WO2017048933A1

WO2017048933A1 - Edible products having protein and glucose

Info

Publication number: WO2017048933A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/051906
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Jensen
Original assignee: The Glukos Company
Priority date: 2015-09-15
Filing date: 2016-09-15
Publication date: 2017-03-23

Abstract

In one aspect the application relates to an edible product comprising: a protein content of between 4 and 40 grams; and a glucose content of between 1 and 75 grams; wherein a weight ratio of glucose to protein is between 10:1 and 1:10. In a second aspect the application relates to a system of edible protein products, comprising: a protein product configured for an average consumer and having a glucose to protein ratio by weight of about 1:10; and a protein product configured for an athlete and having a glucose to protein ratio by weight of about 10:1.

Description

EDIBLE PRODUCTS HAVING PROTEIN AND GLUCOSE

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0001] Protein is an important nutrient for the human body. Carbohydrates help the body to absorb and process protein efficiently. Specifically, fast-acting carbohydrates such as sugars may speed up uptake of protein by increasing the efficiency of protein absorption into the blood, thus acting as a protein driver. Various naturally occurring sugars such as fructose, glucose, and sucrose may drive the protein uptake in this process. Particularly, of the various naturally occurring sugars, glucose may have the greatest effect on increasing the uptake speed of protein.

[0002] The present disclosure in some embodiments is directed to edible products having protein and glucose. In some embodiments, the protein and glucose contents may be controlled, and may be combined in a particular ratio. The protein content and glucose content of the products may each be derived from various sources. One example of an edible product of the present disclosure may be a protein bar. Another example of an edible product of the present disclosure may be a protein powder. Other products are contemplated as well, such as for example protein drinks or various food products such as cookies, crackers, breads, etc. Generally, the products of the present disclosure may be designed to be a good source of protein for a consumer. In this way, products of the present disclosure may be used, for example, as meal replacers, protein-rich snacks, pre or post workout fuel, fuel during a workout or event, or for other purposes.

[0003] Each edible product of the present disclosure may have a protein content. The protein content of the various edible products may range between 0 and 100 grams in some embodiments. Particularly, in some embodiments, the protein content may be between 1 and 60 grams. More particularly, the protein content may range between 1 and 40 grams in some embodiments. The protein for the various edible products may be derived from various sources. For example, the protein may be derived from dairy and may be, for example, a whey protein. In other embodiments, the protein may be derived from beans or legumes and may be, for example, a soy protein. In other embodiments, the protein may be derived from a nut and may be, for example, an almond, peanut, cashew, walnut, or other nut protein. In other embodiments, the protein content may be derived from other sources such as from eggs, meats, or plant-based sources, for example. The protein content may be in various forms, such as liquid or powder form, for example. The protein content may be in an unmodified form, such as whole or chopped nuts, for example. The various protein sources may be combined, such that a product may include more than one protein source. For example, in some embodiments, protein may be provided in the form of a whey protein isolate, such as Provon 190 for example, whey crisps, and chopped almonds.

[0004] Each edible product may have a glucose content. The glucose content of the various edible products may range between 0 and 100 grams in some embodiments. Particularly, in some embodiments, the glucose content may range between 1 and 75 grams. More particularly, the glucose content may range between 1 and 40 grams in some embodiments. The glucose content for the various edible products may be derived from various sources. For example, glucose may be derived from corn, rice, wheat, or other starches. The glucose content may be in various forms, such as liquid or powder form, for example. The various glucose sources may be combined such that a product may include more than one glucose source. For example, in some embodiments, glucose may be provided in the form of a glucose syrup and glucose solids. [0005] For each edible product, the protein and glucose contents may be combined in a particular ratio by weight. The ratio of glucose content to protein content may affect the absorption of protein into the body, and may affect the speed with which the body absorbs the protein. Generally, a higher quantity of glucose with respect to protein may increase the efficiency of protein uptake in the body. For example, a high glucose content with respect to protein content may generally cause the protein to be absorbed by the body more quickly than a low glucose content with respect to high protein content. However, despite the effectiveness of high glucose contents, some consumers may desire a low glucose content. In this way, some consumers may be willing to forgo the most effective ratio of glucose to protein in exchange for a ratio that provides a somewhat slower protein uptake time but that also does not provide a high quantity of glucose. In this way, the ratio of glucose to protein in some embodiments may be configured with a particular type of consumer in mind. For example, an average consumer may not need or desire a particularly fast protein uptake, and in some cases may not desire a high level of carbohydrates such as glucose. Therefore, in some embodiments, a glucose to protein ratio at or near 1 : 10 for example may be ideal for an average consumer. In some embodiments, the ratio of glucose to protein may range from 1 : 10 to 10: 1. In other embodiments, other ratios may be determined ideal for the needs and desires of an average consumer. In contrast to an average consumer, an athlete such as a body builder for example, may desire a faster protein uptake time, for example to quickly absorb a protein content before, after, or during a workout. In addition, the athlete may be less concerned with the carbohydrates necessary to increase protein uptake, because the athlete may have a faster metabolism that can more easily process the additional carbohydrates. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a glucose to protein ratio at or near 10: 1 for example may be ideal for an athlete. In other embodiments, other ratios may be determined ideal for the needs and desires of various levels of athletes. Likewise, other consumers with differing levels of physical activity, protein needs, carbohydrate needs, and other features may desire or need differing ratios of glucose to protein.

[0006] In view of the needs, desires, and features of various consumers, the glucose to protein ratio by weight of products of the present disclosure may be between 1 :10 and 10:1 according to some embodiments. For example, the ratio of glucose content to protein content, by weight, may be at or about any of the ratios shown in the table in Appendix 1 , or any ratio in between. In other embodiments, the ratio of glucose to protein may be any suitable ratio. While the glucose to protein ratio by range from 1 :10 and 10: 1 in some embodiments, the ratio may range within a narrower subset of ratios depicted in Appendix 1 in some embodiments. For example, the glucose to protein ratio may range from 2.5: 10 and 9.5:4, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the glucose to protein ratio of products of the present disclosure may range between any suitable ratios. It may be understood that while a product may have a low protein content with respect to glucose, such as in a ratio of glucose to protein of 10:1 for example, the product may still contain a high protein content, such as 10-40 grams, for example.

[0007] In addition to protein and glucose, an edible product of the present disclosure may have various other ingredients. For example, a product of the present disclosure may have various sweetening agents and/or ingredients added for flavoring, such as maltitol, oligofructose, glycerin, chocolate, chocolate flavor marshmallow, marshmallow flavor, cocoa, and salt. A product may have ingredients for preserving, binding, coloring, or affecting various other properties of the product. Particular oils such as sunflower oil may be included in some embodiments. Generally, so as to maximize the effect that the glucose may have on the protein content, a product of the present disclosure may include limited additional carbohydrate sources. In this way, the products may be sugar free or at least nearly sugar free in some embodiments. For example, sweeteners used in the products may provide a sweet taste without metabolizing as sugar in the body and/or without providing a high caloric count. Products of the present disclosure may have little to no sucrose, fructose, or artificial sweeteners such as maltodextrose or sucralose. In addition, a product of the present disclosure may be gluten free or nearly gluten free. A product of the present disclosure may include little to no genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in some embodiments.

[0008] The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, may relate to an edible bar such as a protein bar. The protein bar may include a protein content from one or more sources and a glucose content from one or more sources. The glucose to protein ratio by weight may range from 1 : 10 to 10:1 in some embodiments, or may be any ratio in other embodiments. The protein bar may be particularly configured for a consumer such as an average consumer or an athlete, in some embodiments. The protein bar may be configured to have a particular flavor, such as chocolate or vanilla, for example. The protein bar may generally have any suitable size and weight, and in some embodiments may range from approximately 10 to 100 grams, and more particularly from 20-90 grams. More particularly, in some embodiments, a protein bar of the present disclosure may weigh between 40 and 80 grams. Edible protein products other than bars are contemplated as well.

[0009] In some embodiments, a protein bar of the present disclosure may include one or more protein sources, glucose sources, and other ingredients. For example, a protein bar of the present disclosure may include 1 -40 grams of glucose syrup, which may be between 0-40 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a protein bar may include 12-32 grams of glucose syrup, or even more particularly 18-22 grams of glucose syrup in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 1-40 grams of malitol syrup, which may be between 0- 40 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a protein bar may include 9-31 grams of malitol syrup, or even more particularly 18-22 grams of malitol syrup in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 1-20 grams of fructose liquid, such as fructose L90 liquid, which may be between 0-20 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a protein bar may include 6-16 grams of fructose liquid, or even more particularly 9-13 grams of fructose liquid in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 1-20 grams of glycerine, which may be between 0-20 percent of the protein bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a protein bar may include 5-15 grams of glycerine, or even more particularly 8-12 grams of glycerine in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 1- 20 grams of sunflower oil, such as mid-oleic sunflower oil, which may be between 0-10 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a protein bar may include 2-18 grams of sunflower oil, or even more particularly 8-12 grams of sunflower oil in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 0-5 grams of marshmallow flavor, such as nat. 872.089/WC, which may be between 0-5 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a protein bar may include 1 -5 grams of marshmallow flavor, or even more particularly 1-3 grams of marshmallow flavor in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 0-5 grams of chocolate flavor, such as nat. MET0001539, which may be between 0-5 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a bar may include 1-4 grams of chocolate flavor, or even more particularly 1-3 grams of chocolate flavor in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 0-5 grams of salt, such as sea salt, which may be 0-5 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a bar may include 1-4 grams of sea salt, or even more particularly 1-3 grams of sea salt in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 1-20 grams of glucose solids, which may be between 0-10 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a bar may include 5-15 grams of glucose solids, or even more particularly 10-15 grams of glucose solids in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 1- 20 grams of cocoa powder, such as D23S, which may be 0-10 percent by weight of the bar in some embodiments. More particularly, a bar may include 3-13 grams of cocoa powder, or even more particularly 7-10 grams of cocoa powder in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 1-40 grams of whey protein isolate, such as Pro von 190, which may be 0-40 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a bar may include 3-33 grams of whey protein isolate, or even more particularly 13-23 grams of whey protein isolate in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 10-50 grams of whey crisps, such as 60-dairy protein crisps 600, which may be between 1-50 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a bar may include 21-41 grams of whey crisps, or even more particularly 29-33 grams of whey crisps in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 1-20 grams of cocoa whey crisps, such as cocoa whey crisps 60%, which may be 0-40 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a bar may include 1-10 grams of cocoa whey crisps, or even more particularly 1-5 grams of cocoa whey crisps in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 1-20 grams of diced almonds, which may be between 0-20 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a bar may include 6-16 grams of diced almonds, or even more particularly 10-16 grams of diced almonds in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 1-20 grams of semi-sweet chocolate chips, such as 4M CHD-DR-6000301-050, which may be 0-20 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a bar may include 6-16 grams of semi-sweet chocolate chips, or even more particularly 10-16 grams of semi-sweet chocolate chips in some embodiments. A protein bar may include 10-50 grams of a sugar-free coating, such as a chocolate coating, which may be 0-40 percent of the bar by weight in some embodiments. More particularly, a protein bar may include 6-46 grams of a sugar-free coating, or even more particularly 16-26 grams of a sugar- free coating in some embodiments.

[0010] The above listing of ingredients and quantities is included for exemplary purposes and is not intended to be limiting. A protein bar of the present disclosure may include or not include any of the above ingredients in the above quantities or other quantities. In addition, a protein bar of the present disclosure may include additional ingredients in various quantities.

[0011] A protein bar of the present disclosure may have particular nutrient properties. For example, a protein bar of the present disclosure may have a calorie content of between 100 and 500 calories in some embodiments with between 10 and 150 calories being from fat. In some embodiments, a protein bar may have a total fat content of between 0 and 20 grams with a saturated fat content of between 0 and 10 grams. In some embodiments, a protein bar may have 0 grams of trans fat. In embodiments, a protein bar may have a cholesterol content of between 0 and 50 milligrams, a sodium content of between 0 and 300 milligrams, and a potassium content of between 100 and 500 milligrams. A protein bar may have a total carbohydrate content of between 5 and 50 grams in some embodiments, with between 0 and 20 grams each of dietary fiber and sugars in some embodiments. A protein bar of the present disclosure may further provide particular vitamin quantities, including for example between 0 and 20 percent daily value based on a 2,000 calorie diet of each of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. It may be appreciated that each of these nutrient properties is included for exemplary purposes and that a protein bar or other edible product of the present disclosure may have differing nutrient properties. In some embodiments, a protein bar of the present disclosure may be a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. [0012] The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, may relate to an edible powder such as a protein powder. The protein powder may include a protein content from one or more sources and a glucose content from one or more sources. The glucose to protein ratio by weight may range from 1 :10 to 10:1 in some embodiments, or may be any ratio in other embodiments. The protein powder may be particularly configured for a consumer such as an average consumer or an athlete, in some embodiments. The protein powder may be configured to have a particular flavor, such as chocolate or vanilla, for example. The protein powder may be configured to be mixed with a liquid such as water, milk, or juice, and drunk by the consumer, or mixed into other products or ingredients.

[0013] As used herein, the terms "substantially" or "generally" refer to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is "substantially" or "generally" enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have generally the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of "substantially" or "generally" is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an element, combination, embodiment, or composition that is "substantially free of or "generally free of an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is generally no measurable effect thereof.

[0014] In the foregoing description various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An edible product comprising:

a protein content of between 4 and 40 grams; and

a glucose content of between 1 and 75 grams;

wherein a weight ratio of glucose to protein is between 10:1 and 1 : 10.

2. The edible product of claim 1 , wherein the edible product is an edible bar.

3. The edible product of claim 1, wherein the edible product is an edible powder.

4. The edible product of claim 1 , wherein the ratio is about 10: 1.

5. The edible product of claim 1 , wherein the ratio is about 1 : 10.

6. The edible product of claim 1 , wherein the edible product is gluten free.

7. The edible product of claim 1, further comprising no artificial sweeteners.

8. The edible product of claim 1, further comprising no sucrose and no fructose.

9. The edible product of claim 1 , further comprising no genetically modified organisms.

10. A system of edible protein products, comprising:

a protein product configured for an average consumer and having a glucose to protein ratio by weight of about 1 :10; and

a protein product configured for an athlete and having a glucose to protein ratio by weight of about 10:1.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the edible protein products are edible protein bars.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the edible protein products are edible protein powders.