Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
  • A23B—PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
  • A23B2/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general
  • A23B2/70—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by treatment with chemicals
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
  • A23B—PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
  • A23B70/00—Preservation of non-alcoholic beverages
  • A23B70/10—Preservation of non-alcoholic beverages by addition of preservatives
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
  • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PREPARATION OR TREATMENT THEREOF
  • A23L2/00—Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Preparation or treatment thereof
  • A23L2/52—Adding ingredients
  • A23L2/56—Flavouring or bittering agents
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
  • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PREPARATION OR TREATMENT THEREOF
  • A23L2/00—Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Preparation or treatment thereof
  • A23L2/52—Adding ingredients
  • A23L2/58—Colouring agents
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
  • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PREPARATION OR TREATMENT THEREOF
  • A23L27/00—Spices; Flavouring agents or condiments; Artificial sweetening agents; Table salts; Dietetic salt substitutes; Preparation or treatment thereof
  • A23L27/10—Natural spices, flavouring agents or condiments; Extracts thereof
  • A23L27/14—Dried spices
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
  • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PREPARATION OR TREATMENT THEREOF
  • A23L27/00—Spices; Flavouring agents or condiments; Artificial sweetening agents; Table salts; Dietetic salt substitutes; Preparation or treatment thereof
  • A23L27/40—Table salts; Dietetic salt substitutes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
  • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PREPARATION OR TREATMENT THEREOF
  • A23L27/00—Spices; Flavouring agents or condiments; Artificial sweetening agents; Table salts; Dietetic salt substitutes; Preparation or treatment thereof
  • A23L27/70—Fixation, conservation, or encapsulation of flavouring agents
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
  • A23P—SHAPING OR WORKING OF FOODSTUFFS, NOT FULLY COVERED BY A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS
  • A23P10/00—Shaping or working of foodstuffs characterised by the products
  • A23P10/30—Encapsulation of particles, e.g. foodstuff additives
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
  • A23P—SHAPING OR WORKING OF FOODSTUFFS, NOT FULLY COVERED BY A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS
  • A23P10/00—Shaping or working of foodstuffs characterised by the products
  • A23P10/30—Encapsulation of particles, e.g. foodstuff additives
  • A23P10/35—Encapsulation of particles, e.g. foodstuff additives with oils, lipids, monoglycerides or diglycerides
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
  • A23P—SHAPING OR WORKING OF FOODSTUFFS, NOT FULLY COVERED BY A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS
  • A23P10/00—Shaping or working of foodstuffs characterised by the products
  • A23P10/40—Shaping or working of foodstuffs characterised by the products free-flowing powder or instant powder, i.e. powder which is reconstituted rapidly when liquid is added
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
  • A23P—SHAPING OR WORKING OF FOODSTUFFS, NOT FULLY COVERED BY A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS
  • A23P20/00—Coating of foodstuffs; Coatings therefor; Making laminated, multi-layered, stuffed or hollow foodstuffs
  • A23P20/10—Coating with edible coatings, e.g. with oils or fats
  • A23P20/12—Apparatus or processes for applying powders or particles to foodstuffs, e.g. for breading; Such apparatus combined with means for pre-moistening or battering
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
  • A23V—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND LACTIC OR PROPIONIC ACID BACTERIA USED IN FOODSTUFFS OR FOOD PREPARATION
  • A23V2002/00—Food compositions, function of food ingredients or processes for food or foodstuffs

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a method of preparing a free-flowing edible composition comprising a first edible material, having a first function-release profile, and a second edible material, having a second function-release profile and to a free- flowing edible composition comprising a first edible material, having a first function- release profile, and a second edible material, having a second function-release profile that may be produced by said method.
• salt being a ubiquitous food and beverage ingredient, as a particular example, it had been proposed to effect salt reduction by reducing the average particle size of the sodium chloride crystals.
• Ordinary table salt particles are typically in the range of from 1000 ⁇ to 5000 ⁇ . Reducing the particle size to below 100 ⁇ , for example, has been found to provide an intense salt taste, thought to be due to more rapid and complete solubilisation in a consumer's mouth of the reduced size particles as compared to the larger particles.
• the smaller salt particles are difficult to manufacture and stabilize, as they very rapidly agglomerate due to almost instantaneous adsorption of moisture on account of the hygroscopicity of sodium chloride.
• the salty taste which, although may be initially intense and satisfying, often quickly disappears.
• Such methods make use of aqueous solutions (or solutions using other solvents) and a variety of drying methods to manufacture the particles.
• aqueous salt solutions in manufacture often leads to significant corrosion issues due to use of high chloride-content solutions, a problem exacerbated with expensive and often delicate equipment used for drying (e.g. spray-dryers and the like).
• removal of large amounts of water from aqueous feeds is an inherently energy-intensive and expensive process, even if the long-term costs of corrosion are ignored.
• the present invention provides a method of preparing a free- flowing, edible composition comprising a first edible material, having a first function- release profile, and a second edible material, having a second function-release profile, said method comprising the steps of:
• function-release profile refers to the temporal profile of a particular inherent character/property/function of the material as modified by the immediate environment surrounding the edible material, which character/property/function is triggered or "released” in response to one or more environmental conditions. In other words, it refers to the manner in which the character/property/function of the material (as modified by the immediate environment surrounding the edible material) develops over time.
• an edible material may inherently possess one or more functions such as a particular taste, a particular colour-imparting character, a particular preserving or tenderizing character, etc., which may be unmodified by its immediate surrounding environment (e.g. if present in air), and which is triggered upon human consumption of the material and its immediate contact with taste buds on the tongue, by dissolution on contact with an appropriate liquid, such as saliva, water or vinegar, etc.
• a particular taste e.g. if present in air
• an appropriate liquid such as saliva, water or vinegar, etc.
• an edible material may include a particular taste, a particular colour-imparting character, a particular preserving or tenderizing character, etc.
• the most preferred function is a particular taste.
• the edible material may be a seasoning, a colouring or agent for the preservation, tenderization, curing, plumping, canning and/or pickling of foodstuffs, the most preferred is a seasoning.
• the character/property/function of an edible material is triggered or "released” in response to one or more environmental conditions.
• the second function-release profile of the second edible material may be an immediate release profile, with "immediate” in this sense meaning that the character/property/function of the second edible material is released in less than ten (10) seconds, preferably less than five (5) seconds, more preferably in less than two (2) seconds and most preferably in less than one (1 ) second such that there is no discernible delay between exposing the edible material to the appropriate environmental condition and the function of the second edible material being perceived.
• the second edible material forming the coating may provide an immediate function, e.g. an instant release of a taste or a colour, etc.
• the first function-release profile of the first edible material may be a "controlled" or “prolonged” release profile, in the sense that the character/property/function of the first edible material is released over a period of about five to about thirty (5-30) seconds, preferably over a period of about five to about twenty (5-20) seconds, and, as appropriate, most preferably prior to swallowing of the edible composition (it having been consumed) and preferably during the period of mastication of a foodstuff provided with the edible composition.
• onset of the function of the first edible material may be delayed by a period of five (5) seconds, possibly even ten (10) seconds after exposure of the edible material to the appropriate environmental condition.
• the controlled or prolonged release of the first edible material may be due to the inherent character/property/function of the material per se, or it may be caused by its modification by the immediate surrounding environment (e.g. because it is bound into a carrier material), such that the function(s) is only triggered once the edible material is released from its immediate surrounding environment, e.g. the carrier material, such as by dissolution thereof.
• exposure to the appropriate environmental condition, from which the period of release is measured may be delivery of the edible composition to an aqueous environment, such as the mount of a human as the edible composition is consumed.
• the method according to the first aspect of the invention is a "dry" method, i.e. no solvent is explicitly added to the combination of first and second edible materials during step (a) and/or step (b).
• Each of the first and second edible materials is thus “dry” in this sense, but each may inherently include a low percentage by weight of water, typically less than 10 % by weight, but which are still to be considered as “dry” for the purposes of the present invention due to lack of explicitly added solvent.
• the benefits of operating a dry preparation method are numerous, including a reduction in the operational and capital costs as compared to known "wet" methods, and an increase in the operational lifetime of the equipment needed to perform the method, particularly given that the prior art problem of corrosion is mitigated with a dry process.
• the method produces a free-flowing composition, which does not require the addition of further ingredients to achieve the desired flowability of the composition, in the form of composite particles. Caking and agglomeration of the composite particles is minimised if not completely eliminated. Furthermore, the method produces a free-flowing composition for which prior art problems of dusting are also mitigated.
• a third edible material having a third function-release profile, may be admixed with the first edible material prior to step (a) of the method to form a mixed edible core material in dry particulate form, which is subsequently combined with the second edible material in step (a), prior to said combination being heated in step (b).
• the composite particles formed would have a core that is a mixture of the first and third edible materials, said core being coated with particles of the second edible material.
• the "mixture" of first and third edible materials in the core of a composite particle may be selected from any of the following:
• particles of the third edible material being dispersed in an amorphous matrix of the first edible material, and vice versa
• particles of the third edible material forming an amorphous coating layer or outer shell around the first edible material (provided in particulate or amorphous matrix form), and vice versa.
• the third edible material may be the same material as the second edible material, but the third function-release profile may be different to the second function-release profile.
• the second and third edible materials may be the same material, but may be of different particle sizes so as to possess inherently different function-release profiles. In this way, the coating of the composite particles may provide, e.g. an immediate taste, with a prolonged release of the same taste being provided by the third edible material in the core.
• a (yet) further edible material having a further function-release profile, may be admixed with the second edible material prior to step (a) to form a mixed edible coating material in dry particulate form, which is subsequently combined with the first edible material in step (a), prior to said combination being heated in step (b).
• the composite particles formed would have a core of first edible material coated with a coating that is a mixture of the second and further edible materials.
• the "mixture" of second and further edible materials in the coating of a composite particle may be selected from any of the following:
• particles of the second edible material being dispersed in an amorphous matrix of the further edible material, and vice versa
• particles of the second edible material forming an amorphous coating layer or outer shell around the further edible material (provided in particulate or amorphous matrix form), and vice versa.
• the further edible material may be a different material to the second edible material, but the further function-release profile may be the same as the second function-release profile.
• the second and further edible materials may be different materials, but may be of substantially the same particle sizes so as to possess substantially similar function-release profiles.
• the mixed coating of the composite particles may provide, e.g. an immediate mixtures of two tastes (such as salt and pepper), with a prolonged release of the first edible material provided by the core.
• the further edible material may be the same material as the third edible material, but the further function-release profile may be different to the third function-release profile.
• the composite particles formed would have a mixed core of the first and third edible materials, coated with a mixed coating of the second and further edible materials, such that the mixed coating provides an immediate release of two functions, whilst the mixed core provides a prolonged release of two functions.
• the second edible material may itself comprise a plurality of composite particles, each comprising a core of at least one edible material coated with a plurality of particles of at least one other edible material.
• the coating on the composite particles may be made of further composite particles.
• each of the at least one edible material and the at least one other edible material may be independently selected from any of the aforementioned first, second, third and further edible materials.
• first edible material and to a “second edible material” includes any and all of the above “pre-combinations” and variants which are described in relation to third, fourth and further edible materials in combination with the first and/or second edible materials.
• the method in accordance with the first aspect of the invention therefore provides a readily accessible way in which to quickly and simply control the sensory profile of an edible composition.
• each of the first and second edible materials defined in the method has a glass transition temperature (T g1 ) and (T g2 ) respectively, which are material-specific temperatures at which each material changes from a hard/brittle/glassy state to a viscous/rubbery state.
• T g1 glass transition temperature
• T g2 glass transition temperature
• the combination of first and second edible materials is heated to a forming temperature (T f ) which is the same as, or greater than, the glass transition temperature (T g1 ) of the first edible material.
• a discontinuous coating having a rough surface morphology, composed of discrete particles of the second edible material is formed over substantially the entire available surfaces of particles of the first edible material.
• a rough surface is beneficial because it increases the available surface area of second edible material (as compared to a continuous surface for the same-sized particle of first edible material), which aids dissolution thereof.
• the coating is discontinuous, it may be formed over less than 100 % of the available surface area of a particle of first edible material, however, it is preferred that coverage is maximised to 100 % in so far as is possible given any limitation on the duration of the overall method.
• step (b) the combination of first and second edible materials may be maintained at the forming temperature (T f ) for a period of in the range of from about 10 to 40 minutes, preferably in the range of from about 20 to 30 minutes, but preferably no longer than about 1 hour, so as to ensure that energy costs savings are not lost and to avoid any possible adverse side reactions that may occur.
• T f forming temperature
• the combination may be continuously mixed whilst being maintained at the forming temperature (T f ).
• the first edible material in step (a), may be combined with the second edible material to form a blended mixture of desired distribution prior to performance of step (b).
• a blended mixture may lead to a substantially uniform mutual distribution of the two materials.
• the blended mixture is formed prior to subjecting it to the heating of step (b).
• step (b) the blended mixture is heated to the forming temperature (T f ), at which it may remain for a period in the region of 5 to 20 minutes.
• T f the forming temperature
• the method may be operated as a batch method, in which a quantity of edible composition is prepared in appropriate mixing and heating equipment and subsequently removed prior to a second quantity being identically prepared, or as a continuous method in which a constant stream of edible composition is prepared by feeding first and second edible materials through appropriate mixing and heating equipment on a continuous basis.
• the heating vessel used for step (b) may be kept at or around the forming temperature because the first and second edible materials are pre-blended (in step (a)) prior to their introduction thereto.
• steps (a) and (b) may be performed substantially, if not entirely, simultaneously, such that the first edible material may be combined with the second edible material to form a blended mixture of desired mutual distribution whilst said materials are heated to the forming temperature (T f ).
• T f forming temperature
• Combination of the first and second edible materials in step (a), and heating of the combination of first and second edible materials in step (b), of the method of the invention may be performed in any suitable device having both material agitation and heating capability, particularly heat-capable low-shear mixing devices, such as dry blenders, blending/propelling augers, horizontal reactors, tumblers, and the like.
• the glass transition temperature (T g1 ) of the first edible material may be lower than the glass transition temperature (T g2 ) of the second edible material. In this way, only the first edible material may soften to enable embedding of the particles of the second edible material therein. Accordingly, the forming temperature may preferably be lower than the glass transition temperature (T g2 ) of the second edible material.
• the aim is to provide the particles of first edible material in a form such that the plurality of particles of the second edible material is able to "stick" (embed) into their outer surface to form the desired composite particles.
• a person skilled in the art faced with the aim of providing a particular combination of first and second edible materials, would be able to judge the forming temperature (T f ) based on the glass transition temperatures of the materials in question. Furthermore, the higher the forming temperature, the short the processing time generally needed, and thus the lower the cost of performance of the method.
• Each of the first, third, fourth and further edible materials may be independently chosen from a natural or synthetic edible carrier material, and may comprise any one or more of the following: monosaccharides, e.g. glucose, fructose, galactose, xylose; disaccharides, e.g. sucrose (e.g. refined sugar), lactose, maltose; oligosaccharides, e.g. maltodextrin; polysaccharides, e.g. starch, cellulose, soluble corn fibre, oats; salt; and derivatives thereof.
• monosaccharides e.g. glucose, fructose, galactose, xylose
• disaccharides e.g. sucrose (e.g. refined sugar), lactose, maltose
• oligosaccharides e.g. maltodextrin
• polysaccharides e.g. starch, cellulose, soluble corn fibre, o
• the carrier material may be an organic material, preferably a polymeric material.
• a wide variety of such polymeric materials may be used to produce composite particles in accordance with the invention, with preferred polymers having substantial solubility in an aqueous environment.
• the polymer may be natural or synthetic although there is a constraint in that it should be a polymer which is acceptable for alimentary purposes.
• organic polymeric materials that are solid at ambient temperature
• other organic materials e.g. fats such as plant or animal derived fats.
• Examples of synthetic polymers that may be used include polyethylene glycol.
• the polyethylene glycol may, for example, have a molecular weight in the range 200-9,500.
• the second, third, fourth and further edible materials may each be a mixture of any two or more of these flavouring/colorant/preservative materials.
• a more complete description of natural and synthetic flavourings from which the second, third, fourth and further edible materials may be independently selected follows in the next eleven paragraphs,
• a synthetic high-potency sweetener that is derived from an amino acid.
• a sweetener selected from the group consisting of: a nutritive sweetener, aspartame, acesulfame, cyclamate, saccharin and sucralose; and salts and/or solvates thereof.
• the nutritive sweetener may be one or more selected from the group consisting of: a 3- to 12-carbon sugar alcohol (e.g. allose, deoxyribose, erythrulose, galactose, gulose, idose, lyxose, mannose, ribose, tagatose, talose, xylose, erythrose, fuculose, gentiobiose, gentiobiulose, isomaltose, isomaltulose, kojibiose, lactulose, altrose, laminaribiose, arabinose, leucrose, fucose, rhamnose, sorbose, maltulose, mannobiose, mannosucrose, melezitose, melibiose, melibiulose, nigerose, raffinose, rutinose, rutinulose, sophorose, stachyose, a 3-
• sweetener refers to a substance that provides a sweet taste.
• the sweetener is a nutritive sweetener or a non-nutritive sweetener.
• the sweetener does not contain a sugar or a sugar alcohol.
• the sweetener is a non- nutritive sweetener, which refers to a sweetener that offers little to no calories when ingested.
• nutritive sweetener refers to a sweetener that contains carbohydrate and provides energy. Nutritive sweeteners may be further classified into monosaccharides or disaccharides, which impart 4 kcal/g, or sugar alcohols (polyols), which provide an average of 2 kcal/g, as discussed in "Position of the American Dietetic Association: Use of nutritive and nonnutritive sweeteners” J. Am. Diet Assoc. 2004; 104(2):255-275.
• natural high potency sweetener refers to a high potency sweetener obtained from a natural source.
• a natural high potency sweetener may be used in its raw form (e.g. as a plant) or may be extracted or purified from the natural source.
• Natural high potency sweeteners include abrusoside A, baiyunoside, brazzein, curculin, cyclocarioside I, glycyphyllin, glycyrrhizic acid, hernandulcin, a Luo Han Guo extract, mabinlin, monatin, monellin, mukurozioside, osladin, periandrins, phlomisosides, phloridzin, phyllodulcin, polypodoside A, pterocaryoside A, pterocaryoside B, rubusoside, a stevia extract (e.g. steviol glycosides, or particularly a rebaudioside, such as rebaudioside A to F, M, N and X), thaumatin and trilobatin, and salts and/or solvates thereof.
• stevia extract e.g. steviol glycosides, or particularly a rebaudioside
• synthetic high potency sweetener refers to a high potency sweetener that has been produced using one or more synthetic steps.
• Synthetic high potency sweeteners that may be mentioned in certain embodiments of the invention include alitame, aspartame, a glucosylated steviol glycoside, N-[N-[3-(3-hydroxy-4- methoxyphenyl)propyl]-L-[alpha]-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1 -methyl ester, N-[N-[3-(3- hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-methylbutyl]-L-[alpha]-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1 -methyl ester, N-[N-[3-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)propyl]-L-[alpha]-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1 -methyl ester, neohesperidin,
• high-potency sweetener that is a glycoside refers to a high potency sweetener that is a molecule in which a sugar is bound to an organic moiety that is not itself a sugar.
• High-potency sweeteners that are glycosides include abrusoside A, baiyunoside, cyclocarioside I, dulcoside A, dulcoside B, glycyphyllin, glycyrrhizic acid, a glucosylated steviol glycoside, mogrosides (e.g.
• high-potency sweetener that is derived from an amino acid refers to high potency sweetener that contains at least one amino acid as part of its molecular structure.
• High potency sweeteners that are derived from an amino include monatin (e.g.
• Monk Fruit extract or “Luo Han Guo extract” as used herein refers to an extract or sample taken from a Monk Fruit from the Monk Fruit plant (i.e. a Luo Han Guo fruit from a Luo Han Guo plant), Siraitia grosvenorii, comprising at least one mogroside.
• mogroside composition refers to a composition comprising at least one mogroside.
• mogroside refers to a family of compounds found in plants such as Monk Fruit, also known as Luo Han Guo. Mogrosides are glycosides of cucurbitane derivatives.
• the first and second edible materials may be provided in a ratio in the range of from about 1 : 0.8 to about 1 : 8, depending on the respective mean particle sizes of the two materials. Typically, the greater the difference in the mean particle size between the two materials, the lower the ratio.
• the method of the invention may enable the preparation of edible compositions which may comprise any of the following first edible material / second edible material combinations:
• sucrose / allulose (a by-product of the fermentation of molasses), to provide a source of sweetness and energy, e.g. for use as a tabletop refined sugar replacement product.
• a free-flowing edible composition comprising a plurality of composite particles, each composite particle comprising a core of a first edible material, having a first function-release profile, provided with a discontinuous surface coating formed from a plurality of particles of a second edible material, having a second function release profile.
• each composite particle may further comprise a third edible material, having a third function-release profile, which is mixed with the first edible material in the core, around which the discontinuous surface coating is provided.
• the composite particles may have a core that is a mixture of the first and third edible materials, said core being coated with particles of the second edible material.
• the "mixture" of first and third edible materials in the core of a composite particle may be selected from any of the following:
• particles of the third edible material forming an amorphous coating layer or outer shell around the first edible material (provided in particulate or amorphous matrix form), and vice versa.
• the particulates of such mixed edible core material may be provided with an amorphous coating layer or outer shell of a material selected from the first edible material, the third edible material or a fourth edible material, and wherein the discontinuous surface coating may be provided around and on the exterior of said outer shell.
• the third edible material may be the same material as the second edible material, but the third function-release profile may be different to the second function-release profile.
• the second and third edible materials may be the same material, but may be of different particle sizes so as to possess inherently different function-release profiles. In this way, the coating of the composite particles may provide, e.g. an immediate taste, with a prolonged release of the same taste being provided by the third edible material in the core.
• each composite particle may further comprise a (yet) further edible material, having a further function-release profile, which may be mixed with the second edible material in the discontinuous surface coating.
• the composite particles formed would have a core of first edible material coated with a coating that is a mixture of the second and further edible materials.
• the "mixture" of second and further edible materials in the coating of a composite particle may be selected from any of the following:
• particles of the second edible material forming an amorphous coating layer or outer shell around the further edible material (provided in particulate or amorphous matrix form), and vice versa.
• the further edible material may be a different material to the second edible material, but the further function-release profile may be the same as the second function-release profile.
• the second and further edible materials may be different materials, but may be of substantially the same particle sizes so as to possess substantially similar function-release profiles.
• the mixed coating of the composite particles may provide, e.g. an immediate mixtures of two tastes (such as salt and pepper), with a prolonged release of the first edible material provided by the core.
• the further edible material may be the same material as the third edible material, but the further function-release profile may be different to the third function-release profile.
• the composite particles formed would have a mixed core of the first and third edible materials, coated with a mixed coating of the second and further edible materials, such that the mixed coating provides an immediate release of two functions, whilst the mixed core provides a prolonged release of two functions.
• the second edible material may comprise a plurality of composite particles, each comprising a core of at least one edible material coated with a plurality of particles of at least one other edible material.
• the edible composition in accordance with the second aspect of the invention therefore possesses a sensory profile which is quick and simple to control.
• the composite particles of the edible composition may have a mean particle size in the range of from about 50 ⁇ to about 5000 ⁇ .
• a particle size towards the lower end of the range may be suitable, e.g. from about 50 ⁇ to about 800 ⁇ , preferably from about 100 ⁇ to about 500 ⁇ , further preferably from about 150 ⁇ to about 350 ⁇ .
• a particle size towards the upper end of the range may be suitable, e.g. from about 800 ⁇ to about 5000 ⁇ , preferably from about 1000 ⁇ to about 3500 ⁇ , further preferably from about 1500 ⁇ to about 2500 ⁇ .
• Such sizes are believed to provide the optimum ratio of taste to quantity of both first and second edible materials.
• the loose bulk density of the free-flowing edible composition may be greater than about 0.6 g/mL, and preferably in the range of from about 0.75 g/mL to about 1 .0 g/mL.
• a bulk density of this order is beneficial in that it assists with the non-dusting characteristics of the composition.
• the mean particle size of the plurality of particles of second edible material may be in the range of from about 10 ⁇ to about 250 ⁇ , provided that the mean particle size of the particles of second edible material preferably may be less than the mean particle size of the composite particles.
• the mean particle size of the plurality of particles of second edible material may be less, optionally up to 50 % less, than the mean particle size of the first edible material, although the size will ultimately be dependent on a number of performance factors including: the ratio of first edible material to second edible material, the desired mean particle size of the composite particles, the desired dissolution rate of the composite particles, etc.
• the glass transition temperature (T g1 ) of the first edible material may be lower than the glass transition temperature (T g2 ) of the second edible material. In this way, only the first edible material may soften to enable embedding of the particles of the second edible material therein. Accordingly, the forming temperature may preferably be lower than the glass transition temperature (T g2 ) of the second edible material.
• the glass transition temperature (T g1 ) of the first edible material may preferably be in the range of from about 20 °C to about ⁇ 20 °C, preferably from about 40 °C to about 80°C and most preferably from about 50 °C to about 75 °C.
• the first edible material may be a natural or synthetic edible carrier material, and may comprise any one or more of the following: monosaccharides, e.g. glucose, fructose, galactose, xylose; disaccharides, e.g. sucrose (e.g. refined sugar), lactose, maltose; oligosaccharides, e.g. maltodextrin; polysaccharides, e.g. starch, cellulose, soluble corn fibre, oats; salt; and derivatives thereof.
• monosaccharides e.g. glucose, fructose, galactose, xylose
• disaccharides e.g. sucrose (e.g. refined sugar), lactose, maltose
• oligosaccharides e.g. maltodextrin
• polysaccharides e.g. starch, cellulose, soluble corn fibre, oats; salt; and derivatives thereof.
• the second edible material may be a natural or synthetic flavouring, colorant and/or preservative, i.e. the second edible material may provide any one or more of these functions.
• the flavouring, colorant and/or preservative may comprise any one or more of the following: salt; garlic; taste enhancers, e.g. high potency sweeteners, yeast extract, potassium chloride; culinary herbs and spices, e.g. cinnamon, black, white or green pepper; monosaccharides, e.g. glucose, fructose, galactose, xylose; disaccharides, e.g. sucrose (e.g. refined sugar), lactose, maltose; oligosaccharides, e.g. maltodextrin; a further free-flowing edible composition; and derivatives thereof.
• the second edible material may be a mixture of any two or more of these flavouring/colorant/preservative materials.
• the first and second edible materials may be provided in a ratio in the range of from about 1 : 0.8 to about 1 : 8, depending on the respective mean particle sizes of the two materials. Typically, the greater the difference in the mean particle size between the two materials, the lower the ratio.
• the edible compositions may comprise any of the following first edible material / second edible material combinations:
• mixture of soluble corn fibre and maltodextrin / salt and pepper to provide dietary fibre along with flavouring, e.g. for use as a tabletop seasoning replacement product
• - soluble corn fibre / salt to provide a source of dietary fibre along with flavouring/taste enhancement, e.g. for use as a breakfast cereal-manufacturing ingredient
• - soluble corn fibre / salt derivative such as Soda-LoTM salt microspheres, to provide a source of dietary fibre along with flavouring/taste enhancement, e.g. for use as a bread-making ingredient;
• sucrose / allulose (a by-product of the fermentation of molasses), to provide a source of sweetness and energy, e.g. for use as a tabletop refined sugar replacement product.
• An edible composition according to the invention may be provided as a substitute for, or as a co-ingredient to, currently available food ingredients such as tabletop (shaker) salt, tabletop pepper, tabletop sugar, etc, for use in the home, in restaurants and other food delivery/preparation facilities.
• tabletop shaker
• tabletop pepper tabletop pepper
• tabletop sugar etc
• a foodstuff or a beverage which is seasoned, coloured and/or preserved with a free-flowing edible composition as hereinbefore described.
• Such foodstuffs include: potato and corn chips, salted peanuts, pretzels, bagels, salted confectionary, cookies (biscuits), breads, cakes, etc.
• a method of producing a foodstuff or a beverage comprising preparing a precursor of the foodstuff or beverage, incorporating the free-flowing edible composition as hereinbefore described, and cooking the precursor to produce the foodstuff or the beverage.
• This aspect of the invention may provide methods of producing foodstuffs such as potato and corn chips (crisps), salted peanuts, pretzels, bagels, salted confectionary, cookies (biscuits), breads, cakes, etc.
• a method of topically seasoning a foodstuff comprising applying to the foodstuff a free-flowing edible composition as hereinbefore described.
• Such foodstuffs include: potato and corn chips, salted peanuts, pretzels, bagels, salted confectionary, cookies (biscuits), breads, cakes, etc.
• a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of tenderising, curing, plumping or seasoning meats with a free-flowing edible composition, wherein said composition is provided by a free-flowing edible composition as hereinbefore described.
• a method of canning or pickling a foodstuff using a free-flowing edible composition wherein said composition is provided by a free-flowing edible composition as hereinbefore described.
• Such a method is particularly, but not exclusively, suited for canning or pickling vegetables, fish and fish products.
• Figures 1 a and 1 b are scanning electron micrograph (SEM) images of one composite particle and a cross-section therethrough respectively according to a first embodiment of a free-flowing edible composition according to the second aspect of the invention;
• Figures 2a and 2b are SEM images of one composite particle and a cross- section therethrough respectively according to a second embodiment of a free-flowing edible composition according to the second aspect of the invention
• Figure 3 is an SEM image of one composite particle according to a third embodiment of a free-flowing edible composition according to the second aspect of the invention
• Figure 4 is an SEM image of one composite particle according to a fourth embodiment of a free-flowing edible composition according to the second aspect of the invention.
• Figures 5a and 5b are SEM images of one composite particle and a cross- section therethrough respectively according to a fifth embodiment of a free-flowing edible composition according to the second aspect of the invention.
• Figures 6a and 6b are SEM images of a core matrix of first and third edible materials and composite particles consisting of such cores and having a discontinuous shell according to a sixth embodiment of a free-flowing edible composition according to the second aspect of the invention;
• Figure 7 is a stylised diagram showing the make-up of a composite particle according to a seventh embodiment of a free-flowing composition according to the second aspect of the invention.
• Figures 1 a and 1 b show a composite particle of a free-flowing edible composition
• a core carrier particle first edible material having a first function-release profile
• a soluble corn fibre e.g. PromitorTM Soluble Corn Fibre 70
• second edible material having a second function-release profile the function being seasoning/flavouring and thus the sensation of taste
• the composite particle itself has an average size in the region of 700-800 ⁇ , with the plurality of salt particles having an average size in the region of 100-150 ⁇ .
• the bulk of the composite particle is composed of the core carrier particle, with only the outer "shell" being formed of the smaller salt particles.
• Figures 2a and 2b show a composite particle of a free-flowing edible composition
• a core carrier particle first edible material having a first function-release profile
• a soluble corn fibre e.g. PromitorTM Soluble Corn Fibre 70
• second edible material having a second function-release profile the function being seasoning/flavouring and thus the sensation of taste
• the composite particle itself has an average size in the region of 750-850 ⁇ , with the plurality of salt particles having an average size of less than 100 ⁇ , in the region of 20-80 ⁇ .
• the bulk of the composite particle is composed of the core carrier particle, with only the outer "shell" being formed of the (much) smaller salt particles.
• Example 2 Comparing and contrasting the composite particles of Example 1 with Example 2, the much smaller salt particle sizes of Example 2 mean that such a composite particle is likely to dissolve (e.g. in a consumer's mouth) much more rapidly than the composite particle of Example 1 , i.e. the taste-release profile of the salt particles used in each of Examples 1 and 2 are different, on account of the different salt particle sizes between the two.
• FIGS. 3 and 4 show further composite particles of a free flowing edible composition
• a free flowing edible composition comprising two different core carrier particles (first and third edible materials having first and third function-release profiles respectively), although these cannot be seen directly, each provided with a discontinuous surface coating formed from a different plurality of particles of a second (and optionally fourth) edible material (s), having second (and fourth) function-release profile(s) (respectively).
• the first edible material is a mixture of soluble corn fibre (first edible material), e.g. PromitorTM Soluble Corn Fibre 70 and maltodextrin (second edible material), provided with a mixed surface coating of salt particles (third edible material) and pepper particles (fourth edible material).
• first edible material e.g. PromitorTM Soluble Corn Fibre 70 and maltodextrin
• second edible material e.g. PromitorTM Soluble Corn Fibre 70 and maltodextrin
• the composite particle itself has an average size in the region of 800-1000 ⁇ , with the plurality of combined salt and pepper particles having an average size in the region of 100-200 ⁇ .
• the taste-release profiles of the salt particles and the pepper particles respectively used in each of Examples 1 and 2 are different, on account of the different salt particle sizes between the two.
• Example 4
• the first edible material is fructose provided with a surface coating of cinnamon particles.
• the composite particle itself has an average size in the region of 650-750 ⁇ , with the plurality of cinnamon particles having an average size of less than 100 ⁇ .
• Figures 5a and 5b show a composite particle of a free-flowing edible composition
• a core carrier particle first edible material
• soluble corn fibre e.g. PromitorTM Soluble Corn Fibre 70
• This further free-flowing edible composition comprises composite particles of salt on a mixture of soluble corn fibre and maltodextrin.
• the composite particle (rather than the sub-component composite particles) has an average size in the region of 1000-1200 ⁇ , with the plurality of further (smaller) composite particles having an average size in the region of 150-250 ⁇ .
• the bulk of the composite particle is composed of the core carrier particle, with only the outer “shell” being formed of the further (smaller) composite particles.
• Such a method is a batch method and would require cooling of the blender (at least after the resultant composition has been discharged) prior to re-filling with a further quantity of first and second edible materials.
• the method steps can be followed, suitably adapted, for performance as a continuous method in a continuous heated mixer.
• This unique structure provides both an immediate release of salt as well as a controlled/prolonged release of salt.
• the salt in the shell would quickly dissolve, providing a strong instant sensory experience, whilst the encapsulated salt inside the core would release gradually, providing an prolonged sensory experience, on account of the different taste- release profiles of the third edible material salt and the second edible material salt.
• the composite particle has an average size in the region of 250-500 ⁇ , with the plurality of particles of second edible material having an average size in the region of 38-125 ⁇ .
• the method steps can be followed, suitably adapted, for performance as a continuous method in a continuous heated mixer.
• Figure 7 shows a theoretical composite particle of a free-flowing edible composition
• a core which consists of a mixed core (of first and third edible material in the form of carbohydrate and salt respectively) and a discontinuous shell of salt (second edible material).
• the core consists of salt (third edible material) that is coated in a thin layer of carbohydrate (first edible material), whilst a further amount of salt particles (second edible material) forms the discontinuous shell.
• the salt used in the discontinuous shell can be comprised of a low density salt such as SODA-LO salt microspheres or Alberger flake salt to provide a lower overall bulk density and reduction in sodium for the same volume of salt.
• a low density salt such as SODA-LO salt microspheres or Alberger flake salt to provide a lower overall bulk density and reduction in sodium for the same volume of salt.
• This unique structure provides both an immediate release of salt as well as a controlled/prolonged release of salt.
• the salt in the shell would quickly dissolve, providing a strong instant sensory experience, whilst the encapsulated salt inside the core would release gradually, providing an prolonged sensory experience, on account of the different taste- release profiles of the third edible material salt and the second edible material salt.
• the composite particle has an average size in the region of 250-500 ⁇ , with the plurality of particles of second edible material having an average size in the region of 10-125 ⁇ .
• Such a method is a batch method and would require cooling of the blender (at least after the resultant composition has been discharged) prior to re-filling with a further quantity of edible materials.
• the method steps can be followed, suitably adapted, for performance as a continuous method in a continuous heated mixer.
• Table 1 details the combinations of first, second (and optionally third) ingredients used to form the composite particles shown in Figures 1 through 7, along with the ratios of said ingredients, the glass transition temperatures of the ingredients and the forming temperature used.
• Material A is particles of a second edible material which are combined with material B, which is a first edible material, using hot mixing (step C) to form a composite particle D in which particles of material A form a discontinuous coating around the core of material B.
• Composite particle D is then combined with material E, which is either a further amount of the first edible material or is a fourth edible material, using a further hot mixing step (step F) to form composite particle G according to the invention.
• Core matrix particle J is then combined with material K, which is either a further amount of the second edible material or is a third edible material, using a hot mixing step (step L) to form composite particle M according to the invention.
• Material N is particles of a second edible material which are coated with a first edible material in a coating step (step O) to form a core particle P provided with an outer amorphous shell. Coated core particle P is then combined with material Q, which is either a further amount of the second edible material or is a third edible material, using a hot mixing step (step R) to form composite particle S according to the invention.

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• 2013
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• 2014
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