Shelf stable, expanded or popped snack products are disclosed that contain at least one fruit ingredient and/or at least one vegetable ingredient. Also disclosed are methods of producing and using the snack products.

The present invention relates to a shaped savoury composition comprising particles of puffed maize endosperm. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing such a composition and to the use of puffed maize endosperm in food products.

Described are food products including doughs, extrudates, and finished food products derived therefrom, that contain zein protein, e.g., zein protein ingredient, wherein the zein protein improves processing or textural characteristics of the food product.

Described are food products including doughs, extrudates, and finished food products derived therefrom, that contain zein protein, e.g., zein protein ingredient, wherein the zein protein improves processing or textural characteristics of the food product.

A food baking apparatus includes a compressible die and a mechanical stop for controlling a die spacing of the compressible die. The mechanical stop includes a supporting system and a mounting element mounted onto the supporting system. The mounting element includes at least one protrusion having a particular amount of protrusion from the mounting element, which amount of protrusion may be adjustable for any single protrusion. By translation or rotation of the supporting system and/or the mounting element during operation of the apparatus, a protrusion is selected. The protrusions mechanically stop further compression of the dies during an operation of the food baking apparatus. Thus, the selection determines the die spacing applicable for the baking process, based on the amount of protrusion of the selected protrusion.

A food baking apparatus includes a compressible die and a mechanical stop for controlling a die spacing of the compressible die. The mechanical stop includes a supporting system and a mounting element mounted onto the supporting system. The mounting element includes at least one protrusion having a particular amount of protrusion from the mounting element, which amount of protrusion may be adjustable for any single protrusion. By translation or rotation of the supporting system and/or the mounting element during operation of the apparatus, a protrusion is selected. The protrusions mechanically stop further compression of the dies during an operation of the food baking apparatus. Thus, the selection determines the die spacing applicable for the baking process, based on the amount of protrusion of the selected protrusion.

An extrusion process is disclosed for turning vegetable protein compositions such as soy protein into a fibrous, meat-like structure. The process involves the application of relatively high moisture contents. An open structure is produced that can be infused with water so as to influence the product's tenderness. The products of the invention can be provided with a fibrosity and tenderness at will. The invention offers the possibility to include relatively high amounts of fat in the product.

An extrusion process is disclosed for turning vegetable protein compositions such as soy protein into a fibrous, meat-like structure. The process involves the application of relatively high moisture contents. An open structure is produced that can be infused with water so as to influence the product's tenderness. The products of the invention can be provided with a fibrosity and tenderness at will. The invention offers the possibility to include relatively high amounts of fat in the product.

Described are food compositions including doughs, extrudates, and finished puffed food compositions derived therefrom. The food compositions contain hemp protein, non-hemp protein, and starch. Such a food composition contains at least 40 weight percent total protein and less than 10 weight percent total fat, based on total weight of the food composition on a dry basis. Advantageously, the finished food product has a surprisingly crunchy texture. Additionally, the finished food product has improved storage stability as compared to compositions having greater levels of hemp fat.

Described are food compositions including doughs, extrudates, and finished puffed food compositions derived therefrom. The food compositions contain hemp protein, non-hemp protein, and starch. Such a food composition contains at least 40 weight percent total protein and less than 10 weight percent total fat, based on total weight of the food composition on a dry basis. Advantageously, the finished food product has a surprisingly crunchy texture. Additionally, the finished food product has improved storage stability as compared to compositions having greater levels of hemp fat.