A method of reducing the asparagine content of whole grain flour for the production of baked goods includes treating whole grains by tempering the whole grains in an aqueous solution of an asparagine-reducing composition to concentrate and localize asparaginase activity in the bran and germ of the whole grains. In one approach, the asparagine-reducing composition may comprise an asparaginase enzyme. In another approach, the asparagine-reducing composition may comprise a yeast strain capable of degrading asparagine. The tempering treatment with the asparagine-reducing composition reduces asparagine in the whole grains by at least about 25%, resulting in a whole grain flour having an asparagine content of no more than about 250 ppm. Also described are baked goods having a reduced asparagine and acrylamide content comprising a whole grain flour obtained by treating whole grains with an asparagine-reducing composition during tempering.

A method of preparing the instant whole wheat crisps includes: using whole wheat grains as raw materials, fully soaking the whole wheat grains to make the whole wheat grains absorb water until saturating, and then performing cooking, extruding, sheeting, and microwave vacuum drying to obtain the instant whole wheat crisps. In the present disclosure, no artificial additive is added in the processing process, and the wheat grains are extruded and dried at a low temperature, which conforms to the current trend of “clean label” foods. Moreover, the whole wheat grains are processed into crisps, which are unadulterated whole wheat foods and conforms to the current trend of whole grains.

A method of preparing the instant whole wheat crisps includes: using whole wheat grains as raw materials, fully soaking the whole wheat grains to make the whole wheat grains absorb water until saturating, and then performing cooking, extruding, sheeting, and microwave vacuum drying to obtain the instant whole wheat crisps. In the present disclosure, no artificial additive is added in the processing process, and the wheat grains are extruded and dried at a low temperature, which conforms to the current trend of “clean label” foods. Moreover, the whole wheat grains are processed into crisps, which are unadulterated whole wheat foods and conforms to the current trend of whole grains.

A method of manufacture and a composition for dough item including a protein source. The technology as disclosed and claimed herein and its various implementations and embodiments are a modified method of manufacture and a composition for a dough item that includes protein. The technology as disclosed and claimed provides a dough based crust or other dough based item that is a protein enriched alternative to conventional breads and crusts and other dough based products. This invention results in a dough that has more protein, more complete protein, and fewer carbohydrates than conventional wheat doughs/breads.

A method of manufacture and a composition for dough item including a protein source. The technology as disclosed and claimed herein and its various implementations and embodiments are a modified method of manufacture and a composition for a dough item that includes protein. The technology as disclosed and claimed provides a dough based crust or other dough based item that is a protein enriched alternative to conventional breads and crusts and other dough based products. This invention results in a dough that has more protein, more complete protein, and fewer carbohydrates than conventional wheat doughs/breads.

The texture and flavor of bran and germ for the production of whole wheat flour and for the production of baked goods containing whole wheat flour is improved by treating bran and germ with water and an enzyme composition comprising xylanase, pentosanase, or mixtures thereof to hydrate the bran and germ and to enzymatically convert insoluble fiber of the bran and germ into soluble fiber and sugars. The enzymatic conversion is conducted so as to decrease the water holding capacity of the bran and germ and provides a bran and germ product having reduced grittiness and a reduced whole wheat flavor, while avoiding adverse effects on baking functionality. The enzymatic treatment with the xylanase and/or pentosanase may be initiated upon whole wheat berries or grains during tempering, or it may be initiated upon a separated bran and germ fraction obtained after grinding or milling of whole wheat berries or grains.

The texture and flavor of bran and germ for the production of whole wheat flour and for the production of baked goods containing whole wheat flour is improved by treating bran and germ with water and an enzyme composition comprising xylanase, pentosanase, or mixtures thereof to hydrate the bran and germ and to enzymatically convert insoluble fiber of the bran and germ into soluble fiber and sugars. The enzymatic conversion is conducted so as to decrease the water holding capacity of the bran and germ and provides a bran and germ product having reduced grittiness and a reduced whole wheat flavor, while avoiding adverse effects on baking functionality. The enzymatic treatment with the xylanase and/or pentosanase may be initiated upon whole wheat berries or grains during tempering, or it may be initiated upon a separated bran and germ fraction obtained after grinding or milling of whole wheat berries or grains.

There is described an confectionery composition comprising edible particulate material comprising from 80% to 100% by weight based on total weight of the material of a processable, microbially released, flavour acceptable bran-like material, characterized by the following parameters: (i) mean particle size by volume (Vol. MPS) of from 5 to 100 microns; (ii) volume particle size distribution (Vol. PSD) characterized by the parameters: D.sub.90,3 less than or equal to 350 microns, and D.sub.50,3 less than or equal to 50 microns, and optionally D.sub.10,3 less than or equal to 15 microns, (iii) mean particle sphericity as measured by a S.sub.mean of greater than or equal to 0.75; (iv) where processable means has oil holding capacity (OHC) of from 0.7 to 1.5; (v) where microbially released means material has common microbes below given limits (preferably free of common microbes) (vi) where flavour acceptable denotes a lipase activity (LA) and a peroxidase activity (PA) both less than or equal to 2 U/g and optionally a low degree of roasted flavour notes as defined herein. The bran-like material used in the confectionery compositions may added as a bulk ingredient to replace sugar and/or to provide confectionery fillings and/or coatings having improved hiding ability when used as layers in multilayer confectionery products.

There is described an confectionery composition comprising edible particulate material comprising from 80% to 100% by weight based on total weight of the material of a processable, microbially released, flavour acceptable bran-like material, characterized by the following parameters: (i) mean particle size by volume (Vol. MPS) of from 5 to 100 microns; (ii) volume particle size distribution (Vol. PSD) characterized by the parameters: D.sub.90,3 less than or equal to 350 microns, and D.sub.50,3 less than or equal to 50 microns, and optionally D.sub.10,3 less than or equal to 15 microns, (iii) mean particle sphericity as measured by a S.sub.mean of greater than or equal to 0.75; (iv) where processable means has oil holding capacity (OHC) of from 0.7 to 1.5; (v) where microbially released means material has common microbes below given limits (preferably free of common microbes) (vi) where flavour acceptable denotes a lipase activity (LA) and a peroxidase activity (PA) both less than or equal to 2 U/g and optionally a low degree of roasted flavour notes as defined herein. The bran-like material used in the confectionery compositions may added as a bulk ingredient to replace sugar and/or to provide confectionery fillings and/or coatings having improved hiding ability when used as layers in multilayer confectionery products.

A composition comprising: (i) a mixture containing a lipid-soluble vitamin dissolved in a lipid, and (ii) bran; wherein the mixture is absorbed into and/or adsorbed onto the bran and wherein the lipid does not originate from the bran. Also provided are processes for providing a stabilised vitamin composition.