WO2009131436A1

WO2009131436A1 - Drinking yoghurt

Info

Publication number: WO2009131436A1
Application number: PCT/NL2008/050250
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maria Elisabeth Martina De Jong; Margarethe Jennie Meijer; Peter Frederik Zuurendonk
Original assignee: Campina Nederland Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2008-04-25
Filing date: 2008-04-25
Publication date: 2009-10-29

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life, the method comprising: a. fermenting a starting composition comprising milk, a bacterial culture, an emulsifier and a triglyceride oil, to produce a yoghurt having a pH of between 3.5 and 5.5; b. mixing the yoghurt with a carboxymethyl cellulose and optionally one or more further additives to provide a mixture having a pH of between 3.5 and 5.5, more preferably of between 3.8 and 4.5; and c. subjecting the mixture to heat sterilisation and homogenisation, to provide the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life. The present invention also provides a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprising a triglyceride oil, a galactolipid emulsifier and a carboxymethyl cellulose, wherein the carboxymethyl cellulose is present in an amount of 0.1 - 3 wt.%, more preferably of 0.3 - 1.5 wt.% with respect to the weight of the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt.

Description

Drinking yoghurt

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprising a triglyceride oil and a galactolipid emulsifϊer. The invention also provides a method for producing a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Satiety-enhancing yoghurt products comprising a triglyceride oil and a galactolipid emulsifier are known per se. For example, WO9902041 describes a commercially available low-fat yoghurt comprising an added fat emulsion. In one example, the fat emulsion was prepared from fractionated palm oil and fractionated oat oil. Fractionated oat oil is an example of a source of a galactolipid emulsifier.

Drinking yoghurts are also known per se. A drinking yoghurt is generally referred to as an acidified milk drink which is yoghurt-based. The preparation of a drinking yoghurt typically comprises mixing yoghurt with a fruit juice and a sweetener and other taste or nutrients related ingredients.

Drinking yoghurts are either distributed fresh and promoted for their content of live lactobacilli, or heat treated prior to distribution to obtain a prolonged shelf life. A fresh drinking yoghurt comprising an added satiety-enhancing fat emulsion is available on the market as, for example, Optimel Control (Campina, The Netherlands).

The fat emulsion comprises palm oil and oat oil. This drinking yoghurt has not been heat treated after its preparation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Heat treated drinking yoghurts must be stabilised to prevent aggregation of milk protein particles and subsequent sedimentation of milk protein aggregates as such sedimentation generally leads to the drinks developing an undesirable sandy mouth feel and an undesirable serum layer on top of the drinking yoghurt.. It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt which may preferably be heat sterilisable. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an alternative method for preparing a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life, or a long shelf life (LS) drinking yoghurt.

In a first attempt to provide at least one of these desiderata, it was found that a satiety enhancing drinking yoghurt could be obtained by using the yoghurt product comprising the added fat emulsion as a base composition for preparing a drinking yoghurt, the drinking yoghurt further comprising common additives such as a fruit juice, a pectin and an artificial sweetener.

However, when subjecting the drinking yoghurt thus obtained to heat sterilisation, it was found that the stability of the drinking yoghurt was negatively influenced, especially with regard to the triglyceride oil. In particular, after heat sterilisation, it was found that more than 80 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the drinking yoghurt was present as particles having a diameter exceeding 1 μm, whilst before performing the heat sterilisation, at least 50 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the drinking yoghurt would be present as particles having a diameter of less than 1 μm. This apparent lack of stability was considered disadvantageous. Furthermore, it is believed that if more than about 25 vol.%, especially more than about 50 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the drinking yoghurt is present as particles having a diameter larger than 1 μm, the extent to which the triglyceride oil contributes to a satiety feeling after consumption may be reduced. A product was obtained that was considered not to fulfil all consumer demands.

Surprisingly however, it has been found that a heat-sterilisable satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt may be provided by incorporating in the drinking yoghurt one or more stabilizers selected from the group consisting of a carboxymethyl cellulose, a propylene glycol alginate and a soy fibre. Thus, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life, the method comprising: a. fermenting a starting composition comprising milk, a bacterial culture, an emulsifier and a triglyceride oil, to produce a yoghurt having a pH of, preferably, between about 3.5 and about 5.5, more preferably of between 3.8 and 4.5; b. mixing the yoghurt with one or more stabilizers selected from the group consisting of a carboxymethyl cellulose, a propylene glycol alginate and a soy fibre, and optionally with a further additive, to provide a mixture having a pH of, preferably, between about 3.5 and about 5.5, more preferably of between about 3.8 and 4.5; and c. subjecting the mixture to heat sterilisation and optionally to homogenisation, to provide the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life. The triglyceride oil and the emulsifier comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt are preferably present as an oil-in-water emulsion. Emulsification of the triglyceride oil may, for example, be effected by providing an aqueous composition

(such as the starting composition) with the triglyceride oil and the emulsifier, and subjecting the composition thus obtained to a shear force. The shear force may be applied by any suitable means, for example by mixing or homogenisation. The mixing applied in (b.) or the homogenisation applied in (c.) may already provide for the shear force to effect the emulsification of the triglyceride oil with the emulsifier. Of course, other surface active materials which are comprised in the aqueous composition, especially milk proteins, may be present as (co)-emulsifiers for the triglyceride oil. The drinking yoghurt obtained in (c.) may comprise the triglyceride oil, wherein preferably at least about 20 wt.%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least

90%, yet even more preferably at least 95%, of the triglyceride oil, with respect to the weight of the triglyceride oil, is emulsified in an oil-in-water emulsion.

Most preferably, however, the triglyceride oil and the emulsifier are added to the starting composition as an oil-in-water emulsion comprising the triglyceride oil and the emulsifier.

The presence of the one or more stabilizers selected from the group consisting of a carboxymethyl cellulose, a propylene glycol alginate and a soy fibre may advantageously provide for a favourable stability of the drinking yoghurt obtained after heat sterilisation, especially with regard to the triglyceride oil. The presence of said one or more stabilizers may especially enable an added emulsified triglyceride oil to undergo the heat sterilisation under (c.) without significant clustering and/or coalescence of the emulsified triglyceride oil to occur.

In an especially preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the emulsifier and the triglyceride oil are added to the starting composition as an oil-in- water emulsion, wherein (in this oil-in-water emulsion) at least about 25 vol.%, more preferably at least about 50 vol.%, even more preferably at least about 75 vol.% or at least about 95 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the oil-in-water emulsion is present as particles having a size which is smaller than about 1 μm. Accordingly a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life may be favourably provided in (c), wherein at least about 25 vol.%, more preferably at least 50 vol.%, even more preferably at least about 60 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the drinking yoghurt is present as particles having a size which is smaller than about 1 μm. Even more preferably, a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life may be favourably provided in (c), wherein the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprises a total fat content, and wherein at least about 25 vol.%, more preferably at least about 50 vol.%, even more preferably at least about 60 vol.% of the total fat comprised by the drinking yoghurt is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm.

In another aspect, the invention provides a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprising a triglyceride oil, an emulsifier and a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a carboxymethyl cellulose, a propylene glycol alginate and a soy fibre. In a preferred embodiment, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is a heat-sterilised satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt, most preferably an UHT-sterilised satiety- enhancing drinking yoghurt.

The drinking yoghurt may advantageously be heat sterilised whilst retaining an acceptable stability, especially with regard to the triglyceride oil. The presence of said one or more stabilizers may especially enable emulsified triglyceride oil to undergo heat sterilisation without significant clustering and/or coalescence of the emulsified triglyceride oil to occur.

It is preferred that at least 25 vol.%, more preferably at least 50 vol.%, most preferably at least about 60 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the drinking yoghurt is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm. Even more preferably, the drinking yoghurt comprises a total fat content, whereby at least 25 vol.%, even more preferably at least about 50 vol.%, most preferably at least about 60 vol.% of the total fat comprised by the drinking yoghurt is present as particles having a size which is smaller than about 1 μm. The stabilizer preferably comprises a carboxymethyl cellulose. More preferably, the stabilizer is a carboxymethyl cellulose. In an embodiment, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt may comprise the carboxymethyl cellulose and one or more of the other above-mentioned other stabilizers. The emulsifier preferably comprises a galactolipid. The emulsifier is preferably provided as an oat oil, even more especially a galactolipid-enriched oat oil, such as a fractionated oat oil. Thus, the drinking yoghurt preferably comprises an oat oil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions and conventions

In this specification, a weight percentage of a component in a composition or mixture, expressed as % (w/w) or as wt.% or as wt%, refers to the weight of the component expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the composition or mixture, respectively, unless indicated otherwise.

Herein, the terms "emulsifier", "stabilizer", and "triglyceride" preferably relate to an added emulsifier, an added stabilizer, or to an added triglyceride, respectively, unless indicated otherwise. Contents of the "emulsifier", "stabilizer", and "triglyceride" herein preferably relate to the contents of the added emulsifier, added stabilizer or the added triglyceride, respectively, unless indicated otherwise.

An oil-in-water emulsion preferably relates to an oil dispersed in an aqueous solution or composition. In view of the above-mentioned preferred definition of an oil, the dispersed oil may be present as liquid or solid or partially solid particles. The oil is preferably dispersed in the presence of an emulsifier. Hereby, the emulsifier preferably resides at the interface of the oil particles and the aqueous phase. The term "oil-in- water emulsion" is known to the person skilled in the art.

The term "a triglyceride oil which is emulsified with an emulsifier as an oil-in- water emulsion" or the term "an oil-in-water emulsion comprising the triglyceride oil and the emulsifier" preferably relates to an aqueous solution or composition comprising the triglyceride oil, wherein the triglyceride oil is present as particles which are dispersed in the presence of the emulsifier. It is understood that other surface-active materials comprised by the aqueous emulsion may be present as (co)-emulsifiers for the triglyceride oil. Such surface-active materials may preferably relate to dairy proteins and phospholipids, which may for example be present in the starting composition and/or in the drinking yoghurt. The emulsifier according to the present invention is preferably able to emulsify at least 20 wt.% of the triglyceride oils, even more preferably more than about 85 wt.%, most preferably more than about 90 or 95 wt.% with respect to the weight of the triglyceride oils. The emulsifier is generally a compound comprising a hydrophilic and a lipophilic part. The lipophilic part is preferably composed of one or more fatty acids selected from the group consisting of C8-C32 fatty acids, and is even more preferably composed of stearic, palmitic, oleic, or linoleic acid or a combination of said fatty acids. The hydrophilic part is preferably composed of hydroxyl, carboxyl, or oxyethylene groups. Preferably, the hydrophilic part comprises one or more sugar moieties. Preferably, the emulsifier does not comprise a protein.

Examples of suitable emulsifiers are lecithins, mono-and diglycerides, propylene glycol monoesters of fatty acids, lactylated esters of fatty acids, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, sorbitan esters of fatty acids, ethoxylated esters of fatty acids, succinylated esters of fatty acids, fruit acid esters of fatty acids, acetylated mono- and diglycerides, phosphated mono-and diglycerides and sucrose esters of fatty acids.

A particularly preferred emulsifier according to the invention is a galactolipid emulsifier, i.e. a galactolipid. Galactolipids belong to the group of glyco lipids, which are well known constituents of plant cell membranes. The most important classes of these contain one to four sugars linked glycosidically to a diacylglycerol. The two most abundant classes contain one and two galactose units, respectively, and the commonly used nomenclature and abbreviations of these are mono- and digalactosyldiglyceride, MGDG and DGDG. Thus, the emulsifier preferably comprises one or more galactolipids selected from the group consisting of a mono- and a digalactosyldiglyceride. Even more preferably, the galactolipid is preferably selected as one or more galactolipids selected from the group consisting of a mono- and a digalactosyldiglyceride.

In a preferred embodiment, the galactolipid is provided as an oat oil, even more preferably as a fractionated oat oil. The galactolipid fraction of said oat oil is preferably between about 10 and 100 wt.% with respect to the weight of the added source of the galactolipid. For example, a fractionated oat oil comprising about 20% DGDG may be obtained from LTP Lipid Technologies Provider AB, Karlshamn, Sweden, or it may be prepared from oats in accordance with WO 9711141, which is incorporated by reference herein. Another preferred source of a galactolipid emulsifier may be obtained as CPL®-Galactolipids; this emulsifier comprises about 60% DGDG and may be obtained from LTP Lipid Technologies Provider AB, Karlshamn, Sweden, or it may be prepared from oats in accordance with WO 9520943. An oil-in-water emulsion comprising the triglyceride oil and an oat oil is available as Fabuless® (ex DSM Food Specialties, The Netherlands)(see also below).

The term "triglyceride oil" is an oil comprising a triacylglycerol. Herein, the term "triacylglycerol" relates to glycerol esterified to three fatty acids. The fatty acids may be the same or different. The term "triglyceride" is known to the person skilled in the art and preferably relates to a triacylglycerol. The term "oil" preferably comprises an oil, a fat, a mixture of oils, a mixture of fats, and a mixture of one or more oils and fats. The oils and fats are preferably edible.

It is highly preferred that the triglyceride oil has a high content of the triacylglycerol. That is, the triglyceride oil is preferably a lipid or a mixture of lipids having a triacylglycerol content of between about 95 - 100 wt.%, with respect to the weight of the triglyceride oil. Even more preferably, the triglyceride oil is a lipid or a mixture of lipids having a triacylglycerol content of between about 98 - 100 wt.%, with respect to the weight of the triglyceride oil. It is believed that a high triacylglycerol content of the triglyceride oil, which is preferably of between about 95 and 100 wt.% with respect to the weight of the triglyceride oil, beneficially contributes to the satiety- enhancing effect of the triglyceride oil. Triglyceride oils having a triacylglycerol content of 95 wt.% or more are conveniently obtainable as fractionated triglyceride oils, preferably as fractionated palm oils A particularly preferred triglyceride oil according to the invention is a fractionated palm oil. The fractionated palm oil is preferably fractionated to specific mixtures of suitable triglycerides, based on the combination of mainly palmitic, oleic, linoleic and stearic esters of glycerol, respectively. Preferably the content of triglycerides in the palm oil fraction should be not less than about 99 % by weight. A suitable fractionated palm oil may be conveniently commercially available, for example as CPL®- Palm Oil from LTP Lipid Technologies Provider AB, Karlshamn, Sweden.

The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt may comprise milk fat. Preferably, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprises a total fat content. The total fat content comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt preferably relates to the content of chloroform-extractable material comprised by the drinking yoghurt. Alternatively or additionally, the total fat content comprised by the drinking yoghurt preferably relates to the sum of (1), the triglyceride oil, (2) the milk fat comprised by the drinking yoghurt (if any), and preferably (3) the fat fraction of the emulsifier, expressed as a wt. % with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt. The fat fraction of the emulsifier comprises at least any mono-, di-, and triglycerides, including any galactolipids. The fat fraction of the emulsifier may also comprise a lecithin.

For example, if the drinking yoghurt comprises about 0.5 wt.% milk fat, about 2 wt.% of an added fractionated palm oil and about 0.1 wt.% of an added oat oil, the oat oil comprising about 20 wt.% of one or more galactolipids and about 80 wt.% of a mixture of mono- di and triglycerides of fatty acids, then the total fat content of the drinking yoghurt is provided by the milk fat, by the added fractionated palm oil and by the added oat oil, and amounts to (0.5 + 2 + 0.1 = ) 2.6 wt.%, with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt. Said drinking yoghurt comprises (20 % of 0.1 wt.% =) 0.02 wt.% of an added emulsifier, i.e. the one or more galactolipids.

Soy fibre is a dietary fibre which may be derived from the cell wall of soy beans. It may comprise both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre. The insoluble dietary fibre fraction preferably has a volume-surface averaged particle size smaller than 50 μm. More preferably, the insoluble fibre fraction has a maximum particle size, preferably in one or more dimensions, more preferably in all dimensions, of less than about 50 μm. Accordingly, the drinking yoghurt may have a pleasant, smooth mouthfeel. Most preferably, the soy fibre comprises a soluble dietary fibre. It is most preferred that the soy fibre comprises a soluble soy fibre in an amount of at least about 50 wt.%, more preferably in an amount of at least about 90% with respect to the weight of the soy fibre. It is believed that it is mainly the soluble fraction of the soy fibre which may contribute to the stabilizing effect. In an especially preferred embodiment, the soy fibre is a soluble soy fibre. Such a soluble soy fibre may be obtained, for example, as Soyafibe-S-DA 300 or as Soyafibe-S-DA 100, ex Fuji Oil. Propylene glycol alginate is an ester of alginic acid and 1,2-propanediol. Part or all of the carboxyl groups of the alginic acid may be esterified with this diol. Propylene glycol alginate may be classified in many countries as a food additive. For example, within the European Economic Community, propylene glycol alginate may be classified as E405. A suitable propylene glycol alginate may be obtained as Protanal® Ester PGA ex FMC (the Netherlands) .

The size of oil particles comprised by an oil-in-water emulsion, especially a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt, is preferably quantitatively determined using laser light diffraction (Malvern Multisizer). Preferably, at least part of the total fat comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is present as an oil- in- water emulsion, i.e. present as particles. Most preferably, essentially the total volume of the total fat comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is present as particles. In order to properly asses the distribution of these fat particles, any possibly disturbing protein particles are preferably removed by treatment of the drinking yoghurt with an aqueous solution comprising EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid), SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) and NaOH. In order to remove any possibly disturbing starch particles, if present, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is preferably first treated with an amylase. The EDTA/SDS/NaOH solution may be suitably prepared as described in the Examples. The pre-treatment for removal of protein particles comprises diluting a sample of the drinking yoghurt 10 fold with the EDTA/SDS/NaOH solution and incubate the resulting mixture for about 30 minutes before subjecting it to laser light diffraction measurements (or light microscopy, see below). A suitable way to perform the amylase pre-treatment, in case the drinking yoghurt comprises starch, is described in the Examples. If any additional insoluble non-lipid particle matter is still left, this is preferably removed from the preferably already pre-treated drinking yoghurt before subjecting it to laser light diffraction measurements. Hereto, conventional methods may be employed, for example mild centrifugation.

The size of these fat particles comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt may also be qualitatively assessed using light microscopy. Hereto, the drinking yoghurt is preferably first pre-treated with the EDTA/SDS/NaOH solution and optionally also with the amylase. The sample thus obtained is then further examined by light microscopy in order to study the oil-in-water emulsions comprising the triglyceride oil. In case a drinking yoghurt has been destabilised during heat sterilisation, large fat particles may show up as bright areas when using polarised light, preferably at a magnification of 400 (10x40).

The term "drinking yoghurt" preferably relates to "satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt". This drinking yoghurt is especially an "UHT satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt" or "UHT-sterilized satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt" or "satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt with long shelf life".

The drinking yoghurt in all of its aspects, as well as methods for its preparation, will be further described below. Preferred embodiments of the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt

Preferred emulsifier type. A preferred emulsifier of the invention is lecithin, for instance produced from egg yolk, milk, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and rapeseed oil, which consists of a mixture of mainly phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Lecithin refers in this context to crude mixtures of said phospholipids which are obtained on degumming of the starting materials, and which are commercially available as food emulsifiers.

The emulsifier is most preferably however a galactolipid (also indicated as galactolipid emulsifier). Such an emulsifier is conveniently provided as an oat oil. The oat oil is preferably a fractionated oat oil; i.e. the oat oil is enriched with respect to the galactolipids by fractionation (or other methods known in the art). It has been advantageously found that a food product comprising an oil-in-water emulsion comprising a triglyceride oil and a galactolipid (preferably provided as an oat oil) may further enhance a feeling of satiety which may be experienced by a consumer after ingestion of the food product, as compared with the feeling of satiety provoked by ingestion of the otherwise same food product not containing the oil-in-water emulsion.

Preferred amount of stabilizer. The stabilizer is preferably present in an amount of about 0.1 - 5 wt.% with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt. It may be preferred to incorporate less than about 5 wt.% of the stabiliser in the drinking yoghurt, especially in view of cost effectiveness. It may also be preferred to incorporate more than about 0.1 wt.% of the stabiliser in the drinking yoghurt, because the stability of the drinking yoghurt during heat stabilisation may be negatively affected at lower concentrations of the stabiliser.

Preferred type of stabilizer. In a preferred embodiment, the stabiliser is selected as a carboxymethyl cellulose. The carboxymethyl cellulose may have a better overall compliance with food ingredient regulations and/or may provide for a cleaner taste of the drinking yoghurt. Very good results were obtained with the carboxymethyl cellulose. Preferably, the carboxymethyl cellulose is present in a concentration of between about 0.1 and 3 wt.%. Accordingly, a very good stabilisation of the at least partly emulsified triglyceride oil may be obtained. Even more preferably, the carboxymethyl cellulose is present in a concentration of about 0.3 - 1.5 wt.% with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt. Accordingly, an optimal mouthfeel of the drinking yoghurt may additionally be provided. Further preferably, the carboxymethyl cellulose has a weight-averaged molecular weight of between about 10³ -10⁷, more preferably of between about 10⁴ - 10⁶. Within the indicated preferred molecular weight ranges, the carboxymethyl cellulose may provide a preferred balance of stabilising properties and mouthfeel. It is noted that the preferred concentration ranges for the carboxymethyl cellulose also pertain to the preferred concentration ranges of the propylene glycol and of the soy fibre, when separately applied. The stabilizers may be employed either alone or in combination with one another. Thus, the one or more stabilizers are preferably present in a concentration of between about 0.1 and 3 wt.% (total amount of the one or more stabilizers), even more preferably in a concentration of about 0.3-1.5 wt.% with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt.

Preferred type of the triglyceride oil. It is preferred that the triglyceride oil is chosen as one or more oils selected from the group consisting of palm oil, cocoa butter, and other fats having a solid fat content at ambient to body temperature. Herein, ambient temperature preferably relates to a temperature of approx. 20 ⁰C. Body temperature preferably relates to a temperature of approx. 35-37 ⁰C.

Preferably, the triglyceride oil is a vegetable triglyceride oil. The term "vegetable oil" is known to the person skilled in the art and preferably relates to a plant-derived oil. The triglyceride oil may comprise a processed triglyceride oil, such as a hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated triglyceride oil. Further examples of suitable and preferred triglyceride oils are illipe butter, shea butter, kokum butter, and sal butter. Other examples of preferred triglyceride oils are hydrogenated or partly hydrogenated soybean oil, rapeseed oil, cotton oil and sunflower oil or fractions thereof. The triglyceride oil may also comprise a synthetic triglyceride oil. It is believed that the presence of a solid fat content at ambient to body temperature, especially at a temperature of approx. 35 ⁰C, beneficially contributes to the satiety-enhancing effect of the drinking yoghurt.

It is especially preferred that the triglyceride oil has a solid fat content at 20 ⁰C of at least about 10%, and/or that the triglyceride oil has a solid fat content at 35 ⁰C of at least about 2%, whereby the solid fat content is preferably determined according to IUPAC method 2.150, 7^th edition. Even more preferably, the triglyceride oil has a solid fat content at 35 ⁰C of at least about 4%. Even more preferably, the triglyceride oil has a solid fat content at 35 ⁰C of at least about 5%. A suitable triglyceride oil having a solid fat content of approx. 6% at 35 ⁰C may, for example, be obtained as CPL®-Palm Oil (vide supra). A suitable triglyceride oil having a solid fat content of approx. 5% at 35 ⁰C may, for example, be obtained as Akofrite (a palm oil commercially available from Karlshamns, Karlshamn, Sweden). Preferred amount of triglyceride oil. Preferably, the drinking yoghurt comprises the triglyceride oil in an amount of about 0.1-10 wt.%, more preferably in an amount of about 0.25-6 wt.%, most preferably in an amount of about 1-5 wt.% with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt. Within the indicated ranges, the drinking yoghurt may provide a pleasant mouthfeel and a sufficient satiety-enhancing effect whilst allowing the caloric value of the drinking yoghurt due to its total fat content may be kept at an acceptably low level.

Preferred ratio emulsifier : triglyceride oil. The emulsifier and the triglyceride oil are preferably present in a weight ratio of about 1:5000 - 1:5, more preferably in a ratio of about 1:1000 - 1:10. Preferably, the emulsifier is present in an amount of about 0.02-10 wt.% with respect to the triglyceride oil comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt. Preferably, the one or more galactolipids are present in an amount of about 0.02-10 wt.% with respect to the total fat content comprised by the satiety- enhancing drinking yoghurt. Further, the emulsifier is preferably comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt in an amount of 0.001 wt.% - 0.5 wt.%, even more preferably in an amount of 0.01 - 0.1 wt.%, with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt. Hence, in an embodiment the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprises 0.001 - 0.5 wt.% emulsifier, especially galactolipid, with respect to the weight of the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt. The indicated ranges are especially preferred, especially in case the emulsifier is a galactolipid or in case the emulsifier comprises a galactolipid. If the emulsifier comprises a galactolipid, the indicated ranges most favourably apply to the galactolipid comprised by the emulsifier.

The galactolipid is preferably selected as one or more galactolipids selected from the group consisting of a mono- and a digalactosyldiglyceride. Within the indicated ranges, the drinking yoghurt may have particularly favourable properties, especially with regard to its satiety-enhancing properties. It is believed that the lower amount of the emulsifier, especially with respect to the triglyceride oil, is beneficial for stabilising at least a fraction of the triglyceride oil in the drinking yoghurt as small particles, cf. under the section titled "preferred particle size". On the other hand, it is thought that above the upper amount of the emulsifier, or above the upper emulsifier : triglyceride oil ratio, the satiety-enhancing effect of the drinking yoghurt may be negatively affected. Preferred additives. Preferably, the drinking yoghurt comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of a fruit juice, a fruit preparation, a starch, a hydrocolloid, an aroma, a colourant, a sugar, a sweetener, a vitamin, a pH modifier, a preservative, a mineral such as calcium, a micronutrient, an insoluble dietary fibre, and a soluble dietary fibre such as inulin. Herein, the micronutrient especially relates to one or more additives suitable for providing a meal replacer. Herein, the sugar is preferably selected from the group consisting of saccharose, glucose, and fructose; the sweetener is preferably selected from the group consisting of cyclamate, saccharine, sucralose, aspartame and acesulfame-K; the aroma may be any natural or artificial flavouring agent, preferably a food-grade flavouring agent, for example a flavouring agent selected from the group consisting of vanilla flavour, banana flavour, strawberry flavour, and raspberry flavour and the colourant may be any natural or artificial colorant, even more preferably a food-grade colorant, for example a colorant selected from the group consisting of beetroot, beta-carotene, cochenille red, caramel, and annatto. The hydrocolloid is preferably selected as a galactomannan, a gum arabic, a guar gum, a locust bean gum a gellan gum or a xanthan gum. In an embodiment, the hydrocolloid may not comprise a pectin. The starch may be a native starch or a modified starch.

In a preferred embodiment, the additives do not comprise the one or more stabilizers according to the present invention.

Macronutrient composition. The drinking yoghurt preferably comprises a total fat content, a total protein content and a total carbohydrate content.

The total fat content preferably ranges between about 0.1 - 10 wt.%, more preferably about 1-8 wt.%, even more preferably about 1.5 - 6 wt.% with respect to the weight of the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt. Preferably at least about 70 wt.%, more preferably at least about 80 wt.%, more preferably at least about 90%, most preferably at least about 95 wt% of the total fat content is provided by the triglyceride oil. Even more preferably, at least about 95% of the total fat content is provided by the triglyceride oil. It is believed that a high percentage of the total fat content being present as the triglyceride may favourably contribute to the satiety-enhancing effect of the drinking yoghurt.

It is further preferred that the triglyceride oil has a high triacylglycerol content. Thus, preferably, at least about 70 wt.%, more preferably at least 80 wt.%, more preferably at least about 90%, most preferably at least about 95 wt% of the total fat content is provided as a triacylglycerol. It is believed that a high percentage of the total fat content being present as the triglyceride favourably contributes to the satiety- enhancing effect of the drinking yoghurt. It is believed that a high percentage of the total fat content being present as the triglyceride may especially favourably contributes to the satiety-enhancing effect of the drinking yoghurt.

Alternatively, more preferably additionally, less than about 10% of the total fat content is provided as milk fat. More specifically, it is preferred that the satiety- enhancing drinking yoghurt comprises milk fat in an amount of less than about 1 wt.%, more preferably in an amount of less than about 0.5 wt.%, even more preferably in an amount of less than about 0.1 wt% with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt. Preferably, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt has been prepared from skim milk, and preferably contains no added dairy-based oils other than traces of oil which may be comprised by a dairy protein concentrate or isolate. It is believed that a relatively low milk fat content and/or a relatively high triglyceride oil content, as a percentage of the total fat content, is beneficial for providing a satisfactory satiety-enhancing effect whilst keeping the total fat intake relatively modest.

The total carbohydrate content preferably ranges between about 0 and 40 wt.%, more preferably between about 0.1 and 30 wt.%, even more preferably between 0.1% and 10 wt.%, most preferably between 0.5 and 5 wt.% with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt, and may depend on whether or not the drinking yoghurt comprises a sweetener.

The total protein content preferably ranges between about 0.5 and 20 wt.% more preferably between about 1 and 10 wt.%, even more preferably between about 1.5 and 6 wt.% with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt. A high protein content may favourably contribute to any health promoting properties and/or to the satiety- enhancing properties of the drinking yoghurt. On the other hand, the protein content should be low enough in order to not to negatively affect the overall organoleptic quality of the drinking yoghurt. An upper total protein content of approx. 6 wt.% may be preferable during the preparation of the drinking yoghurt, especially in (b.) of the method according to the present invention.

Preferred unit dose. To invoke a satisfactory satiety-enhancing effect whilst keeping the total fat intake to an acceptable level, the drinking yoghurt is preferably consumed in a unit dose of approximately 50 - 500 mL, more preferably in a unit dose of approximately 75 - 250 mL. This means that preferably, a volume of 50-500 mL or more preferably a volume of 75 - 250 mL of the drinking yoghurt is consumed per 6 hours. Said volume is preferably consumed in its entirety, within a time period of approximately 1 second to 5 minutes. Preferred particle size. It is preferred that at least about 25 vol.%, more preferably at least about 50 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the drinking yoghurt is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm. It is even more preferred that at least about 60 or even at least about 75 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the drinking yoghurt is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm. It is believed that the larger the fraction of the triglyceride oil comprised as such small particles by the drinking yoghurt, the more pronounced the satiety-enhancing effect of the drinking yoghurt may be. It is especially preferred that the drinking yoghurt comprises a total fat content, whereby at least about 50 vol.% of the total fat comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 mm.

The fat particle size may also be qualitatively assessed. Preferably, the triglyceride oil comprised by the drinking yoghurt is present as particles which do not show up as bright areas when viewed under a light microscope with crossed polarizers, the light microscope providing a magnification of 400 times. Most preferably, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprises a total fat content, whereby the total fat comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is present as particles which do not show up as bright areas when viewed under a light microscope with crossed polarizers, the light microscope providing a magnification of 400 times.

Especially in case the drinking yoghurt comprises an added starch, an added fibre or other added non-lipid particulate material which could show up in polarised light microscopy, the drinking yoghurt, preferably after removal, solubilisation or degradation of non-lipid solid matter comprised by the drinking yoghurt - preferably does not show up as bright areas when viewed under a light microscope with crossed polarizers, the light microscope providing a magnification of 400 times.

Miscellaneous. Preferably, the drinking yoghurt has a germ count of less than about 5 cells per mL of the drinking yoghurt. Herein, the germ count preferably relates to the count of yeasts and fungi. The count of yeasts and fungi is preferably determined according to an oxytetracycline-glucose agar plate test.

Hence, the present invention also provides a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprising an triglyceride oil, a galactolipid emulsifϊer and one or more stabilizers selected from the group consisting of a carboxymethyl cellulose, a propylene glycol alginate and a soy fibre, wherein the drinking yoghurt has a germ count of less than about 5 cells per mL of the drinking yoghurt. Even more preferably, the drinking yoghurt has a germ count of 2 germs or less, per mL of the drinking yoghurt. Most preferably, no germs can be detected in the drinking yoghurt, especially with regard to the count of yeasts and fungi as preferably determined above. Especially the low germ count may advantageously provide the drinking yoghurt with a prolonged shelf life. Such advantage may also apply to the heat-sterilised drinking yoghurt. The shelf life of such a drinking yoghurt is preferably more than 1 month, even more preferably 2 months or more, most preferably 3 months or more. The shelf life may be less than about two years. Keeping the drinking yoghurt for a longer time may have a negative effect on the organoleptic quality of the drinking yoghurt. The shelf life is preferably specified at a storage temperature of between about 0 and 50 °C, even more preferably between about 10 and 40 °C or between about 15 and 35 °C or at around ambient temperature. A storage temperature lower than 0 °C may cause the drinking yoghurt to freeze. A storage temperature higher than 50 °C may cause the formation of off- flavours in the drinking yoghurt, if the drinking yoghurt is exposed to this storage temperature for too long.

In an especially preferred aspect, the present invention provides a satiety- enhancing drinking yoghurt comprising a total fat content of between about 0.1 and 10 wt.%, one or more galactolipids, and a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a carboxymethyl cellulose, a propylene glycol alginate and a soy fibre. The stabilizer is preferably selected as a carboxymethyl cellulose. Preferably, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprises a triglyceride oil, wherein the triglyceride oil provides 70- 100 wt.% of the total fat content comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt. The triglyceride oil is preferably present in an amount of about 0.5 - 6 wt.%, even more preferably in an amount of about 1-5 wt.%, with regard to the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt. Preferably, the triglyceride oil has a solid fat content at 35 ⁰C of at least about 2%, more preferably of at least about 4%, even more preferably of at least about 5%, whereby the solid fat content is preferably determined according to IUPAC method 2.150, 7^th edition.

Even more preferably, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprises a total fat content, wherein at least 2% of the total fat content is present as solid fat at 35 ⁰C. Even more preferably, at least about 4%, even more preferably of at least about 5%, of the total fat content is present as solid fat at 35 ⁰C, whereby the solid fat content is preferably determined according to IUPAC method 2.150, 7^th edition. The triglyceride oil is preferably a vegetable oil.

The one or more galactolipids are preferably selected from the group consisting of a mono- and digalactosyldiglyceride. Preferably, the one or more galactolipids are present in an amount of about 0.02-10 wt.% with respect to the triglyceride oil comprised by the drinking yoghurt. Preferably, the one or more galactolipids are present in an amount of about 0.02-10 wt.% with respect to the total fat content comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt. The one or more galactolipids are preferably provided as an oat oil comprising at least about 10 wt.% of the one or more galactolipids, with respect to the weight of the oat oil.

The drinking yoghurt preferably comprises a total fat content of between about 0.5 and 7 wt.%, even more preferably of between about 1.5 and 6 wt.%.

It is especially preferred that the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprises milk fat in an amount of less than about 1 wt.% , most preferably in an amount of less than about 0.5 or 0.1 wt%, with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt.

Preferably, at least about 50 vol.% of the total fat comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm.

Method for preparing a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life

In a preferred embodiment, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt obtained by one or more of the methods according to the present invention is one of the satiety- enhancing drinking yoghurts according to the present invention and all of its embodiments per se. It is understood that the advantages presented for all embodiments of the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurts according to the present invention may also pertain to any drinking yoghurts obtained or obtainable by the method for preparing a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to the present invention, and all of its embodiments.

Vice versa, it is understood that the advantages presented for all aspects and embodiments of the drinking yoghurt obtainable by the method according to the present invention may also pertain to any satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to the invention per se, and all of its embodiments. Emulsification of the triglyceride oil. The starting composition in (a.) is preferably obtained in such a way that at least about 25 vol.%, even more preferably at least about 50 vol.%, even more preferably at least about 75 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the starting composition is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm. To this end, the starting composition, preferably excluding the bacterial culture, may be subjected to homogenisation, stirring, ultra-turraxing or another high-shear treatment. Herein, the triglyceride oil is preferably melted before subjecting the high- shear treatment. The bacterial culture is preferably added after said high-shear treatment is completed. Even more preferably, however, the emulsifier and the triglyceride oil are conveniently added as an oil-in-water emulsion comprising the triglyceride oil and the emulsifier. Thus, preferably, the starting composition in (a.) comprising milk, a bacterial culture, an emulsifier and a triglyceride oil is provided by adding the following ingredients to the milk: i. an oil-in-water emulsion of the triglyceride oil with the emulsifier in an aqueous solution; ii. the bacterial culture; and iii. optionally, one or more further ingredients which are suitable for producing yoghurt, such as an added dairy protein.

Herein, preferably, at least about 25 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the oil-in water type emulsion is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm. Even more preferably, at least about 50 vol.%, or even more preferably at least about 75 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the oil-in-water emulsion is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm. Preferably, essentially all of the total fat content of the added oil-in-water emulsion is provided by the triglyceride oil and by the emulsifier. Preferably, the triglyceride oil is a palm oil. Preferably, the emulsifier is provided as an oat oil. Such an oil-in-water emulsion is conveniently available as, for example, Fabuless® (ex DSM Food Specialties, The Netherlands). Also, such an oil-in-water emulsion may be conveniently prepared according to any one of Examples 1-4 disclosed in WO 99/02041, which is herein incorporated by reference.

Aqueous stabilizing solution. The one or more stabilizers according to the present invention are preferably mixed with the yoghurt as an aqueous stabilizing solution comprising the one or more stabilizers. According to this embodiment, the one or more stabilizers are preferably selected as a carboxymethyl cellulose.

The aqueous stabilizing solution conveniently comprises the one or more stabilizers, especially the carboxymethyl cellulose, in a concentration of 0.1-10% by weight, with respect to the weight of the solution. The aqueous stabilizing solution may preferably comprise one or more of the further additives, if present. Preferably, the aqueous stabilizing solution comprises all of the one or more further additives, if present. In an especially preferred embodiment, the aqueous stabilizing solution is mixed in-line with the yoghurt.

The aqueous stabilizing solution is preferably mixed with the yoghurt to provide a mixture in (b.) which comprises the yoghurt obtained in (a.) in an amount of about 50-99.5 wt.% with respect to the weight of the mixture. Accordingly, the drinking yoghurt obtained in (b.) or (c.) may comprise sufficient yoghurt to provide a preferred taste, whilst the aqueous stabilizing solution may be conveniently and accurately mixed with the yoghurt. Final concentration of the stabilizer in the drinking yoghurt. Preferably, the one or more stabilizers, especially the carboxymethyl cellulose, is mixed in (b.) with the yoghurt in an amount to provide in (c.) a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life, the drinking yoghurt comprising the one or more stabilizers, especially the carboxymethyl cellulose, in a concentration of 0.1 - 5 wt.%, more preferably in a concentration of 0.1 - 3 wt.%, even more preferably in a concentration of 0.3 - 1.5 wt.%, with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt.

Milk fat and type of milk. Preferably, the mixture obtained in (b.) is provided such that the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life obtained in (c.) comprises milk fat in an amount of less than about 1 wt.%, more preferably in an amount of less than about 0.5 wt.%, even more preferably in an amount of less than about 0.1 wt%, with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt.

In order to keep the milk fat content of the drinking yoghurt down, it is especially preferred that the milk employed in (a.) is a fat-reduced milk, preferably skim milk.

Homogenisation. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises subjecting the mixture obtained under (b.) to homogenisation in (c). Homogenisation may preferably contribute to the mouthfeel and/or the stability of the drinking yoghurt. The mixture is preferably subjected to homogenisation before or after heat sterilisation. It may also be possible to apply homogenisation and heat sterilisation simultaneously. In order to obtain the best results, homogenising is preferably performed at a temperature of 30-90 ⁰C and at a pressure of at least about 40 bar, and preferably takes place in one pass or in two passes. The maximum homogenising pressure is preferably and practically limited to about 1000 bar, more preferably to about 300 or 200 bar. However, if the starting composition in (a.) comprising milk, a bacterial culture, an emulsifier and a triglyceride oil is provided by a method comprising adding an oil- in- water emulsion of the triglyceride oil with the emulsifier in an aqueous solution to the milk, then the maximum homogenisation pressure is preferably kept below 600 bar, more preferably below 500 bar, more preferably below 400 bar. A higher homogenisation pressure could destroy the oil- in- water emulsion of the triglyceride oil with the emulsifier in an aqueous solution.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an alternative method for producing a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life, the method comprising: a. fermenting a composition comprising milk, a bacterial culture, an emulsifier, a triglyceride oil and a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a carboxymethylcellulose, a propylene glycol alginate and a soy fibre, to provide a fermented composition having a pH of between about 3.5 and 5.5, more preferably of between about 3.8 and 4.5; b. optionally mixing the composition thus obtained with a further additive, whereby the pH of the composition is kept between about 3.5 and 5.5, more preferably between about 3.8 and 4.5; and c. subjecting the composition thus obtained to heat sterilisation and optionally to homogenisation, to provide the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life.

According to this alternative method, the stabilizer may already be added before and/or during the fermentation, in (a.). This method may provide a convenient alternative.

In a preferred embodiment, the drinking yoghurt obtained by this alternative method according to the present invention is the drinking yoghurt according to the present invention and all of its embodiments per se. It is understood that the advantages presented for all embodiments of the drinking yoghurt according to the present invention may also pertain to any drinking yoghurts obtained or obtainable by this alternative method for preparing a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to the present invention, and all of its embodiments.

Emulsification of the triglyceride oil. The starting composition in (a.) is preferably obtained in such a way that at least about 25 vol.%, even more preferably at least about 50 vol.%, even more preferably at least about 75 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the starting composition is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm.

To this end, the starting composition, preferably excluding the bacterial culture and further preferably also excluding the one or more stabilizers, may be subjected to homogenisation, stirring, ultra-turraxing or another high-shear treatment. Herein, the triglyceride oil is preferably melted before subjecting the high-shear treatment. The bacterial culture and/or the one or more stabilizers are preferably added after said high- shear treatment is completed. According to this alternative method, the emulsifier and the triglyceride oil are conveniently added as an oil-in-water emulsion comprising the triglyceride oil and the emulsifier (see also above). Preferably, the composition in (a.) comprising milk, a bacterial culture, an emulsifier, a triglyceride oil and one or more stabilizers selected from the group consisting of a carboxymethyl cellulose, a propylene glycol alginate and a soy fibre is provided by adding the following ingredients to the milk: i. an oil-in-water emulsion of the triglyceride oil with the emulsifier in an aqueous solution; ii. the bacterial culture; iii. the one or more stabilizers and iv. optionally, one or more further ingredients which are suitable for producing yoghurt, such as an added dairy protein.

Herein, preferably, at least about 25 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the oil-in water type emulsion is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm. Even more preferably, at least about 50 vol.% or even more preferably at least about 75 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the oil- in- water emulsion is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm. Preferably, essentially all of the total fat content of the added oil-in-water emulsion is provided by the triglyceride oil and by the emulsifier. Preferably, the triglyceride oil is a palm oil. Preferably, the emulsifier is provided as an oat oil. Such an oil-in-water emulsion is conveniently available as, for example, Fabuless® (ex DSM Food Specialties, The Netherlands).

Also, such an oil-in-water emulsion may be conveniently prepared according to any one of Examples 1-4 disclosed in WO 99/02041, which is herein incorporated by reference.

Homogenisation. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises subjecting the mixture obtained under (a.) or the composition obtained in (b.) to homogenisation in (c). Homogenisation may preferably contribute to the mouthfeel and/or the stability of the drinking yoghurt. The mixture is preferably subjected to homogenisation before or after heat sterilisation. It may also be possible to apply homogenisation and heat sterilisation simultaneously. In order to obtain the best results, homogenising is preferably performed at a temperature of 30-90 ⁰C and at a pressure of at least about 40 bar, and preferably takes place in one pass or in two passes. The maximum homogenising pressure is preferably and practically limited to about 1000 bar, more preferably to about 300 or 200 bar.

However, if the starting composition in (a.) comprising milk, a bacterial culture, an emulsifier and a triglyceride oil is provided by a method comprising adding an oil- in-water emulsion of the triglyceride oil with the emulsifier in an aqueous solution (such as Fabuless®, see above) to the milk, then the maximum homogenisation pressure is preferably kept below 600 bar, more preferably below 500 bar, more preferably below 400 bar. A higher homogenisation pressure might destroy the oil-in- water emulsion of the triglyceride oil with the emulsifier in an aqueous solution. Aqueous stabilizing solution. The one or more stabilizers according to the present invention are preferably added in (a.) as an aqueous stabilizing solution comprising the one or more stabilizers. According to this embodiment, the one or more stabilizers are preferably selected as a carboxymethyl cellulose. The aqueous stabilizing solution conveniently comprises the one or more stabilizers, especially the carboxymethyl cellulose, in a concentration of 0.1-10% by weight, with respect to the weight of the solution.

Final concentration of the stabilizer in the drinking yoghurt. Preferably, the one or more stabilizers, especially the carboxymethyl cellulose, is mixed in (a.) with the yoghurt in an amount to provide in (c.) a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life, the drinking yoghurt comprising the one or more stabilizers, especially the carboxymethyl cellulose, in a concentration of 0.1 - 5 wt.%, more preferably in a concentration of 0.1 - 3 wt.%, even more preferably in a concentration of 0.3 - 1.5 wt.%, with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt. Milk fat and type of milk. Preferably, the mixture in (a.) and the composition in

(b.) are provided such that the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life obtained in (c.) comprises milk fat in an amount of less than about 1 wt.%, more preferably in an amount of less than about 0.5 wt.%, even more preferably in an amount of less than about 0.1 wt%, with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt. Hence, the triglyceride and the emulsifier are herein preferably also indicated as "added triglyceride" and "added emulsifier", respectively. Likewise, this applies for the stabilizer.

In order to keep the milk fat content of the drinking yoghurt low, it is especially preferred that the milk employed in (a.) is a fat-reduced milk, preferably skim milk. Other preferred embodiments are described below

Further additives. The one or more further additives are preferably selected from the group consisting of a fruit juice, a fruit preparation, a starch, a hydrocolloid, an aroma, a colourant, a sugar, a sweetener, a vitamin, a pH modifier, a preservative, a mineral such as calcium, a micronutrient, an insoluble dietary fibre, and a soluble dietary fibre such as inulin. Herein, the micronutrient especially relates to one or more additives suitable for providing a meal replacer.

Heat sterilisation. Preferably, "subjecting the mixture to heat sterilisation" in (c.) comprises heating the mixture to a temperature of between about 85 - 145 ⁰C for a time period of between about 0.1 seconds and 15 minutes, more preferably to a temperature of between about 85-120 ⁰C for a time period of between about 1 second and 1 minute. It is especially preferred that the heat sterilisation is performed as UHT sterilisation.

Packaging. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is preferably packaged in a suitable container which is preferably closed. This packaged drinking yoghurt may be optionally submitted to a post-heating step, which may comprise heating the packaged drinking yoghurt to a temperature of between about 70 and 90 ⁰C for a time period of between about 1 and 30 minutes. Such additional heating step is especially preferred if, for one reason or the other, the drinking yoghurt cannot be packaged under aseptic conditions.

The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is suitably packaged in a container comprising a volume which corresponds to the volume of the preferred unit dose.

Storage. After the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is packaged, and after optionally having been submitted to the post-heating step, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is preferably allowed to cool down, preferably to a temperature of between about 0-50 ⁰C, most preferably to a temperature of between about 4 and 25 ⁰C. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt may preferably be stored and/or shipped at these temperatures. After packaging in a suitable closed container, the satiety- enhancing drinking yoghurt may favourably be kept at a temperature of preferably between about 0 and 50 ⁰C for a time period of preferably at least about 1 month without being spoiled, especially by germs, to a noticeable degree. However, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is preferably kept at a temperature of at most 40 ⁰C, even more preferably of at most 30 ⁰C, even more preferably at a temperature of at most 25 ⁰C. High storage temperatures may lead to the formation of unwanted off- flavours, and/or may lead to loss of desirable flavours and/or aromas. Said desirable flavours and/or aromas may, for example have been added to the drinking yoghurt during its production.Furthermore, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is preferably not frozen, since freezing the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt could negatively affect its stability. Freezing the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt could especially lead to an unwanted coarsening of the oil particles comprised by the drinking yoghurt. Herein, coarsening especially relates to any form of agglomeration, coalescence, clustering or clumping of the triglyceride oil particles. Thus, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurts are preferably kept at a temperature of above ca. 0 ⁰C, more preferably at a temperature of above ca. 4 ⁰C.

Overall, the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is best kept between about 0 and 50 ⁰C, more preferably between about 4 and 40 ⁰C, most preferably between about 4 and 30 ⁰C or between about 4 and 25 ⁰C.

Consumption. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is preferably consumed at a temperature between about 4 and 15 ⁰C, even more preferably between about 4 and 10 ⁰C. These temperature ranges are also very suitable for storing the drinking yoghurt at a retailer and/or in the home of a consumer.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: preparation of a non-heat sterilised satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt

1. To 71,7 kg skim milk having a protein content of 3.25% wt.%, 1.4 kg whey protein concentrate (Esprion300; DMV-International; 30% protein) is added.

11.4 kg water is added and the mixture is allowed to hydrate at 4°C.

2. The mixture is heated to above 40 ⁰C.

3. 5.0 kg of a oil- in- water emulsion comprising a triglyceride oil and a galactolipid emulsifier (Fabuless® (ex DSM Food Specialties). 4. The mixture is pasteurised at 92°C for 6 minutes.

5. The mixture is cooled to a temperature of ca. 37°C

6. A yoghurt starter is added and fermentation is carried out at ca. 37 ⁰C until pH = 4.5.

7. The set gel is stirred for 5 minutes, cooled to below 30⁰C and the yoghurt is further structured by shearing through an Y-stral mixer.

8. 10,5 kg of a fruit preparation containing starch, colours, aroma and artificial sweeteners is added to this stirred yoghurt, and mixed at a low stirring rate until homogeneous.

9. The pH of the composition thus obtained is adjusted to 4.25 with citric acid. 10. The drinking yoghurt thus obtained is filled in bottles and further cooled to

10⁰C.

The particle size distribution of the Fabuless® emulsion and of the triglyceride oil particles comprised by the final drinking yoghurt was studied at 2 days and 30 days after production. There was no significant difference between the observations after 2 and 30 days. About 65 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the drinking yoghurt was found to have a diameter smaller than 1 μm.

Fabuless® is an oil-in-water emulsion comprising water, palm oil (42 wt.% with respect to the weight of the emulsion) and an oat oil (2.5 wt.% with respect to the weight of the emulsion). The particle size distribution was determined and it was found that approx. 99 vol.% of the oil comprised by the emulsion is present as particles having a diameter smaller than 1 μm.

Example 2: preparation of a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life (stabilizer: carboxymethyl cellulose type CEKOL LVD)

I. To 71,7 kg skim milk having a protein content of 3.25% wt.%, 1.4 kg whey protein concentrate (Esprion300; DMV-International; 30% protein) is added. 0.4 kg water is added and the mixture is allowed to hydrate at 4°C 2. The mixture is heated to above 40⁰C

3. 5 kg of Fabuless® is added.

4. The mixture is pasteurised at 92°C for 6 minutes

5. The mixture is cooled to fermentation temperature of 37°C

6. A yoghurt starter is added and fermentation is carried out at rest until pH=4.45 7. The set gel is stirred for 5 minutes

8. In a separate tank 0.5 kg CMC (Cekol LVD, CP-Kelco) is dissolved in 20.4 kg water of 65°C to which aromas (0.034 kg raspberry flavour), colours (0.0002 kg carmine acid 60) , artificial sweeteners (0.013 kg acesulfame-K and 0.013 kg aspartame) and 0.6 kg fruit juice are added. 9. The resulting aqueous stabilizing solution comprising the carboxymethyl cellulose and the further additives is in-line mixed with the stirred yoghurt and cooled to below 30⁰C and pumped into a buffer tank 10. The pH of the resulting mixture is adjusted to 4.25 with citric acid

I I. The resulting mixture is preheated to 55°C, subjected to a two-stage homogenisation at 220/50 bar and given a UHT treatment at 110⁰C for 3 sec

12. The UHT treated product is cooled to below 30 ⁰C and stored in a buffer tank prior to aseptic filling in sterilised bottles Particle size distribution was assessed after 2 days and 4 months after production. There was no change between in observations between 2 and 4 months. In duplicate experiments it was found that 72 and 87 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the drinking yoghurt was found to have a diameter smaller than 1 μm.

Example 3: preparation of a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life (stabilizer: a pectin)

The procedure according to Example 2 was followed, but instead of carboxymethyl cellulose, 0.5 kg Pectin (JM150, CP Kelco) was added in step 8. The pectin stabilised systems shows that after UHT treatment a large volume part (82%) of the triglyceride particles comprised by the drinking yoghurt had a diameter larger then 1 μm so only 18% was smaller then 1 μm.

Analytical methods 1. Measurement of particle size distribution; sample pre-treatment. Particle size measurements of the final yoghurt drinks were carried out using laser light diffraction (Malvern Multisizer). In order to access the particle size distribution of the triglyceride oil, any possibly disturbing protein particles were removed by treatment of the drinking yoghurt with an aqueous solution comprising EDTA, SDS and NaOH solution. In order to remove any possible disturbing starch particles, the drinking yoghurt was first treated with amylase, if necessary.

The EDTA/SDS/NaOH solution was prepared as follows

1. weight 2g of EDTA EthyleneDiamine-Tetraacetic Acid (Sigma))- in a beaker

2. add 800ml demineralised water and stir 3. add 2.88g SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (JT Baker))

4. adjust the pH of the solution to pH 12.5 using 5M NaOH

5. add demineralised water up to 1 liter

The pre-treatment comprises diluting a sample of the drinking yoghurt 10 fold with the EDTA/SDS/NaOH solution and incubate the resulting mixture for 30 minutes before subjecting it to laser light diffraction measurements (or light microscopy, see below).

The amylase pre-treatment, in case the drinking yoghurt comprises starch, was performed as follows: 1. Weigh 10 + /- 0.5 g of the drinking yoghurt

2. Add 10 μl of Termamyl 120L (Novozymes) and mix the sample thus obtained

3. Incubate the sample at 37°C for 2 h.

Use 3 ml of this sample and dilute 10 fold with the EDTA/SDS/NaOH solution and incubate the sample for 30 minutes before subjecting it to laser light diffraction measurements (or light microscopy, see below).

If any additional insoluble non-lipid particle matter is still left, this is preferably removed from the drinking yoghurt before subjecting it to laser light diffraction measurements or light microscopy. Hereto, conventional methods may be employed, for example mild centrifugation.

Note that in the present Examples, it is stated that the particle size distribution of the triglyceride oil is determined whilst in principle, using laser light diffraction measurements of the (optionally pre-treated) drinking yoghurt, (only) the particle size distribution of the total fat comprised by the drinking yoghurt may be obtained. However, since the drinking yoghurt in the present Examples was prepared using skim milk, the total fat content of the drinking yoghurt being essentially provided as the triglyceride oil (namely, a palm oil) and as the emulsifier (provided as an oat oil) from the Fabuless emulsion, the laser light diffraction measurements will effectively relate to the particle size distribution of the emulsified triglyceride oil.

2. Light microscopy. The drinking yoghurts which had been pre-treated with the EDTA/SDS/NaOH solution and optionally also with amylase were further examined by light microscopy in order to study the oil-in-water emulsions comprising the triglyceride oil. In case a drinking yoghurt had been destabilised during heat sterilisation (or elsewhere in the process, large fat particles were produced which showed up as bright areas when using polarised light at a magnification of 400 (10x40) (Nikon Eclipse E600 microscope with Leica DFC 280 CCD camera and Leica Qwin image processing software.

The Fabuless® emulsion, the drinking yoghurt according to Example 1 and the heat stabilised drinking yoghurt according to Example 2 did not show up as bright areas when viewed under the light microscope with crossed polarizers, the light microscope providing a magnification of 400 times. However, the heat stabilised drinking yoghurt according to Example 3 did show up as bright areas, most of them having a size of between ca. 1 and ca. 20 μm when viewed under the light microscope with crossed polarizers, the light microscope providing a magnification of 400 times.

The term "substantially" herein, such as in "substantially consists", will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term "substantially" may also include embodiments with "entirely", "completely", "all", etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term "substantially" may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term "comprise" includes also embodiments wherein the term "comprises" means "consists of. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A method for producing a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life, the method comprising: a. fermenting a starting composition comprising milk, a bacterial culture, an emulsifier and a triglyceride oil, to produce a yoghurt having a pH of between 3.5 and 5.5; b. mixing the yoghurt with a carboxymethyl cellulose and optionally one or more further additives to provide a mixture having a pH of between 3.5 and 5.5; and c. subjecting the mixture to heat sterilisation and homogenisation, to provide the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the starting composition in (a.) comprising milk, a bacterial culture, an emulsifier and a triglyceride oil is provided by adding the following ingredients to the milk: i. an oil- in- water emulsion of the triglyceride oil with the emulsifier in an aqueous solution; ii. the bacterial culture; and iii. optionally, one or more further ingredients which are suitable for producing yoghurt, such as an added dairy protein.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emulsifier is a galactolipid.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emulsifier is provided as an oat oil.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the triglyceride oil is added to obtain the starting composition in (a.) comprising the triglyceride oil in an amount of 0.5 - 15 wt.%, more preferably in an amount of 1 - 8 wt.%, with respect to the weight of the starting composition.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the triglyceride oil is added to the starting composition in (a.) in an amount to provide in (c.) a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life comprising the triglyceride oil in a concentration of 0.1 - 10 wt.%, more preferably in a concentration of 0.25 - 6 wt.%, with respect to the weight of the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the triglyceride oil is chosen as one or more oils selected from the group consisting of palm oil, cocoa butter, and other fats having a solid fat content at ambient to body temperature.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the triglyceride oil has a solid fat content at 20 ⁰C of at least 10%, and/or wherein the triglyceride oil has a solid fat content at 35 ⁰C of at least 2%, whereby the solid fat content is determined according to IUPAC method 2.150, 7^th edition.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the emulsifier and the triglyceride oil are present in a weight ratio of 1:5000 - 1:5, more preferably in a ratio of 1 : 1000 - 1:10.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, whereby the carboxymethyl cellulose is mixed with the yoghurt as an aqueous stabilizing solution comprising the carboxymethyl cellulose.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the aqueous stabilizing solution is mixed with the yoghurt to provide a mixture in (b.) which comprises the yoghurt obtained in (a.) in an amount of 50-99.5 wt% with respect to the weight of the mixture.

12. The method according to any one of claims 10-11, wherein the aqueous stabilizing solution comprises the carboxymethyl cellulose in a concentration of 0.1-10% by weight, with respect to the weight of the solution.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, whereby the carboxymethyl cellulose is mixed in (b.) with the yoghurt in an amount to provide in (c.) the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life comprising the carboxymethyl cellulose in a concentration of 0.1 - 3 wt.%, more preferably in a concentration of 0.3 - 1.5 wt.%, with respect to the weight of the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more further additives are selected from the group consisting of a fruit juice, a fruit preparation, a starch, a hydrocolloid, an aroma, a colourant, a sugar, a sweetener, a vitamin, a pH modifier, a preservative, a mineral such as calcium, an insoluble dietary fibre, and a soluble dietary fibre such as inulin.

15. The method according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the milk is a fat-reduced milk, preferably skim milk.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the satiety- enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life obtained in (c.) comprises milk fat in an amount of less than 1 wt.%, more preferably in an amount of less than 0.5 wt.%, even more preferably in an amount of less than 0.1 wt%, with respect to the weight of the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein "subjecting the mixture to heat sterilisation" comprises heating the mixture to a temperature of between 85 - 145 ⁰C for a time period of between 0.1 seconds and 15 minutes, more preferably to a temperature of between 85-120 ⁰C for a time period of between 1 second and 1 minute.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the starting composition in (a.) at least 75 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by starting composition is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, whereby in the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life at least 50 vol.% of the triglyceride oil comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm,

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, whereby in the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life the triglyceride oil is present as particles which do not show up as bright areas when viewed under a light microscope with crossed polarizers, the light microscope providing a magnification of 400 times.

21. A method for producing a satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life, the method comprising: a. fermenting a composition comprising milk, a bacterial culture, an emulsifier, a triglyceride oil and a carboxymethyl cellulose to provide a fermented composition having a pH of between 3.5 and 5.5; b. optionally mixing the composition thus obtained with a further additive, whereby the pH of the composition is kept between 3.5 and 5.5; and c. subjecting the composition thus obtained to heat sterilisation and homogenisation, to provide the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt having a prolonged shelf life.

22. A satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprising a triglyceride oil, a galactolipid emulsifier and a carboxymethyl cellulose, wherein the carboxymethyl cellulose is present in an amount of 0.1 - 3 wt.% with respect to the weight of the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt.

23. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to claim 22, wherein the drinking yoghurt comprises an oat oil.

24. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to any one of claims 22-23, comprising 0.001 - 0.5 wt.% galactolipid with respect to the weight of the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt. 25. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to any one of claims 22-24, wherein the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprises the triglyceride oil in an amount of 0.1 - 10 wt.%, more preferably in an amount of 0.

25 - 6 wt.%, with respect to the weight of the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt.

26. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to any one of claims 22-25, wherein the triglyceride oil is chosen as one or more oils selected from the group consisting of palm oil, cocoa butter, and other fats having a solid fat content at ambient to body temperature.

27. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to any one of claims 22-26, wherein the triglyceride oil has a solid fat content at 20 ⁰C of at least 10%, and/or wherein the triglyceride oil has a solid fat content at 35 ⁰C of at least 2%, whereby the solid fat content is preferably determined according to IUPAC method 2.150, 7^th edition.

28. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to any one of claims 22-27, wherein the galactolipid emulsifier and the triglyceride oil are present in a weight ratio of 1 :5000 - 1:5, more preferably in a ratio of 1 : 1000 - 1:10.

29. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to any one of claims 22-28, wherein the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of a fruit juice, a fruit preparation, a starch, a hydrocolloid, an aroma, a colourant, a sugar, a sweetener, a vitamin, a pH modifier, a micronutrient, a preservative, a mineral such as calcium, an insoluble dietary fibre, and a soluble dietary fibre such as inulin.

30. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to any one of claims 22-29, wherein the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprises milk fat in an amount of less than 1 wt.%, more preferably in an amount of less than 0.5 wt.%, even more preferably in an amount of less than 0.1 wt%, with respect to the weight of the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt.

31. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to any one of claims 22-30, wherein the carboxymethyl cellulose has a weight-averaged molecular weight of between 10³ -10⁷, more preferably of between 10⁴ - 10⁶.

32. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to any one of claims 22-31, wherein the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt comprises a total fat content, wherein the total fat content ranges between 0.1 - 10 wt.% with respect to the weight of the drinking yoghurt.

33. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to claim 32, wherein at least 95% of the total fat content is provided as the triglyceride oil.

34. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to one of claims 32-33, wherein at least 95% of the total fat content is provided as a triacylglycerol.

35. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt obtainable by the method according to any one of claims 1-21, or the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to any one of claims 22-34, whereby the drinking yoghurt comprises a total fat content, and whereby at least 50 vol.% of the total fat comprised by the satiety- enhancing drinking yoghurt is present as particles having a size which is smaller than 1 μm.

36. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt obtainable by the method according to any one of claims 1-21, or the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to any one of claims 22-35, whereby drinking yoghurt comprises a total fat content, and whereby the total fat comprised by the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt is present as particles which do not show up as bright areas when viewed under a light microscope with crossed polarizers, the light microscope providing a magnification of 400 times.

37. The satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt obtainable by the method according to any one of claims 1-21, or the satiety-enhancing drinking yoghurt according to any one of claims 22-36, wherein the triglyceride oil is a vegetable oil.