A method to produce cheese chips, consisting in provides that cut cheese slices are frozen and then raised by means of rapid water evaporation due to the application of microwave and vacuum drying. The freezing step is preceded by drying and cooling, and the raised cheese chips containing cheese and flavourings are characterised in that their density does not exceed 0.46 g/cm.sup.3, the porosity does exceed 40%, and the crunchiness does exceed 4.

A method to produce cheese chips, consisting in provides that cut cheese slices are frozen and then raised by means of rapid water evaporation due to the application of microwave and vacuum drying. The freezing step is preceded by drying and cooling, and the raised cheese chips containing cheese and flavourings are characterised in that their density does not exceed 0.46 g/cm.sup.3, the porosity does exceed 40%, and the crunchiness does exceed 4.

A composition and method of making a label friendly starch blend includes a composition having greater than 50 weight percent of a heat moisture treated (HMT) potato starch and less than 50 weight percent of a native tapioca starch. In an example, the starch blend includes between about 60 and about 70 weight percent of the HMT potato starch and between about 30 and about 40 weight percent of the native tapioca starch. The starch blends disclosed herein can be suitable for use in a variety of food products, including, but not limited to, tomato-based sauces, cheese sauces, Asian-style sauces, and gravies, particularly for use in freezer meals. The food products containing the starch blends disclosed herein exhibit favorable properties after being cooked, stored in the freezer and then heated prior to consumption. Observations included favorable viscosity, favorable texture and an absence of syneresis.

A composition and method of making a label friendly starch blend includes a composition having greater than 50 weight percent of a heat moisture treated (HMT) potato starch and less than 50 weight percent of a native tapioca starch. In an example, the starch blend includes between about 60 and about 70 weight percent of the HMT potato starch and between about 30 and about 40 weight percent of the native tapioca starch. The starch blends disclosed herein can be suitable for use in a variety of food products, including, but not limited to, tomato-based sauces, cheese sauces, Asian-style sauces, and gravies, particularly for use in freezer meals. The food products containing the starch blends disclosed herein exhibit favorable properties after being cooked, stored in the freezer and then heated prior to consumption. Observations included favorable viscosity, favorable texture and an absence of syneresis.