The present invention provides a hydrocolloid-based thickener composition for the management of dysphagia with improved dispersibility in water or aqueous liquids to allow for ready hydration and solubilisation, and a process for preparing the same. More specifically, the present invention provides a process for preparing a readily dispersible hydrocolloid composition, the process comprising (a) providing a dry blend of xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose and maltodextrin in the form of a powder; (b) contacting the dry blend of step (a) with a solution of a calcium salt to provide a first agglomerate; (c) contacting the first agglomerate of step (b) with a solution of maltodextrin to provide a second agglomerate; and (d) recovering the second agglomerate, and the composition obtained thereby.

The present invention provides a composition for providing thickness to foods and drinks and improving swallowability for foods and drinks. More specifically, the present invention is a composition comprising a first thickener and a second thickener for providing thickness to foods and drinks and improving swallowability for foods and drinks, wherein

the first thickener shows pseudoplasticity at the shear rate from 1 to 100S.sup.−1,

the second thickener shows Newtonian viscosity at the shear rate from 1 to 100S.sup.−1,

and the thickeneing effect when the first and the second thickeners are used in combination in an equal amount is equal to or less than an additive level of the thickening effect when each were used alone.

The present invention provides a composition for providing thickness to foods and drinks and improving swallowability for foods and drinks. More specifically, the present invention is a composition comprising a first thickener and a second thickener for providing thickness to foods and drinks and improving swallowability for foods and drinks, wherein

the first thickener shows pseudoplasticity at the shear rate from 1 to 100S.sup.−1,

the second thickener shows Newtonian viscosity at the shear rate from 1 to 100S.sup.−1,

and the thickeneing effect when the first and the second thickeners are used in combination in an equal amount is equal to or less than an additive level of the thickening effect when each were used alone.

A heat resistant chocolate containing ethylcellulose. The ethylcellulose is introduced into the chocolate as a solution in oil or in a non-aqueous solvent, suitably in an amount of from about 1% to about 3% ethylcellulose by weight. Ethylcellulose oleogels may also be used to replace a portion of the oils and fats normally present in chocolate and/or to formulate fillings for filled chocolates exhibiting reduced oil migration. Also provided are methods of making chocolate compositions according to the invention.

A heat resistant chocolate containing ethylcellulose. The ethylcellulose is introduced into the chocolate as a solution in oil or in a non-aqueous solvent, suitably in an amount of from about 1% to about 3% ethylcellulose by weight. Ethylcellulose oleogels may also be used to replace a portion of the oils and fats normally present in chocolate and/or to formulate fillings for filled chocolates exhibiting reduced oil migration. Also provided are methods of making chocolate compositions according to the invention.

Disclosed herein is at least one low protein yogurt composition comprising at least one dairy ingredient, dairy alternative ingredient, or mixture thereof, and a texturizing agent comprising an inhibited starch and a non-granular, enzymatically-debranched waxy starch selected from waxy maize, waxy tapioca, and combinations thereof, wherein said low protein yogurt comprises less than 2.9% dairy protein content, and at least one method for making these low protein yogurt compositions. Also disclosed herein is a texturizing agent comprising an inhibited starch and a non-granular, enzymatically-debranched waxy starch selected from waxy maize, waxy tapioca, and combinations thereof.

Disclosed herein is at least one low protein yogurt composition comprising at least one dairy ingredient, dairy alternative ingredient, or mixture thereof, and a texturizing agent comprising an inhibited starch and a non-granular, enzymatically-debranched waxy starch selected from waxy maize, waxy tapioca, and combinations thereof, wherein said low protein yogurt comprises less than 2.9% dairy protein content, and at least one method for making these low protein yogurt compositions. Also disclosed herein is a texturizing agent comprising an inhibited starch and a non-granular, enzymatically-debranched waxy starch selected from waxy maize, waxy tapioca, and combinations thereof.

Methods of forming a gelatinous food product, forming a whitened food product, increasing viscosity, increasing water binding, emulsifying, or sweetening a food product, comprising combining paramylon from Euglena sp. with a food composition, to form the food product thereof. The disclosure also relates to methods of encapsulating an oil with paramylon, to form an encapsulated oil thereof.

Methods of forming a gelatinous food product, forming a whitened food product, increasing viscosity, increasing water binding, emulsifying, or sweetening a food product, comprising combining paramylon from Euglena sp. with a food composition, to form the food product thereof. The disclosure also relates to methods of encapsulating an oil with paramylon, to form an encapsulated oil thereof.

The present invention discloses palatable oral formulations for hydrating, supporting gut activity, micronutrient supplementation and providing oral carriers for vaccines, antibiotics and food supplements, of inter alia, companion or pet animals.