Particulate flavor compositions and process to prepare same

Abstract

The process provides particulate flavor compositions having a flavor oil fixed in a particulate polyol material. It consists in mixing a mono- or disaccharide, a polysaccharide and water with a minor but flavor effective amount of a flavor oil such that the resulting particular flavor compositions possess a Tg below room temperature, and extruding the resulting homogeneous substrate at a temperature to form a melt which on cooling solidifies as a hard rubbery amorphous material having the flavor oil entrapped therein.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ARTIt is well known in the food industry that the addition of flavouring ingredients contribute to a major extent to the palatability of consumable edible materials; consequently, it is paramount to ensure the production of food products which are of consistent flavour quality and are thus attractive to consumers. This can be achieved by ensuring proper flavour release. In effect, taste and aroma are greatly influenced by volatile components present in such products. However, because of the volatility of these compounds, it is not easy to ensure that the predetermined critical amounts of each flavour components be present in the food and products as they reach the consumer. Losses of volatile components might occur during storage prior to incorporation into the food product, during mixing of the flavour component with the other food ingredients, during food processing, cooking, baking, during transportation and storage and finally during the preparation of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

A further advantage of the present invention is the ability to provide flavour systems which can be effective in so called low water activity foods. It is well known that below certain well defined levels of water activity, as measured by the Aw value, the processes of microbiological spoilage are halted. The use of encapsulated systems where the Tg values lie below room temperature, as obtained by the process of the invention, allows much more flexibility in designing flavours which are effective in moderate or low moisture foods since the adsorption of water produces gradual changes in texture rather than the drastic textural changes observed when a material passes through its glass transition.

The terms "flavour oil" as used herein are deemed to define a variety of flavour materials of both natural and synthetic origin; they include single compounds or mixtures. The process of the invention may be employed to encapsulate volatile or labile components which may be in liquid and solid form. Specific examples of such components may be found in the current literature, e.g. in Perfume and Flavor Chemicals by S. Arctander, Montclair N.J. (USA); Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, CRC Press or Synthetic Food Adjuncts by M. B. Jacobs, van Nostrand Co., Inc.

Natural extracts can also be encapsulated into the systems of the invention; these include e.g. citrus fruit extracts, such as lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit or mandarine oil, or coffee, tea, cocoa, mint or vanilla.

The particulate flavour compositions of the invention may be employed as adjuvants to a wide variety of food products, including confectionery products and chewing gums. The compositions may also be added to plant leaves typically used for infusions or decoctions, especially for the aromatisation of tea leaves or tea fines.

The proportions in which the flavour oil is added into the saccharide mass prior to extrusion may vary in accordance with the nature of the food products to be flavoured and the particular organoleptic effect it is desired to achieve. The expert in the art knows by experience how to assess this parameter for obtaining a well balanced and harmonious aroma in a given food or beverage. Obviously, for economic reasons it is preferred to incorporate the highest possible proportions of flavour oil. Typically, the compositions of the invention encapsulate up to 20% (weight percent) of oil, more typically of 8-12%.

Problems solved by technology

However, because of the volatility of these compounds, it is not easy to ensure that the predetermined critical amounts of each flavour components be present in the food and products as they reach the consumer.

These losses of volatile components from the food products may produce undesirable variations in the taste and aroma of the products as perceived by the consumer.

On the other hand, losses of volatile components might occur through the conversion of certain flavour materials into unwanted less desirable or tasteless chemicals by their interaction with reagents present in the environment.