the granules or agglomerate particles may be uneven or have no harmonic geometric shape. Thus, according to the invention, it may be possible for the granules or agglomerate particles to be formed in such a way that the shape of a sphere, a rod, a cylinder etc. is generally approximately and / or suggestively obtained, or there is no harmonic or geometric shape. Preference is given to spherical or spherical particles. Similarly, the granules or agglomerates underlying particles or particles may be formed more or less porous. For further details on the concept of granules can be particularly referenced Römpp Chemielexikon, 10th edition, Georg-Thieme-Verlag, Stuttgart / New York, Volume 2, 1997, page 1600, keyword: "granules" and "agglomerates" , as well as the literature referenced there, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

The term "carrier material" or "matrix material", as used in the context of the present invention, is likewise to be understood very broadly and relates in particular to the substances mentioned according to the invention for forming a carrier or matrix structure. The carrier or matrix material forms, as it were, the matrix or the framework of the granulate or agglomerate. Preferred carrier or matrix materials according to the invention are listed below.

In the context of the present invention, the carrier or matrix material in particular enables the incorporation or incorporation of the flavoring agent and optionally further substances. In the carrier or matrix material or the granules or agglomerate produced therefrom, the further ingredients of the composition according to the invention, in particular the flavoring agents and optionally further substances, such as e.g. Vitamins, flavors, dyes or substances to extend the shelf life, be incorporated or incorporated or incorporated. In this context, the substances to be incorporated may equally participate in the formation of the granules or agglomerates.

The carrier or matrix material also allows a particularly homogeneous and / or, in particular, long-term stable mixture of the respective components or ingredients. In addition, the carrier or matrix material can also function in the manner of a filler, which in particular also leads to an improvement in the meterability of the instant beverage compositions according to the invention. The carrier or matrix material leads, in particular, to the formation of dimensionally stable and resistant granules or agglomerates, in particular also by the additional setting of the residual moisture provided according to the invention. The carrier or matrix material can likewise function or be used as sweetener, in particular since, according to the invention, sweet-tasting substances are used as granule-forming components. In this case, it may be provided, in particular, that the carrier or matrix material enhances the aroma development of the flavoring agents in the instant beverage compositions according to the invention without superimposing or covering the natural taste of the flavoring agent.

Moreover, as far as the term "flavoring agent" as used in the present invention is concerned, these are the taste-forming substances which decisively determine the organoleptic or flavor profile of the instant beverage compositions according to the invention. The flavoring agents may be, in particular, plant components as such or substances obtained from plant components, in particular extracts, juices or the like, which release flavoring and flavoring substances typical of the respective plant in the compositions and thus produce an authentic taste profile. Particularly good results in terms of organoleptic properties are produced with flavoring agents based on plant constituents, in particular dried constituents of plants, such as fruit pieces or tea leaves. Furthermore, the use of (roast) coffee powder or cocoa powder leads to compositions which have an excellent taste profile.

The process for preparing the compositions of the invention can be carried out in a variety of ways. Preferred embodiments or details are explained below:
As for the above process steps, they are usually performed sequentially in the above-mentioned order.

With regard to the at least one carrier and / or matrix material used in process step (a) or the at least one flavoring agent used in process step (a), it has proved to be particularly advantageous if this or these in each case with an average particle diameter (particle diameter ) D50, in particular with a volume-related (volumetric) average particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009 , is used by less than 100 microns.

In particular, it may be provided in this connection that the at least one carrier and / or matrix material used in process step (a) and / or the at least one flavoring agent used in process step (a) each have an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D50, in particular a volume-related (volumetric) average particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009 in particular in the range from 0.1 to 99 μm, preferably in the range from 1 to 95 μm, preferably in the range from 5 to 90 μm, particularly preferably in the range from 10 to 85 μm, very particularly preferably in the range from 20 to 80 μm, even more preferably in the range of 30 to 75 microns, is used.

The corresponding average particle diameter or particle diameter D ₅₀ , in particular the volume-related or volumetric mean particle diameter Dv 50, can be determined, for example, by laser light diffraction, in particular based on according to the method ISO 13320: 2009 to be determined. The laser light diffraction, in particular according to ISO 13320: 2009 , allows the measurement of the particle size distribution in a particulate composition by the analysis of the refraction or light scattering of the particles to be examined. The method is particularly suitable for the analysis of particle sizes in the range of 0.1 .mu.m to 3 mm. To carry out the particle size analysis according to ISO 13320: 2009 For example, the devices available via Malvern Instruments Ltd., Herrenberg, Germany, in particular the device Mastersizer 3000, can be used. The entire content of the relevant operating instructions for this device, in particular the explanation described there for the determination of the aforementioned parameters, in particular the different particle sizes or diameters, are hereby expressly made in full to the subject of the present application.

In connection with the determination of the particle sizes or the particle size distribution according to ISO 13320: 2009 will already be up at this point 1 and 2 referenced the results of a particle size analysis according to ISO 13320: 2009 Exemplary for finely ground cocoa as a flavoring agent ( 1 ) and finely ground dextrose as carrier or matrix material ( 2 ) demonstrate.

In particular, the use of the carrier or matrix material or the flavoring agent with the aforementioned particle or particle diameters surprisingly allows the production of granules or agglomerates with predetermined or defined properties, in particular with regard to the particle size of the granules or agglomerates Residual moisture, a low content of carrier or matrix material and a high proportion of flavoring agents. On this basis, instant beverage compositions are obtained with simultaneously good mechanical or physical properties and good taste profile. In addition, the granules or agglomerates have a uniform appearance and a homogeneous particle size with only small deviations from the mean.

With regard to the process economy, it has proved to be particularly advantageous if the adjustment of the particle sizes, in particular the average particle diameter, of the carrier and / or matrix material used in process step (a) and / or the flavoring agent used in process step (a) before and / or during process step (a), preferably during process step (a). In this connection, it can equally be provided that the adjustment of the particle sizes, in particular the mean particle diameter, of the carrier and / or matrix material and / or of the flavoring agent is part of process step (a). According to the invention, it is thus preferred if the carrier or matrix material used or the flavoring agent used in the course of process step (a) is adjusted to the abovementioned preferred average particle diameter or particle diameter.

According to a preferred embodiment, before and / or during the preparation of the mixture in process step (a), comminution, in particular grinding, preferably fine grinding, of the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or of the flavoring agent used can take place. On the basis of comminution or grinding, the ingredients used, in particular the carrier or matrix material used on the one hand and the flavoring agent used on the other hand, adjusted to average particle diameter. Only the previously defined particle diameters allow the introduction of large amounts of the flavoring agent into the carrier or matrix material, without any loss in terms of the stability of the resulting agglomerates or granules. By grinding, in particular fine grinding, moreover, particularly homogeneous particle sizes of flavoring agent or carrier and / or matrix material are obtained, which in turn leads to a more uniform appearance of the granules or agglomerates.

In this connection, it may thus be provided in particular that before or during the preparation of the mixture in process step (a), an adjustment of the particle size, in particular the mean particle size, of the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or of the flavoring agent used predetermined and / or defined particle size, in particular to a predetermined and / or defined average particle size occurs. It has proved to be particularly advantageous if the setting of the predetermined or defined particle size by Comminution, in particular grinding, preferably fine grinding, and / or carried out by controlling the production process of the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or the flavoring agent used. In other words, it can be provided according to the invention that method step (a) comprises comminution, in particular grinding, preferably fine grinding, the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or the flavoring agent used.

Particularly good results with regard to the setting of the predetermined or defined particle size are achieved if the comminution, in particular grinding, preferably fine grinding, of the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or of the flavoring agent used by means of a comminution device, in particular by means of a grinding device, in particular mill, preferably by means of a rotor mill, particularly preferably by means of an impact mill, takes place.

Rotor mills are in the instruments, which are particularly suitable for fine comminution or deagglomeration of soft, medium-hard and brittle materials. The grinding takes place with the help of a rotor, which reduces the materials by impact, shear and impact forces. According to the invention, it has proved to be particularly advantageous to carry out the grinding or comminution by means of impact mills. On the basis of the use of impact mills, particularly homogeneous or uniform particle diameters are obtained in the course of comminution.

In the context of the process control, it can be provided in particular against the background of the increase in process economics that the comminution, in particular grinding, preferably fine grinding, of the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or of the flavoring agent used in the mixture of carrier and / or Matrix material and flavoring agent, preferably in the context of process step (a) and / or preferably as a component (partial step) of process step (a) and / or during process step (a).

Moreover, it has proven to be advantageous if the comminution, in particular grinding, preferably fine grinding, of the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or the flavoring agent used is carried out such that the carrier and / or matrix material and / or the flavoring agent each to an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) average particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009 , less than 100 microns, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 99 .mu.m, preferably in the range of 1 to 95 .mu.m, preferably in the range of 5 to 90 .mu.m, more preferably in the range of 10 to 85 .mu.m, most preferably in Range of 20 to 80 microns, more preferably in the range of 30 to 75 microns, is set.

As already mentioned above, a special feature of the present invention is that, in particular due to the defined adjustment of the particle size of carrier or matrix material and flavoring agent compared to prior art compositions in the inventive method, reduced amounts of the carrier or matrix material are sufficient to introduce large amounts of flavoring agent into the compositions or into the carrier or matrix material while still obtaining mechanically stable agglomerates or granules:
According to the invention, it can be provided in particular that in method step (a) the at least one carrier and / or matrix material is present in an amount in the range from 40 to 60% by weight, in particular in the range from 45 to 59% by weight, preferably in Range of 48 to 58 wt .-%, more preferably in the range of 49 to 55 wt .-%, even more preferably in the range of 50 to 55 wt .-%, based on the mixture, is used.

As far as the amount of flavoring agent used is concerned, with regard to the organoleptic properties of the instant beverage compositions according to the invention, it has proved particularly advantageous if, in process step (a), the at least one flavoring agent is present in an amount in the range from 40 to 60% by weight. %, in particular in the range of 41 to 55 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 42 to 52 wt .-%, particularly preferably in the range of 45 to 51 wt .-%, even more preferably in the range of 45 to 50 wt. -%, based on the mixture is used.

Thus, according to the invention, it has surprisingly been possible on the basis of the process described to provide a granulated or agglomerate-shaped instant beverage composition which contains carrier and matrix material on the one hand and flavoring agent on the other hand in similar amounts. The instant beverage compositions known in the prior art usually contain only small amounts of the flavoring agent and significantly larger amounts of carrier or matrix material. As already explained in detail above, the large proportion of flavoring agents according to the invention leads to improved organoleptic properties, since the flavoring agent can thus develop the full aroma without being masked or overlaid by the taste of the carrier or matrix material.

In this context, it has also proved to be particularly advantageous if, in process step (a), the at least one flavoring agent and the at least one carrier and / or matrix material in a weight-related quantitative ratio of [(flavoring agent) :( carrier and / or matrix material )] in the range of 1: 5 to 5: 1, in particular in the range of 1: 3 to 3: 1, preferably in the range of 1: 2 to 2: 1, preferably in the range of 1: 1.5 to 1.5 : 1, are used, based on the mixture. It was perfect Surprisingly, the inventively preferred proportions of flavoring agent to carrier or matrix material allow the production of stable granules or agglomerates, which can also be adjusted to a defined particle size, residual moisture content and bulk density.

Suitable carrier or matrix materials can be selected from a multiplicity of substances, with the person skilled in the art generally being able to select a suitable carrier or matrix material, depending on the desired properties of the instant beverage compositions.

Particularly good results with regard to the properties of the carrier or matrix material with regard to the incorporation of the flavoring agent and the support of the organoleptic properties of the flavoring agent are obtained if, in process step (a), the at least one carrier and / or matrix material from the group of sugars , Sweeteners, sugar alcohols, starch derivatives and mixtures thereof.

As regards the use of sugars as a carrier or matrix material, it may be provided that the sugars are selected from the group of mannose, maltose, dextrose, lactose, xylose, isomaltulose and mixtures thereof, in particular dextrose and / or isomaltulose. Furthermore, as regards the sugar alcohols, these are preferably selected from the group of mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol, isomaltitol, maltitol, lactitol and mixtures thereof, in particular sorbitol and / or mannitol. With regard to the starch derivatives, the use of dextrins, maltodextrins and mixtures thereof has proven to be particularly advantageous.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, in process step (a) the at least one carrier and / or matrix material is selected from dextrose and / or isomaltulose. When using dextrose or isomaltulose, the process provided for preparing the instant beverage compositions according to the invention can be handled particularly well and the granules or agglomerates obtained can be adjusted particularly well to the desired parameters or properties.

In addition, the use of dextrose or isomaltulose is also advantageous in terms of nutritional aspects:
The use of dextrose as a carrier or matrix material may, in particular, be provided when compositions are to be provided which contain energy readily available to the body, in particular in the form of a sugar with a high glycemic index. The use of dextrose is thus particularly advantageous with regard to the provision of instant beverage compositions for the preparation of "energy drinks", sports drinks or the like. If, on the other hand, it is desired that the instant beverage compositions contain a sugar which is only slowly accessible to the body, in particular a sugar with a low glycemic index in the sense of a storage substance, the use of isomaltulose has proven to be particularly advantageous since it absorbs only slowly from the body can be.

In order to further improve the nutritional physiological aspects of the compositions according to the invention, it can be provided according to a preferred embodiment that in process step (a) sucrose in an amount of at most 10 wt .-%, in particular at most 5 wt .-%, preferably at most 3 wt .-%, preferably at most 1 wt .-%, particularly preferably at most 0.5 wt .-%, based on the mixture, is used or that in process step (a) at least substantially no sucrose is used.

In other words, it is preferred according to the invention to use at least essentially no sucrose in the context of the envisaged process for the production of instant beverage compositions, or that sucrose is contained in the instant beverage compositions resulting from the process at most by impurities in extremely small amounts.

With regard to the starting materials used for the process in particular, it may also be provided in connection with the carrier or matrix material that the starting material for the at least one carrier and / or matrix material used in process step (a) has an average particle diameter (particle diameter ) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) average particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009 , in the range from 10 to 3,000 μm, in particular in the range from 50 to 2,000 μm, preferably in the range from 100 to 1,500 μm. The proposed method thus also allows the use of carrier or matrix material having a larger particle diameter, since this can be adjusted in the context of comminution in process step (a) to the defined or desired particle size.

Moreover, as far as the at least one flavoring agent is concerned, it may be selected from a variety of flavoring substances.

According to the invention, it is particularly preferred if in process step (a) the at least one flavoring agent is selected from the group of plant components, (roast) coffee powder, cocoa powder, tea extracts, juice powders and mixtures thereof, in particular plant components, (roast) coffee powder and / or cocoa powder, more preferably tea leaves, tea drugs and cocoa powders.

In the context of the present invention it was completely surprising, as already mentioned above, that on the basis of the above-described fine grinding, large amounts of the flavoring agent can be introduced into the instant beverage compositions resulting from the process according to the invention. In addition, the grinding of the flavoring agent leads to a particularly intensive development of the flavorings contained in flavoring agents.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment it can be provided that in process step (a) the at least one flavoring agent is selected from plant constituents. In this context, particularly good results are obtained when the plant components are selected from the group of especially dried and / or comminuted components of plants, in particular fruits and / or leaves of plants, preferably pieces of fruit, preferably fruit pieces of citrus fruits, soft fruits, apples, pears , Apricots, peaches, rose hips, pineapples, cherries, bananas, mango, kiwi, papaya, quince and their combinations, tea drugs and / or tea leaves, more preferably tea drugs and / or tea leaves.

The aforementioned flavoring agents based on plant constituents lead in the instant beverage compositions or the instant beverages produced therefrom to a pleasant and authentic taste profile, which comes very close to that of conventionally brewed beverages based on the aforementioned plant constituents. By the carrier or matrix material used, the taste of the plant components is supported, but not distorted or superimposed.

According to the invention, it may be provided, in particular, that flavoring agents based on ground tea leaves of green tea or black tea are used to produce the instant beverage compositions. Likewise, good results are obtained when the flavoring agent Matcha, especially in powder form, is used based on green tea.

As far as the amount of the flavoring agent used is concerned, it has surprisingly been successfully used in process step (a) to use the flavoring agent in an amount of at least 40% by weight, based on the mixture. Only through the process described, in particular the comminution or grinding of the ingredients used according to the invention, i. the flavoring agent and / or the carrier or matrix material, the incorporation of the flavoring agent in an amount of at least 40 wt .-%, based on the mixture possible.

Moreover, it can be provided according to the invention that further constituents or ingredients are used in process step (a) and added to the mixture:
According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is possible that in process step (a) at least one further constituent and / or ingredient is used and / or added to the mixture, in particular in amounts of from 0.1 to 45% by weight, in particular 0, 2 to 30 wt .-%, preferably 0.3 to 10 wt .-%, particularly preferably 0.5 to 5 wt .-%, based on the mixture.

According to the invention, a multiplicity of different further ingredients or constituents may be provided.

In particular, it may be provided that the at least one further constituent and / or ingredient is selected from the group of (i) sweeteners, in particular from the group of acesulfame, cyclamate, glycyrrhizin, aspartame, dulcine, saccharin, steviosides, rebaudiosides, taumatin, Sucralose and / or neotame, in particular in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 3 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2 wt. -%, based on the mixture.

In addition, the further constituent or ingredient from the group of (ii) flavorings and / or flavorings, in particular in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 10 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5 wt. -%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3 wt .-%, based on the mixture selected.

Likewise, another component or ingredient from the group of (iii) acidulants, in particular edible acids, preferably citric acid, tartaric acid and / or malic acid, in particular in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 2 to 8 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 3 to 5 wt .-%, based on the mixture, in process step (a) are used.

With regard to a further nutritional improvement of the instant beverage compositions, it may also be provided, at least one further ingredient or ingredient from the group of (iv) vitamins and / or minerals, in particular vitamin C (ascorbic acid), in particular in an amount in the range from 0.01 to 5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 4 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2 wt .-%, based on the mixture, in step (a) use ,

In addition, at least one further ingredient or ingredient in process step (a) can be used, which is selected from the group of (v) dyes and / or coloring substances, in particular natural and / or nature-identical dyes and / or coloring substances, in particular an amount in the range of 0.001 to 3 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.01 to 2.5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2 wt .-%, based on the mixture.

Finally, the at least one further component or ingredient in process step (a) can be selected from the group of (vi) plant and / or tea extracts, preferably in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 15% by weight, in particular Range of 0.5 to 10 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 1 to 5 wt .-%, based on the mixture selected.

As far as the preferred process control is concerned, it may also be provided with regard to the further ingredients or constituents that the further constituents and / or ingredients used in process step (a) each have an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) average particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009 , less than 100 microns, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 99 .mu.m, preferably in the range of 1 to 95 .mu.m, preferably in the range of 5 to 90 .mu.m, more preferably in the range of 10 to 85 .mu.m, most preferably in Range of 20 to 80 microns, more preferably in the range of 30 to 75 microns, are used.

In this connection, the adjustment of the particle sizes, in particular the average particle diameter, of the further constituents and / or ingredients used in process step (a) can take place before and / or during process step (a), preferably during process step (a). Likewise, it can be provided that the adjustment of the particle sizes, in particular the mean particle diameter, of the further constituents and / or ingredients used in process step (a) is carried out as a component of process step (a).

In order to prepare granules or agglomerates on the basis of the mixture provided in process step (a) which contains the at least one carrier or matrix material, the at least one flavoring agent and optionally further constituents and / or ingredients, it has regard to process control proved to be advantageous when in process step (a) and / or (b) the addition of liquid, in particular water, water vapor and / or liquid plant extracts occurs. The introduction of liquid leads to a moistening of the mixture obtained in process step (a), which finally allows the preparation of the granules or agglomerates.

The production of granules or agglomerates, which form the instant beverage composition according to the invention, takes place by means of customary known granulation or agglomeration methods. In particular, it may be provided that the production of the granules and / or agglomerate by pelleting, extrusion, wet granulation, fluidized bed granulation, spray granulation, steam granulation, wet agglomeration, fluidized bed agglomeration, spray agglomeration, water vapor agglomeration, jet agglomeration or the like, takes place.

In this context, it may be provided in particular that in method step (b) agglomeration is carried out by means of a rotary disk, multi-component nozzle, in particular two-component nozzle, jet agglomeration, sieve bottom (hole / slot) or fluidized-bed agglomeration.

When using a rotating disk, the mixture is applied to a rapidly rotating or rapidly rotating disk and finely distributed by the centrifugal force of the rotating disk. At the same time, water and / or water vapor is applied to the mixture so that agglomeration or granulation occurs. The resulting agglomerates or granules can optionally be predried in free fall and then adjusted in the eddy current dryer to a defined residual moisture.

When using a two-fluid nozzle, the mixture is finely distributed by means of compressed air. The finely divided mixture is moistened by the entry of water or water vapor, so that it comes to the formation of agglomerates or granules.

As part of a beam agglomeration, the mixture is also agglomerated using compressed air and water vapor or water.

When using a sieve tray (hole / slot), the mixture is passed directly over a sieve tray, which has various shapes, such as holes or slots with defined sizes and distances. From below, steam is applied, so that the mixture agglomerates or granulates at the top of the sieve bottom.

When using fluidized bed agglomeration or fluidized bed granulation, the mixture is suspended in a hot air or gas stream and / or very finely distributed. Through a spray nozzle, the mixture is moistened with water vapor and / or water, so that it comes to granulation or agglomeration.

In addition, it has proved to be advantageous in terms of process management if process step (b) is carried out continuously or batchwise, preferably batchwise, preferably in a fluidized bed, particularly preferably as fluidized-bed agglomeration.

In addition, with regard to the agglomeration or granulation methods, in particular in process step (b), it is usual for process step (b) to be carried out in the presence of water and / or water vapor, preferably water vapor, particularly preferably in a fluidized bed. By moistening the mixture obtained in process step (a), it can be granulated or agglomerated to give granules or agglomerates having defined properties.

The temperature which is used for process step (b) or the agglomeration and / or granulation can vary within wide ranges. According to the invention, it has proved to be particularly advantageous if process step (b) at a temperature in the range of 20 to 200 ° C, in particular in the range of 30 to 150 ° C, preferably in the range of 40 to 120 ° C, preferably in the range of 50 to 100 ° C, more preferably in the range of 60 to 80 ° C, is performed.

With regard to the metering properties of the instant beverage composition according to the invention, it has proven to be advantageous if the resulting granules or agglomerates of the instant beverage compositions are also adjusted to a defined mean particle diameter:
According to the invention, it can be provided in particular that the granules and / or agglomerate in process step (b) and / or process step (c) to an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) average particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009 , in the range of 0.05 to 30 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 10 mm.

Similarly, it can be provided according to the invention that the granules and / or agglomerate after process step (b) and / or process step (c) with an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) average particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009 , in the range of 0.05 to 30 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 10 mm results.

The fact that it is possible to obtain mechanically stable granules or agglomerates with the aforementioned particle diameters despite the use of only small amounts of carrier or matrix material was completely surprising and is based in particular on the use of preferably finely ground carrier and matrix material and likewise finely ground flavoring agent, in particular by comminution or grinding of carrier or matrix material and / or flavoring agent in the context of process step (a).

Furthermore, with regard to the handling properties, in particular the metering properties, of the instant beverage compositions produced with the aid of the process described, it has proven to be advantageous if the compositions are adjusted to a predetermined or defined bulk density.

According to the invention, it can thus be provided in particular that the granules and / or agglomerate in process step (b) and / or process step (c) to a bulk density in the range of 50 to 1000 g / l, in particular 100 to 900 g / l, preferably 200 to 800 g / l, preferably 250 to 600 g / l, particularly preferably 350 to 450 g / l, is set. Similarly, it may be provided that the granules and / or agglomerate after process step (b) and / or process step (c) having a bulk density in the range of 50 to 1000 g / l, in particular 100 to 900 g / l, preferably 200 to 800 g / l, preferably 250 to 600 g / l, particularly preferably 350 to 450 g / l, results.

The setting of a defined bulk density of the granules or agglomerates produced according to the invention was also surprising against the background of the use of relatively small amounts of carrier or matrix material and is made possible only by the method procedure described.

Furthermore, as regards process step (c) or the drying of the granulate or agglomerate, this may be carried out at variable temperatures. According to the invention, it can be provided in particular that in process step (c) the drying of the granules and / or agglomerate at a temperature in the range of 40 to 150 ° C, in particular in the range of 50 to 140 ° C, preferably in the range of 60 to 130 ° C, preferably in the range of 70 to 120 ° C, takes place.

Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous in view of the mechanical properties and the stability of the provided instant beverage compositions, if they are adjusted to a predetermined residual moisture. Due to the predetermined residual moisture, on the one hand clumping of the granules or agglomerates can be prevented. In addition, by adhering to the predetermined lower limit for the residual moisture, a disintegration of the granules or agglomerates can be prevented even at low mechanical pressure. Also, the predetermined residual moisture prevents a tendency to form dust in the compositions.

In the context of the present invention, it has thus proved to be particularly advantageous if the granules and / or agglomerate in process step (c) to a residual moisture in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 0.2 to 13 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10 wt .-%, based on the composition, is adjusted. In this connection, it can likewise be provided that the granulate and / or agglomerate after process step (c) have a residual moisture in the range from 0.1 to 15% by weight, in particular in the range from 0.2 to 13% by weight. , preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10 wt .-%, based on the composition results.

According to the invention, it can also be provided that the granules and / or agglomerate in process step (c) to a residual moisture in the range of 1 to 20 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 1.5 to 17 wt .-%, preferably in the range from 2 to 15 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 5 to 13 wt .-%, particularly preferably in the range of 8 to 11 wt .-%, based on the composition, is set in the event that at least one crystal containing water - And / or matrix material is used. In addition, it can be provided that the granules and / or agglomerate in process step (c) to a residual moisture in the range of 0.001 to 10 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 0.01 to 7 wt .-%, preferably in the range from 0.1 to 6 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5 wt .-%, based on the composition, is set in the event that at least one crystal water-free carrier and / or matrix material is used. Depending on the selection of the carrier or matrix material, a special adaptation of the residual moisture content can thus be provided according to the invention.

In addition, in the context of the intended process control of the drying in step (c), a classification step can be followed, in particular by means of sieving. By classifying or sieving, the particle size or the particle size distribution can be adjusted further or granules or agglomerates with deviating, in particular too large, particle size can be removed from the composition.

Further advantages, characteristics and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of aspects illustrated in the drawings. It shows:

1 a graphical representation of a particle size analysis of finely ground cocoa as a flavoring agent;

2 a graphical representation of a particle size analysis of finely ground dextrose as a carrier or matrix material.

1 shows the graphical representation of a particle size analysis according to ISO 13320: 2009 a finely ground cocoa used as a flavoring agent. The particle size analysis was carried out in a Mastersizer 3000 from Malvern Ltd., Herrenberg, Germany. The finely ground flavors have a mean particle diameter Dv50 of about 14 microns.

2 shows the graphical representation of a particle size analysis according to ISO 13320: 2009 a finely ground dextrose used as carrier or matrix material. The particle size analysis was carried out in a Mastersizer 3000 from Malvern Ltd., Herrenberg, Germany. The finely ground carrier or matrix material has an average particle diameter Dv50 of approximately 58 μm.

In the context of the present invention, it is therefore completely surprisingly possible to provide instant beverage compositions with an excellent organoleptic profile through the use of finely ground carrier or matrix materials and finely ground taste images, which moreover have a defined particle size, a predetermined residual moisture content and a given bulk density , although only one in the A small amount of carrier or matrix material of at most 60 wt .-%, based on the mixture or the composition is used compared to known methods or instant beverage compositions.

• (a) mindestens ein Träger- und/oder Matrixmaterial in einer Menge von höchstens 60 Gew.-%, bezogen auf die Zusammensetzung; sowie
• (b) mindestens einen Geschmacksbildner; enthält; wobei die Zusammensetzung auf eine vorgegebene und/oder definierte Restfeuchte eingestellt ist, insbesondere wobei die Zusammensetzung eine Restfeuchte im Bereich von 0,1 bis 15 Gew.-%, bezogen auf die Zusammensetzung, aufweist; und/oder wobei der mindestens eine Geschmacksbildner einen mittleren Partikeldurchmesser (Teilchendurchmesser) D₅₀, insbesondere einen volumenbezogenen (volumetrischen) mittleren Partikeldurchmesser (Teilchendurchmesser) Dv50, insbesondere bestimmt mittels Laserlichtbeugung, vorzugsweise gemäß ISO 13320:2009 , von weniger als 100 µm aufweist; und/oder wobei der mindestens eine Geschmacksbildner und das mindestens eine Träger- und/oder Matrixmaterial in einem gewichtsbezogenen Mengenverhältnis zueinander von [(Geschmacksbildner):(Träger- und/oder Matrixmaterial)] im Bereich von 1:5 bis 5:1 vorliegen, bezogen auf die Zusammensetzung.

Another object of the present invention - according to a second aspect of the invention - is an instant beverage composition, which is particularly suitable for preparing an instant beverage by treatment with a drinkable liquid, wherein the composition is in the form of granules and / or agglomerate, especially instant Beverage composition according to the first aspect of the invention,
the composition

• (A) at least one carrier and / or matrix material in an amount of at most 60 wt .-%, based on the composition; such as
• (b) at least one flavoring agent; contains; wherein the composition is adjusted to a predetermined and / or defined residual moisture, in particular wherein the composition has a residual moisture in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt .-%, based on the composition; and / or wherein the at least one flavoring agent has an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) mean particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably in accordance with ISO 13320: 2009 of less than 100 μm; and / or wherein the at least one flavoring agent and the at least one carrier and / or matrix material are present in a weight-related quantitative ratio of [(flavoring agent): (carrier and / or matrix material)] in the range from 1: 5 to 5: 1, based on the composition.

The instant beverage composition according to the invention is associated with numerous advantages which have already been described in connection with the first aspect of the invention, ie. H. have been described in connection with the production process according to the invention of the instant beverage compositions according to the present invention and apply correspondingly in relation to the composition according to the invention.

Among other things, the instant beverage composition according to the invention is distinguished, in particular, by its excellent organoleptic properties, in particular a natural taste, which is decisively tuned by the flavoring agent used. In particular, in the instant beverage compositions according to the invention, the aroma of the flavoring agent is not superimposed or masked by the carrier or matrix material used, but rather is intensified in such a way that a rounded and full-bodied and moreover natural but not too sweet taste profile results.

In addition, the instant beverage composition according to the invention can be adjusted to predetermined mechanical or physicochemical properties, which in turn is associated with improved handling, in particular meterability, and increased stability of the granules or agglomerates. The outstanding properties of the compositions according to the invention result, in particular, from the adjustment of the granules or agglomerates to a predetermined average particle diameter and to a predetermined, defined residual moisture content. That the setting of the defined particle diameter and the residual moisture is possible in spite of the small amounts of carrier or matrix material is completely surprising and is only possible by the inventively provided process control, as described above.

With regard to the further advantages and special features of the instant beverage compositions according to the invention, reference is made to the above statements in connection with the first aspect of the invention in order to avoid unnecessary repetitions.

In connection with the average particle diameter of the carrier or matrix material and / or the flavoring agent in the compositions according to the invention, it may be provided that the composition comprises the carrier and / or matrix material and / or the flavoring agent each having an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular with a volume-related (volumetric) average particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009 , less than 100 microns, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 99 .mu.m, preferably in the range of 1 to 95 .mu.m, preferably in the range of 5 to 90 .mu.m, more preferably in the range of 10 to 85 .mu.m, most preferably in Range of 20 to 80 microns, more preferably in the range of 30 to 75 microns having.

As already mentioned above, it has surprisingly been possible in the context of the present invention to introduce large amounts of the flavoring agent into relatively small amounts of the carrier or matrix material. In the context of the present invention, it can therefore be provided in particular that the composition comprises at least one carrier and / or matrix material in an amount in the range of 40 to 60 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 45 to 59 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 48 to 58 wt .-%, particularly preferably in the range of 49 to 55 Wt .-%, more preferably in the range of 50 to 55 wt .-%, based on the composition having.

The flavoring agent preferably contains the composition of the invention in relatively high amounts in order to obtain a good flavor profile of the instant beverage compositions. In this context, it may be provided in particular that the composition comprises the at least one flavoring agent in an amount in the range of 40 to 60 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 41 to 55 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 42 to 52 wt .-%, more preferably in the range of 45 to 51 wt .-%, even more preferably in the range of 45 to 50 wt .-%, based on the composition comprises.

Moreover, with regard to the properties of the resulting instant beverage compositions, in particular the organoleptic properties on the one hand and the mechanical properties, in particular the stability and the defined particle size, on the other hand, it has proved advantageous to use the flavoring agent and the carrier or matrix material in to use a weight-related defined quantitative ratio to each other.

Particularly good results are achieved if the composition comprises the at least one flavoring agent and the at least one carrier and / or matrix material in a weight-related quantitative ratio of [(flavoring agent): (carrier and / or matrix material)] in the range from 1: 5 to 5: 1, in particular in the range of 1: 3 to 3: 1, preferably in the range of 1: 2 to 2: 1, preferably in the range of 1: 1.5 to 1.5: 1, based on the composition ,

Moreover, as regards the selection of the at least one carrier or matrix material in particular, it is preferred according to the invention if the at least one carrier and / or matrix material is selected from the group of sugars, sweeteners, sugar alcohols, starch derivatives and mixtures thereof.

As far as the sugars used are concerned, they are selected according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention from the group of mannose, maltose, dextrose, lactose, xylose, isomaltulose and mixtures thereof, in particular dextrose and / or isomaltulose.

As far as the sugar alcohols are concerned, in the context of the present invention they are preferably selected from the group of mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol, isomaltitol, maltitol, lactitol and mixtures thereof, in particular sorbitol and / or mannitol.

Finally, as regards the starch derivatives, these are preferably selected from the group of dextrins, maltodextrins and mixtures thereof.

In the context of the present invention, it is furthermore preferred if the composition contains sucrose in an amount of at most 10% by weight, in particular at most 5% by weight, preferably at most 3% by weight, preferably at most 1% by weight preferably at most 0.5 wt .-%, based on the composition having. It is particularly preferred in this regard if the composition is at least substantially free of sucrose. On this basis, the compositions can be improved with regard to nutritional aspects.

With regard to the organoleptic properties or the flavor profile of the instant beverage composition according to the invention, it has also proven to be advantageous if the at least one flavoring agent is selected from the group of plant constituents, (roast) coffee powder, cocoa powder, tea extracts, juice powders and their mixtures, in particular plant constituents, (roast) coffee powder and / or cocoa powder, particularly preferably tea leaves, tea drugs and cocoa powders.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, cocoa powder, tea drugs and / or tea leaves, in particular tea leaves based on black and / or green tea, are used as flavoring agents. In addition, it may be provided, in particular additional flavoring agents in combination with the aforementioned flavoring agents and dried plant components based on fruits, as described below, use.

According to the invention, it can thus be provided that the at least one flavoring agent is selected from plant constituents, wherein the plant constituents are selected from the group of in particular dried and / or comminuted components of plants, in particular fruits and / or leaves of plants, preferably fruit pieces, preferably pieces of fruit of citrus fruits, soft fruits, apples, pears, apricots, peaches, rosehips, pineapples, cherries, bananas, mango, kiwi, papaya, quince and their combinations, tea drugs and / or Tea leaves, more preferably tea drugs and / or tea leaves. The compositions of the invention may thus contain a variety of flavors and flavor combinations.

As already described above, it has surprisingly been possible within the scope of the present invention to provide compositions which contain large amounts of the flavoring agent incorporated into the carrier or matrix material. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composition comprises the at least one flavoring agent in an amount of at least 40% by weight, based on the composition.

In addition, it can be provided that the composition according to the invention contains further constituents or ingredients, in particular for modifying the taste, for further preservation or for modifying the optical properties of the compositions according to the invention. In this context, it may be provided in particular that the composition contains at least one further constituent and / or ingredient, in particular in amounts of from 0.1 to 45% by weight, in particular from 0.2 to 30% by weight, preferably 0, 3 to 10 wt .-%, particularly preferably 0.5 to 5 wt .-%, based on the composition comprises.

• (i) Süßstoffen, insbesondere aus der Gruppe von Acesulfam, Cyclamat, Glycyrrhizin, Aspartam, Dulcin, Saccharin, Steviosiden, Rebaudiosiden, Taumatin, Sucralose und/oder Neotam, insbesondere in einer Menge im Bereich von 0,01 bis 3 Gew.-%, vorzugsweise im Bereich von 0,1 bis 2,5 Gew.-%, bevorzugt im Bereich von 0,5 bis 2 Gew.-%, bezogen auf die Zusammensetzung;
• (ii) Aromen und/oder Aromastoffen, insbesondere in einer Menge im Bereich von 0,01 bis 10 Gew.-%, vorzugsweise im Bereich von 0,5 bis 5 Gew.-%, bevorzugt im Bereich von 0,5 bis 3 Gew.-%, bezogen auf die Zusammensetzung;
• (iii) Säuerungsmitteln, insbesondere Genusssäuren, vorzugsweise Citronensäure, Weinsäure und/oder Äpfelsäure, insbesondere in einer Menge im Bereich von 0,1 bis 10 Gew.-%, vorzugsweise im Bereich von 2 bis 8 Gew.-%, bevorzugt im Bereich von 3 bis 5 Gew.-%, bezogen auf die Zusammensetzung;
• (iv) Vitaminen und/oder Mineralstoffen, insbesondere Vitamin C (Ascorbinsäure), insbesondere in einer Menge im Bereich von 0,01 bis 5 Gew.-%, vorzugsweise im Bereich von 0,1 bis 4 Gew.-%, bevorzugt im Bereich von 0,5 bis 2 Gew.-%, bezogen auf die Zusammensetzung;
• (v) Farbstoffen und/oder farbgebenden Substanzen, insbesondere natürlichen und/oder naturidentischen Farbstoffen und/oder farbgebenden Substanzen, insbesondere in einer Menge im Bereich von 0,001 bis 3 Gew.-%, vorzugsweise im Bereich von 0,01 bis 2,5 Gew.-%, bevorzugt im Bereich von 0,1 bis 2 Gew.-%, bezogen auf die Zusammensetzung;
• (vi) Pflanzen- und/oder Tee-Extrakten, vorzugsweise in einer Menge im Bereich von 0,1 bis 15 Gew.-%, insbesondere im Bereich von 0,5 bis 10 Gew.-%, vorzugsweise im Bereich von 1 bis 5 Gew.-%, bezogen auf die Zusammensetzung.

The at least one further constituent and / or ingredient may in particular be selected from one or more of the following groups:

• (i) sweeteners, in particular from the group of acesulfame, cyclamate, glycyrrhizin, aspartame, dulcine, saccharin, steviosides, rebaudiosides, taumatin, sucralose and / or neotame, in particular in an amount in the range from 0.01 to 3% by weight , preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2 wt .-%, based on the composition;
• (Ii) flavors and / or flavorings, in particular in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 10 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3 wt .-%, based on the composition;
• (Iii) acidulants, in particular edible acids, preferably citric acid, tartaric acid and / or malic acid, in particular in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 2 to 8 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 3 to 5 wt .-%, based on the composition;
• (iv) vitamins and / or minerals, especially vitamin C (ascorbic acid), in particular in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 4 wt .-%, preferably in the range from 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the composition;
• (V) dyes and / or coloring substances, in particular natural and / or nature-identical dyes and / or colorants, in particular in an amount in the range of 0.001 to 3 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.01 to 2.5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2 wt .-%, based on the composition;
• (vi) plant and / or tea extracts, preferably in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 0.5 to 10 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 1 to 5 Wt .-%, based on the composition.

With regard to the preparation of the granular or agglomerate instant beverage compositions according to the invention in particular, it may be provided according to the invention that the composition is obtained by means of a rotary disk, multi-component nozzle, in particular two-component nozzle, jet agglomeration, sieve bottom (hole / slot) or fluidized bed agglomeration, in particular by fluidized-bed agglomeration is.

The use of the abovementioned agglomeration or granulation processes makes it possible to adjust the parameters which are relevant for the properties of the composition according to the invention and which are of importance in particular with regard to the stability of the granules or agglomerates.

With regard to the mechanical or physical properties of the composition according to the invention in particular, it is preferred according to the invention for the granules and / or agglomerates of the composition to have a mean particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) mean particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv 50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009 , in the range of 0.05 to 30 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 10 mm. On the basis of the abovementioned particle or particle diameter, excellent meterability of the composition according to the invention is ensured, as already explained above.

In addition, it is preferred according to the invention if the composition has a bulk density in the range from 50 to 1000 g / l, in particular in the range from 100 to 900 g / l, preferably in the range from 200 to 800 g / l, preferably in the range from 250 to 600 g / l, more preferably in the range of 350 to 450 g / l. The bulk density improves the handling of the invention Composition, in particular with regard to the dosing ability and the Schütteigenschaften.

Moreover, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it may be provided that the composition has a residual moisture in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 0.2 to 13 wt .-%, preferably in the range from 0.5 to 10% by weight, based on the composition.

On the basis of the setting of a defined residual moisture, the stability of the composition according to the invention is further improved. In this context, in particular a clumping of the granules or agglomerates of the composition is prevented. Furthermore, the formation of dust in the instant beverage compositions according to the invention, in particular in the dosage prevented. In this regard, reference is also made to the following embodiments, which demonstrate the benefits associated with the defined residual moisture content.

According to a specific embodiment, it may also be provided that the composition has a residual moisture in the range from 1 to 20% by weight, in particular in the range from 1.5 to 17% by weight, preferably in the range from 2 to 15% by weight. %, preferably in the range of 5 to 13 wt .-%, particularly preferably in the range of 8 to 11 wt .-%, based on the composition comprises in the event that the composition comprises at least one crystal water-containing carrier and / or matrix material ,

According to a further specific embodiment it can be provided that the composition has a residual moisture in the range of 0.001 to 10 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 0.01 to 7 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 6 wt %, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5 wt .-%, based on the composition, has in the event that at least the composition comprises at least one crystal water-free carrier and / or matrix material.

The present invention thus relates in particular to an instant beverage composition, in particular an instant beverage composition intended for the preparation of an instant beverage by treatment with a drinkable liquid, in the form of a granulate and / or agglomerate, which is prepared by a process as described above The first aspect of the invention has been previously described, is available.

For further details of this aspect of the invention, reference may be made to the above remarks on the other aspects of the invention in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, which apply correspondingly in relation to this aspect of the invention.

Another object of the present invention - according to a third aspect of the invention - is also the use of an instant beverage composition in the form of a granulate or agglomerate, as described above, for preparing an instant beverage by treatment with a drinkable liquid.

For further details of this aspect of the invention, reference may be made to the above remarks on the other aspects of the invention in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, which apply correspondingly in relation to this aspect of the invention.

Another object of the present invention - according to a fourth aspect of the invention - is the use of at least one preferably finely ground carrier and / or matrix material, in particular in particulate form, and at least one preferably finely ground flavoring agent, in particular in particulate form, for producing an instant beverage composition, in particular an instant beverage composition intended for the preparation of an instant beverage by treatment with a drinkable liquid, in the form of a granulate and / or agglomerate, preferably as previously described,
wherein the at least one preferably finely ground carrier and / or matrix material, in particular in particulate form, and the at least one preferably finely ground flavors, especially in particulate form, are mixed in a first process step (a), wherein the at least one carrier and / or Matrix material is used in an amount of at most 60% by weight, based on the mixture,
wherein in a process step (b) following process step (a) a granulate and / or agglomerate is prepared from the mixture obtained in process step (a),
wherein in a process step (c) subsequent to process step (b) the drying of the agglomerates and / or granules obtained in process step (b) takes place, in particular by setting a predetermined and / or defined residual moisture, and
wherein the at least one carrier and / or matrix material used and / or the at least one flavoring agent used in each case has an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D50, in particular volume-related (volumetric) mean particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by Laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009 , less than 100 microns.

For further details of this aspect of the invention, reference may be made to the above remarks on the other aspects of the invention in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, which apply correspondingly in relation to this aspect of the invention.

• (a) Herstellen und/oder Bereitstellen einer Mischung, welche mindestens ein vorzugsweise feinvermahlenes Träger- und/oder Matrixmaterial, insbesondere in partikulärer Form, und mindestens einen vorzugsweise feinvermahlenen Geschmacksbildner, insbesondere in partikulärer Form, umfasst, wobei das mindestens eine Träger- und/oder Matrixmaterial in einer Menge von höchstens 60 Gew.-%, bezogen auf die Mischung, eingesetzt wird (Verfahrensschritt (a)); dann
• (b) Herstellen eines Granulats und/oder Agglomerats aus der in Verfahrensschritt (a) erhaltenen Mischung (Verfahrensschritt (b)); und dann
• (c) Trocknung der in Verfahrensschritt (b) erhaltenen Agglomerate und/oder Granulate, insbesondere unter Einstellung einer vorgegebenen und/oder definierten Restfeuchte (Verfahrensschritt c));

wobei das eingesetzte mindestens eine Träger- und/oder Matrixmaterial und/oder der eingesetzte mindestens eine Geschmacksbildner jeweils einen mittleren Partikeldurchmesser (Teilchendurchmesser) D50, insbesondere volumenbezogenen (volumetrischen) mittleren Partikeldurchmesser (Teilchendurchmesser) Dv50, insbesondere bestimmt mittels Laserlichtbeugung, vorzugsweise gemäß ISO 13320:2009 , von weniger als 100 µm aufweist. Another object of the present invention - according to a fifth aspect of the invention - is the use of granules and / or agglomerates for producing an instant beverage composition, which is particularly intended for the preparation of an instant beverage by treatment with a drinkable liquid, in the form of granules and or agglomerate based on at least one carrier and / or matrix material and at least one flavoring agent,
wherein the granules and / or agglomerates are obtainable by a process, in particular as described above, which comprises the process steps listed below:

• (a) producing and / or providing a mixture which comprises at least one preferably finely ground carrier and / or matrix material, in particular in particulate form, and at least one preferably finely ground flavoring agent, in particular in particulate form, wherein the at least one carrier and / or or matrix material in an amount of at most 60 wt .-%, based on the mixture, is used (process step (a)); then
• (b) preparing a granulate and / or agglomerate from the mixture obtained in process step (a) (process step (b)); and then
• (c) drying of the agglomerates and / or granules obtained in process step (b), in particular by setting a predetermined and / or defined residual moisture (process step c));

wherein the at least one carrier and / or matrix material used and / or the at least one flavoring agent used in each case has an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D50, in particular volume-related (volumetric) mean particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably in accordance with ISO 13320: 2009 , less than 100 microns.

For further details of this aspect of the invention, reference may be made to the above remarks on the other aspects of the invention in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, which apply correspondingly in relation to this aspect of the invention.

Yet another subject of the present invention - according to a sixth aspect of the present invention - is a packaging unit containing a previously described instant beverage composition.

For further details of this aspect of the invention, reference may be made to the above remarks on the other aspects of the invention in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, which apply correspondingly in relation to this aspect of the invention.

Further embodiments, modifications and variations as well as advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to and realizable by those skilled in the art upon reading the description without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The following embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention without, however, limiting the present invention thereto.

EXAMPLES

1. General manufacturing specification

To prepare instant beverage compositions according to the invention by the intended method, the procedure is as follows:
In a first process step, a mixture is prepared or provided which comprises at least one preferably finely ground carrier or matrix material and at least one flavoring agent, wherein the at least one carrier or matrix material in an amount of at most 60 wt .-%, based on the mixture is used. The at least one flavoring agent is used in an amount in the range of 40 to 60 wt .-%, based on the mixture.

In the context of this first process step, comminution, in particular fine grinding, of the carrier or matrix material and of the flavoring agent in the mixture is additionally carried out. The comminution is preferably carried out with the aid of an impact mill. The comminution of the carrier or matrix material and of the flavoring agent results in average particle diameters (particle diameter) D ₅₀ of less than 100 μm. The mean particle diameter is determined by means of laser light diffraction in a Mastersizer 3000 from Malvern Instruments Ltd., Herrenberg, Germany ISO 13320: 2009 certainly. The first process step is carried out at a temperature in the range of 40 to 80 ° C.

As part of a subsequent second process step, the production of a granulate or agglomerate from the mixture obtained in the first process step takes place. The preparation of the granules or agglomerate can be carried out by known or customary granulation or agglomeration methods. The agglomeration or granulation is preferably carried out by means of fluidized-bed agglomeration in the presence of water and / or steam at a temperature in the range from 60 to 80.degree.

As part of the granulation or agglomeration, the granules or agglomerates are adjusted to an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ in the range of 0.2 to 10 mm. The determination of the particle diameter also takes place by means of laser light diffraction in a Mastersizer 3000 from Melbourne Instruments Ltd., Herrenberg, Germany ISO 13320: 2009 ,

Similarly, the granules or agglomerates are adjusted in the context of granulation or agglomeration to a bulk density in the range of 350 to 450 g / l.

In a third process step, the drying of the granules or agglomerates produced by adjusting a predetermined or defined residual moisture in the range of 0.5 to 10 wt .-%, based on the resulting instant beverage composition.

2. Inventive Formulation Examples

According to the general method of preparation described above, instant beverage compositions according to the invention are prepared on the basis of the formulations specified below: Cocoa-containing instant beverage composition 50% by weight Cocoa powder (flavoring agent) 50% by weight Dextrose (carrier or matrix material) Black tea-containing instant beverage composition 50% by weight Assam black tea leaves (flavoring agent) 50% by weight Isomaltulose (carrier or matrix material) Peppermint and lemon instant beverage composition 30% by weight Peppermint leaves (flavoring agents) 6% by weight Lemon fruit powder (flavoring agent) 4% by weight Lemon juice concentrate (flavoring agent) 60% by weight Dextrose / isomaltulose (carrier or matrix material) Black tea-containing instant beverage composition with bergamot 49.5% by weight Earl Gray Tea Leaves (Flavoring Agent) 0.5% by weight Bergamot oil (plant extract / flavoring) 50% by weight Dextrose / isomaltulose (carrier or matrix material)

Based on the above formulations, instant beverage compositions according to the present invention are prepared according to the general manufacturing instructions for the intended method.

The instant beverages produced on the basis of the instant beverage compositions according to the invention by treatment with water or milk are distinguished by a pleasant taste profile. The flavor is determined by the respective flavoring agent (s) so that an authentic or natural flavor results. In addition, the instant drinks have a pleasant and not too dominant natural sweetness.

Furthermore, instant beverage compositions according to the invention are prepared on the basis of the above formulations, wherein the carrier and / or matrix material specified in the formulations is replaced in each case by mannose, maltose, lactose, xylitol, maltitol or maltodextrin. On the basis of these carrier and / or matrix materials also stable granules or agglomerates are obtained, which can be adjusted to the predetermined particle size, residual moisture content and bulk density; However, the process management in detail with these carrier or matrix materials designed something more difficult or expensive.

3. Comparative Examples

In addition, non-inventive instant beverage compositions are provided for comparison purposes:
In a first series of experiments, the compositions are adjusted to a residual moisture above or below the range provided according to the invention. However, falling below the residual moisture content provided according to the invention leads to unstable compositions which already decay or break under slight mechanical action. In addition, falls below the inventively provided residual moisture content leads to a dust formation of the instant beverage compositions, especially in the dosage. On the other hand, exceeding the residual moisture content provided according to the invention leads to compositions with a strong tendency to form lumps. In addition, compositions with too high a residual moisture content or a residual moisture content above the inventively provided range are characterized by a reduced shelf life or storage stability.

In a second series of experiments, moreover, the average particle diameter of at most 100 μm provided according to the invention is exceeded in the comminution of carrier or matrix material and flavoring agent in the first method step. However, exceeding the average particle diameter of 100 .mu.m results in that when using only 60 wt .-% carrier or matrix material, based on the composition, no stable granules or agglomerates can be produced. In other words, too high a mean particle diameter results in that only a smaller amount of flavorant can be incorporated into the compositions, as larger particle sizes of the ingredients result in an increased requirement for carrier or matrix material for the granulation or agglomeration process. It has been found that when the average particle diameter of carrier or matrix material and flavoring agent is exceeded after comminution, the use of at least 80% by weight, based on the mixture, of carrier or matrix material is required in order to obtain stable granules or to obtain agglomerates, which can be adjusted beyond the properties provided according to the invention in terms of particle size, bulk density and residual moisture.

In a third series of experiments, the instant beverage composition is adjusted to a bulk density outside the range provided according to the invention. Both exceeding and falling below the invention preferred bulk density lead to compositions with disadvantageous dosing properties. Lower weight compositions are difficult to dose and moreover have a tendency to form dust. In addition, for very low bulk density compositions, larger volumes of the compositions must be used to obtain the desired organoleptic properties in the resulting instant beverages. The large volumes also lead to adverse packaging properties, since relatively large packages for small quantities, especially masses, of instant beverage composition are necessary. On the other hand, exceeding the bulk density provided according to the invention leads to a composition which is too solid and thus likewise difficult to meter.

As the above explanations show, it is only the intended process control on the basis of a fine grinding of used carrier or matrix material on the one hand and flavoring agent on the other hand to provide instant beverage compositions with a low content of carrier or matrix material and a high content of flavoring agent based on stable granulates. Moreover, it is only the process control described in the context of the invention, in particular the fine grinding of carrier or matrix material and flavoring agent, which allows instant beverage compositions to be adjusted to a predetermined particle diameter, a predetermined residual moisture and a given bulk density against the background of improving the metering properties and stability ,

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0524484 A1 [0010]

Cited non-patent literature

• Römpp Chemielexikon, Volume 3, 10th Edition, Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart / New York, 1997, page 1936, keyword: "Instant Products" [0004]
• Römpp Chemielexikon, 10th edition, Georg-Thieme-Verlag, Stuttgart / New York, Volume 2, 1997, page 1600, keyword: "granules" and "agglomerates" [0036]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0042]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0043]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0044]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0044]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0044]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0045]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0045]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0053]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0065]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0081]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0094]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0095]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0108]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0109]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0111]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0116]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0134]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0144]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0146]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0153]
• ISO 13320: 2009 [0155]

Claims (50)

 Instant beverage composition, in particular an instant beverage composition intended for the preparation of an instant beverage by treatment with a drinkable liquid, in the form of a granulate and / or agglomerate based on at least one carrier and / or matrix material and at least one flavoring agent, which is characterized by Method is available which comprises the following process steps: (a) producing and / or providing a mixture which comprises at least one preferably finely ground carrier and / or matrix material, in particular in particulate form, and at least one preferably finely ground flavoring agent, in particular in particulate form, wherein the at least one carrier and / or or matrix material in an amount of at most 60 wt .-%, based on the mixture, is used (process step (a)); then (b) preparing a granulate and / or agglomerate from the mixture obtained in process step (a) (process step (b)); and then (c) drying of the agglomerates and / or granules obtained in process step (b), in particular by setting a predetermined and / or defined residual moisture (process step c)). A composition according to claim 1, wherein the carrier and / or matrix material used in process step (a) and / or the flavoring agent used in process step (a) each having an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular with a volume-related (volumetric) mean particle diameter (Particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009, of less than 100 μm, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 99 μm, preferably in the range of 1 to 95 μm, preferably in the range of 5 to 90 microns, more preferably in the range of 10 to 85 microns, most preferably in the range of 20 to 80 microns, even more preferably in the range of 30 to 75 microns, is used.  A composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjustment of the particle sizes, in particular the mean particle diameter, of the carrier and / or matrix material used in process step (a) and / or of the flavoring agent used in process step (a) before and / or during process step (a), preferably during process step (a ), he follows; and or wherein the adjustment of the particle sizes, in particular the mean particle diameter, of the carrier and / or matrix material and / or the flavoring agent is part of process step (a). Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein prior to and / or during the preparation of the mixture in process step (a) comminution, in particular grinding, preferably fine grinding, of the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or of the flavoring agent used; and or wherein before and / or during the preparation of the mixture in process step (a) an adjustment of the particle size, in particular the mean particle size, the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or the flavoring agent used to a predetermined and / or defined particle size, in particular a predetermined and / or defined average particle size, takes place, in particular by comminution, in particular grinding, preferably fine grinding, and / or by controlling the production process of the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or the flavoring agent used; and or wherein process step (a) comprises comminution, in particular grinding, preferably fine grinding, of the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or of the flavoring agent used. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the comminution, in particular grinding, preferably fine grinding, of the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or the flavoring agent used by means of a comminution device, in particular by means of a grinding device, in particular mill, preferably by means of a rotor mill, particularly preferred by means of an impact mill.  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the comminution, in particular grinding, preferably fine grinding, of the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or the flavoring agent used in the mixture of carrier and / or matrix material and flavoring agent, preferably in the context of process step (A) and / or preferably as a component (partial step) of process step (a) and / or during process step (a). Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the comminution, in particular grinding, preferably fine grinding, of the carrier and / or matrix material used and / or the flavoring agent used is carried out such that the carrier and / or matrix material and / or the flavoring agent respectively an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) average particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably in accordance with ISO 13320: 2009, of less than 100 μm, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 99 μm, preferably in the range of 1 to 95 μm, preferably in the range of 5 to 90 μm, particularly preferably in the range of 10 to 85 μm, very particularly preferably in the range from 20 to 80 μm, more preferably in the range from 30 to 75 μm.  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in process step (a) the at least one carrier and / or matrix material in an amount in the range of 40 to 60 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 45 to 59 wt .-%, preferably in Range of 48 to 58 wt .-%, more preferably in the range of 49 to 55 wt .-%, even more preferably in the range of 50 to 55 wt .-%, based on the mixture, is used.  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in process step (a) the at least one flavoring agent in an amount in the range of 40 to 60 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 41 to 55 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 42 to 52 Wt .-%, particularly preferably in the range of 45 to 51 wt .-%, even more preferably in the range of 45 to 50 wt .-%, based on the mixture, is used.  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in process step (a) the at least one flavoring agent and the at least one carrier and / or matrix material in a weight-related quantitative ratio of [(flavoring agent): (carrier and / or matrix material)] in the range of 1: 5 to 5: 1, in particular in the range of 1: 3 to 3: 1, preferably in the range of 1: 2 to 2: 1, preferably in the range of 1: 1.5 to 1.5: 1, are used , based on the mixture.  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in process step (a) the at least one carrier and / or matrix material is selected from the group of sugars, sweeteners, sugar alcohols, starch derivatives and mixtures thereof, in particular wherein the sugars are selected from the group of mannose, maltose, dextrose, lactose, xylose, isomaltulose and mixtures thereof, in particular dextrose and / or isomaltulose, and / or in particular where the sugar alcohols are selected from the group of mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol, isomaltitol, maltitol, lactitol and mixtures thereof, in particular sorbitol and / or mannitol, and / or in particular wherein the starch derivatives are selected from the group of dextrins, maltodextrins and mixtures thereof.  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in process step (a) the at least one carrier and / or matrix material is selected from dextrose and / or isomaltulose.  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in process step (a) sucrose in an amount of at most 10 wt .-%, in particular at most 5 wt .-%, preferably at most 3 wt .-%, preferably at most 1 wt .-%, especially preferably at most 0.5 wt .-%, based on the mixture, is used and / or wherein in process step (a) at least substantially no sucrose is used. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the starting material for the at least one carrier and / or matrix material used in process step (a) an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) average particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009, in the range of 10 to 3000 μm, in particular in the range of 50 to 2000 μm, preferably in the range of 100 to 1500 μm.  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in process step (a) the at least one flavoring agent is selected from the group of plant components, (roast) coffee powder, cocoa powder, tea extracts, juice powders and mixtures thereof, in particular plant components, (roast) coffee powder and / or cocoa powder, more preferably tea leaves, tea drugs and cocoa powders.  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in process step (a) the at least one flavoring agent is selected from plant constituents, wherein the plant constituents are selected from the group of in particular dried and / or comminuted components of plants, in particular fruits and / or leaves of plants, preferably pieces of fruit, preferably fruit pieces of citrus fruits, soft fruits, apples, pears, apricots, peaches, rosehips, pineapples, cherries, bananas, mango, kiwi, papaya, quince and their combinations, tea drugs and / or tea leaves, more preferably tea drugs and / or tea leaves ,  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in process step (a) the flavoring agent in an amount of at least 40 wt .-%, based on the mixture, is used. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (a) at least one further ingredient and / or ingredient is used and / or the mixture is added, in particular in amounts of from 0.1 to 45 wt .-%, in particular 0.2 to 30 wt .-%, preferably 0.3 to 10 wt .-%, particularly preferably 0.5 to 5 wt .-%, based on the mixture; in particular wherein the at least one further constituent and / or ingredient is selected from the group of (i) sweeteners, in particular from the group of acesulfame, cyclamate, glycyrrhizin, aspartame, dulcine, saccharin, steviosides, rebaudiosides, taumatin, sucralose and / or neotame , in particular in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 3 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2 wt .-%, based on the mixture; (Ii) flavors and / or flavorings, in particular in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 10 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3 wt .-%, based on the mixture; (Iii) acidulants, in particular edible acids, preferably citric acid, tartaric acid and / or malic acid, in particular in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 2 to 8 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 3 to 5 wt .-%, based on the mixture; (iv) vitamins and / or minerals, especially vitamin C (ascorbic acid), in particular in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 4 wt .-%, preferably in the range from 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the mixture; (V) dyes and / or coloring substances, in particular natural and / or nature-identical dyes and / or colorants, in particular in an amount in the range of 0.001 to 3 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.01 to 2.5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2 wt .-%, based on the mixture; (vi) plant and / or tea extracts, preferably in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 0.5 to 10 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 1 to 5 Wt .-%, based on the mixture. Composition according to claim 18, wherein the further constituents and / or ingredients used in process step (a) each have an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular with a volume-related (volumetric) mean particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009, of less than 100 μm, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 99 μm, preferably in the range of 1 to 95 μm, preferably in the range of 5 to 90 μm, particularly preferably in the range of 10 to 85 μm , very particularly preferably in the range of 20 to 80 .mu.m, more preferably in the range of 30 to 75 .mu.m, are used, in particular wherein the adjustment of the particle sizes, in particular the average particle diameter of the other constituents used in process step (a) and / or Ingredients before and / or during process step (a), preferably during Verfahrenssc hurried (a); and / or in particular wherein the adjustment of the particle sizes, in particular the average particle diameter, of the further constituents and / or ingredients used in process step (a) is part of process step (a).  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein process step (a) at a temperature in the range of 0 to 150 ° C, in particular in the range of 10 to 120 ° C, preferably in the range of 20 to 100 ° C, preferably in the range of 30 to 90 ° C, more preferably in the range of 40 to 80 ° C, is performed.  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in process step (a) and / or (b) the addition of liquid, in particular water, water vapor and / or liquid plant extracts, takes place.  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in process step (b) the granules and / or agglomerates are produced by known and / or customary granulation and / or agglomeration methods, in particular by pelleting, extrusion, wet granulation, fluidized bed granulation, spray granulation, steam granulation, wet agglomeration, fluidized bed agglomeration, Spray agglomeration, water vapor agglomeration, jet agglomeration or the like; and or wherein in method step (b) an agglomeration is carried out by means of a rotary disk, multi-component nozzle, in particular two-component nozzle, jet agglomeration, sieve bottom (hole / slot) or fluidized-bed agglomeration; and or wherein process step (b) is carried out continuously or batchwise, preferably discontinuously, preferably in a fluidized bed, particularly preferably as fluidized-bed agglomeration; and or wherein process step (b) is carried out in the presence of water and / or water vapor, preferably water vapor, more preferably in a fluidized bed. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein process step (b) at a temperature in the range of 20 to 200 ° C, in particular in the range of 30 to 150 ° C, preferably in the range of 40 to 120 ° C, preferably in Range of 50 to 100 ° C, more preferably in the range of 60 to 80 ° C, is performed. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the granules and / or agglomerate in process step (b) and / or process step (c) to an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) mean particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by laser light diffraction, preferably in accordance with ISO 13320: 2009, in the range of 0.05 to 30 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 up to 10 mm; and / or wherein the granules and / or agglomerate according to process step (b) and / or process step (c) having an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) average particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably in accordance with ISO 13320: 2009, in the range of 0.05 to 30 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 10 mm, results. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the granules and / or agglomerate in process step (b) and / or process step (c) to a bulk density in the range of 50 to 1000 g / l, in particular 100 to 900 g / l, preferably 200 to 800 g / l, preferably 250 to 600 g / l, more preferably 350 to 450 g / l; and or wherein the granules and / or agglomerate after process step (b) and / or process step (c) with a bulk density in the range of 50 to 1000 g / l, in particular 100 to 900 g / l, preferably 200 to 800 g / l, preferably 250 to 600 g / l, more preferably 350 to 450 g / l. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (c) the drying of the granules and / or agglomerate at a temperature in the range of 40 to 150 ° C, in particular in the range of 50 to 140 ° C, preferably in the range of 60 to 130 ° C, preferably in the range of 70 to 120 ° C, takes place.  Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the granules and / or agglomerate in process step (c) to a residual moisture in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 0.2 to 13 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10 wt .-%, based on the composition adjusted; and or wherein the granules and / or agglomerate after process step (c) with a residual moisture in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 0.2 to 13 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10 wt .-%, based on the composition results. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the granules and / or agglomerate in process step (c) to a residual moisture in the range of 1 to 20 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 1.5 to 17 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 2 to 15 wt. %, preferably in the range of 5 to 13 wt .-%, particularly preferably in the range of 8 to 11 wt .-%, based on the composition, is set in the event that at least one crystal water-containing carrier and / or matrix material is used ; and or wherein the granules and / or agglomerate in process step (c) to a residual moisture in the range of 0.001 to 10 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 0.01 to 7 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 6 wt %, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5 wt .-%, based on the composition, is set in the event that at least one crystal water-free carrier and / or matrix material is used. Composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drying in step (c) is followed by a classification step, in particular by means of sieving. Instant beverage composition, in particular for preparing an instant beverage by treatment with a drinkable liquid, the composition being in the form of a granulate and / or agglomerate, in particular an instant beverage composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition (a) comprises at least one carrier and / or matrix material in an amount of at most 60% by weight, based on the composition; and (b) at least one flavoring agent; contains; wherein the composition is adjusted to a predetermined and / or defined residual moisture, in particular wherein the composition has a residual moisture in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt .-%, based on the composition; and / or wherein the at least one flavoring agent has an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) mean particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009, of less than 100 μm; and or wherein the at least one flavoring agent and the at least one carrier and / or matrix material in a weight-related quantitative ratio of [(flavoring agent): (carrier and / or matrix material)] in the range of 1: 5 to 5: 1, based on the Composition. A composition according to claim 30, wherein the composition comprises the carrier and / or matrix material and / or the flavoring agent each having a mean particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular with a volume-related (volumetric) mean particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably in accordance with ISO 13320: 2009, of less than 100 μm, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 99 μm, preferably in the range of 1 to 95 μm, preferably in the range of 5 to 90 μm, particularly preferably in the range of 10 to 85 μm, very particularly preferably in the range from 20 to 80 μm, even more preferably in the range from 30 to 75 μm.  A composition according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the composition comprises the at least one carrier and / or matrix material in an amount in the range of 40 to 60 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 45 to 59 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 48 to 58 wt .-%, more preferably in the range of 49 to 55 wt .-%, even more preferably in the range of 50 to 55 wt .-%, based on the composition comprises.  A composition according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the composition comprises the at least one flavoring agent in an amount in the range of 40 to 60% by weight, in particular in the range of 41 to 55% by weight, preferably in the range of 42 to 52% by weight .-%, more preferably in the range of 45 to 51 wt .-%, even more preferably in the range of 45 to 50 wt .-%, based on the composition comprises.  A composition according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the composition comprises the at least one flavoring agent and the at least one carrier and / or matrix material in a weight ratio of each other of [(flavoring agent): (carrier and / or matrix material)] in the range of 1 : 5 to 5: 1, in particular in the range of 1: 3 to 3: 1, preferably in the range of 1: 2 to 2: 1, preferably in the range of 1: 1.5 to 1.5: 1, based on the composition.  Composition according to one of Claims 30 to 34, wherein the at least one carrier and / or matrix material is selected from the group of sugars, sweeteners, sugar alcohols, starch derivatives and mixtures thereof, in particular wherein the sugars are selected from the group of mannose, maltose, dextrose, lactose, xylose, isomaltulose and mixtures thereof, in particular dextrose and / or isomaltulose, and / or in particular wherein the sugar alcohols are selected from the group of mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol, isomaltitol, maltitol, lactitol and mixtures thereof, in particular sorbitol and / or mannitol, and / or i In particular wherein the starch derivatives are selected from the group of dextrins, maltodextrins and mixtures thereof.  A composition according to any one of claims 30 to 35, wherein the at least one carrier and / or matrix material is selected from dextrose and / or isomaltulose.  A composition according to any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the composition comprises sucrose in an amount of at most 10% by weight, in particular at most 5% by weight, preferably at most 3% by weight, preferably at most 1% by weight, more preferably at most 0.5 wt .-%, based on the composition, and / or wherein the composition is at least substantially free of sucrose.  Composition according to one of claims 30 to 37, wherein the at least one flavoring agent is selected from the group of plant components, (roast) coffee powder, cocoa powder, tea extracts, juice powders and mixtures thereof, in particular plant components, (roast) coffee powder and / or Cocoa powder, more preferably tea leaves, tea drugs and / or cocoa powders. Composition according to any one of claims 30 to 38, wherein the at least one flavoring agent is selected from plant constituents, the plant constituents being selected from the group of in particular dried and / or comminuted constituents of plants, in particular fruits and / or leaves of plants, preferably fruit pieces, preferably fruit pieces of citrus fruits, soft fruits, apples, pears, apricots, peaches, rosehips, pineapples, cherries, bananas, mango, kiwi, papaya, quince and their combinations, tea drugs and / or tea leaves, more preferably tea drugs and / or tea leaves.  A composition according to any one of claims 30 to 39 wherein the composition comprises the at least one flavoring agent in an amount of at least 40% by weight of the composition. A composition according to any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein the composition has at least one further ingredient and / or ingredient, in particular in amounts of from 0.1 to 45 wt .-%, in particular 0.2 to 30 wt .-%, preferably 0.3 to 10 wt .-%, particularly preferably 0 From 5 to 5% by weight, based on the composition; in particular wherein the at least one further constituent and / or ingredient is selected from the group of (i) sweeteners, in particular from the group of acesulfame, cyclamate, glycyrrhizin, aspartame, dulcine, saccharin, steviosides, rebaudiosides, taumatin, sucralose and / or neotame , in particular in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 3 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2 wt .-%, based on the composition; (Ii) flavors and / or flavorings, in particular in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 10 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3 wt .-%, based on the composition; (Iii) acidulants, in particular edible acids, preferably citric acid, tartaric acid and / or malic acid, in particular in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 2 to 8 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 3 to 5 wt .-%, based on the composition; (iv) vitamins and / or minerals, especially vitamin C (ascorbic acid), in particular in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 4 wt .-%, preferably in the range from 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the composition; (V) dyes and / or coloring substances, in particular natural and / or nature-identical dyes and / or colorants, in particular in an amount in the range of 0.001 to 3 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.01 to 2.5 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2 wt .-%, based on the composition; (vi) plant and / or tea extracts, preferably in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 15 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 0.5 to 10 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 1 to 5 Wt .-%, based on the composition.  A composition according to any one of claims 30 to 41, wherein the composition is obtained by means of a rotary disc, multi-fluid nozzle, in particular two-fluid nozzle, jet agglomeration, sieve bottom (hole / slot) or fluidized bed agglomeration, in particular by fluidized bed agglomeration. Composition according to one of claims 30 to 42, wherein the granules and / or agglomerates of the composition have an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D ₅₀ , in particular a volume-related (volumetric) mean particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by means of laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009, in the range of 0.05 to 30 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 to 20 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 10 mm.  A composition according to any one of claims 30 to 43, wherein the composition has a bulk density in the range of 50 to 1000 g / l, in particular in the range of 100 to 900 g / l, preferably in the range of 200 to 800 g / l, preferably in the range of 250 to 600 g / l, more preferably in the range of 350 to 450 g / l.  Composition according to any one of Claims 30 to 44, in which the composition has a residual moisture content in the range from 0.1 to 15% by weight, in particular in the range from 0.2 to 13% by weight, preferably in the range from 0.5 to 10 Wt .-%, based on the composition comprises.  Composition according to claim 45, wherein the composition has a residual moisture in the range of 1 to 20 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 1.5 to 17 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 2 to 15 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 5 to 13 wt .-%, particularly preferably in the range of 8 to 11 wt .-%, based on the composition comprises, in the event that the composition comprises at least one crystal water-containing carrier and / or matrix material; and or wherein the composition has a residual moisture in the range of 0.001 to 10 wt .-%, in particular in the range of 0.01 to 7 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 6 wt .-%, preferably in the range of 0, 5 to 5 wt .-%, based on the composition, has in the event that at least the composition comprises at least one crystal water-free carrier and / or matrix material.  Use of an instant beverage composition in the form of a granulate and / or agglomerate according to one or more of the preceding claims for the preparation of an instant beverage by treatment with a drinkable liquid. Use of at least one preferably finely ground carrier and / or matrix material, in particular in particulate form, and at least one preferably finely ground flavoring agent, for the production of an instant beverage composition, in particular an instant beverage composition intended for the preparation of an instant beverage by treatment with a drinkable liquid , in the form of a granulate and / or agglomerate, preferably according to one or more of claims 1 to 46, wherein the at least one preferably finely ground carrier and / or matrix material, in particular in particulate form, and the at least one preferably finely ground flavors, especially in particulate form, are mixed in a first process step (a), wherein the at least one carrier and / or Matrix material in an amount of at most 60 wt .-%, based on the mixture, is used, wherein in a subsequent process step (a) process step (b) a granulate and / or agglomerate from the obtained in step (a) mixture in which, in a process step (c) following process step (b), the agglomerates and / or granules obtained in process step (b) are dried, in particular with the setting of a predetermined and / or defined residual moisture, and wherein the at least one carrier used - And / or matrix material and / or used at least one Geschma cksbildner each having a mean particle diameter (particle diameter) D50, in particular volume-related (volumetric) mean particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by laser light diffraction, preferably according to ISO 13320: 2009, of less than 100 microns. Use of granules and / or agglomerates for producing an instant beverage composition, in particular an instant beverage composition intended for the preparation of an instant beverage by treatment with a drinkable liquid, in the form of a granulate and / or agglomerate based on at least one carrier and / or or matrix material and at least one flavoring agent, in particular according to one or more of claims 1 to 46, wherein the granules and / or agglomerates are obtainable by a process which comprises the process steps listed below: (a) producing and / or providing a mixture which comprises at least one preferably finely ground carrier and / or matrix material, in particular in particulate form, and at least one preferably finely ground flavoring agent, in particular in particulate form, wherein the at least one carrier and / or or matrix material in an amount of at most 60 wt .-%, based on the mixture, is used (process step (a)); then (b) preparing a granulate and / or agglomerate from the mixture obtained in process step (a) (process step (b)); and then (c) drying of the agglomerates and / or granules obtained in process step (b), in particular by setting a predetermined and / or defined residual moisture (process step c)); wherein the at least one carrier and / or matrix material used and / or the at least one flavoring agent used in each case have an average particle diameter (particle diameter) D50, in particular volume-related (volumetric) mean particle diameter (particle diameter) Dv50, in particular determined by laser light diffraction, preferably in accordance with ISO 13320: 2009, of less than 100 microns. Packaging unit containing an instant beverage composition according to one or more of claims 1 to 46 in the form of a granulate and / or agglomerate.

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