An improved rotary head extruder incorporates an auger system comprising more than one auger to create asymmetrical, substantially cylindrical extruded products having a density within the range of about 3.0 to about 6.0 lbs./cu ft. A wide variety of fine particles such as flour and powder can be successfully introduced into and conveyed within a rotary head extruder to the die assembly, where the materials are cooked to form hard, dense extruded collets with randomly asymmetrical shapes. A transition piece at the downstream end of the augers allows for continuous, uniform flow to the die assembly, where cooking takes place. Using the equipment described, raw materials other than the typically used corn meal are produced, while maintaining the desired bulk density, texture, and crunch of random extruded products.

Shelf-stable, extruded food products are provided which are suitable for young children due to their fast-melting characteristic. The food products include at least an extruded cereal component with a crunchy but also soft texture. The cereal component includes soft flour, fiber, carbonate, and milk powder. The cereal component is also characterized by limited fat and sugar content. The extruded food products may optionally include one or more fillings. The extruded food products have a shelf life of at least about 6 months when stored at about 20° C. in sealed packaging.

A crisp proteinaceous food product in which egg white proteins constitute the majority of total proteins present is described. The food product has a bulk density of from 120 to ˜500 g/L and includes water, expanded starch, and denatured proteins. Ovalbumin constitutes at least 33% (w/w) of the proteins. Expanded starch can constitute at least 35% (w/w) of the food product.

The present invention relates to amorphous food materials containing an amount of protein and processes for its manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to amorphous protein extrudates containing high concentrations of protein, processes for manufacturing such protein extrudates, and the use of such protein extrudates as food ingredients.

The present invention relates to amorphous food materials containing an amount of protein and processes for its manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to amorphous protein extrudates containing high concentrations of protein, processes for manufacturing such protein extrudates, and the use of such protein extrudates as food ingredients.

An edible chew is formulated for oral consumption by a human child and includes an expanded pre-gelatinized cereal flour matrix. A method of (i) providing teething support to a human child who is teething and/or (ii) soothing, calming and/or delivering an active ingredient to a human child can include administering the edible chew to the human child. Methods of making the edible chew are provided, for example by modified extrusion; and also a system including the edible chew and further including a holder configured to attach to the edible chew; a product including a packaging and further including the edible chew; and a product including a container housing a plurality of the edible chews, and the plurality of edible chews are individually packaged.

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.

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.

A dough-based food product, an apparatus and method for production thereof. A food product matrix to be foamed includes a proportion of a starch-containing raw material and a proportion of water. Gas that has been dissolved or is to be dissolved is introduced into the food product matrix to be foamed. The gas is dissolved under pressure in the food product matrix to be foamed. Gas bubbles are formed by expansion and increasing the volume with a resulting reduction in density of the dough as a result of bubble growth for formation of a foamed food product matrix of the food product to be produced. The foam is then stabilized. Gas is introduced into and dissolved in the aqueous component of the food product matrix to be foamed in a subcritical state below the critical point and at a pressure of 10 bar≤p<gas critical pressure.

A dough-based food product, an apparatus and method for production thereof. A food product matrix to be foamed includes a proportion of a starch-containing raw material and a proportion of water. Gas that has been dissolved or is to be dissolved is introduced into the food product matrix to be foamed. The gas is dissolved under pressure in the food product matrix to be foamed. Gas bubbles are formed by expansion and increasing the volume with a resulting reduction in density of the dough as a result of bubble growth for formation of a foamed food product matrix of the food product to be produced. The foam is then stabilized. Gas is introduced into and dissolved in the aqueous component of the food product matrix to be foamed in a subcritical state below the critical point and at a pressure of 10 bar≤p<gas critical pressure.