This invention provides edible compositions comprising pharmaceutically or nutraceutically active agents in particulate form homogeneously dispersed in a fat matrix, such as chocolate or chocolate compound coating.

The invention relates to a method for preparing a chocolate product, the process comprising: (a) providing a mixture, said mixture comprising: (i) one or more cocoa components; (ii) a non-reducing sugar; (iii) one or more reducing sugars; and (iv) water; and (b) mechanically agitating the mixture at a temperature at which the mixture is in a liquid state. The invention further relates to a chocolate product comprising: (I) one or more cocoa components; (II) a non-reducing sugar; (III) one or more reducing sugars; and (IV) water wherein said chocolate product comprises between 4 and 20 wt. % of water with respect to the weight of the chocolate product, preferably between 6 and 15 wt. % of water with respect to the weight of the chocolate product.

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a chocolate which has a reduced trans fatty acid content and yet shows a high compatibility with cocoa butter, excellent blooming resistance and high meltability in mouth. A transesterified fat or oil wherein, in the constituting fatty acid composition thereof, the content of unsaturated fatty acids is regulated to not more than 10 mass % and the composition of other fatty acids is controlled to a preset content.

Methods and materials for using plant seeds (e.g., grape seeds) as a filler ingredient for chocolate, cocoa, or other consumable products are provided herein.

A process for producing powdered cocoa shells as a food ingredient, as replacer for cocoa powder, to impart coloration in food products, and as fat bloom inhibitor in cocoa-based products.

A coated, continuous outer-skinned food product is provided. The coated, continuous skinned food product includes an outer skin having an exterior surface. A pulp portion is positioned internal to the outer skin and an inner core is positioned internal to the pulp portion. One or more layers of coating materials is applied to the exterior surface of the outer skin. The outer skin provides a continuous, uninterrupted protective layer enveloping the pulp portion and the inner core.

Provided is a non-lauric non-trans fat composition for chocolate coating that has the drying time, gloss, difficulty in peeling from a coated item, and sweating resistance required for chocolate coating use. Moreover, the non-lauric non-trans fat composition for chocolate coating enables a novel composite food having a soft texture that has not been obtainable by a conventional fat composition for chocolate coating to be obtained. The non-lauric non-trans fat composition for chocolate coating contains a fat having a specific fatty acid composition and having a rising melting point of 35 C. or higher, and has a specific triglyceride composition.

Provided is a non-lauric non-trans fat composition for chocolate coating that has the drying time, gloss, difficulty in peeling from a coated item, and sweating resistance required for chocolate coating use. Moreover, the non-lauric non-trans fat composition for chocolate coating enables a novel composite food having a soft texture that has not been obtainable by a conventional fat composition for chocolate coating to be obtained. The non-lauric non-trans fat composition for chocolate coating contains a fat having a specific fatty acid composition and having a rising melting point of 35 C. or higher, and has a specific triglyceride composition.

A method of imparting pearlescence to a food product that includes applying a ready-to-use dispersion to a food product using confectionary panning, where the ready-to-use dispersion includes a pearlescent pigment, a cellulose derivative in an amount sufficient to enhance viscosity of the dispersion and impart a barrier coat to the food product, and a wax in an amount sufficient to impart a gloss to the food product. A method of incorporating a pearlescent pigment into a food product that includes applying a dispersion to a food product using panning, where the dispersion includes a pearlescent pigment, a viscosity enhancer, a fluid carrier, and a gloss agent.

In part, the disclosure relates to various confections and edibles. In some embodiments, nuts are selected and processed to create an edible wick suitable for use in various confections such as edible chocolate, candy, cake or cookie candles. Other confections can be created using the embodiments disclosed herein including cupcakes, candle sticks, piata cakes, lollipops, candies, wicks, combinations of the foregoing and others. Thus, in one embodiment, a completely edible, non-toxic candle is presented. The candle includes a body and a wick, both comprised of edible materials. The natural oils of the edible wick provide a flammable fuel capable of sustaining a prolonged flame. The melted by-product of the burned candle remains edible and non-toxic for ingestion.