The invention pertains to a novel method for enhancing clarity and reducing the acidity of brewed coffee beverages. By incorporating potassium bicarbonate into either 1) roasted coffee beans (whole or ground) or 2) instant coffee granules, or 3) by providing potassium bicarbonate mixed with a carrier which can be added directly to brewed coffee, the turbidity of the resulting brewed coffee is significantly decreased, thereby improving its visual appeal. Additionally, the acidity of the brewed coffee is lowered, making it more palatable and potentially alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort often associated with acidic beverages. The process allows for customization based on the desired strength of the coffee and the chosen brewing method. This innovation presents a promising solution to enhance the overall quality and consumer satisfaction of coffee products.

A process for enhancing polyphenolics content of beverages brewed from polyphenolic containing, processed beverage substrate by pre-soaking substrate (coffee beans, for example) before roasting and then quenching the substrate after processing with the liquid in which the substrate was first pre-soaked. Beverages produced from the treated substrate exhibit substantially increased polyphenolics content, when compared to conventionally processed beverage substrate of the same nature and processing.

A process for enhancing polyphenolics content of beverages brewed from polyphenolic containing, processed beverage substrate by pre-soaking substrate (coffee beans, for example) before roasting and then quenching the substrate after processing with the liquid in which the substrate was first pre-soaked. Beverages produced from the treated substrate exhibit substantially increased polyphenolics content, when compared to conventionally processed beverage substrate of the same nature and processing.

A process for preparing an orally-enjoyable film of encapsulated plant material includes combining particles of finely divided plant material, a first coating material, and a second coating material, then inducing gelation to form a gel matrix of the particles coated with the first coating material embedded in the second coating material, followed by forming a film from the gel matrix. Also disclosed is a film of coated particles of finely-divided plant material, made of a gel matrix of plant material at least partially surrounded by a first coating material and embedded in a second coating material.

A process for preparing an orally-enjoyable film of encapsulated plant material includes combining particles of finely divided plant material, a first coating material, and a second coating material, then inducing gelation to form a gel matrix of the particles coated with the first coating material embedded in the second coating material, followed by forming a film from the gel matrix. Also disclosed is a film of coated particles of finely-divided plant material, made of a gel matrix of plant material at least partially surrounded by a first coating material and embedded in a second coating material.

The present invention provides a process of producing grains of coated coffee grounds, the process comprising: heating a mixture of a coating composition and coffee grounds to a temperature below the melting point of the coating composition and at which the coating composition forms a coating on at least some of the coffee grounds; and cooling the mixture to provide grains comprising coffee grounds having a coating of the coating composition formed on at least some of the surface of the coffee grounds. The present invention also provides coated ground coffee compositions that may be produced by this method.

The present invention provides a process of producing grains of coated coffee grounds, the process comprising: heating a mixture of a coating composition and coffee grounds to a temperature below the melting point of the coating composition and at which the coating composition forms a coating on at least some of the coffee grounds; and cooling the mixture to provide grains comprising coffee grounds having a coating of the coating composition formed on at least some of the surface of the coffee grounds. The present invention also provides coated ground coffee compositions that may be produced by this method.

[Problem] The present invention addresses the problem of providing a cellulose composite whereby the cellulose composite itself disperses stably even when ions are blended in a high concentration in a beverage, and also has excellent suspension stability.

[Solution] A cellulose composite comprising cellulose, an anionic polysaccharide not having a chemically crosslinked structure, and water-absorbent particles comprising a compound having a chemically crosslinked structure wherein the cellulose composite has a viscosity of 10 mPa.Math.s or higher when 1 mass % of the cellulose composite is dispersed in an aqueous solution in which 0.45 g of sodium bicarbonate is dissolved in 100 mL of pure water.

[Problem] The present invention addresses the problem of providing a cellulose composite whereby the cellulose composite itself disperses stably even when ions are blended in a high concentration in a beverage, and also has excellent suspension stability.

[Solution] A cellulose composite comprising cellulose, an anionic polysaccharide not having a chemically crosslinked structure, and water-absorbent particles comprising a compound having a chemically crosslinked structure wherein the cellulose composite has a viscosity of 10 mPa.Math.s or higher when 1 mass % of the cellulose composite is dispersed in an aqueous solution in which 0.45 g of sodium bicarbonate is dissolved in 100 mL of pure water.

A beverage brewing product for brewing a sweetened beverage is disclosed which produces a sweetened beverage solution that can be mixed with a diluting liquid and which comprises at least one water permeable sieve wherein beverage material and granulated sweetener are contained. The beverage material and sweetener are brewed and dissolved during steeping in hot water to produce a sweetened beverage solution. The beverage solution, if concentrated, is then mixed with a proportioned amount of diluting liquid to make a consistently sweet beverage. This beverage brewing product may be used to produce a variety of consistently sweetened beverages, including tea, coffee, lemonade, and other sweetened beverages.