The present invention relates to a cocoa composition comprising less than 5 weight % of milk solids, characterized in that it comprises 0.5-15 weight % of a pea-based protein and 0.5-10 weight % of a plasticizer ingredient. Also provided are food products comprising the cocoa composition described, for example bakery products, confectionary products, and dairy-alternative products.

The present invention relates to a cocoa composition comprising less than 5 weight % of milk solids, characterized in that it comprises 0.5-15 weight % of a pea-based protein and 0.5-10 weight % of a plasticizer ingredient. Also provided are food products comprising the cocoa composition described, for example bakery products, confectionary products, and dairy-alternative products.

The present invention relates to a cocoa composition comprising at least 30 weight % sucrose and less than 5 weight % of milk solids, characterized in that it comprises 0.5-15 weight % of a plant-based protein other than soy protein, and 0.5-20 weight % of a bulking ingredient. Food products comprising the cocoa composition described are also provided, for example, bakery products, confectionary products, and dairy-alternative products.

The present invention relates to a cocoa composition comprising at least 30 weight % sucrose and less than 5 weight % of milk solids, characterized in that it comprises 0.5-15 weight % of a plant-based protein other than soy protein, and 0.5-20 weight % of a bulking ingredient. Food products comprising the cocoa composition described are also provided, for example, bakery products, confectionary products, and dairy-alternative products.

The invention relates to a method of producing a shelf stable ready-to-drink beverage product, comprising the steps of: providing an ingredient composition comprising micellar caseins and whey protein, having a total protein concentration of 1.5-8 wt. %, and wherein the composition has a casein to whey protein ratio of 90/10-60/40, adding divalent cations to provide a concentration of 3-20 mM free divalent cations in the ingredient composition, and 0.025-0.3 wt % of a stabilizing system comprising hydrocolloids, and subsequently heat treating the ingredient composition at ultra high temperature (UHT) at 135-150° C. for 3-30 s to form agglomerated proteins comprising casein and beta-lactoglobulin from the whey protein, the agglomerates having a size of 5-30 microns mean diameter D(4,3) as measured by laser diffraction. The invention also relates to a shelf stable ready-to-drink beverage product comprising aggregated proteins comprising micellar caseins and whey protein aggregates, wherein the product has a pH of 6.6-7.2, 1.5-8.0 wt. % milk proteins, a casein to whey protein ratio of 90/10-60/40, and a concentration of 3-20 mM divalent cations, and the aggregates are of 5-30 microns mean diameter D(4,3) as measured by laser diffraction.

Ready to drink beverages are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a ready to drink high-protein chocolate beverage including a protein component, a cocoa component, and a stabilizing system. The protein component may be present in an amount from about 4% to about 12% by weight of the beverage. The stabilizing system includes sodium hexamethaphosphate and a hydrocolloid component.

Ready to drink beverages are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a ready to drink high-protein chocolate beverage including a protein component, a cocoa component, and a stabilizing system. The protein component may be present in an amount from about 4% to about 12% by weight of the beverage. The stabilizing system includes sodium hexamethaphosphate and a hydrocolloid component.

Products that are sugar-free, or are low in sugar (or low in artificial sweeteners), are disclosed herein that comprise extracts from the leaves of the Erythroxylum plant, and one or more plant products, such as cocoa powder, wherein the perceived bitterness of the plant product(s) is reduced. Extracts from other plants, such as Hibiscus and Valerian root, can be used to reduce perceived bitterness.

Products that are sugar-free, or are low in sugar (or low in artificial sweeteners), are disclosed herein that comprise extracts from the leaves of the Erythroxylum plant, and one or more plant products, such as cocoa powder, wherein the perceived bitterness of the plant product(s) is reduced. Extracts from other plants, such as Hibiscus and Valerian root, can be used to reduce perceived bitterness.

A ketogenic chocolate-nut snack and method of making. The ketogenic chocolate-nut snack provides a chocolate covered macadamia nut; with the keto chocolate, consisting of at least 70% cocoa solids. The keto chocolate is melted to form a gooey liquid form. A binding agent, such as a gluten or egg, is added to the melted keto chocolate, so as to enhance binding of the keto chocolate to the nut. The finished product can be chilled to solidify the bind of the keto chocolate on the macadamia nut. Flavoring agents and salt can be applied to further enhance the flavor. This produces a delicious high-fat, high-protein, low-carbohydrate snack that combines the benefits of a sugar substitute or no sugar content, a protein material, healthful minerals, and at least one flavoring.