Food mixture comprising at least two coated ingredients and method for preparing same

Abstract

The invention provides a food mixture. The food mixture comprises at least two discrete ingredients independently selected from the group consisting of at least one type of nut, at least one type of fruit, at least one type of seed, at least one type of legume, fragments thereof having a minimum diameter and / or length of not less than 3 mm, and combinations thereof, wherein at least one of the at least two discrete components is at least partially coated with a particulate solid composition comprising a mixture of at least one cocoa component and at least one sugar; and wherein the particulate solid composition is present in a total amount of less than 4% by weight of the food mixture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food mixture. In particular, the present invention relates to a food mixture comprising a particle coating of cocoa and sugar. Background Art

[0002] Food mixes, as described herein, are also commonly referred to as trail mixes, and are a type of snack food typically formed from a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and / or seeds. Trail mixes were originally developed for hiking and are an energy-dense food.

[0003] Many food mix products are known in the market, and the ingredients of food mixes have diversified over the years and can now include additional ingredients in addition to those listed above; for example, granola, cereals, grains, legumes, chocolate, popcorn, candies and / or pretzels. The increase in the diversity of food mix ingredients is more attractive to consumers.

[0004] It is also known that the ingredients that make up a food mixture can be flavored with spices, herbs, and / or other flavorings, such as cocoa powder. To ensure that the flavoring adheres to the surface of the food mixture ingredients, the ingredients are typically coated in the flavoring and then baked. Alternatively, the ingredients can be first coated in oil or a syrup and then coated in the flavoring. When coating the ingredients in cocoa powder or the like, the latter method is typically adopted. However, when using this method, it may be difficult to control the amount of cocoa powder used to coat the ingredients, and the oil / syrup may cause the ingredients to stick together.

[0005] CN110122635A discloses a chocolate dusting product comprising cocoa powder, sugar and nuts, as shown in Example 2. The chocolate dusting in the example accounts for more than 50% by weight of the product, so the chocolate dusting will be clearly visible on the surface and hide the natural appearance of the nut ingredient.

[0006] US2021274821A1 discloses a snack food product comprising a mixture of various ingredients, including nuts, seeds, and sugar, wherein one or more flavorings or powder components may be added to the ingredient mixture. The amount of flavoring used is not disclosed.

[0007] While the prior art may provide coated food mixture ingredients including a chocolate coating, it would be advantageous to provide a food mixture that includes a cocoa-based coating that does not mask the appearance of the food mixture ingredient to any substantial extent while still providing a chocolate-like taste.

[0008] Another common problem is that food mixture ingredients, whether coated or not, can stick together, especially when using dried fruit, which is often sticky. This problem is particularly acute if the coating is a chocolate product, as such chocolate coatings can become sticky or more runny at ambient temperature or when handled by the consumer.

[0009] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved food mix comprising a cocoa-based coating on food mix ingredients which overcomes the problems of the prior art discussed above.

[0010] It is also an object of embodiments of the present invention to overcome or mitigate at least one problem of the prior art, whether disclosed herein or not. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In one aspect there is provided a food mixture as claimed in the accompanying claims.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food mixture comprising at least two discrete ingredients independently selected from the group consisting of at least one type of nut, at least one type of fruit, at least one type of seed, at least one type of legume, fragments thereof having a minimum diameter and / or length of not less than 3 mm, and combinations thereof, wherein at least one of the at least two discrete ingredients is at least partially coated with a particulate solid composition comprising a mixture of at least one cocoa component and at least one sugar, and wherein the particulate solid composition is present in a total amount of less than 4% by weight of the food mixture.

[0013] The food mixture may include at least one type of nut selected from the group consisting of almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, pecans, coconuts, walnuts, and combinations thereof. The at least one type of nut may be present in whole nut form or in broken pieces thereof.

[0014] The at least one type of nut may be roasted, toasted or blanched before being coated in the particulate solid composition.

[0015] The food mixture may include a plurality of each type of nut or pieces thereof. The food mixture may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 types of nuts or pieces thereof. Alternatively, the food mixture may be nut-free. In embodiments that include nuts, preferably a plurality of each type of nut or pieces thereof are present, but in some embodiments, one or more or all types of nuts may consist of a single item.

[0016] The food mixture may include at least one type of fruit, which may be natural fruit, dehydrated fruit, dehydrated fruit that has been partially rehydrated, dried fruit, candied fruit, or freeze-dried fruit, or pieces thereof.

[0017] The food mixture may include at least one type of fruit selected from the group consisting of raisins, cranberries, sultanas, bananas, apricots, prunes, pineapples, dates, blueberries, mangoes, papayas, cherries, plums, currants, goji berries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, pears, figs, peaches, nectarines, lemons, pears, and combinations thereof. The at least one type of fruit may be present in whole form or in pieces.

[0018] The food mixture may include multiple types of fruit or pieces thereof. The food mixture may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 types of fruit or pieces thereof. Alternatively, the food mixture may contain no fruit. In embodiments that include fruit, preferably there are a plurality of each type of fruit or pieces thereof, but in some embodiments, one or more or all types of fruit may consist of a single object.

[0019] The food mixture may include at least one type of seeds selected from the group consisting of pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, pomegranate, and combinations thereof. The at least one type of seeds may be present in whole form or in fragmented form.

[0020] The food mixture may include multiple types of seeds or fragments thereof. The food mixture may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 types of seeds or fragments thereof. Alternatively, the food mixture may contain no seeds. In embodiments that include seeds, preferably there are a plurality of each type of seeds or fragments thereof, but in some embodiments, one or more or all types of seeds may consist of a single object.

[0021] The food mixture may include at least one type of legume selected from the group consisting of peanuts, peas, lentils, soybeans, and combinations thereof.The at least one legume may be present in whole form or in fragmented form.

[0022] The at least one type of pod may be dried, roasted, toasted or blanched before being coated in the particulate solid composition.

[0023] The food mixture may include multiple types of legumes or their fragments. The food mixture may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 types of legumes or their fragments. Alternatively, the food mixture may be free of legumes. In embodiments that include legumes, preferably a plurality of each type of legumes or their fragments are present, but in some embodiments, one or more or all types of legumes may consist of a single item.

[0024] In some embodiments, the food mixture may include at least one type of nut and at least one type of fruit. In some embodiments, the food mixture may include at least one type of seed and at least one type of fruit. In some embodiments, the food mixture may include at least one type of legume and at least one type of fruit. In other embodiments, the food mixture may include at least one type of nut, at least one type of fruit, and at least one type of legume. In other embodiments, the food mixture may include at least one type of nut, at least one type of fruit, and at least one type of seed. In other embodiments, the food mixture may include at least one type of fruit, at least one type of legume, and at least one type of seed. In some embodiments, the food mixture may include at least one type of nut, at least one type of seed, at least one type of legume, and at least one type of fruit.

[0025] Each of the at least two discrete ingredients can be present in an amount of at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, or at least 100 instances of that ingredient. For example, 10 individual nuts or pieces thereof (which can include multiple different types of nuts) and 5 individual fruit pieces or whole fruit (which can include multiple different types of fruit) can be present in the food mixture.

[0026] There may be at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or at least 10 discrete ingredients. For example, a food mixture may include 2 different types of nuts, 2 different types of fruit and 2 different types of seeds.

[0027] In some embodiments, the food mixture may include at least one of almonds and hazelnuts. In some embodiments, the food mixture may include at least one of raisins and cranberries. In other embodiments, the food mixture may include at least one of almonds and / or hazelnuts and at least one of raisins and / or cranberries, and in some embodiments, three or all four of the foregoing ingredients.

[0028] In some embodiments, the discrete components may be only partially coated in the particulate solid composition. The particulate solid composition may coat at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% of the surface of the discrete components. The particulate solid composition may coat substantially 100% of the surface of the discrete components.

[0029] The particulate solid composition can provide a substantially uniform coating on the surface of the discrete components.

[0030] The particulate solid composition can be dry coated directly onto the surface of the discrete components.

[0031] The particulate solid composition can be attached or at least partially attached to the surface of the discrete components without adding oil or slurry to the surface of the discrete components or without any further processing steps before coating the particulate solid composition. Thus, the particulate solid composition can be directly coated on the surface of the discrete components.

[0032] The particulate solid composition may be attached to the discrete components by, for example, electrostatic interactions, friction, partial melting, and the like.

[0033] The particulate solid composition may adhere to some types of discrete ingredients more than other types of discrete ingredients. For example, the particulate solid composition may adhere to the surface of fruit more readily than nuts, thereby preventing the fruit from sticking together.

[0034] In some embodiments, the granular solid composition may include a dusting. The discrete ingredients may be dusted with the granular solid composition. The discrete ingredients may be tumbled in a bed of the granular solid composition. In another embodiment, the granular solid mixture may be mixed with the discrete ingredients in a mixer.

[0035] The surfaces of the discrete components are substantially visible through the coating of the particulate solid composition. Although the coating may obscure some areas of the surface of the discrete components, in preferred embodiments, at least 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50% or a majority of the surface of the discrete components is visible through the coating.

[0036] In some embodiments, the granular solid composition has a particle size of at least 5 μm, 10 μm, 50 μm, 100 μm, 200 μm, 300 μm, 400 μm, 500 μm, 600 μm, 700 μm, 800 μm, 900 μm or 1000 μm. The particle size may not exceed 1100 μm, 1000 μm, 900 μm, 800 μm, 700 μm, 600 μm, 500 μm, 400 μm, 300 μm, 200 μm, 100 μm, 50 μm or 10 μm.

[0037] In some embodiments, the particulate solid composition has a particle size of between 5 μm and 1100 μm, between 5 μm and 1000 μm, between 5 μm and 900 μm, between 5 μm and 800 μm, between 5 μm and 700 μm, between 5 μm and 600 μm, between 5 μm and 500 μm, between 5 μm and 400 μm, between 5 μm and 300 μm, between 5 μm and 200 μm, between 5 μm and 100 μm, between 5 μm and 50 μm, or between 5 μm and 10 μm. Alternatively, the particle size may be between 1000 μm and 1100 μm, between 900 μm and 1100 μm, between 800 μm and 1100 μm, between 700 μm and 1100 μm, between 600 μm and 1100 μm, between 500 μm and 1100 μm, between 400 μm and 1100 μm, between 300 μm and 1100 μm, between 200 μm and 1100 μm, between 100 μm and 1100 μm, between 50 μm and 1100 μm, or between 10 μm and 1100 μm. Optionally, the particle size may be between 100 μm and 600 μm.

[0038] The particulate solid composition may be in the form of a powder or granules.

[0039] The granular solid composition may have a tapped bulk density of between 400 g / l and 900 g / l, between 500 g / l and 800 g / l, between 600 g / l and 700 g / l or between 650 g / l and 700 g / l.

[0040] The granular solid composition may have a free-flowing bulk density of between 400 g / l and 900 g / l, between 500 g / l and 800 g / l, between 600 g / l and 700 g / l or between 600 g / l and 650 g / l.

[0041] The at least one cocoa ingredient may be selected from the group consisting of chocolate powder, cocoa powder, ground chocolate, chocolate granules, drinking chocolate powder, and combinations thereof.

[0042] Drinking chocolate powder can meet the EU definition of drinking chocolate powder, where the drinking chocolate powder consists of a mixture of cocoa powder and sugar, with a cocoa content of not less than 25%. Cocoa powder can meet the EU definition of drinking chocolate powder, where the product is obtained by converting washed, shelled and roasted cocoa beans into a powder, and contains not less than 20% cocoa butter and not more than 9% water, calculated by weight of dry matter.

[0043] The sugars may be monosaccharides and / or disaccharides.

[0044] The sugar can be selected from the group consisting of glucose, glucose syrup, fructose, lactose, galactose and sucrose. In preferred embodiments, the sugar is sucrose, glucose or both. The granular solid composition can have a water content of less than 10% by weight. The granular solid composition can have a moisture content of less than 9% by weight, less than 8% by weight, less than 7% by weight, less than 6% by weight, less than 5% by weight, less than 4% by weight, less than 3% by weight or less than 2% by weight. In some embodiments, the water content is between 1.5% and 3.5% by weight or between 2% and 3% by weight.

[0045] The granular solid composition may comprise a fat content of at least 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, or 14% by weight. The granular solid composition may comprise a fat content of no more than 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, or 3% by weight.

[0046] The granular solid composition may comprise a fat content of between 2% and 15%, between 2% and 14%, between 2% and 13%, between 2% and 12%, between 2% and 11%, between 2% and 10%, between 2% and 9%, between 2% and 8%, between 2% and 7%, between 2% and 6%, between 2% and 5%, between 2% and 4%, or between 2% and 3%. Alternatively, the granular solid composition may have a fat content of between 3% and 15%, between 4% and 15%, between 5% and 15%, between 6% and 15%, between 7% and 15%, between 8% and 15%, between 9% and 15%, between 10% and 15%, between 11% and 15%, between 12% and 15%, between 13% and 15%, or between 14% and 15%. Optionally, the granular solid composition may comprise a fat content of between about 4% and 7% or between 5% and 7%.

[0047] The granular solid composition may comprise a sugar content of at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% by weight. The granular solid composition may comprise a sugar content of no more than 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, or 30% by weight.

[0048] The granular solid composition can comprise a sugar content between 20 % by weight and 90 % by weight, between 20 % by weight and 80 % by weight, between 20 % by weight and 70 % by weight, between 20 % by weight and 60 % by weight, between 20 % by weight and 50 % by weight, between 20 % by weight and 40 % by weight, or between 20 % by weight and 30 % by weight. Alternatively, the sugar content can be between 30 % by weight and 90 % by weight, between 40 % by weight and 90 % by weight, between 50 % by weight and 90 % by weight, between 60 % by weight and 90 % by weight, between 70 % by weight and 90 % by weight, or between 80 % by weight and 90 % by weight. Optionally, the granular solid composition can have a sugar content of approximately 50 % by weight to 90 % by weight, 55 % by weight to 85 % by weight, 60 % by weight to 70 % by weight, or 65 % by weight to 70 % by weight.

[0049] In some embodiments, the granular solid composition comprises at least 15% by weight cocoa solids, at least 20% by weight cocoa solids, at least 22% by weight cocoa solids, or at least 24% by weight cocoa solids. In some embodiments, the granular solid composition comprises at least 26%, 28%, 30%, or at least 32% by weight cocoa solids, such as between 30% and 35% or between 32% and 34% by weight cocoa solids.

[0050] In some embodiments, the granular solid composition may further comprise at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of an emulsifier, a preservative, a filler, an additional sweetener, an anti-caking agent, a stabilizer, a thickener, milk powder, protein powder, a filler, soluble fiber powder, insoluble fiber powder, an acidity regulator, a flavoring, salt, oil, fat, cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, chocolate, and combinations thereof.

[0051] The or each additional milk powder may be skim milk powder or whole milk powder.

[0052] The or each additional protein powder may be selected from the group consisting of milk protein powder, whey powder, caseinate powder and combinations thereof.

[0053] The or each additional thickening agent may be selected from the group consisting of carrageenans, hydrocolloids, polysaccharides, other gelling agents and combinations thereof.

[0054] The anti-caking agent may be silicon dioxide.

[0055] The acidity regulator may be sodium carbonate.The or each additional emulsifier may be selected from the group consisting of lecithin, polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR), ammonium phospholipids (eg YN), polysorbates and combinations thereof.

[0056] The or each additional sweetener may be selected from the group consisting of aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, acesulfame potassium, saccharin, polyol sweeteners (such as sorbitol, lactitol, xylitol, isomalt, erythritol, etc.), and combinations thereof. Adding additional sweeteners (in addition to sugar) to the granular solid composition may reduce the desired sugar content.

[0057] The solid particulate composition may further comprise at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of palm oil, vegetable oil, vegetable fat, starch, maltodextrin, polydextrose, fructooligosaccharides, glucooligosaccharides, inulin, and combinations thereof.

[0058] In some embodiments, each discrete ingredient in the food mixture may independently comprise at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, or at least 70% by weight of the food mixture. In some embodiments, each discrete ingredient in the food mixture may independently comprise no more than 80%, no more than 70%, no more than 60%, no more than 50%, no more than 40%, no more than 30%, no more than 20%, or no more than 10% by weight of the food mixture.

[0059] The total amount of the discrete ingredients may not exceed 99.9%, not exceed 99.5%, not exceed 99%, not exceed 98%, not exceed 97%, or not exceed 96% by weight of the food mixture.

[0060] The particulate solid composition may be present in an amount less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.5%, or less than 0.1% by weight of the food mixture.

[0061] In some embodiments, the food mixture may include an additional ingredient comprising chocolate crumbs. The chocolate crumbs may be selected from the group consisting of chocolate chunks, chocolate chips, chocolate flakes, coated chocolate flakes, chocolate curls, aerated chocolate, chocolate shapes, chocolate discs, chocolate-coated confectionery products, and combinations thereof.

[0062] The chocolate crumbs may have a diameter and / or length of at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm or at least 30 mm. The chocolate crumbs may have a diameter and / or length of no more than 40 mm, no more than 30 mm, no more than 20 mm, no more than 10 mm or no more than 5 mm.

[0063] The chocolate crumbs may be present in the food mixture in an amount of at least 5 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 15 wt% or at least 20 wt%.

[0064] The chocolate crumbs may or may not be coated with the particulate solid composition.

[0065] The chocolate crumbs may include at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of white chocolate, milk chocolate, plain chocolate, dark chocolate, compound chocolate, fat-based confectionery products, and combinations thereof. The chocolate crumbs may include filled chocolate crumbs. The filled chocolate crumbs may include chocolate having at least one filling selected from the group consisting of caramel, toffee, honey, nougat, marshmallow, cream, jelly candy, aerated candy, popcorn candy, fruit paste, nut paste, praline, sherbet, soft candy, chewy candy, and combinations thereof.

[0066] In some embodiments, the food mixture may further include at least one discrete ingredient independently selected from the group consisting of puffed rice, puffed wheat, rye flakes, coconut flakes, seeds less than 3 mm in diameter or length (such as, but not limited to, chia seeds, flax seeds), popcorn, cookie crumbs, wafers, oats, pretzels, confectionery products, cereals, grains, and combinations thereof.

[0067] The additional discrete components may be chocolate coated. The chocolate coating may be selected from the group consisting of white chocolate, milk chocolate, plain chocolate, dark chocolate, compound chocolate, aerated chocolate, and combinations thereof.

[0068] The additional discrete ingredients in the particulate solid composition may be coated in a manner similar to the discrete ingredients described above.

[0069] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a food mixture, the method comprising the following steps:

[0070] (a) providing at least two discrete ingredients independently selected from the group consisting of at least one type of nut, at least one type of fruit, at least one type of seed, at least one type of pod, fragments thereof having a minimum diameter and / or length of not less than 3 mm, and combinations thereof, and

[0071] (b) at least partially coating at least one of the at least two discrete components with a particulate solid composition comprising at least one cocoa component and at least one sugar,

[0072] The particulate solid composition is present in a total amount of less than 4% by weight of the food mixture.

[0073] In some embodiments, at least one of the at least two discrete ingredients of the food mixture can be coated with the particulate solid composition before combining the discrete ingredient with any additional discrete ingredients. Alternatively, some or all of the discrete ingredients comprising the food mixture are first mixed and then coated with the particulate solid composition.

[0074] The discrete ingredients, the particulate solid composition, the at least one cocoa ingredient and the at least one sugar may be as described and defined above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

[0075] In some embodiments, the method may comprise adding one or more additional discrete ingredients, chocolate chips and / or other ingredients, as described and defined above with respect to the first aspect of the invention. The additional ingredients may be added during step (a), during step (b), in a separate step after step (a) or after step (b), or any combination thereof (e.g., during step (a) and after step (b)).

[0076] The method of the second aspect of the invention may be used to make the food mixture of the first aspect of the invention.

[0077] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaged food mixture according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0078] The food mixture can be packaged in single servings or in larger servings. A single serving can include less than 60g, less than 50g, or less than 40g of the food mixture. A larger serving can include more than 60g, more than 80g, more than 100g, or more than 200g of the food mixture.

[0079] The package may comprise any suitable container, such as a box, bag, pouch, etc. The package may be a flexible package, such as a pouch or bag, and may include an opening feature selected from the group consisting of a zip lock, a tear strip, a peelable opening, a weakened area or line (e.g., a perforation), or an axially oriented material capable of being torn. The package may be resealable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] In order to make the present invention more clearly understood, embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0081] Figure 1 An embodiment of a food mixture according to the invention is shown.

[0082] Now refer to Figure 1 An embodiment of a food mix of the present invention is described. The food mix of this embodiment is also commonly referred to as trail mix, which includes a mixture of nuts, fruits, and seeds.

[0083] Figure 1An embodiment of a food mixture 1 according to the present invention is shown. The food mixture 1 includes four different discrete ingredients 2—raisins 12, almonds 14, hazelnuts 16, and cranberries 18. The discrete ingredients 2 are coated in a granular solid composition, wherein the granular solid composition is a drinking chocolate powder 20. The drinking chocolate powder 20 includes a cocoa component in the form of cocoa powder and sugar in the form of sucrose. The drinking chocolate powder 20 is present at 2% by weight of the food mixture. The surfaces of the raisins 12, almonds 14, hazelnuts 16, and cranberries 18 have a substantially uniform coating of the drinking chocolate powder 20. The drinking chocolate powder 20 forms a dry coating on the surfaces of the discrete ingredients 2. The drinking chocolate powder 20 adheres to the surfaces of the raisins 12, almonds 14, hazelnuts 16, and cranberries 18 without the presence of oil or pulp, or without further processing steps. Although the drinking chocolate powder 20 substantially uniformly coats the surfaces of the discrete ingredients 2, the discrete ingredients 2 remain distinguishable and maintain the "natural appearance" of uncoated ingredients, with a majority of the surface of each discrete ingredient 2 visible.

[0084] The raisins 12, almonds 14, hazelnuts 16, and cranberries 18 are present in their whole form, however, in other embodiments, at least one may be present as chopped pieces, or even all of the raisins, almonds, hazelnuts, and cranberries may be present as chopped pieces. Thus, the discrete components 2 have similar dimensions to the standard components and all have a minimum diameter and / or length of at least 3 mm.

[0085] Almonds 14 and hazelnuts 16 are roasted nuts, wherein the roasting process is performed before being placed in drinking chocolate powder 20 for coating.

[0086] The raisins 12 and cranberries 18 are dried fruits, wherein the drying process is carried out before being placed in the drinking chocolate powder 20 for coating.

[0087] The drinking chocolate powder 20 comprises about 32% by weight of cocoa solids, has a sugar content of about 68% by weight, the sugar being sucrose, and a fat content of about 6% by weight, and further comprises an anti-caking agent and a flavoring agent.

[0088] The food mixture includes an additional discrete ingredient in the form of chocolate crumbs, wherein the chocolate crumbs are chocolate discs 22. The chocolate discs 22 comprise solid milk chocolate and have a diameter of approximately 20 mm. The chocolate discs 22 have a fat content of approximately 30% and cocoa solids of approximately at least 20%. The chocolate discs 22 are not specifically coated in drinking chocolate powder 20. However, the chocolate discs 22 may include residual amounts of drinking chocolate powder 20 that have been transferred from the discrete ingredients 2 to the chocolate discs 22 during mixing, storage, and / or transportation. In another embodiment, the chocolate discs 22 may include at least two discrete ingredients 2, all of which are then coated together with the drinking chocolate powder 20.

[0089] The food mixture included the ingredients in the amounts listed in the table below:

[0090]

[0091] The method for preparing a food mixture 1 described in the examples herein includes first providing natural discrete ingredients 2: raisins 12, almonds 14, hazelnuts 16, and cranberries 18, in the ratios listed in the examples, and then coating the discrete ingredients 2 in a drinking chocolate powder 20 in an amount of 2% by weight of the final weight of the food mixture 1. The drinking chocolate powder 20 is dry-coated directly onto the surface of the discrete ingredients 2. The coated discrete ingredients are then combined with a chocolate disc 22.

[0092] In another embodiment of the method for preparing the food mixture of the present invention, natural discrete ingredients 2 consisting of raisins 12, almonds 14, hazelnuts 16, and cranberries 18 are provided (although in other embodiments, some ingredients may be omitted, added, or interchanged with other ingredients) and chocolate discs 22. The discrete ingredients 2 and chocolate discs 22 are then all coated in drinking chocolate powder 20, the drinking chocolate powder being applied in an amount of 2% by weight of the final weight of the food mixture 1.

[0093] The food mixture 1 of this embodiment was found to provide non-chocolate ingredients (raisins, almonds, etc.) with a chocolate-like flavor in addition to the underlying flavor of the individual ingredients, even though only a small amount of cocoa powder was applied to those ingredients, contrary to general expectations. The chocolate powder 20 in an amount of less than 4% by weight of the food mixture 1 also made the surface of the food mixture ingredients 1 visible, but provided anti-caking and anti-sticking properties.

[0094] The food mixture of the above embodiment is also packaged in a foil or plastic packaging bag, which includes a resealable opening in the form of a resealable strip. The resealable strip is composed of packaging material adhered using a cold seal or pressure sensitive food grade adhesive.

[0095] The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A food mixture comprising at least two discrete ingredients independently selected from the group consisting of at least one type of nut, at least one type of fruit, at least one type of seed, at least one type of legume, fragments thereof having a minimum diameter and / or length of not less than 3 mm, and combinations thereof, wherein at least one of the at least two discrete ingredients is at least partially coated with a particulate solid composition comprising a mixture of at least one cocoa component and at least one sugar; and wherein the particulate solid composition is present in a total amount of less than 4% by weight of the food mixture.

2. The food mixture according to claim 1, wherein the particulate solid composition has a particle size of at least 5 μm and not more than 1100 μm.

3. A food mixture according to any preceding claim, wherein the particulate solid composition comprises a fat content of at least 2% and not more than 15% by weight.

4. A food mixture according to any preceding claim, wherein the particulate solid composition comprises a sugar content of at least 20% and not more than 90% by weight.

5. A food mixture according to any preceding claim, wherein the particulate solid composition comprises at least 15% by weight cocoa solids.

6. The food mixture according to any preceding claim, wherein the granular solid composition further comprises one or more ingredients independently selected from the group consisting of: emulsifiers, sweeteners, preservatives, anti-caking agents, fillers, stabilizers, thickeners, milk powder, protein powder, bulking agents, soluble fiber powder, insoluble fiber powder, acidity regulators, flavorings, salt, oil, fat, and combinations thereof.

7. The food mixture of any preceding claim, wherein each type of discrete ingredient in the food mixture independently comprises at least 5% and no more than 80% by weight of the food mixture, and wherein the total amount of the discrete ingredients does not exceed 99.9% by weight of the food mixture.

8. A food mixture according to any preceding claim, wherein the food mixture further comprises an additional ingredient comprising chocolate chips.

9. The food mixture of claim 8, wherein the chocolate crumb is selected from the group consisting of chocolate chunks, chocolate chips, chocolate flakes, aerated chocolate, coated chocolate flakes, chocolate curls, molded chocolates, chocolate discs, chocolate-coated confectionery products, filled chocolate crumbs, and combinations thereof.

10. A food mixture according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the chocolate crumbs comprise chocolate discs.

11. The food mixture according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the chocolate crumb comprises at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of white chocolate, milk chocolate, plain chocolate, dark chocolate, compound chocolate, fat-based confectionery products, and combinations or blends of any two or more thereof.

12. The food mixture of any preceding claim, wherein the food mixture further comprises at least one discrete ingredient independently selected from the group consisting of puffed rice, puffed wheat, rye flakes, coconut flakes, popcorn, cookie crumbs, wafers, oats, pretzels, confectionery products, chia seeds, flax seeds, cereals, grains, and combinations thereof; optionally, wherein the additional discrete ingredient is chocolate coated.

13. A method for preparing the food mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 12, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing at least two discrete ingredients independently selected from the group consisting of at least one type of nut, at least one type of fruit, at least one type of seed, at least one type of pod, fragments thereof having a minimum diameter and / or length of not less than 3 mm, and combinations thereof, and (b) at least partially coating at least one of the at least two discrete components with a particulate solid composition comprising at least one cocoa component and at least one sugar, wherein the particulate solid composition is present in a total amount of less than 4% by weight of the food mixture.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method comprises at least partially dry coating the at least one of the at least two discrete components with the particulate solid composition, and wherein the surface of the at least one of the at least two discrete components does not include any additional coating prior to dry coating with the particulate solid composition.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the step of at least partially coating the at least one of the at least two discrete ingredients with the particulate solid composition is performed before combining the discrete ingredient with any further ingredients of the food mixture.

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