METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A PAPER FILTER CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A BEVERAGE IN A BEVERAGE PREPARATION MACHINE

Abstract

Coffee composition. The present invention relates to a composition for manufacturing a coffee beverage, the composition comprising: roasted and ground coffee with x50 of 700-1,250 (mi)m; and powdered milk with x50 from 50 p(mi)ma 3 mm; wherein the weight ratio of roasted and ground coffee to powdered milk is from 4:1 to 2:3.

Description

1 / 18 METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A PAPER FILTER CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A BEVERAGE IN A BEVERAGE PREPARATION MACHINE

[0001] This disclosure relates to a beverage composition containing roasted and ground coffee and powdered milk. In particular, the disclosure relates to a composition for use in a capsule or filter container that provides a pleasant-tasting final beverage in a single preparation step.

[0002] It is known to provide coffee drinks, such as cappuccinos or latte drinks, from individual coffee mixes. These typically contain a combination of coffee and soluble milk powder and may be supplied in paper tube-shaped packaging. It is also known to produce such drinks using roasted and ground coffee in beverage preparation machines, and there are a number of approaches adopted to ensure that the final drink has an authentic and pleasant taste in addition to its appearance.

[0003] As discussed in document EP0756844, there are several problems that arise from mixing roasted and ground coffee with a soluble beverage ingredient. In particular, the dissolution of the soluble beverage ingredient, such as a frother, can impede the extraction of the roasted and ground coffee, leading to a weak final flavor. In document EP0756844, the solution to this problem consists of placing the roasted and ground coffee in one filter container and a frother in another. This approach is common in the market and is known to produce a latte in a single manufacturing step from a coffee filter container and a milk powder container.

[0004] Another approach is set out in document US8147886, which employs a cushion to maintain the shape. Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, p. 15 / 36 2 / 18 featuring a reinforcing insert. Roasted and ground coffee is placed in the cushion above an insert that is filled with soluble ingredients. In this way, the coffee is extracted first and remains supported, even if the soluble ingredients have been washed from the cushion. Even so, the ingredients are kept in separate portions of the cushion and the cushion design involves an additional complex component.

[0005] Document WO02074143 describes an alternative approach using a rigid infusion capsule featuring one or more extraction chambers. As discussed in this document, the use of a specific particle size of roasted and ground coffee leads to improved turbidity in the capsule's mixing space and, consequently, to a better final beverage.

[0006] US2003 / 0077372 describes a coffee-flavored composition.

[0007] Document EP0985350 discloses an instant coffee beverage with enhanced flavor and color.

[0008] Document EP1440644 discloses a machine for preparing beverages.

[0009] Document US20070160736 describes an infused coffee product.

[0010] Document US2012 / 0164277 discloses a milk-containing beverage with enhanced flavors and textures.

[0011] Consequently, there is a desire for an alternative composition that allows the preparation of a pleasant-tasting beverage in a single step, especially from a container, particularly a filter container, and / or that solves at least some Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, p. 16 / 36 3 / 18 of the problems associated with the state of the art or, at least, provide a commercially useful alternative. It is especially desirable to provide a composition that is fully extractable to provide a coffee with milk beverage in a single preparation step.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a composition for obtaining a coffee beverage, the composition comprising: Roasted and ground coffee with an X50 size of 700-1250 pm; and powdered milk with an X50 size of 50 pm to 3 mm; where the weight ratio of roasted and ground coffee to powdered milk is 4:1 to 2:3.

[0013] That is, the particle size distribution of roasted and ground coffee has an X50 by volume of 7001,250 pm and powdered milk has a particle size distribution with an X50 by volume from 50 pm to 3 mm.

[0014] The present invention will now be described in detail. In the following passages, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect thus defined can be combined with any other aspect or aspects, unless expressly indicated otherwise. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous can be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

[0015] Compositions for obtaining a coffee beverage are well known in the art. A coffee beverage means a ready-to-drink beverage formulation for preparing a creamy coffee, such as a latte or a cappuccino. Other coffee beverages that contain milk also Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, p. 17 / 36 4 / 18 are well-known, as are flat white coffees and similar brands. The composition will be in the form of a dry powder, including extractable ground and roasted coffee and soluble milk powder, along with any other ingredients.

[0016] The composition comprises roasted and ground coffee and powdered milk having specific particle size distributions. As will be appreciated, whenever a powder form is provided, the particles constituting the powder will have a range of sizes. The distribution can be affected by the grinding technique (especially for coffee), the spray-drying technique (especially for powdered milk), as well as by additional sieving, grinding and filtration steps that may optionally be performed.

[0017] The particle size distribution (especially a volume density distribution curve) is determined using a laser diffraction technique on dry particles. This technique can be used to determine a cumulative distribution. The cumulative distribution can be converted into a volume density distribution curve. Such techniques are well known in the art, and more details are provided in the examples. The particle size distribution of ground coffee can be measured using laser diffraction software to determine the range of particle sizes and any peaks.

[0018] It has become common to characterize coffee grinds using laser diffraction techniques. For example, a dry Helos system can be readily used to determine the characteristics of coffee powder or milk. Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, page 18 / 36 5 / 18 in powder or a mixture. This provides values ​​such as X50, X10, and X90, as disclosed in this document. Unless otherwise indicated, these values ​​are radii dividing fractions of the total particle volume distribution.

[0019] The X50 value is the radius in a volume distribution where half of the particles have a larger volume and half of the particles have a smaller volume. The X10 is the radius of a volume distribution where 90% of the particles have a larger volume and 10% of the particles have a smaller volume. The X90 is the radius of a volume distribution where 10% of the particles have a larger volume and 90% of the particles have a smaller volume.

[0020] X50 values ​​help characterize the general properties of a powder. X10 and X90 values ​​help characterize the spread of particle sizes. When the numbers are close, the dust has a narrower range of particle sizes.

[0021] The particle size distributions and their peaks for coffee are primarily characteristic of the grinding technique employed and the final beverage that will be produced. As a general rule, the finer the coffee is ground, the stronger the beverage produced will be. This is why drip-fed coffee percolators can typically use coarsely ground coffee; high-pressure brewing machines typically employ a finer grind (around 450 µm) because the extraction time is more limited; typically home systems and low-pressure systems use slightly finer grinds (around 350 µm) due to the limited time and extraction conditions. Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, page 19 / 36 6 / 18 less favorable; and typically espressos are produced with finer grinds (even as low as 200 μm).

[0022] The present inventors sought to solve the problem of poor powder dissolution and reduced extraction from combined coffee and milk filter containers. They were surprised to discover that, despite a conventionally used coffee grind in a low-pressure coffee maker having incorrect infusion, they could achieve a high level of powder dissolution and a full-flavored beverage from a coarser grind of coffee mixed with milk powder. This was even the case in a low-pressure coffee maker. The inventors expected that the lower surface area of ​​the coarser coffee would lead to reduced extraction. However, it was found that the interaction between the milk powder and the coffee led to the formation of a desirable beverage. Without getting bogged down in theory, it is considered that the coarser ground coffee provided an improved network of flow channels through the coffee during brewing for the dissolution of the milk powder.Surprisingly, there was also sufficient surface area of ​​the coffee to allow for normal-level extraction. This improved dissolution prevented the beverage medium from escaping from most of the coffee bed, as can happen in some dispensing cycles.

[0023] The inventor discovered that the composition provided the expected level of caffeine that would be obtained only with coffee. The lactose level in the final beverage was increased compared to what was achieved with finer coffee blends. Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, p. 20 / 36 7 / 18

[0024] Roasted coffee is ground with a particle size distribution that has an X50 by volume from 700 to 1,250 µm, more preferably 750-1,000 µm. Preferably, the particle size distribution of the coffee has an X50 of 800 to 950 µm and more preferably 850-900 µm. These particle size ranges have been found to provide a flavorful milky beverage. With a smaller size, the beverage is prone to being unduly weak and poor in a coffee maker due to increased pressure. With a larger grind size, extraction levels are generally unsatisfactorily low.

[0025] Preferably, the particle size distribution of coffee has an X10 of 250-400 μm and preferably around 330 pm. Preferably, the particle size distribution of coffee has an X90 of 1,500 to 2,000 pm and preferably around 1,825 pm. It has been found that this narrow range of particle sizes for coffee maximizes the yield of the coffee extraction obtained and provides a strong final beverage flavor.

[0026] The composition comprises milk powder. Milk powder is well known in the art and is formed by drying whole milk or skimmed milk by evaporation. Milk powder is commercially available. Milk powder includes whole milk powder, skimmed milk powder, dried buttermilk, dried whey products and powdered milk mixtures.

[0027] The milk powder in the composition of the present invention has a particle size distribution with an X50 of 50 µm to 3 mm, preferably 1 to 3 mm.

[0028] The most preferred milk powder has an X50 particle size of 1 to 3 mm. This particle size is preferably associated with Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, page 21 / 36 8 / 18 The X10 particle size distribution is 600 to 800 μm, preferably around 700 μm. Preferably, the particle size distribution of the milk powder has an X90 of 3,500-4,500 μm, preferably around 4,000 μm. This narrow range of particle sizes for milk powder has been found to maximize the milky flavor obtained during manufacturing and provides a strong final beverage flavor.

[0029] Other suitable milk powders include finer powders having an X50 of 50 μm to 1 mm, preferably 50 to 250 μm. The X10 for such powders is preferably 10 to 50 μm and the X90 is preferably 300-950 μm. These finer milk powders are less preferred.

[0030] The composition contains ground coffee and powdered milk in a weight ratio of 4:1 to 2:3. When the ratio falls outside these ranges, the beneficial effects are not observed. Instead, the coffee has been found to be weak, either because of a lack of coffee or a weak extraction of the large quantity of coffee present, presumably due to the coarse size. Preferably, the weight ratio of roasted and ground coffee to powdered milk is 7:3 to 1:1 and more preferably about 3:2.

[0031] Optionally, the composition also includes sugar in an amount of up to 25% by weight of the total composition. It has been found that the exact amount of sugar is not critical as long as it does not affect the extraction of the beverage. The presence of sugar provides a good-tasting beverage in a single step. It is especially preferred that the sugar be supplied as granulated sugar, because the large crystal sizes do not interfere with the extraction of the beverage. Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, page 22 / 36 9 / 18

[0032] Preferably, the composition further comprises one or more flavorings, preferably selected from cream, almond, amaretto, anise, apple, cognac, caramel, cider, cinnamon, cherry, chocolate, mint, cocoa, panna (Italian ice cream), cream, milk, mint cream, French vanilla, grape, hazelnut, instant coffee, Irish cream, lemon, macadamia nut, orange, peach, peppermint, pistachio, strawberry, vanilla, wintergreen or a mixture of two or more of the same. Preferably, one or more flavorings are present in an amount of less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 1% by weight of the composition.

[0033] The composition may additionally contain small amounts of other ingredients, such as stabilizers, anti-caking agents, hydrocolloids, thickeners, free-flowing agents such as lecithin, maltodextrin, sweeteners, foaming agents or glucose syrups. All of these beverage additives are well known in the art.

[0034] Preferably, the composition consists of roasted and ground coffee powder and milk powder, and optionally sugar and one or more flavorings, together with unavoidable impurities. That is, preferably, the composition has less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, more preferably less than 1% by weight and, most preferably, essentially without other ingredients.

[0035] Surprisingly, the inventors discovered that the roasting color of the beans can have an effect on the extraction of the final beverage formed from the blend. In particular, the roasting color affects the yield of Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, page 23 / 36 10 / 18 extraction and flavor to a greater degree than would be expected when in the presence of milk powder, as described in this document. Preferably, the roasted and ground coffee has a color of 4-10 La, more preferably from 5-8 La. Lange is a common measurement for determining the color of roasted coffee, and machines for performing measurements are well known in the art. A suitable measuring device is the DR Lange, LK100. The color of a coffee sample is measured by light reflectance at 640 nm on an equivalent L scale, an a, b system. A value for the sample reflectance is obtained by comparison with standard values.

[0036] Preferably, roasted and ground coffee is made from 50 to 100% Arabica coffee beans and a balance of Robusta coffee beans. It has been found that the flavor of coarser ground coffee requires an increased level of Arabica coffee to provide a pleasant-tasting beverage.

[0037] In one embodiment, the roasted and ground coffee is formed from Arabica coffee beans and has a particle size distribution exhibiting an X50 of about 900 μm and a color of about 9.5 La, and the weight ratio of the roasted and ground coffee to the milk powder is 3:2.

[0038] According to another aspect, a container comprising the composition described in this document is provided. Preferably, the container is a container for a beverage preparation machine. Such containers are well known in the art and include various containers, tablets, capsules and cartridges. Preferably, the container is a paper filter container. Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, page 24 / 36 11 / 18

[0039] Paper filter vessels are especially preferred, and it is surprising that beneficial extraction is observed even within the limitations of the pad where weak mixing or low turbidity may be observed. Paper filter vessels are well known in the art and comprise the first and second sheets of filter material interleaving the ingredients and sealed around the periphery. It is especially preferred that the vessel not include any rigid inserts, as these are expensive and unnecessary for the present composition.

[0040] The container is preferably a single-drink container. Preferably, the load weight of the composition in the container is 4 to 25 g, preferably 6 to 15 g, more preferably 10 to 14 g and most preferably about 12.5 g. In this way, a single desirable drink can be made from each container. For a soft container, such as a filter pad, the load weight is preferably between 10-14 g. For a hard capsule, the load weight will typically be lower (4-10 g) since a higher pressure can be used during dispensing.

[0041] According to an additional aspect, a method is provided for manufacturing the composition described in this document, the method comprising: grinding roasted coffee beans, and mixing the roasted and ground coffee with powdered milk, the method further comprising, optionally, loading the composition into a container. Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, page 25 / 36 12 / 18

[0042] As will be appreciated, grinding will be done by any known technique suitable for achieving the particle size distributions described in this document. As an example, a suitable grinding technique would be using a roller or disc-type crushers.

[0043] According to an additional aspect, a method of manufacturing a beverage is provided, in a beverage preparation machine, the method comprising: introducing the container described in this document into a beverage preparation machine; and passing an aqueous medium through the container to produce a beverage.

[0044] The aqueous medium will typically be water, although another prepared beverage may equally be used, as well as from another container. The medium is preferably heated, and may be heated to a temperature of 70 to 95°C.

[0045] The container is preferably suitable for producing a beverage with a volume of 70 to 250 mL, preferably between 100 and 120 mL.

[0046] The total solids of the beverage using the composition disclosed in this document preferably constitute 16-20%, preferably about 18%. Yields for beverages are generally calculated in the art and these extraction levels are known to be normally preferred for good coffee flavor.

[0047] The extractable solids contained in the beverage sample are expressed in grams per 100 g of dry matter. They are calculated as follows (Equation 1): Extractable solids (%) = S x E 100 Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, p. 26 / 36 13 / 18 where: S constitutes the solids in the infusion aliquot measured by densitometry, in % And that is the weight of the extracted coffee sample, in g.

[0048] The solids extracted from the coffee sample depend on the type of filter used; therefore, a calculation of infusion yield in this type of filter is proposed (Equation 2): Infusion yield (%) = extractable solids W where W is the weight of the sample before extraction.

[0049] According to another aspect, a kit comprising a plurality of the containers described in this document is provided. That is, a packaged product comprising a plurality of the containers described in this document is provided.

[0050] The invention will now be described in relation to the following non-limiting figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a suitable container for holding the composition described in this document; Figure 2 shows an example of a beverage preparation machine; Figure 3 shows a filter container suitable for holding the composition described in this document; Figure 4 shows a capsule suitable for maintaining the composition described in the document; Figure 5 shows a broad summary of the method described in this document.

[0051] In step A, the roasted coffee beans are ground to a desired size. In step B, the ground coffee beans Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, page 27 / 36 14 / 18 and toasted bread are mixed with powdered milk. In step C, the mixture is poured into a receptacle, such as a paper filter container. In step D, a kit is formed from a plurality of receptacles. One receptacle is taken in step E and placed in a beverage machine. In step F, an aqueous medium is passed through the receptacle to form a beverage.

[0052] The invention will now be described in relation to the following non-limiting examples. EXAMPLES Example 1

[0053] Examples were carried out to investigate the use of a roasted and ground coffee with a novel coarse grind size design (X50 from 700 pm) to help dissolve powdered milk or creamer mixed with coffee in a single container / capsule.

[0054] Example 1A: Roasted and coarsely ground coffee mixed with skimmed milk powder (from the milk container). X10 X50 X90 Agglomerated milk power 600 to 800 pm From 1 to 3 mm From 3.5 to 4.5 mm

[0055] A container was prepared using a Carte Noire™ (X50: 800 pm) container coffee mixed with skimmed milk powder. The skimmed milk powder was taken from a commercially available milk container having substantially all particles with a particle size of 1-3 mm. These were placed in a paper filter container and it was found that the composition improves the dissolution of the milk powder from the container (visual assessment, taste) and the coffee extraction. Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, pp. 28 / 36 15 / 18 (visual assessment, taste) versus a commercial coffee in a Carte Noire™ container (X50 of 350 pm) with the same skimmed milk powder. As a result, the taste and mouthfeel offered by the beverage were improved. Example 1B

[0056] A container was prepared to make a coffee with milk drink in a single step. The container held 5.5 g Carte Noire at 800 pm X50 grind size and 4 g of skimmed milk powder (commercial milk container). X10 X50 X90 Agglomerated milk power 600 to 800 pm From 1 to 3 mm From 3.5 to 4.5 mm

[0057] As a comparative example, a similar container was prepared using 5 g of Carte Noire, also from a classic container (commercial grinding for X50 of 350 pm) and 4 g of skimmed milk powder (commercial milk container).

[0058] It was verified that the filter container of the invention provided a beverage with good appearance and taste. It also had a good volume of foam and provided a balanced beverage, with good coffee intensity and a milky mouthfeel.

[0059] In contrast, the Comparative Example showed incorrect infusion. The beverage had a watery appearance and a taste with a paper-like note, leaving no sensation in the mouth. Example 1C

[0060] A container was prepared to obtain a coffee with milk drink in a single step. The container Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, pp. 29 / 36 16 / 18 contained 5.5g of Carte Noire at an 800 pm grind size. X50 and 4g of Tesco™ skimmed milk. X10 X50 X90 Power of non-clumped skim milk 35 pm 99 pm 505 pm

[0061] The filter container of the invention was found to have produced a beverage with good appearance and taste. It also had a good volume of foam and provided a balanced beverage with good coffee intensity and a creamy mouthfeel.

[0062] In contrast, the comparative example showed incorrect infusion. The beverage was watery, papery, and lacked mouthfeel. Example 1D

[0063] A Tassimo™ capsule was prepared to make a coffee with milk drink in a single step. The capsule contained 5.5 g of Carte Noire at a grind size of 800 μm X50 and 3.5 g of skimmed milk powder (commercial milk container).

[0064] As a comparative example, a capsule similar to Tassimo™ was prepared using 5.5 g of Carte Noire, also from a classic container (commercial grind for X50 of 350 pm) and 3.5 g of Tesco™ skimmed milk powder (commercial milk container).

[0065] It was verified that the capsule of the invention provided a beverage with good appearance and good foam volume. It was a balanced beverage with good coffee intensity and a creamy mouthfeel.

[0066] In contrast, the preparatory example did not have proper infusion. There appears to have been an increase in pressure. Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, pages 30 / 36 17 / 18 which led to a low volume release (about one fifth of the intended volume). Example 2

[0067] Three products were compared. The products were as follows: 1. Senseo French Cappuccino Product:

[0068] The ingredients were supplied in a paper filter container that has a rigid plastic insert to support a layer of roasted and ground coffee above the soluble milk powder ingredients.

[0069] The container was an XL-sized container designed to be held in a two-cup infusion holder containing 100 mL of beverage medium (one cup button). The container held 12.5 g of beverage ingredients.

[0070] The ingredients were: 44% by weight of roasted and ground coffee having an X50 of 411 μη; 23% by weight of skimmed milk powder; and the remainder of glucose syrup, hydrogenated vegetable fat and stabilizers. 2. Senseo German Cappuccino product

[0071] The ingredients were supplied in a paper filter container that has a rigid plastic insert to support a layer of soluble milk powder ingredients above the instant coffee powder.

[0072] The container was an XL-sized container designed to be held in a two-cup infusion holder containing 100 mL of beverage medium (one cup's worth). The container held 11.5 g of beverage ingredients. Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, pages 31 / 36 18 / 18

[0073] The ingredients were: 9.8% by weight of instant coffee; and the remainder of skimmed milk powder; sugar, glucose syrup, hydrogenated vegetable fat, flavoring, salt, emulsifier, anti-caking agent and stabilizers. 3. Product in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0074] A paper filter container was provided, simply filled with the composition disclosed in this document.

[0075] The container was an XL-sized container designed to be held in a two-cup stand with 100 mL of beverage medium infusion (one cup button). The container held 12.5 g of beverage ingredients.

[0076] The ingredients were: 45% by weight of roasted and ground coffee with an X50 of 845 μn; 29% by weight of skimmed milk powder; 25% by weight of granulated sugar and 1% by weight of creamy flavoring.

[0077] All three beverages were compared and found to provide satisfactorily comparable beverage quality. However, the preparation cost of the third container was significantly lower compared to the first and second, due to the reduced complexity of the container design.

[0078] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail in this document, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or the appended claims. Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, pages 32 / 36

Claims

1 / 1 CLAIMS 1. A method for manufacturing a paper filter container for a beverage preparation machine, the method characterized in that it comprises: (i) providing a first and second sheet of filter material; (ii) providing a composition by: grinding roasted coffee beans to obtain roasted and ground coffee with an X50 of 800 to 950 μm, and mixing the roasted and ground coffee with milk powder, wherein the milk powder has an X50 of 1 mm to 3 mm; wherein, in the composition, the weight ratio of roasted and ground coffee to milk powder is 7:3 to 1:1; and (iii) sandwiching the composition between the first and second sheets of filter material and sealing the first and second sheets of filter material around the periphery to form the paper filter container.

2. A method for manufacturing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, characterized in that it comprises: introducing the paper filter container, as obtained in claim 1, into a beverage preparation machine; and passing an aqueous medium through the paper filter container to produce a beverage. Petition 870220049350, dated 06 / 06 / 2022, pp. 33 / 36

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