Disclosed is a frozen confection comprising freezing point depressants in an amount of from 25 to 35% by weight of the frozen confection, wherein the number average molecular weight <M>.sub.n of the freezing point depressants is from 200 to 250 g mol.sup.−1, and wherein the freezing point depressants comprise erythritol in an amount of from 0.25 to 5 7% by weight of the frozen confection.

Disclosed is a frozen confection comprising freezing point depressants in an amount of from 25 to 35% by weight of the frozen confection, wherein the number average molecular weight <M>.sub.n of the freezing point depressants is from 200 to 250 g mol.sup.−1, and wherein the freezing point depressants comprise erythritol in an amount of from 0.25 to 5 7% by weight of the frozen confection.

A machine for making ice cream includes a first transfer channel configured to transfer a base product from a processing container to a dispensing section; a second transfer channel configured to transfer additional product from a feed device to the dispensing section; a shutter movable between closed and opens positions for controlling opening and closing of the first transfer channel, and in which the second transfer channel is formed; a containing body in which the shutter is slidably movable and having an abutment portion configured to receive a head portion of the shutter at the closed position; a drive and control unit; the second transfer channel being made internally of the shutter and, a heating device associated as one with the shutter to heat the additional product inside the second channel and connected to and controlled by the drive and control unit.

A machine for making ice cream includes a first transfer channel configured to transfer a base product from a processing container to a dispensing section; a second transfer channel configured to transfer additional product from a feed device to the dispensing section; a shutter movable between closed and opens positions for controlling opening and closing of the first transfer channel, and in which the second transfer channel is formed; a containing body in which the shutter is slidably movable and having an abutment portion configured to receive a head portion of the shutter at the closed position; a drive and control unit; the second transfer channel being made internally of the shutter and, a heating device associated as one with the shutter to heat the additional product inside the second channel and connected to and controlled by the drive and control unit.

A dispensing machine for dispensing a frozen confectionary product, the machine comprising: a first storage area for storing a first storage tray with one or more first tubes in the dispensing machine, a serving station for receiving one or more first tubes comprising a composition that is a frozen confectionary from the first storage tray. The serving station comprises a first position under the one or more first tubes for receiving a container, a means for extruding the frozen confectionary out of the tubes located in the serving station, a cutting device for cutting at least a portion of the frozen confectionary into the container. The dispensing machines further comprises means for transferring the one or more first tubes in the first storage area to the serving station and from the serving station to a storage area, and wherein the one or more first tubes are reusable; and at least two zones, the at least two zones comprising a first zone wherein the temperature is lower than the temperature in the second zone, and wherein the first storage area is located in the first zone and the serving station is located in the second zone.

A dispensing machine for dispensing a frozen confectionary product, the machine comprising: a first storage area for storing a first storage tray with one or more first tubes in the dispensing machine, a serving station for receiving one or more first tubes comprising a composition that is a frozen confectionary from the first storage tray. The serving station comprises a first position under the one or more first tubes for receiving a container, a means for extruding the frozen confectionary out of the tubes located in the serving station, a cutting device for cutting at least a portion of the frozen confectionary into the container. The dispensing machines further comprises means for transferring the one or more first tubes in the first storage area to the serving station and from the serving station to a storage area, and wherein the one or more first tubes are reusable; and at least two zones, the at least two zones comprising a first zone wherein the temperature is lower than the temperature in the second zone, and wherein the first storage area is located in the first zone and the serving station is located in the second zone.

A method of dispensing a frozen confectionary product from a dispensing machine. The method can include loading one or more tubes comprising a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary from a storage tray onto a serving station located in the dispensing machine; positioning the container in the serving station under the one or more tubes; dispensing the frozen confectionary or component of the frozen confectionary into the container; optionally placing a spoon into the container; and conveying the frozen confectionary product to an outlet located on the dispensing machine. A method of supplying a dispensing machine with frozen confectionaries and/or components of frozen confectionaries is also provided.

A method of dispensing a frozen confectionary product from a dispensing machine. The method can include loading one or more tubes comprising a frozen confectionary or a component of a frozen confectionary from a storage tray onto a serving station located in the dispensing machine; positioning the container in the serving station under the one or more tubes; dispensing the frozen confectionary or component of the frozen confectionary into the container; optionally placing a spoon into the container; and conveying the frozen confectionary product to an outlet located on the dispensing machine. A method of supplying a dispensing machine with frozen confectionaries and/or components of frozen confectionaries is also provided.

Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.

Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.