Class IV caramel color with reduced 4-MeI content is formed by combining carbohydrate with ammonium bisulfite and acid in an amount effective to establish a pH of less than 5. This is heated in a closed reactor vessel and heated to a temperature and for a time effective to provide the desired intensity caramel color. A base is injected into the closed reaction vessel during heating to control the caramelization reaction.

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to chocolate compositions containing dry milk chocolate and extraneous flavor compositions that impart a crumb chocolate flavor to a fat-based confectionery. The extraneous flavor compositions of the present disclosure can comprise (a) a highly volatile compound, (b) a lactone compound, and (c) a caramelic composition.

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to chocolate compositions containing dry milk chocolate and extraneous flavor compositions that impart a crumb chocolate flavor to a fat-based confectionery. The extraneous flavor compositions of the present disclosure can comprise (a) a highly volatile compound, (b) a lactone compound, and (c) a caramelic composition.

Cooked and uncooked caramel slurries and products prepared using the cooked caramel slurries, and methods of preparing caramel slurries and coating a cooked caramel slurry onto a food piece. A process of providing a cooked caramel slurry comprises providing a slurry comprising sucrose, non-sucrose sugar, fat, water and protein, and having an initial total moisture content of at least 6 weight percent moisture and cooking the slurry in a closed cooking system that does not allow moisture to leave the slurry during cooking. A cooked caramel slurry comprises from 30 to 80 weight percent sucrose, from 5 to 25 weight percent non-sucrose sugar, from 5 to 25 weight percent fat, and from 0.1 to 5 weight percent protein, each on a total solids (dry) basis, and at least 5 weight percent water, wherein the slurry is undiluted, the water being also present during cooking of the slurry.

Cooked and uncooked caramel slurries and products prepared using the cooked caramel slurries, and methods of preparing caramel slurries and coating a cooked caramel slurry onto a food piece. A process of providing a cooked caramel slurry comprises providing a slurry comprising sucrose, non-sucrose sugar, fat, water and protein, and having an initial total moisture content of at least 6 weight percent moisture and cooking the slurry in a closed cooking system that does not allow moisture to leave the slurry during cooking. A cooked caramel slurry comprises from 30 to 80 weight percent sucrose, from 5 to 25 weight percent non-sucrose sugar, from 5 to 25 weight percent fat, and from 0.1 to 5 weight percent protein, each on a total solids (dry) basis, and at least 5 weight percent water, wherein the slurry is undiluted, the water being also present during cooking of the slurry.