Food combination containing at least one corn kernel and method for manufacturing food combination

Abstract

The invention relates to a food assembly (10) for providing a finished product that can be eaten by a motor vehicle occupant within a motor vehicle. The food combination (10) comprises at least one corn kernel (16) which is transitionable from an initial state to a puffed edible state by heating the food combination (10). In the edible state, the at least one corn grain (16) has a volume that becomes larger relative to the initial state. The at least one corn grain (16) is held by an adhesive (14) of the food assembly (10) on a self-rigid carrier (12) of the food assembly (10). The carrier (12) is formed from at least one edible food. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a food combination (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food composition / food assembly for providing a finished product that can be consumed by a motor vehicle occupant in a motor vehicle. The food composition comprises at least one corn kernel that can be transformed from an initial state to a puffed, edible state by heating the food composition. In the edible state, the at least one corn kernel has an increased volume relative to the initial state. The present invention also relates to a method for making the food composition. Background Art

[0002] There is a growing trend toward partially automated or even autonomous driving of motor vehicles. This allows the driver of the motor vehicle to perform some secondary activities while driving. This is because during at least partially automated driving, the driver is not always actively directing the motor vehicle. Secondary activities that the driver or other occupants of the motor vehicle can perform during at least partially automated driving include, in particular, preparing and consuming food.

[0003] Currently, there are only a few options for obtaining hot meals while driving a motor vehicle. These options include, for example, preparing hot meals in advance (e.g., in one's own kitchen) or ordering fast food. However, being able to enjoy freshly prepared meals while driving is desirable for motor vehicle occupants.

[0004] US Pat. No. 4,902,520 A describes a device for making popcorn. Here, corn kernels are secured to the top or bottom of a box with a digestible, non-toxic adhesive. When the box is placed in a heating device, such as a microwave or convection oven, the puffed kernels fall out of the top or bottom. Alternatively, the kernels can be placed in a foam block with a recess for the kernels, where seasonings such as oil, butter, or salt can be stored. The foam block, made of non-toxic material, can be reused or discarded after the kernels are puffed.

[0005] Furthermore, document US 2019 / 0320692 A1 describes a carrier for corn kernels, which has units for corn kernels, wherein the units additionally contain seasonings and, for example, oil.

[0006] Such popcorn making devices are not suitable for use while operating a motor vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a food combination of the aforementioned type that can be handled / taken particularly easily in a motor vehicle and to specify a method for producing such a food combination.

[0008] This object is achieved by a food combination having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and expedient developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0009] A food composition according to the present invention for providing a finished product that can be consumed by a motor vehicle occupant in a motor vehicle comprises at least one corn kernel that can be transformed from an initial state into a puffed, edible state by heating the food composition. In the edible state, the corn kernel has a larger volume than in the initial state. The at least one corn kernel is retained by a binder of the food composition to an inherently rigid carrier / carrying element of the food composition. The carrier is formed from at least one edible food.

[0010] Thus, the food assembly comprises a carrier formed of at least one edible food item, the carrier being consumed when a motor vehicle occupant places at least one corn kernel retained on the carrier and transformed into an edible state into the mouth together with the carrier.

[0011] The inherent rigidity of the carrier contributes significantly to the particularly simple handling of the food combination comprising the edible carrier. This makes the food combination simple and convenient to utilize in a motor vehicle.

[0012] Furthermore, the adhesive ensures that the at least one corn kernel adheres reliably to the carrier, making it particularly easy to place the food assembly into a heating device that can provide heat to transform or convert the at least one corn kernel from its initial state into a puffed, edible state.

[0013] The adhesive can in particular keep or adhere the at least one kernel of corn to the carrier even if the at least one kernel of corn is located on the bottom side of the carrier. Thus, the adhesive can preferably prevent the at least one kernel of corn from falling off the carrier due to gravity.

[0014] Here, the at least one corn kernel is a kernel of the popcorn variety, wherein the starch tissue or storage tissue contained in the corn kernel can be converted into a puffed or popped edible state in which the corn kernel is in the form of a cluster / flake.

[0015] Advantageously, the food combination can be easily removed from the heating device by a motor vehicle occupant grabbing the food combination at the carrier. This advantageously prevents the generation of large amounts of crumbs or similar food debris when consuming the finished product formed from the food combination by heating it, which could adversely affect the appearance of the motor vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0016] In addition, the carrier can provide enough space for the at least one corn kernel to be transformed from its initial state into a puffed, edible state. This is particularly applicable when a plurality of corn kernels are held in place by the adhesive on the carrier.

[0017] Furthermore, the nutritional value of the finished product, which can be provided by heating the food combination, can be increased by placing a plurality of corn kernels on the carrier. This is particularly advantageous when the finished product can be eaten or consumed as a snack or between-meals meal in a motor vehicle.

[0018] Furthermore, for use in motor vehicles, it is advantageous if the food composition has a particularly small volume and good storability before preparation, ie before the at least one corn kernel is heated.

[0019] Furthermore, the finished product of the food combination, produced by preparation, i.e., heating, can be eaten directly. Furthermore, because the carrier is formed from the at least one edible food, no additional packaging is required to provide the at least one corn kernel. Furthermore, the simple handling of the food combination is particularly advantageous for its use in motor vehicles.

[0020] Furthermore, by correspondingly designing the size of the carrier and the number of corn kernels in the respective food combination and by using corresponding seasonings, different sizes and flavors of the finished edible product can be provided very simply. This is also advantageous.

[0021] In principle, another or different edible main component of the food composition, in addition to the at least one corn kernel, can be attached to the carrier by means of an adhesive. In this case, the main component can be converted from its initial state into an edible state by heating. For example, dough or the like can be used as such a main component, which can be converted into an edible state by heating, more specifically baking.

[0022] However, the use of the at least one corn kernel has the advantage that the edible main ingredient or staple food in the form of the at least one corn kernel occupies a particularly small volume in the initial state, and the corn kernel in the expanded, edible state has a significantly larger volume compared to the initial state. The small space requirement of the at least one corn kernel in the initial state is particularly advantageous when preparing the food combination in a motor vehicle, i.e., in order to provide an edible finished product from the food combination in a motor vehicle.

[0023] Various edible foods can be used to provide the carrier. For example, the edible carrier can be designed as a pancake or waffle. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to use a gelling agent, such as an alginate product, to provide the carrier. The carrier can particularly be designed as a thin alginate layer or film. For example, a carrier designed as an alginate film is very suitable for holding the at least one kernel of corn.

[0024] Preferably, the carrier transitions from a wet state, in which the carrier provides the adhesive, to a dry state. The viscosity of the carrier is lower in the dry state than in the wet state. This improves the handleability of the food combination when grasping the carrier. Furthermore, when the carrier transitions to a dry state, the food combination can be improved in storability and transportability.

[0025] In particular, when the carrier is designed as an alginate product, for example, in the form of an alginate layer or film, the carrier has adhesive properties in a slightly moist state, which ensures that the at least one corn kernel adheres well to the carrier. When the carrier is dried, the at least one corn kernel advantageously remains adhered to the carrier designed as an alginate film or layer. This prevents the at least one corn kernel from falling off the carrier. This is preferably true even when a motor vehicle occupant holds the food combination on the carrier in such a way that the at least one corn kernel is on the bottom side of the carrier.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive can be provided by an edible substance with adhesive properties, which is placed at least between the carrier and the at least one corn kernel. By using an additional substance with adhesive properties, it is possible to achieve a particularly secure retention of the at least one corn kernel on the carrier. For example, a viscous syrup or a similar edible and sticky substance can be used as the adhesive.

[0027] Preferably, the viscosity of the adhesive can be reduced by heating the food composition. This makes it particularly easy to achieve wetting of the at least one corn kernel by the adhesive when heating the corn kernels to convert them from their initial state into a puffed, edible state. This is particularly advantageous when the adhesive is designed as a flavor carrier and / or is provided with at least one seasoning. This is because heating the food composition can facilitate the application of the flavor carrier and / or at least one seasoning to the at least one corn kernel due to the reduced viscosity of the adhesive.

[0028] It is particularly advantageous if the viscosity of the adhesive is reduced or can be reduced by heating the food composition before the at least one corn kernel is converted into an edible state. This is because the at least one corn kernel is moistened with the adhesive before it is converted from its initial state into an edible state. This results in a particularly uniform application of the adhesive to the at least one corn kernel. This is particularly advantageous when the adhesive is provided by an edible substance with adhesive properties.

[0029] Preferably, the carrier and / or the binder contain at least one flavoring. In this way, the desired flavor can be imparted to the finished edible product that can be produced from the food assembly in a very simple manner. Thus, a variety of flavors of the finished product can be easily achieved.

[0030] Preferably, the seasoning can be at least partially located in the at least one corn kernel after it is converted into an edible state by heating the food composition. In this way, when the corn kernel is converted into an edible state, the at least one corn kernel contains the seasoning in the edible finished product, which helps to improve the taste experience when the finished product is consumed.

[0031] Preferably, the food combination comprises a cover member, which covers the at least one corn kernel on the carrier member. Here, the cover member is connected to the carrier member.

[0032] The provision of a carrier and a cover for covering the at least one corn kernel provides a housing that protects the at least one corn kernel. This advantageously prevents damage to the at least one corn kernel prior to preparation, i.e., before the food assembly is formed into an edible finished product. Furthermore, the cover advantageously helps retain the at least one corn kernel on the carrier. Furthermore, other substances that can advantageously influence the preparation and / or flavor of the finished product can be easily and effortlessly placed within the housing formed by the carrier and cover.

[0033] The corresponding advantages are particularly evident when the cover element is connected to the carrier element in a connection region around the at least one kernel of corn.

[0034] The cover may be formed from the same material as the carrier. This simplifies the manufacture of the food assembly.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the cover may contain at least one seasoning. This advantageously allows the cover to not only improve the adhesion of the remaining ingredients of the food combination but also to influence or adjust the taste of the finished edible product made from the food combination.

[0036] The at least one seasoning contained in the cover can be or can be located at least partially on the at least one corn kernel converted into an edible state, in particular by heating the food assembly. This makes it possible to easily influence the flavor or taste of the at least one corn kernel converted into an edible state.

[0037] If the carrier and / or the adhesive contain at least one seasoning and the cover contains at least one seasoning, then the same or different seasonings can be used in these respective parts of the food product assembly.

[0038] When using the same seasoning, it is possible to evenly distribute the seasoning on the food combination. When using different seasonings, it is possible to advantageously achieve a rich taste experience when eating the finished product.

[0039] Preferably, the carrier has a stability that is substantially unaffected by heating the food composition. Thus, it is advantageously and very reliably achieved that the function of the carrier as a holder for the at least one kernel of corn is not lost or undesirably severely restricted even by heating the food composition.

[0040] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the carrier has at least one recess in which the at least one corn kernel is placed. This allows, on the one hand, a predetermined placement of the at least one corn kernel on the carrier during production of the food assembly. Furthermore, such a recess helps to securely hold the at least one corn kernel on the carrier. Furthermore, the adhesive can be provided or arranged particularly easily in the recess.

[0041] Providing at least one recess in the carrier is particularly advantageous when a large number of corn kernels are to be held on the carrier. This is because the recess provides a predetermined location on the carrier at which at least one corn kernel is to be placed when producing the food assembly. Furthermore, the recess effectively ensures that each corn kernel has sufficient space to transition from its initial state to an edible state without affecting adjacent kernels.

[0042] Preferably, all components of the food composition are edible. This advantageously and very simply avoids the generation of food composition residues, which are often difficult or undesirable to handle in a motor vehicle. This facilitates the use of the food composition in a motor vehicle, particularly while the motor vehicle is in motion, by providing an edible finished product.

[0043] Another advantage of all components of the food assembly being edible is that any uneaten portions of the finished product can be easily composted. Therefore, even if the finished product is not eaten or not fully consumed by the occupant, no unmanageable residue remains. This is advantageous.

[0044] Finally, it has proven advantageous if the finished product provided by heating the food combination can be placed in its entirety in the mouth of a motor vehicle occupant. In other words, it is advantageous if the finished product is presented in a mouth-sized portion. This facilitates consumption by the motor vehicle occupant, particularly while the motor vehicle is in motion.

[0045] In the method for producing a food combination according to the invention, a finished product that can be consumed by a motor vehicle occupant in a motor vehicle can be provided by the method, wherein the at least one corn kernel of the food combination can be transformed from an initial state into a puffed, edible state by heating the food combination. In the edible state, the at least one corn kernel has a volume that is larger than the initial state. In the method, the at least one corn kernel is adhered to an inherently rigid carrier of the food combination by means of an adhesive of the food combination. In this case, at least one edible food is used as the carrier. This makes the food combination particularly easy to handle in a motor vehicle. This is because the occupant can easily grab the finished product obtained by preparing the food combination at the carrier inside the motor vehicle. And the edible carrier can be eaten or consumed by the occupant.

[0046] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the food combination according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0047] Therefore, the present invention also includes improvements of the method according to the invention, which have the features already described in conjunction with the improvements of the food combination according to the invention. Therefore, corresponding improvements of the method according to the invention will not be described again here.

[0048] The present invention also includes combinations of features of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present invention also includes implementations that each have a combination of features of several of the described embodiments, as long as these embodiments are not described as mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention, wherein:

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic top view shows a food assembly, wherein a plurality of corn kernels are held on an edible carrier by a substance having adhesive properties;

[0051] Figure 2 The side view shows the Figure 1 Food combination;

[0052] Figure 3 Shows a variation of the food assembly, wherein the food assembly comprises a carrier and a cover, wherein the corn kernels are placed between the carrier and the cover;

[0053] Figure 4 Another variation of a food product combination is shown wherein the carrier has a recess for placing corn kernels therein; and

[0054] Figure 5 Schematically shows the Figure 4The food composition is transformed into corn kernels in a puffed, edible state, wherein the puffed corn kernels and the carrier are shown separated for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, the components described in the embodiments are each independent features of the present invention that can be viewed independently of each other, and these features also independently improve the present invention. Therefore, this disclosure also includes other combinations of features of the embodiments that differ from the illustrated combinations of features. In addition, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the already described features of the present invention.

[0056] In the figures, the same reference numerals respectively denote elements with the same function.

[0057] exist Figure 1 The food combination 10, which may also be referred to as a composite food or a combination food, is shown very schematically. After preparation, the food combination 10 can be eaten or enjoyed because all components of the food combination 10 are edible or can be eaten.

[0058] In the food combination 10 Figure 1 In the variant shown in FIG, the food assembly 10 comprises an inherently rigid carrier 12 formed of edible food. Thus, the carrier 12 is designed as an edible carrier of the food assembly 10.

[0059] A plurality of corn kernels 16 are held by adhesive 14 on the carrier 12, which are designed as puffed corn kernels. Figure 1 Only some of the corn kernels are provided with reference numerals) can be removed from the food product assembly 10 by heating the food product assembly 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The initial state shown in FIG is transformed into a puffed, Figure 5 Thus, the corn kernels 16 have a larger volume in the expanded edible state relative to the initial state. Figure 5 In the figures, again only some of the puffed corn kernels 16 are provided with reference numerals for the sake of clarity.

[0060] exist Figure 1 The food combination 10 shown in FIG. 1 is particularly suitable for preparing the food combination 10 into an edible finished product 24 (see FIG. Figure 5) and then consumed by a motor vehicle occupant within the motor vehicle. This is because a motor vehicle occupant can easily first grab the food combination 10 at the edible carrier 12 and then grab the finished product 24 after preparation. To make or prepare the finished product 24 from the food combination 10, the food combination 10 is heated, which causes the corn kernels 16 to transform from an initial state into a puffed, edible state.

[0061] In accordance with Figure 1 In a variation of the food combination 1, an edible substance having adhesive properties is used as the adhesive 14. The adhesive 14 has the function of achieving a connection between the corn kernels 16 and the edible carrier 12. Thus, the adhesive 14 ensures that the corn kernels 16 do not fall off the carrier 12 of the food combination 10. This is preferred even if the food combination 10 is made so that the corn kernels 16 (different from the corn kernels 16) Figure 2 The same is true when the carrier 12 is held in a manner such that the carrier 12 is located on the bottom side of the carrier 12 (as shown).

[0062] As an adhesive 14, which can be provided by an edible substance with adhesive properties, a syrup, for example, can be used. This syrup can serve as a flavor carrier and, on the other hand, can also be supplemented with flavorings. For example, the adhesive 14 can contain spices, with the matrix of the adhesive 14 serving as a flavor carrier for the spices. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive 14 can have its own flavor, which can enhance the taste experience when consuming a finished product 24 made from the food assembly 10.

[0063] The adhesive properties of adhesive 14 ensure, among other things, that corn kernels 16 and edible carrier 12 remain attached to one another during storage of food product combination 10 and / or during transportation of food product combination 10 .

[0064] In particular, when a substance having adhesive properties, which is fluid and edible when the food combination 10 is manufactured, is used as the binder 14, the storability and transportability of the food combination 10 can be improved by drying.

[0065] From the basis Figure 2 As can be seen from the side view of the food assembly 10, the adhesive 14 can be placed between the carrier 12 and the corn kernels 16. However, the adhesive 14 need not be as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the adhesive 14 can be placed on the carrier 12 in a substantially flat manner. Instead, the adhesive 14 can also be placed only at the location where the corn kernels 16 are to be connected to the carrier 12.

[0066] When the edible carrier 12 is provided by an edible food, such as a pancake or a waffle, it is advantageous to use an edible substance with adhesive properties to provide the adhesive 14. However, the adhesive 14 can also be provided by the carrier 12 itself, in addition or as an alternative. Figure 3A corresponding variation of the food combination 10 is schematically shown in FIG.

[0067] Accordingly, the surface of carrier 12 can have a sticky property, which ensures that corn kernels 16 adhere to the surface of carrier 12. For example, to this end, carrier 12 can be designed as a layer formed from alginate or containing alginate or an alginate product. Designing carrier 12 as an alginate film or layer is particularly advantageous, enabling corn kernels 16 to adhere well to the surface of carrier 12 when carrier 12 is wet. Subsequent drying can reduce the stickiness of carrier 12. This facilitates easy handling of food combination 10, particularly when the food combination 10 is to be grasped from carrier 12.

[0068] Even if according to Figure 3 In a variation of the food combination 10, an alginate product is used for the carrier 12, for example in the form of an alginate film or an alginate layer, and the adhesive 14 provided by the carrier 12 itself ensures that the corn kernels 16 adhere well to the surface of the carrier 12. Figure 3 The same is preferably true when the carrier 12 is flipped over (as shown) so that the corn kernels 16 are at the bottom side of the carrier 12.

[0069] according to Figure 3 In addition to the carrier 12, the food assembly 10 can additionally have a cover 18, by which the corn kernels 16 are covered. In this case, the cover 18 is connected to the carrier 12. In particular, the cover 18 can be connected to the carrier 12 in a connection area 20 around the corn kernels 16, such as Figure 3 Thus, a bag-like housing is provided by the carrier 12 and the cover 18, in which the corn kernels 16 are placed.

[0070] The cover 18 can also be formed from an edible food, such as an alginate product (e.g., in the form of an alginate layer or film), or contain alginate. Furthermore, it is possible for the carrier 12 and / or the cover 18 to be provided with at least one seasoning. If the carrier 12 and the cover 18 each contain a seasoning, they can be provided with the same or different seasonings.

[0071] For example, in food product combination 10, a sweet flavoring can be provided to popcorn made from corn kernels 16 (see Figure 5 ) has a sweet taste. By using salt as a seasoning, it is possible to achieve a salty taste for popcorn made from corn kernels 16. It is also possible to simultaneously achieve the transformation of corn kernels 16 into an edible state (see Figure 5 ), the sweet and salty taste of the popcorn.

[0072] In another variation (not explicitly shown) of the food assembly 10, Figure 1 Between the two layers provided by the carrier 12 and the cover 18 are placed the syrup and / or at least one flavoring and / or at least one flavor carrier containing a flavoring.

[0073] For example, oil or fat, in particular mixed with at least one spice and / or sugar and / or salt, and corn kernels 16 can be placed in a housing formed by the carrier 12 and a cover 18 connected to the carrier 12. The tight connection of the cover 18 to the carrier 12 in the surrounding connection area 20 ensures that these substances cannot escape or leak from the receiving space of the food assembly 10 in which the corn kernels 16 are located.

[0074] exist Figure 4 Another variation of the food combination 10 is schematically shown in FIG. Figure 2 . However, the carrier 12 has corresponding recesses 22, which are designed in the form of grooves, and the corresponding corn kernels 16 are accommodated in the recesses. This allows the corn kernels 16 to be arranged in a grid-like manner in the food assembly 10, advantageously achieving the retention of the corn kernels 16 at predetermined locations on the carrier 12.

[0075] When the food combination 10 or composite food or combination food is subjected to heat treatment, it can be provided that the binder 14 first melts or reduces its viscosity. However, due to the adhesive properties of the binder 14, at least a portion of the binder 14 remains adhered to the corn kernels 16 and the edible carrier 12. When the corn kernels 16 are subsequently converted to a puffed, edible state by further heating the food combination 10, popcorn (see Figure 5 ) and the edible carrier 12 have the flavor of the adhesive 14, as long as the adhesive 14 contains at least one seasoning. Figure 5 Schematically, the adhesive 14 is shown adhering to the puffed corn kernels 16 on the one hand and to the carrier 12 on the other hand.

[0076] exist Figure 5 1 shows an edible finished product 24 obtained by heating the food assembly 10. The finished product 24 made from the food assembly 10 and having the puffed corn kernels 16 disposed or retained on the carrier 12 can be conveniently consumed by a motor vehicle occupant. To this end, the occupant can grab the finished product 24 from the carrier 12.

[0077] Particularly because the food combination 10 is easy to handle, it is particularly well suited for use and preparation in a motor vehicle, so that the finished product 24 made from the food combination 10 can be consumed very simply by the motor vehicle occupants.

[0078] The food combination 10 can be provided in the form of multiple portions in one package and freshly prepared in a motor vehicle. To do this, the food combination 10 only needs to be heated sufficiently to heat the corn kernels 16 from their initial state (see Figure 1 ) into a puffed, edible state (see Figure 5 ).

[0079] Advantageously, all components of the food combination 10 are edible, wherein the carrier 12, or more precisely the carrier layer, provides the overall mechanical rigidity of the food combination 10. By placing a corresponding number of corn kernels 16 on the carrier 12, the main food can be presented in the form of corn kernels 16 as a small, mouth-pleasing portion in the finished product 24.

[0080] The adhesive 14 serves as a connecting agent or a connecting layer for connecting the carrier 12 to the corn kernels 16 , wherein the adhesive 14 and / or the carrier 12 and / or the cover 18 may contain at least one seasoning.

[0081] The enjoyability or edibility of the food composition 10 is enhanced by heating the food composition 10 into an edible finished product 24 (see Figure 5 This is achieved by heat treatment, which changes the corn kernels 16 from their initial state (see Figure 1 ) is converted or transformed into an expanded edible state (see Figure 5 ).

[0082] If the adhesive 14 is, for example, Figure 2 and Figure 4 If the food composition 10 is designed as an edible substance with adhesive properties, it can be provided that the corresponding layer or layers of the food composition 10 have different temperature characteristics. For example, if the food composition 10 is heated, the adhesive 14 can first melt or reduce its viscosity. Then, by bringing the corn kernels 16 from the initial state (see Figure 1 or Figure 2 ) into a puffed, edible state (see Figure 5 ), the corn kernels 16 are ready to be enjoyed. Here, the carrier 12 preferably does not change or at most only slightly changes its properties.

[0083] When preparing the food combination 10 and thus providing the finished product 24, it is preferably ensured that the maximum temperature and duration of the heat treatment are below a temperature at which the components of the food combination 10 might burn. For example, it can be provided that the maximum temperature when heating the food combination 10 is approximately 180 degrees Celsius.

[0084] If the adhesive 14 is designed as a substance that is edible itself, the seasoning of the adhesive 14 can be ensured to be located at the puffed corn kernels 16 and the carrier 12 in the finished product 24 by melting the adhesive 14 or reducing the viscosity of the adhesive 14 .

[0085] After the food assembly 10 is prepared, the finished product 24 (see Figure 5 ) thereafter, all components of the food assembly 10 or finished product 24 are ready for consumption.

[0086] The food combination 10 is characterized in that the finished product 24 is easy to make without providing a complicated tool, such as a popcorn popper. Instead, it is sufficient to heat the corn kernels 16, which are converted from their initial state to an edible state.

[0087] exist Figure 5 The middle shows the Figure 4 The expanded corn kernels 16 are attached to the carrier 12. In fact, even in the finished product 24 made from the food combination 10, the corn kernels 16 are preferably retained at the carrier 12.

[0088] In summary, the examples illustrate how a process for producing an edible popcorn carrier having a flavor carrier may be provided.

Claims

1. A food composition (10) for providing a finished product (24) that can be consumed by a motor vehicle occupant in a motor vehicle, the food composition comprising at least one corn kernel (16), wherein the at least one corn kernel can be transformed from an initial state to a puffed, edible state by heating the food composition (10), wherein the at least one corn kernel (16) has a volume that is increased relative to the initial state. It is characterized in that The at least one corn kernel (16) is held by a binder (14) of the food combination (10) on an inherently rigid carrier (12) of the food combination (10), wherein the carrier (12) is formed from at least one edible food.

2. The food combination (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The carrier (12) transitions from a wet state, in which the adhesive (14) is provided by the carrier (12), to a dry state, in which the viscosity of the carrier is lower than in the wet state.

3. The food combination (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The adhesive (14) is provided by an edible substance having adhesive properties, which is placed at least between the carrier (12) and the at least one corn kernel (16).

4. The food combination (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The adhesive property of the binder (14) can be reduced by heating the food composition (10), particularly before the at least one corn kernel (16) is converted to an edible state.

5. The food combination (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The carrier (12) and / or the binder (14) contain at least one seasoning that can be at least partially located on the at least one corn kernel (16) when the food assembly (10) is converted to an edible state by heating the food assembly (10).

6. The food combination (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The food assembly (10) comprises a cover (18) covering at least one corn kernel (16) located on the carrier (12), wherein the cover (18) is connected to the carrier (12), in particular to the carrier (12) in a connection area (20) surrounding the at least one corn kernel (16).

7. The food combination (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The cover (18) is formed of the same material as the carrier (12), and / or the cover (18) contains at least one seasoning that is particularly capable of being at least partially located in the at least one corn kernel (16) converted to an edible state by heating the food combination (10).

8. The food combination (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The carrier (12) has stability that is substantially unaffected by heating the food combination (10), and / or the carrier (12) has at least one recess (22) in which the at least one corn kernel (16) is placed.

9. The food combination (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that All components of the food combination (10) are edible, and / or the food combination (10) can be heated to provide a finished product (24) that can be placed in its entirety into the mouth of a motor vehicle occupant.

10. A method for producing a food product combination (10) by which a finished product (24) that can be consumed by a motor vehicle occupant in a motor vehicle is provided, wherein: The at least one corn kernel (16) of the food combination (10) can be transformed from an initial state into a puffed, edible state by heating the food combination (10), wherein the at least one corn kernel (16) has a volume that is larger than that of the initial state. It is characterized in that The at least one corn kernel (16) is adhered to an inherently rigid carrier (12) of the food combination (10) by means of an adhesive (14) of the food combination (10), wherein at least one edible food is used as the carrier (12).

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