A method of producing microparticles by spray drying comprises the steps of providing a spray-drying feedstock solution comprising water, a volatile divalent metal salt, weak acid, 5-15% dairy or vegetable protein (w/v) and 1-20% active agent (w/v). The feedstock solution is adjusted to have a pH at which the volatile divalent metal salt is substantially insoluble. The feedstock solution is then spray-dried at an elevated temperature to provide atomised droplets, whereby the volatile divalent metal salt disassociates at the elevated temperature to release divalent metal ions which crosslink and aggregate the protein in the atomised droplets to produce microparticles having a crosslinked aggregated protein matrix and active agent dispersed throughout the matrix.

A method of producing microparticles by spray drying comprises the steps of providing a spray-drying feedstock solution comprising water, a volatile divalent metal salt, weak acid, 5-15% dairy or vegetable protein (w/v) and 1-20% active agent (w/v). The feedstock solution is adjusted to have a pH at which the volatile divalent metal salt is substantially insoluble. The feedstock solution is then spray-dried at an elevated temperature to provide atomised droplets, whereby the volatile divalent metal salt disassociates at the elevated temperature to release divalent metal ions which crosslink and aggregate the protein in the atomised droplets to produce microparticles having a crosslinked aggregated protein matrix and active agent dispersed throughout the matrix.

The present invention relates to processes for providing oil-filler compounds (OFC) compositions with enhanced taste and/or aromas. In particular the present invention relates to beverages containing micronized OFC particles. The present invention relates to the use of OFC in creamers, beverage powders, ready-to-drink liquid beverage preparations, or beverage capsules suitable for the production of a beverage.

Rheology modifiers comprising cross-linked poly(amino acid) and methods of their use in aqueous compositions. The modifiers comprise cross-linked poly(amino acid) microparticles having a mean equivalent diameter when fully swollen in deionized water of up to 1000 μm, as measured by laser diffraction. In particular, the poly(amino acid) is D-, L- or D,L-Y-poly(glutamic acid). A method of preparing the modifier comprises cross-linking a poly(amino acid), drying the cross-linked poly(amino acid) and grinding the cross-linked poly(amino acid) to have the required diameter.

Rheology modifiers comprising cross-linked poly(amino acid) and methods of their use in aqueous compositions. The modifiers comprise cross-linked poly(amino acid) microparticles having a mean equivalent diameter when fully swollen in deionized water of up to 1000 μm, as measured by laser diffraction. In particular, the poly(amino acid) is D-, L- or D,L-Y-poly(glutamic acid). A method of preparing the modifier comprises cross-linking a poly(amino acid), drying the cross-linked poly(amino acid) and grinding the cross-linked poly(amino acid) to have the required diameter.

Disclosed herein is a method for improving the health of animal or human microflora using aloe vera. A method of purifying decolorized dried aloe vera leaf juice is also disclosed. The method may include removing an aloe vera leaf from an aloe vera plant, washing and/or sanitizing the leaf, and grinding the leaf into a slurry and subsequently purifying with activated carbon. The method may remove pigmented substances including the undesirable phenolic compounds present in aloe vera latex, and in particular the anthrones aloin A and aloin B, aloesin (a chromone) and aloe-emodin (an anthraquinone). Following purification, the liquid juice may then be spray-dried to form a final dry juice powder.

In an exemplary embodiment, a system for measuring smoke absorption into food products includes a surrogate that reacts to a presence of smoke in air ambient to the surrogate and the food products, the surrogate including an open container of a liquid and a probe in the form of a toroidal conductivity sensor that measures electrical conductivity of the liquid; wherein the electrical conductivity of the liquid increases as smoke is absorbed by the liquid and simultaneously into the food products; and a control that receives a signal from the toroidal conductivity sensor and in response generates a signal and/or a display indicative of the electrical conductivity of the liquid that corresponds to a selected amount of smoke absorption by the food products exposed to the smoke.

A method for preparing a Pickering emulsion using a peanut protein isolate includes preparing a peanut protein isolate dispersion liquid from a peanut protein isolate solution as a raw material; preparing a mixed dispersion of protein and polysaccharide using a polysaccharide solution and the peanut protein isolate dispersion; adding transglutaminase to the mixed dispersion of protein and polysaccharide, preparing a monolithic gel by cross-linking reaction; preparing a microgel particle dispersion by using the monolithic gel as a raw material; and further adding the microgel particle dispersion to an edible oil to obtain a Pickering emulsion. During the preparation process, no inorganic material is added, and the obtained Pickering emulsion has good biosafety and strong biocompatibility. The prepared Pickering emulsion can keep stable at room temperature for 30 days or more, and can be used as a delivery system for fat-soluble and photosensitive active substances.

Various ingredients and compositions are prepared from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant. The compositions can be used as bulking agents, and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Various ingredients and compositions are prepared from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant. The compositions can be used as bulking agents, and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.