COLOURING OF SURFACES

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for colouring surfaces, in particular surfaces of foods, with effect pigments, preferably pearlescent pigments, based on flake-form substrates, where (i) the effect pigment is incorporated into a pasty, transparent, water-based material and (ii) the application medium prepared in step (i) is applied to the surface.

Claims

1. A process for coloring a surface with effect pigments based on a flake-form substrate, comprising applying to said surface the effect pigments that have been incorporated into a pasty, transparent, water-based material that forms an application medium.

2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the surface is a food surface or the surface of the human body.

3. The process according to claim 1, wherein the effect pigments are pearlescent pigments, interference pigments or multilayered pigments.

4. The process according to claim 1, wherein the flake-form substrate is a natural mica flake, a synthetic mica flake, talc, kaolin, a glass flake, a silicon dioxide flake, a titanium dioxide flake, an aluminium oxide flake or an iron oxide flake.

5. The process according to claim 1, wherein the flake-form substrate is completely coated with one or more layers of metal oxides and/or metal oxide mixtures.

6. The process according to claim 1, wherein the flake-form substrate is coated with titanium dioxide and/or iron oxide.

7. The process according to claim 1, wherein the effect pigments are one of the following natural mica flakes+TiO.sub.2 natural mica flakes+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 natural mica flakes+Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 natural mica flakes+TiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 natural mica flakes+TiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 natural mica flakes+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3+TiO.sub.2 natural mica flakes+Fe.sub.3O.sub.4+TiO.sub.2 natural mica flakes+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture natural mica flakes+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 mixture synthetic mica flakes+TiO.sub.2 synthetic mica flakes+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 synthetic mica flakes+Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 synthetic mica flakes+TiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 synthetic mica flakes+TiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 synthetic mica flakes+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3+TiO.sub.2 synthetic mica flakes+Fe.sub.3O.sub.4+TiO.sub.2 synthetic mica flakes+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture synthetic mica flakes+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 mixture SiO.sub.2 flakes+TiO.sub.2 SiO.sub.2 flakes+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 SiO.sub.2 flakes+Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 SiO.sub.2 flakes+TiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 SiO.sub.2 flakes+TiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 SiO.sub.2 flakes+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3+TiO.sub.2 SiO.sub.2 flakes+Fe.sub.3O.sub.4+TiO.sub.2 SiO.sub.2 flakes+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture SiO.sub.2 flakes+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 mixture natural mica flakes+TiO.sub.2+SiO.sub.2+TiO.sub.2 natural mica flakes+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3+SiO.sub.2+TiO.sub.2 natural mica flakes+TiO.sub.2+SiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 natural mica flakes+TiO.sub.2+SiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 natural mica flakes+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture+SiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 natural mica flakes+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture+SiO.sub.2+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture natural mica flakes+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture+SiO.sub.2+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture synthetic mica flakes+TiO.sub.2+SiO.sub.2+TiO.sub.2 synthetic mica flakes+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3+SiO.sub.2+TiO.sub.2 synthetic mica flakes+TiO.sub.2+SiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 synthetic mica flakes+TiO.sub.2+SiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 synthetic mica flakes+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture+SiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 synthetic mica flakes+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture+SiO.sub.2+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture synthetic mica flakes+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture+SiO.sub.2+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture SiO.sub.2 flakess+TiO.sub.2+SiO.sub.2+TiO.sub.2 SiO.sub.2 flakess+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3+SiO.sub.2+TiO.sub.2 SiO.sub.2 flakess+TiO.sub.2+SiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 SiO.sub.2 flakess+TiO.sub.2+SiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.3O.sub.4 SiO.sub.2 flakess+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture+SiO.sub.2+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 SiO.sub.2 flakess+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture+SiO.sub.2+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture or SiO.sub.2 flakess+Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture+SiO.sub.2+TiO.sub.2/Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 mixture.

8. The process according to claim 1, wherein the application medium contains 0.05-45% by weight pearlescent pigment, based on the total weight of the application medium.

9. The process according to claim 1, wherein the application medium contains (i) one type of effect pigment, (ii) more than one type of effect pigments (iii) one type of effect pigment and one or more dyes and/or further pigments or (iv) more than one type of effect pigments and one or more dyes and/or further pigments.

10. The process according to claim 1, wherein the application medimum further contains one or more flavourings and/or sweeteners.

11. The process according to claim 1, wherein the pasty, transparent water-based material additionally comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of stabilisers, moisture regulators, emulsifiers and preservatives.

12. The process according to claim 1, wherein the pasty, transparent water-based material comprises water, at least one stabiliser, at least one moisture regulator, at least one emulsifier and at least one preservative and optionally further components.

13. The process according to claim 1, wherein the application medium contains the stabiliser in an amount of 0.25-8% by weight, based on the total weight of the application medium.

14. The process according to claim 1, wherein the application medium contains the moisture regulator in an amount of 0.5-25% by weight, based on the total weight of the application medium.

15. The process according to claim 1, wherein the application medium contains the emulsifier in an amount of 0.25-5% by weight, based on the total weight of the application medium.

16. The process according to claim 1, wherein the application medium contains the preservative in an amount of 0.1-1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the application medium.

17. The process according to claim 1, wherein the application medium additionally comprises ethanol.

18. The process according to claim 1, comprising converting the application medium firstly into a predetermined shape by a mould or underlay and then applying the resultant shaped application medium to the surface.

19. A material comprising water, at least one stabiliser, at least one moisture regulator, at least one emulsifier, at least one preservative and optionally further components.

20. An application medium, suitable for the application of effect pigments based on platelet-shaped substrates to a surface, comprising one or more effect pigments and the material according to claim 19.

21. A surface that has been provided with the medium according to claim 20.

22. A surface according to claim 21, which is the surface of a food or the surface of the skin of the human body.

Description

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Colouring of Hard-Boiled Eggs

Application Medium:

[0094]

TABLE-US-00001 Application medium: 80% by weight of water 5.75% by weight of 1,2-propanediol E1520 Merck KGaA 2.4% by weight of sodium carboxymethylcellulose Roeper 1.5% by weight of soya or sunflower lecithin Sternchemie 0.3% by weight of citric acid (crystalline) Merck KGaA 0.05% by weight of potassium sorbate Merck KGaA 10% by weight of pearlescent pigment (A1-A11) Merck KGaA A1) Candurin Gold Lustre (mica + titanium dioxide + iron oxide) A2) Candurin Brown Amber (mica + iron oxide) A3) Candurin Gold Shimmer (mica + titanium dioxide) A4) Candurin Silver Lustre (mica + titanium dioxide) A5) Candurin Silver Lustre + Candurin Gold Lustre (9:1% by weight) A6) Candurin Silver Lustre + E131 (weight ratio: 0.005:0.5) A7) Candurin Silver Lustre + E153 or E172 black (weight ratio: 0.01:1) A8) Candurin NXT Ruby Red: (silicon dioxide + iron oxide) A9) Candurin Red Lustre (mica + iron oxide) A10) Candurin Silver Lustre + Candurin Red Lustre (weight ratio: 8:2) A11) Candurin Silver Lustre + Candurin Silver Sparkle (weight ratio: 8:2), both mica + titanium dioxide: Silver Sparkle with a greater particle diameter

Preparation of the Application Medium

[0095] Water is initially introduced with potassium sorbate and citric acid, stirred using a paddle stirrer, and the mixture is heated to a maximum of 80 C. During the heating, sodium carboxymethylcellulose is added with constant stirring. Stirring is continued (about 45 min.) until all the cellulose has dissolved. Alternatively, the mixture can be stirred without supply of heat for 3 h.

[0096] As soon as all the sodium carboxymethylcellulose has dissolved in the water, 1,2-propanediol and lecithin are added at room temperature, and stirring is continued until all the ingredients are uniformly distributed. The amount of pigment indicated is then stirred in.

Colouring

[0097] Eggs are hard-boiled and then coloured by means of an application medium according to the invention. To this end, a small amount of the medium is placed on a glove. The other hand also wears a glove. The boiled egg should be warm and dry. The application medium is distributed uniformly on the warm egg shell by rubbing to and from in the hands. Due to the egg's residual heat, the application medium dries quickly, giving a very uniform pearlescent colouration. The eggs can have white or brown shells, depending on the pearlescent pigment selected.

[0098] Different pearlescent pigment amounts of 2-17% by weight result in different intensities of the resultant pearlescent effect.

[0099] There is no colour penetration through the egg shell.

Example 2: Chocolate and Pralines

Example 2.1: Ready-Made Pralines, Chocolates and Chocolate-Coated Products in General can be Embellished or Decorated Subsequently with the Pearlescent Pigment Application Medium

Application Medium:

[0100]

TABLE-US-00002 Application medium: 60% by weight of water 20% by weight of ethanol (96% by vol.) Merck KGaA 5.75% by weight of 1,2-propanediol E1520 Merck KGaA 2.4% by weight of sodium carboxymethylcellulose Roeper 1.5% by weight of soya or sunflower lecithin Sternchemie 0.3% by weight of citric acid (crystalline) Merck KGaA 0.05% by weight of potassium sorbate Merck KGaA 10% by weight of pearlescent pigment (selected from Merck KGaA A1)-A11) in accordance with Example 1) + optionally sweetener and/or flavourings as desired

Preparation of the Application Medium as in Example 1

Colouring:

[0101] The application medium is applied to the areas of the chocolate product to be coloured by means of a fine nozzle, spatula or brush. The colour coating is then dried at room temperature until completely dry.

[0102] The viscosity of the medium can be reduced by additional addition of water. This enables the medium, where appropriate, to be applied better to certain product areas. The drying time is consequently increased.

Example 2.2: Pre-Colouring of Chocolate Moulds

Application Medium:

[0103]

TABLE-US-00003 Application medium: 80% by weight of water 10.75% by weight of 1,2 propanediol E1520 Merck KGaA 2.4% by weight of sodium carboxymethylcellulose Roeper 1.5% by weight of soya or sunflower lecithin Sternchemie 0.3% by weight of citric acid (crystalline) Merck KGaA 0.05% by weight of potassium sorbate Merck KGaA + pearlescent pigment (selected from Merck KGaA A1)-A11) in accordance with Example 1)

Preparation of the Application Medium:

[0104] The components are mixed as described in Example 1. Before addition of the pigment, a further 50% by weight of water are added and stirring is continued until everything is homogeneously distributed.

[0105] 5% by weight of the selected pearlescent pigment in accordance with A1) to A11) are added to this mixture.

Colouring:

[0106] Chocolate moulds made from plastic (for example polycarbonate) or metal can be pre-decorated very simply using the application medium according to the invention. In this case, the pigment-containing application medium is introduced into the mould at the desired points. The mould is subsequently dried in a fan-assisted oven or drying cabinet. The colouring of the mould can be carried out by suitable nozzles, pipettes, brushes or by hand.

[0107] The viscosity of the medium can be reduced by additional addition of water. This enables the medium, where appropriate, to be applied better to certain product areas. The drying time is consequently increased.

[0108] Some of the water can optionally be replaced by ethanol (food grade 80-99.99% by vol.) during preparation of the application medium. This accelerates final drying. 5-30% of the water can be replaced by ethanol.

Example 2.3: Furthermore, it is Possible to Colour Chocolate Products UniFormly by Hand Analogously to Example 1

Example 3: Decoration of Other Confectionery

[0109] Other confectionery, such as, for example, marzipan or fondant products, can be decorated or embellished subsequently with the application medium according to the invention analogously to the decoration of chocolate and pralines (Example 2).

[0110] In contrast to chocolate and pralines, these products can be dried at higher temperatures after the application.

[0111] Otherwise, the same recipe variations, preparation processes and colouring possibilities as described in Example 2 apply.

Example 4: Decoration, Colouring of Cereals

[0112] Extruded breakfast cereals can only be coloured with difficulty using the conventional pearlescence application methods. Application by means of a diluted sugar solution still gives the best results, but this also increases the proportion of sugar in the product. In addition, crystallising sugar can lead to a reduction in the pearlescent effect.

[0113] Cereals can also be coloured without difficulty by means of the pearlescence-containing application medium developed.

Application Medium (Base):

[0114]

TABLE-US-00004 Application medium (base): 70% by weight of water 23% by weight of ethanol (96% by vol.) Merck KGaA 3.5% by weight of 1,2 propanediol E1520 Merck KGaA 2.0% by weight of sodium carboxymethylcellulose Roeper 1.2% by weight of soya or sunflower lecithin Sternchemie 0.25% by weight of citric acid (crystalline) Merck KGaA 0.05% by weight of potassium sorbate Merck KGaA

[0115] Optionally sweeteners and flavourings as desired

[0116] The corresponding pearlescent pigments, individually or in combination, and/or additionally other dyes or colouring fruit and plant extracts, depending on the pearlescent effect desired, are then added to this base prepared as in Example 1.

Colouring:

Example 4.1: Chocolate Cereals, Round, Extruded

[0117] Cereals are introduced into a cooker. This is fitted with lifter blades. Drying air is switched on (40-50 C.)

TABLE-US-00005 Initial weight of cereals: 40 g Application medium: 10% by weight of Candurin Silver Lustre Merck KGaA 0.05% by weight of biochar CHR Hansen 89.95% by weight of application medium base (preparation as above)

[0118] A total of 60 g (=15% of the amount of cereals) of application medium is applied little by little to the cereals rotating in the cooker. 10 g of the application medium are applied per application. This is distributed on the cereals. Drying air is directed onto the cereals. As soon as an application has dried, a corresponding application amount can be re-applied to the cereals, until the desired colour effect has been achieved. The cereals are then dried, for example in a drying cabinet or oven, until the initial moisture content has been restored.

Example 4.2: Chocolate Cereals, Round, Extruded

[0119] The procedure is as in Example 4.1.

TABLE-US-00006 Initial weight of cereals: 400 g Application medium: 5% by weight of Candurin Gold Lustre Merck KGaA 3% by weight of Candurin Gold Sparkle Merck KGaA 92% by weight of application medium base (preparation as above) Amount applied: 50 g (=12.5%)

Example 4.3: Grain Cereals, Oblong, Extruded

[0120] The procedure is as in Example 4.1.

TABLE-US-00007 Initial weight of cereals: 500 g Application medium: 12% of Candurin NXT Ruby Red Merck KGaA 88% of application medium base (preparation as above) Amount applied: 40 g (=8%)

Example 5: Colouring and Decoration of Popcorn

[0121] Colouring of popcorn via the sugar or fat used for popcorn production comes into consideration as a possible (conventional) option. Rapid caramelisation of the sugar would, however, lead to masking of the pearlescent effect. It would usually be possible to colour salty popcorn via the fat used for popcorn production. Colouring via fat also works only satisfactorily in the case of sealed microwave popcorn, but the use amounts of pigment necessary are very large.

[0122] Analogously to cereals, popcorn can easily be coloured or decorated by means of the transparent application medium according to the invention comprising pearlescent pigments.

Example 5.1: Sugared Popcorn

[0123]

TABLE-US-00008 Initial weight of popcorn: 300 g Application medium: 5% by weight of Candurin Red Lustre Merck KGaA 3% by weight of Candurin Red Sparkle Merck KGaA 92% by weight of application medium base (composition and preparation as in Example 4) Amount applied: 50 g (=16.67%)

[0124] A total of 50 g (=16.67%) of application medium is applied little by little to the popcorn rotating in a cooker. 10-15 g of the medium are applied per application. This is distributed on the popcorn while drying air is fed in. As soon as an application has dried, a further application amount can be applied to the popcorn, until the desired colour effect has been achieved. The popcorn is then dried, for example in a drying cabinet or oven, until the initial moisture content has been restored.

Example 5.2: Sugared Popcorn

[0125]

TABLE-US-00009 Initial weight of popcorn: 300 g Application medium: 10% by weight of Candurin Brown Amber Merck KGaA 90% by weight of application medium base (composition and preparation as in Example 4) Amount applied: 60 g (=20%)

Example 6: Dragees (Chocolate, Sugar/Sugar-Free)

[0126] The pearlescent pigment-containing application medium is applied manually to the chocolate dragees rotating in the cooker analogously to conventional sugar coating. Here too, layers are applied successively until the desired effect has been achieved. As soon as a layer has dried, further addition can take place. Application of a small amount gives a marble effect, while application of an increased amount leads to a very uniform pearlescent colouration.

TABLE-US-00010 Application medium (base): 70% by weight of water 23% by weight of ethanol (96% by vol.) Merck KGaA 3.5% by weight of 1,2-propanediol E1520 Merck KGaA 2.0% by weight of sodium carboxymethylcellulose Roeper 1.2% by weight of soya or sunflower lecithin Sternchemie 0.25% by weight of citric acid (crystalline) Merck KGaA 0.05% by weight of potassium sorbate Merck KGaA

[0127] Optional addition of sweeteners and flavourings. The ethanol content can be varied in order to adapt the recipe or even replaced entirely by water and 1,2-propanediol.

Example 6.1: Hazelnuts Coated with Dark Chocolate

[0128] Dragees are introduced into a cooker. This is fitted with lifting blades. Drying air is switched on (25 C.)

TABLE-US-00011 Initial weight 1000 g of dragees: Application 10% by weight of Candurin Silver Lustre Merck KGaA medium: 90% by weight of application medium base (composition as in Example 6, preparation as in Example 4) Amount 80 g (=8%) applied:

Example 6.2: Chocolate Coffee Beans Coated with Milk Chocolate

Preparation as in Example 6.1

[0129]

TABLE-US-00012 Initial weight 1200 g of dragees: Application 10% by weight of Candurin Brown Amber Merck KGaA medium: 90% by weight of application medium base (composition as in Example 6, preparation as in Example 4) Amount 95 g (=7.9%) applied:

Example 6.3: Raisins Coated with White Chocolate

Preparation as in Example 6.1

[0130]

TABLE-US-00013 Initial weight 1000 g of dragees: Application 8% by weight of Candurin Gold Shimmer Merck KGaA medium: 92% by weight of application medium base (composition as in Example 6, preparation as in Example 4) Amount 60 g (=6%) applied:

Example 6.4: Sugar-Coated Chocolate Buttons, White

[0131]

TABLE-US-00014 Initial weight 1000 g of dragees: Application 8% by weight of Candurin Brown Amber Merck KGaA medium: 92% by weight of application medium base (composition as in Example 6, preparation as in Example 4) Amount 100 g (=10%) applied:

Example 6.5: Isomalt-Coated Chewing Gum Pellets, White

[0132]

TABLE-US-00015 Initial weight 1000 g of dragees: Application 8% by weight of Candurin Brown Amber Merck KGaA medium: 92% by weight of application medium base (composition as in Example 6, preparation as in Example 4) Amount 80 g (=8%) applied:

Example 6.6: Sugar-Coated Almonds, Red

[0133]

TABLE-US-00016 Initial weight 800 g of dragees: Application 8% by weight of Candurin Silver Lustre Merck KGaA medium: 92% by weight of application medium base (composition as in Example 6, preparation as in Example 4) Amount 72 g (=9%) applied:

Example 6.7: Further Surface Optimisation of Dragees

[0134] Both in the case of the chocolate-coated products (Examples 6.1-6.3), and in the case of the sugar- or sugar-free-coated products (Examples 6.4-6.6), the pearlescence can be improved further if a mixture of shellac, ethanol and pearlescent pigment is also applied after application of the application medium and after a certain drying time. Ideally, this can be the pearlescent pigment(s) already present in the medium, but other combinations are also possible. The shellac/ethanol/pearlescent pigment mixture is spread manually over the dragees rotating in the cooker and dried using a stream of air. Alternatively, the mixture can also be sprayed.

Composition (Example):

[0135] 90% by weight of ethanolic shellac solution (2-50% shellac content) (for example Capol 425 or Crystallac (Mantrose-Haeuser Co., Inc.) [0136] 10% by weight of pearlescent pigment (selected from A1-A11 in accordance with Example 1)

[0137] Before addition of the pearlescent pigment, the shellac solution can be diluted further with ethanol (for example 1 part of shellac solution diluted with twice or 5 times the amount of ethanol (food grade).

Amount applied: 5-40 g/kg of productdepending on the dilution
Amount of pearlescent pigment in the shellac solution (2-50% shellac content)+1-40% of pigment, preferably: 5-25% of pigment

Example 7: Colouring of Compressed Products

[0138] Direct colouring of compressed products with pearlescent pigments makes little sense since firstly the resultant pearlescence is not very visible, and secondly high pigment use amounts are necessary. Spraying-on usually requires long production times and often also leads to damage to the compressed products during the colouring process.

[0139] Uniform colouring of the compressed products can be achieved by means of the application medium according to the invention. The colouring is advantageously carried out in a coating cooker and follows the principle described in Example 6. A further advantage of the application medium according to the invention consists in that it rapidly forms a protective layer around the compressed products. This greatly reduces the rounding which is often observed. An interesting marble pearlescent effect can rapidly be achieved by means of only a few applications.

[0140] If desired, the compressed products can be dried to the original moisture content of the product in an oven, etc., after the colouring.

TABLE-US-00017 Application medium (base): 72% by weight of water 20% by weight of ethanol (96% by vol.) Merck KGaA 4.5% by weight of 1,2-propanediol E1520 Merck KGaA 2.0% by weight of sodium carboxymethylcellulose Roeper 1.2% by weight of soya or sunflower lecithin Sternchemie 0.25% by weight of citric acid (crystalline) Merck KGaA 0.05% by weight of potassium sorbate Merck KGaA

[0141] In order to adapt the recipe, sweeteners and/or flavourings can optionally be added. The ethanol content can be varied in order to adapt the recipe, or ethanol can even be replaced entirely by water and 1,2-propanediol.

Example 7.1: Peppermint Compressed Products, White

[0142]

TABLE-US-00018 Initial weight 500 g of product: Pearlescent 8% by weight of Candurin Silver Sparkle, Merck medium: 92% by weight of application medium KGaA (composition as in Example 7, preparation as in Example 4) Amount 40 g (=8%) applied:

Example 7.2: Lemon Compressed Products, Pale Yellow

[0143]

TABLE-US-00019 Initial weight 500 g of product: Pearlescent 6% by weight of Candurin Gold Lustre Sparkle, Merck medium: 94% by weight of application medium base KGaA (composition as in Example 7, preparation as in Example 4) Amount 50 g (=10%) applied:

Example 8: Colouring and Decoration of Marshmallows

[0144] In the colouring of marshmallows with pearlescent pigments, satisfactory results have not been achieved to date. The application of the application medium according to the invention enables pearlescent effects to be achieved easily on the surface of marshmallows.

[0145] The application is carried out in a coating cooker. The process sequence is carried out as described in Example 6.

[0146] The composition of the medium is analogous to that of compressed products (Example 7). The same applies to possible modifications thereof.

Example 8.1: Colouring of Marshmallows, White

[0147]

TABLE-US-00020 Initial weight 300 g of product: Pearlescent 10% by weight of Candurin Silver Sparkle Merck medium: 90% by weight of application medium base KGaA (composition as in Example 7, preparation as in Example 4) Amount 51 g (=17%) applied:

Example 8.2: Colouring of Marshmallows, Pale Green

[0148]

TABLE-US-00021 Initial weight 300 g of product: Pearlescent 10% by weight of Candurin Gold Sparkle Merck medium: 90% by weight of application medium base KGaA (composition as in Example 7, preparation as in Example 4) Amount 51 g (=17%) applied:

Example 8.3: Colouring of Marshmallows, Pink

[0149]

TABLE-US-00022 Initial weight 300 g of product: Pearlescent 8% by weight of Candurin Silver Sparkle Merck medium: 92% by weight of base (composition as in KGaA Example 7, preparation as in Example 4) Amount 42 g (=14%) applied:

Example 9: Production of Decoration Lace and Decoration Sheets

[0150] Decoration lace is taken to mean filigree shapes and decorations which are produced by thinly spreading the application medium according to the invention in silicone moulds. These are removed from the moulds after a certain drying time and can be used for the embellishment of, for example, confectionery, ice cream, chocolate, eggs, pralines, baked goods, cakes and gateaux, deserts, pates, aspics and other foods. The drying time here can be set so that the products still exhibit a certain elasticity.

[0151] Use of the resultant decorations as edible body jewellery is also possible. Here, the decorations are applied to the corresponding body areas by means of suitable adhesives. The paste when used as edible cosmetic can furthermore also be applied directly to the body areas to be coloured. The body heat causes rapid drying on the skin.

[0152] Decoration sheets are taken to mean very thin, sheet-form structures which are produced by spreading out the pearlescent medium very thinly on flat substrates. These substrates may consist, for example, of plastic or metal. After the spreading out, the products are dried, for example in a drying cabinet or oven, until completely dry. After drying, the decoration sheets can be removed from the substrate and can then be used as a whole, in part or correspondingly cut or chopped into small pieces for the embelliushment of foods, as correspondingly listed, for example, in the case of the decoration lace described above.

Example 9.1: Recipe for Decoration Lace

[0153]

TABLE-US-00023 76% by weight of water 9.75% by weight of 1,2-propanediol E1520 Merck KGaA 2.4% by weight of sodium carboxymethylcellulose Roeper 1.5% by weight of soya or sunflower lecithin Sternchemie 0.3% by weight of citric acid (crystalline) Merck KGaA 0.05% by weight of potassium sorbate Merck KGaA 10% by weight of pearlescent pigment (selected from Merck KGaA A1) to A11) in accordance with Example 1)

[0154] In order to adapt the recipe, sweeteners and/or flavourings can optionally be added. The proportion of water and 1,2-propanediol can be varied in order to adapt the recipe specifically to the customer.

[0155] Ethanol can likewise be added in order to accelerate the drying.

[0156] After preparation, the application medium is spread thinly in silicone moulds and dried at about 70 C. in a drying cabinet for 2-3 hours. The decorations can then carefully be removed from the mould.

[0157] Colouring possibilities of the application medium with pearlescent pigments, combinations of pearlescent pigments or combinations of pearlescent pigments with other natural, mineral and synthetic food dyes or pigments exist, as indicated, for example, in Example 1.

Example 9.2: Recipe for Decoration Sheets

[0158]

TABLE-US-00024 80% by weight of water 5.75% by weight of 1,2 propanediol E1520 Merck KGaA 2.4% by weight of sodium carboxymethylcellulose Roeper 1.5% by weight of soya or sunflower lecithin Sternchemie 0.3% by weight of citric acid (crystalline) Merck KGaA 0.05% by weight of potassium sorbate Merck KGaA 10% by weight of pearlescent pigment (selected from Merck KGaA A1) to A11) in accordance with Example 1)

[0159] In order to adapt the recipe, sweeteners and/or flavourings can optionally be added. The proportion of water and 1,2-propanediol can be varied in order to adapt the recipe specifically to the customer.

[0160] Ethanol can likewise be added in order to accelerate the drying.

[0161] After production, the application medium is spread out very thinly on suitable substrates (plastic, metal, etc.) and subsequently dried in a drying cabinet or oven at about 70 C. until completely dry. The decoration sheets can then be detached completely and used as a whole, in part or cut into small pieces as decoration or embellishments for food products, as described under decoration lace.

[0162] The pearlescent and interference pigments used in the examples (Candurin pigments from Merck) based on mica or SiO.sub.2 flakes have the following composition and particle sizes:

TABLE-US-00025 Candurin Gold Lustre: mica (E555) coated with TiO.sub.2 (E171) and Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 (E172ii); 10-60 m Candurin Brown Amber: mica (E555) coated with Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 (E172ii); 10-60 m Candurin Gold Shimmer: mica (E555) coated with TiO.sub.2 (E171); 10-60 m Candurin Silver Lustre: mica (E555) coated with TiO.sub.2 (E171); 10-60 m Candurin Silver Sparkle: mica (E555) coated with TiO.sub.2 (E171); 10-150 m Candurin Red Sparkle: mica (E555) coated with Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 (E172ii); 10-150 m Candurin NXT Ruby Red: SiO.sub.2 flakes (E551) coated with Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 (E172ii); 5-50 m Candurin Red Lustre: mica (E555) coated with Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 (E172ii); 10-60 m

[0163] The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples.

[0164] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

[0165] From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

[0166] The entire disclosure[s] of all applications, patents and publications, cited herein and of corresponding German application No. DE 102017001107.9, filed Feb. 7, 2017, are incorporated by reference herein.