The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for making soft pretzel sticks using a continuous production line. The method involves conveying dough through a sheeting line to create an evenly thick sheet, which is further reduced to a uniform thickness using rollers. The dough sheet is then cut into vertical strips with pastry cutting wheels and curled into spirals using a torpedo-shaped curling device. The curled strips are proofed under controlled heat and humidity conditions for 25 to 55 minutes, allowing for optimal dough structure development. After proofing, the dough strips are enrobed or sprayed with a caustic soda solution, forming the surface texture and color characteristic of pretzels. The caustic-coated strips are cut into dough bites using a cutting device, leaving unexposed ends that create a lighter-colored buckeye effect. Finally, the pieces are baked to produce soft pretzel sticks with a chewy texture and unique appearance.

The present invention provides a composite comestible product comprising distinct first and second components, wherein the first component has a total fat content comprising a randomly interesterified fat, the randomly interesterified fat having a saturated fat content of from 35 to 55 wt % by weight of the randomly interesterified fat, wherein the total fat content comprises from 20 to 50 wt % saturated fat and less than 3 wt % trans fatty acids by weight of the total fat content, and wherein the second component is a chocolate component comprising one or more sources of cocoa butter (CB) or cocoa butter equivalent (CBE).

The present invention provides a composite comestible product comprising distinct first and second components, wherein the first component has a total fat content comprising a randomly interesterified fat, the randomly interesterified fat having a saturated fat content of from 35 to 55 wt % by weight of the randomly interesterified fat, wherein the total fat content comprises from 20 to 50 wt % saturated fat and less than 3 wt % trans fatty acids by weight of the total fat content, and wherein the second component is a chocolate component comprising one or more sources of cocoa butter (CB) or cocoa butter equivalent (CBE).

A process for the preparation of fat-based confection compositions comprising calcium carbonate and sugars, the process comprising the steps of mixing and heating a composition comprising: non-fat solid particles, fat and emulsifier to form a dispersion, wherein the non-fat solid particles comprise sugars and calcium carbonate; and refining the particles of the dispersion to have a D.sub.v90 of less than 50 microns.

A process for the preparation of fat-based confection compositions comprising calcium carbonate and sugars, the process comprising the steps of mixing and heating a composition comprising: non-fat solid particles, fat and emulsifier to form a dispersion, wherein the non-fat solid particles comprise sugars and calcium carbonate; and refining the particles of the dispersion to have a D.sub.v90 of less than 50 microns.

The invention provides novel products and methods. The composition of the invention is a coated food product generally comprising: a product base, a slurry coating and a dry set coating. Specifically, there is disclosed a food product with a cookie and cream coating and a method of coating a food product with a cookie and cream coating.

The invention provides novel products and methods. The composition of the invention is a coated food product generally comprising: a product base, a slurry coating and a dry set coating. Specifically, there is disclosed a food product with a cookie and cream coating and a method of coating a food product with a cookie and cream coating.

A shelf-stable, indulgent, soft-baked snack product (e.g., a soft-baked snack bar) having reduced saturated fat, sodium, and/or sugar levels (reduced SFSS) compared to prior art soft-baked snack products but that is indulgent and flavorful to the consumer. The snack product has a relatively high moisture content, preferably about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %. A dough composition for making reduced SFSS, shelf-stable, indulgent, soft-baked snack products includes a flour component, a fat component consisting of sunflower oil (e.g., high oleic sunflower oil), a plurality of crispy protein inclusions, and a sucrose-free sugar component including isolated fructose. Sodium-containing leaveners are partially or completely replaced, e.g., by potassium bicarbonate. If present, cocoa powder is used in reduced amounts compared to prior art soft-baked snack products. A method of making the reduced SFSS, shelf-stable, indulgent, soft-baked snack product with the crispy protein inclusions includes a step of baking the dough composition.

A shelf-stable, indulgent, soft-baked snack product (e.g., a soft-baked snack bar) having reduced saturated fat, sodium, and/or sugar levels (reduced SFSS) compared to prior art soft-baked snack products but that is indulgent and flavorful to the consumer. The snack product has a relatively high moisture content, preferably about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %. A dough composition for making reduced SFSS, shelf-stable, indulgent, soft-baked snack products includes a flour component, a fat component consisting of sunflower oil (e.g., high oleic sunflower oil), a plurality of crispy protein inclusions, and a sucrose-free sugar component including isolated fructose. Sodium-containing leaveners are partially or completely replaced, e.g., by potassium bicarbonate. If present, cocoa powder is used in reduced amounts compared to prior art soft-baked snack products. A method of making the reduced SFSS, shelf-stable, indulgent, soft-baked snack product with the crispy protein inclusions includes a step of baking the dough composition.

A shaped snack product having a substantially uniform thickness and an exposed surface area that is capable of receiving seasoning. Processes for making a shaped snack product include forming a shaped dough piece followed by intermediary steps that allow for slicing of the subsequently formed baked shaped piece producing at least two sliced pieces.