An egg substitute composition includes a substantially egg-less dry mixture that includes a starch and/or lipid source and/or a protein source, and a hydrocolloid system. The hydrocolloid system includes a mixture of hydrocolloids and a crosslinking agent. The crosslinking agent is adapted to crosslink the mixture of hydrocolloids upon the introduction of a liquid. The mixture of hydrocolloids includes a lower-temperature gelling hydrocolloid and a higher-temperature gelling hydrocolloid. The compositions may further include a liquid activator, which may be added to the dry mix to hydrate the composition, and enable use of the composition in any application typically calling for raw eggs, e.g., scrambled eggs, omelets, frittatas, etc. The compositions (in dry or hydrated form) may also be used as egg-substitutes in various different applications, such as in emulsions (e.g., mayonnaise), and baking mixes.

The present invention provides nutritional supplements comprising alginate, in combination with pectin, which will form hydrogels in the stomach when exposed to the low pH of the gastric juice. The formation of a hydrogel will lead to delayed release of sugars and other active ingredients in the stomach. The nutritional supplements can comprise high concentrations of sugars and complex carbohydrates without causing unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms.

The present invention provides nutritional supplements comprising alginate, in combination with pectin, which will form hydrogels in the stomach when exposed to the low pH of the gastric juice. The formation of a hydrogel will lead to delayed release of sugars and other active ingredients in the stomach. The nutritional supplements can comprise high concentrations of sugars and complex carbohydrates without causing unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms.

Microencapsulated probiotic bacteria protected from degradation by acidic aqueous solutions, high bile salt concentrations, elevated temperatures, and prolonged storage and having an increased anti-bacterial activity as compared to their non-microencapsulated counterparts. The microencapsulated probiotic bacteria comprise probiotic bacteria encapsulated in microcapsules. The probiotic bacteria comprise live Lactobacillus plantarum cells. Each of the microcapsules comprises a matrix of a gelled alginate. The matrix wholly envelops the probiotic bacteria within the matrix. An outer surface of the matrix has a coating consisting essentially of one vegetable oil selected from the group consisting of olive oil and canola oil, or an outer surface of the matrix is treated with sodium chloride. The microencapsulated probiotic bacteria have an average particle size of less than 1000 microns (m) in diameter.

Microencapsulated probiotic bacteria protected from degradation by acidic aqueous solutions, high bile salt concentrations, elevated temperatures, and prolonged storage and having an increased anti-bacterial activity as compared to their non-microencapsulated counterparts. The microencapsulated probiotic bacteria comprise probiotic bacteria encapsulated in microcapsules. The probiotic bacteria comprise live Lactobacillus plantarum cells. Each of the microcapsules comprises a matrix of a gelled alginate. The matrix wholly envelops the probiotic bacteria within the matrix. An outer surface of the matrix has a coating consisting essentially of one vegetable oil selected from the group consisting of olive oil and canola oil, or an outer surface of the matrix is treated with sodium chloride. The microencapsulated probiotic bacteria have an average particle size of less than 1000 microns (m) in diameter.

Subject of the invention is a composition for oral administration comprising a beverage and beads distributed in the beverage, wherein the beads have an average diameter between 2 to 10 mm, comprise more than 50% (w/w) dietary fibres, and wherein the amount of beads in the composition is between 1 and 20 wt. %. The invention also relates to devices and uses of the composition for reducing the weight of an individual and/or preventing weight gain.

Subject of the invention is a composition for oral administration comprising a beverage and beads distributed in the beverage, wherein the beads have an average diameter between 2 to 10 mm, comprise more than 50% (w/w) dietary fibres, and wherein the amount of beads in the composition is between 1 and 20 wt. %. The invention also relates to devices and uses of the composition for reducing the weight of an individual and/or preventing weight gain.

Heat-processed health food is provided, as well as a process for making it, the food being particularly probiotic pastry which comprises a probiotic component capable of resisting baking heat, and so it beneficially affects the consumer's intestinal microbial balance.

Heat-processed health food is provided, as well as a process for making it, the food being particularly probiotic pastry which comprises a probiotic component capable of resisting baking heat, and so it beneficially affects the consumer's intestinal microbial balance.

A solid composition comprising the following components (A) and (B): (A) from 20 to 65 mass % of a fat globule membrane component; and (B) from 0.2 to 4 mass % of a water-soluble dietary fiber having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 or more.