A double-layer coated microparticle for protecting a bioactive substance is provided. The double-layer coated microparticle comprises a core, an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the core is coated with the inner layer and the outer layer, the inner layer is between the core and the outer layer, the core comprises the bioactive substance, the inner layer comprises a hydrophobic antioxidant, and the outer layer comprises a solid fat. Also provided is a method for preparing the double-layer coated microparticle. The preparation method comprises contacting the core with an inner layer solution to form the inner layer on the core, whereby an inner-layer coated microparticle is obtained; and contacting the inner-layer coated microparticle with an outer layer solution to form the outer layer on the inner-layer coated microparticle.

The present invention relates to a structured oil-in-water emulsion for use in a food product, a food product, such as a bakery product, comprising the same, and a method of preparing the food product and the emulsion itself. In one aspect the present invention provides an oil-in-water structured emulsion for use in a food product; said structured emulsion comprising: i) from 1 to 8 wt. % emulsifier; ii) from 8 to 55 wt. % of sugar and/or sugar alcohol; iii) from 12 to 40 wt. % water; and iv) from 25 to 70 wt. % oil.

The present invention provides a fermentation-produced propionate powder comprising 25-60 wt. % propionic acid equivalent, 3-16 wt. % acetic acid equivalent, 2-12 wt % succinic acid equivalent, 0.1-0.8 mol Ca.sup.2+ per mol of propionate, 0-1.0 mol Na.sup.+ per mol of propionate, and 0-1.0 mol K.sup.+ per mol of propionate. Methods of preparing a food or cosmetic product containing the fermentation-produced propionate powder are also provided.

The present invention provides a fermentation-produced propionate powder comprising 25-60 wt. % propionic acid equivalent, 3-16 wt. % acetic acid equivalent, 2-12 wt % succinic acid equivalent, 0.1-0.8 mol Ca.sup.2+ per mol of propionate, 0-1.0 mol Na.sup.+ per mol of propionate, and 0-1.0 mol K.sup.+ per mol of propionate. Methods of preparing a food or cosmetic product containing the fermentation-produced propionate powder are also provided.

The present invention provides a dried fermentate that comprises, per kg of dry, matter: 4.7-8.1 mol of propionate; 1.2-3.0 mol of calcium cation; 2.4-7.8 mol of alkali metal cation selected from sodium, potassium and combinations thereof; and 1-50 grams glucose equivalent of hydrolysed glucan; calcium cation and propionate being present in the dried fermentate in a molar ratio of 0.2 to 0.6. Methods of producing the dried fermentate are also provided.

The present invention relates to baking powders suitable for use as a phosphate-free leavening agent in baking, more particularly in cakes, comprising baking salt(s) and oxidase(s) of class EC 1.1.3. Also, phosphate-free cake batters or cake products comprising baking salt(s) and oxidase(s) of class EC 1.1.3, and methods to obtain them, are provided herein.

A leavening composition which gives an enhanced leavening and reduced use of acidulants comprises (1) an alkali metal bicarbonate, (2) at least 0.1 and preferably at least mole per mole of bicarbonate of a precipitant which is a water-soluble alkaline earth metal salt, and (3) optionally an acidulant, wherein (2) and (3) are present in a total amount from 105 to 800% of the stoichiometric amount that would be required to react fully with (1) in a boiling aqueous solution. In a preferred embodiment the acidulant forms a water insoluble calcium or magnesium salt and is sufficient to provide more than 0.105 g replaceable hydrogen per 100 mmol bicarbonate, and the precipitant is a water soluble calcium or magnesium salt which is capable of precipitating or complexing with said acidulant and is present in an amount sufficient to provide a final pH below 6.5 when the leavening agent is heated in a bakery mix, which allows the inclusion of an effective amount of a preservative.