Chocolate compositions containing ethylcellulose

Abstract

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.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present invention claims priority of US61 / 213,480 filed on 12 Jun. 2010 and US61 / 213,738 filed on 8 Jul. 2010.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to chocolate compositions and products that contain ethylcellulose.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]One technical problem addressed by the present invention is the provision of heat-resistant chocolate. That is to say, chocolate that can retain its shape at higher temperatures, for example temperatures above about 30° C. or even above 40° C. The provision of such a heat-resistant chocolate that also achieves good mouthfeel and taste properties would greatly simplify the distribution and consumption of chocolate in hot countries.[0004]Ordinary chocolate is composed primarily of fats or fatty substances, such as cocoa butter, in which there are dispersed non-fat products such as cocoa components, sugars, proteins, etc. Therefore, since chocolate is primarily constituted by fat bodies, its m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a heat-resistant chocolate containing ethylcellulose. The invention also provides a method of preparing a chocolate composition by adding an ethylcellulose oleogel to a chocolate composition. The use of ethylcellulose-gelled oils in the fat-based fillings of filled chocolates reduces oil migration from the filling to the surface of the chocolate. The chocolate compositions have good heat resistance and may contain lower levels of saturated fat.

Problems solved by technology

This means that ordinary chocolate is not particularly resistant to summer temperatures or the heat of tropical countries.

However, this procedure is expensive, and can result in chocolate having an undesirable taste and / or texture.

Unfortunately, chocolate manufactured by direct water addition exhibits inferior product quality due to a coarse, gritty texture.

These processes unfortunately often result in an undesirable rough texture, or mouth feel, in the chocolate.

Unfortunately, since the mass is no longer liquid, it is not possible to use the composition to cast chocolate into molds.

However, the water-in-fat emulsion prepared in accordance with the teachings of this patent results in a product containing at least 20% of the fat in solid form, and the water-in-fat mixture used in accordance with this patent does not remain in liquid form during processing.

Presence of such solid bodies results in an undesired rough texture or mouth feel.

Research into the role fats and oils play in human health has indicated that consumption of saturated fats and trans fatty acids is associated with increased incidences of cancer, heart disease, elevated cholesterol levels and a host of other health problems.

While the potential of organogels as soft materials for use in the food industry is recognized, there is a lack of good food grade organogelators.

This problem arises in chocolates having a chocolate coating over an oil- or fat-containing filling such as a praline, a mousse, a cream, or a ganache (e.g. truffle) filling.

This problem is sometimes addressed by providing a barrier layer between the fat-based filling and the chocolate coating, for example a layer of an oleophobic or hydrophilic material such as a sugar or a starch.

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