Food mix comprising at least two coated ingredients and its method of preparation

Abstract

The invention provides a food mix 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, pieces thereof having a minimum diameter and / or length of no 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 ingredient and at least one sugar; and wherein the particulate solid composition is present in a total amount of less than 4 wt.% of the food mix.

Description

[0001] FOOD MIX COMPRISING AT LEAST TWO COATED INGREDIENTS AND ITS METHOD OF PREPARATION

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a food mix. In particular, the invention relates to a food mix including a particulate coating of cocoa and sugars.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005] A food mix, as described herein, also commonly known as a trail mix, is a type of snack food generally formed from a combination of dried fruit, nuts and / or seeds. Originally developed for taking on hikes, trail mix is an energy dense food.

[0006] Many food mix products are known in the market, and the ingredients of food mixes have diversified over the years and may now include additional ingredients to those listed above; for example, granola, cereals, grains, legumes, chocolate, popcorn, confectionery and / or pretzels. The increased diversity of food mix ingredients is more appealing to consumers.

[0007] It is also known that the ingredients comprising the food mix may be seasoned with spices, herbs and / or other flavourings, such as cocoa powder. To ensure that the seasoning adheres to the surfaces of the food mix ingredients, typically the ingredients are coated in the seasoning and then baked. Alternatively, the ingredients may firstly be coated in an oil or a glaze before coating in the seasoning. When coating the ingredients in cocoa powder and the like, the latter approach is typically adopted. However, when using this approach, it can be difficult to control the amount of cocoa powder that coats the ingredients, and the oil / glaze may cause the ingredients to stick together. CN110122635A discloses a chocolate dusting product containing cocoa powder, sugar and nuts, as shown in Example 2. The chocolate dusting in the example makes up more than 50 wt.% of the product, thus the chocolate dusting would be clearly visible on the surface and conceal the natural appearance of the nut ingredient.

[0008] US2021274821A1 discloses a snack food product comprising a mixture of various ingredients, including nuts, seeds and sugar, wherein one or more flavourings or powdered components may be added to the ingredient mixture. The amount of flavouring used is not disclosed.

[0009] Whilst the prior art may provide coated food mix ingredients, which include a chocolate coating, it would be advantageous to provide a food mix which includes a cocoa-based coating, but which does not mask the appearance of the food mix ingredients to any substantial extent, whilst still providing a chocolate-like taste.

[0010] Another common problem is that the food mix ingredients, coated or not, may stick together, especially when using dried fruits that are typically sticky. This problem is particularly acute if the coating is a chocolate product, as such chocolate coatings may become sticky or more fluid at ambient temperatures or when handled by a consumer.

[0011] It is an aim of embodiments of the invention to provide an improved food mix comprising a cocoa-based coating on the food mix ingredients, which overcomes the problems of the prior art mentioned above.

[0012] It is also an aim of embodiments to the invention to overcome or mitigate at least one problem of the prior art, whether disclosed herein or not.

[0013] Summary of the Invention In one aspect there is a provided a food mix as claimed in the appended claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a food mix 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, pieces thereof, having a minimum diameter and / or length of no 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 ingredient and at least one sugar, and wherein the particulate solid composition is present in a total amount of less than 4 wt.% of the food mix.

[0015] The food mix may comprise at least one type of nut selected from the group consisting of almonds, hazelnuts, cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, pistachio nuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, coconuts, walnuts and combinations thereof. The at least one type of nut may be present in a whole nut form, or pieces thereof.

[0016] The at least one type of nut may be roasted, toasted, or blanched prior to coating in the particulate solid composition.

[0017] The food mix may comprise a plurality of each type of nut or pieces thereof. The food mix may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 types of nuts or pieces thereof. Alternatively, the food mix may be absent of nuts. In embodiments containing nuts, there are preferably a plurality of each type of nut or pieces thereof, but in some embodiments one or more or all of the types of nut may consist of a single object. The food mix may comprise at least one type of fruit which may be a natural fruit, a dehydrated fruit, a dehydrated fruit which has been partially rehydrated, a dried fruit, a glace fruit, or a freeze-dried fruit or pieces thereof.

[0018] The food mix may comprise at least one type of fruit which may be selected from the group consisting of: raisins, cranberries, sultanas, bananas, apricots, prunes, pineapples, dates, blueberries, mangos, papayas, cherries, plums, currents, goji berries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, pears, figs, peaches, nectarines, lemons, apples and combinations thereof. The at least one type of fruit may be present in whole form, or pieces thereof.

[0019] The food mix may comprise a plurality of types of fruit or pieces thereof. The food mix may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 types of fruit or pieces thereof. Alternatively, the food mix may be absent of fruit. In embodiments containing fruit, there are preferably a plurality of each type of fruit or pieces thereof, but in some embodiments one or more or all of the types of fruit may consist of a single object.

[0020] The food mix may comprise at least one type of seed selected from a group consisting of: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pomegranate seeds and combinations thereof. The at least one type of seed may be present in whole form, or pieces thereof.

[0021] The food mix may comprise a plurality of types of seeds or pieces thereof. The food mix may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 types of seeds or pieces thereof. Alternatively, the food mix may be absent of seeds. In embodiments containing seeds, there are preferably a plurality of each type of seed or pieces thereof, but in some embodiments one or more or all of the types of seed may consist of a single object. The food mix may comprise at least one type of legume selected from a group consisting of: peanuts, peas, lentils, soybeans and combinations thereof. The at least one type of legume may be present in whole form, or pieces thereof.

[0022] The at least one type of legume may be dried, roasted, toasted, or blanched prior to coating in the particulate solid composition.

[0023] The food mix may comprise a plurality of types of legumes or pieces thereof. The food mix may comprise at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ,7, 8, 9, or 10 types of legumes or pieces thereof. Alternatively, the food mix may be absent of legumes. In embodiments containing legumes, there are preferably a plurality of each type of legume or pieces thereof, but in some embodiments one or more or all of the types of legume may consist of a single object.

[0024] In some embodiments, the food mix may comprise at least one type of nut and at least one type of fruit. In some embodiments, the food mix may comprise at least one type of seed and at least one type of fruit. In some embodiments, the food mix may comprise at least one type of legume and at least one type of fruit. In other embodiments, the food mix may comprise at least one type of nut, at least one type of fruit and at least one type of legume. In other embodiments, the food mix may comprise at least one type of nut, at least one type of fruit and at least one type of seed. In other embodiments, the food mix may comprise at least one type of fruit, at least one type of legume and at least one type of seed. In some embodiments, the food mix may comprise 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. Each of the at least two discrete ingredients may 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, there may be 10 individual nuts or pieces thereof (which may comprise multiple different types of nuts, and 5 individual fruit pieces or whole fruits (which may comprise multiple different types of fruit) in the food mix.

[0025] There may be at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or at least 10 discrete ingredients. For example, the food mix may comprise 2 different types of nuts, 2 different types of fruit and 2 different types of seeds.

[0026] In some embodiments the food mix may comprise at least one of almonds and hazelnuts. In some embodiments the food mix may comprise at least one of raisins and cranberries. In other embodiments the food mix may comprise at least one of almonds and / or hazelnuts and at least one of raisins and / or cranberries, and in some embodiments comprises three or all four of the aforesaid ingredients.

[0027] In some embodiments, the discrete ingredients 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 ingredient. The particulate solid composition may substantially coat 100% of the surface of the discrete ingredients.

[0028] The particulate solid composition may provide a substantially even coating on the surface of the discrete ingredients.

[0029] The particulate solid composition may be dry coated directly onto the surface of the discrete ingredients. The particulate solid composition may adhere, or at least partially adhere, to the surface of the discrete ingredients without the addition of an oil or glaze to the surface of the discrete ingredient, or without any further processing step prior to coating in the particulate solid composition. Thus, the particulate solid composition may be coated directly onto the surface of the discrete ingredients.

[0030] The particulate solid composition may adhere to the discrete ingredients via electrostatic interaction, friction, partial melting or the like, for example.

[0031] The particulate solid composition may adhere to some types of discrete ingredients more than others. For example, the particulate solid composition may adhere to surface of fruits more than nuts, thus preventing the fruits from sticking together.

[0032] In some embodiments, the particulate solid composition may comprise a dusting. The discrete ingredients may be dusted with the particulate solid composition dusting. The discrete ingredients may be rolled in a bed of the particulate solid composition. In a further embodiment the particulate solid mixture may be mixed with the discrete ingredients in a mixer.

[0033] The surface of the discrete ingredients may be substantially visible through the coating of particulate solid composition. Whilst the coating may obscure some area of the surface of the discrete ingredients, in preferred embodiments, at least 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or the majority of the surface of the discrete ingredients may be visible through the coating.

[0034] In some embodiments, the particulate solid composition comprises a particle size of at least 5 pm, 10 pm, 50 pm, 100 pm, 200 pm, 300 pm, 400 pm, 500 pm, 600 pm, 700 pm, 800 pm, 900 pm, or 1000 pm. The particle size may be no more than 1100 pm, 1000 pm, 900 pm, 800 pm, 700 pm, 600 pm, 500 pm, 400 pm, 300 pm, 200 pm, 100 pm, 50 pm, or 10 pm.

[0035] In some embodiments the particulate solid composition comprises a particle size between 5-1100 pm, 5-1000 pm, 5-900 pm, 5-800 pm, 5-700 pm, 5-600 pm, 5-500 pm, 5-400 pm, 5-300 pm, 5-200 pm, 5-100 pm, 5-50 pm, or 5-10 pm. Alternatively, the particle size may be between 1000-1100 pm, 900-1100 pm, 800-1100 pm, 700- 1100 pm, 600-1100 pm, 500-1100 pm, 400-1100 pm, 300-1100 pm, 200-1100 pm, 100-1100 pm, 50-1100 pm, or 10-1100 pm. Optionally, the particle size may be between 100-600 pm.

[0036] The particulate solid composition may be in the form of a powder or granule.

[0037] The particulate solid composition may have a tapped bulk density of between 400-900 g / 1, between 500-800 g / 1, between 600-700 g / 1 or between 650-700 g / 1.

[0038] The particulate solid composition may have a free flow bulk density of between 400-900 g / 1, between 500-800 g / 1, between 600-700 g / 1 or between 600-650 g / 1.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The drinking chocolate powder may comply with the EU regulations definition of a drinking chocolate powder, wherein the drinking chocolate powder comprises a mixture of cocoa powder and sugars, containing not less than 25% cocoa powder. The cocoa powder may be according to EU regulations, wherein the product is obtained by converting into powder cocoa beans which have been cleaned, shelled and roasted, and which contains not less than 20% cocoa butter, calculated according to the weight of the dry matter, and not more than 9% water.

[0041] The sugar may be a monosaccharide and / or a disaccharide.

[0042] The sugar may be selected from the group comprising glucose, glucose syrup, fructose, lactose, galactose and sucrose. In preferred embodiments the sugar is sucrose, glucose, or both. The particulate solid composition may have a water content of less than 10 wt.%. The particulate solid composition may have a moisture content of less than 9 wt.%, less than 8 wt.%, less than 7 wt.%, less than 6 wt.%, less than 5 wt.%, less than 4 wt.%, less than 3 wt.%, or less than 2 wt.%. In some embodiments the water content is between 1.5 and 3.5 wt.% or between 2 and 3 wt.%

[0043] The particulate solid composition may comprise a fat content of at least 2 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 4 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 6 wt.%, 7 wt.%, 8 wt.%, 9 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 11 wt.%, 12 wt.%, 13 wt.%, or 14 wt.%. The particulate solid composition may comprise a fat content of no more than 15 wt.%, 14 wt.%, 13 wt.%, 12 wt.%, 11 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 9 wt.%, 8 wt.%, 7 wt.%, 6 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 4 wt.%, or 3 wt.%.

[0044] The particulate solid composition may comprise a fat content of between 2-15 wt.%, 2-14 wt.%, 2-13 wt.%, 2-12 wt.%, 2-11 wt.%, 2-10 wt.%, 2-9 wt.%, 2-8 wt.%, 2-7 wt.%, 2-6 wt.%, 2-5 wt.%, 2-4 wt.%, or 2-3 wt.%. Alternatively, the particulate solid composition may have a fat content of between 3-15 wt.%, 4-15 wt.%, 5-15 wt.%, 6-15 wt.%, 7-15 wt.%, 8-15 wt.%, 9-15 wt.%, 10-15 wt.%, 11-15 wt.%, 12-15 wt.%, 13-15 wt.%, or 14-15 wt.%. Optionally, the particulate solid composition may comprise a fat content of around 4-7 wt.% or between 5-7 wt.%. The particulate solid composition may comprise a sugar content of at least 20 wt.%, 30 wt.%, 40 wt.%, 50 wt.%, 60 wt.%, 70 wt.%, or 80 wt.%. The particulate solid composition may comprise a sugar content of no more than 90 wt.%, 80 wt.%, 70 wt.%, 60 wt.%, 50 wt.%, 40 wt.%, or 30 wt.%.

[0045] The particulate solid composition may comprise a sugar content of between 20- 90 wt.%, 20-80 wt.%, 20-70 wt.%, 20-60 wt.%, 20-50 wt.%, 20-40 wt.%, or 20-30 wt.%. Alternatively, the sugar content may be between 30-90 wt.%, 40-90 wt.%, 50-90 wt.%, 60-90 wt.%, 70-90 wt.%, or 80-90 wt.%. Optionally, the particulate solid composition may have a sugar content of around 50-90 wt.%, 55-85 wt.%, 60-70 wt.% or 65-70 wt.%.

[0046] In some embodiments, the particulate solid composition comprises at least 15 wt.% cocoa solids, at least 20 wt.% cocoa solids, at least 22 wt.% cocoa solids, or at least 24 wt.% cocoa solids. In some embodiments the particulate solid composition comprises at least 26, 28, 30 or at least 32 wt.% cocoa solids, such as between 30-35 wt.% or between 32-34 wt.% cocoa solids.

[0047] In some embodiments, the particulate solid composition may additionally comprise at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: emulsifiers, preservatives, fillers, additional sweeteners, anti-caking agents, stabilisers, thickeners, milk powders, protein powders, bulking agents, soluble fibre powders, insoluble powder fibres, acidity regulators, flavourings, salt, oils, fats, cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, chocolate and combinations thereof.

[0048] The or each additional milk powder may be skimmed milk powder or full cream powder. The or each additional protein powder may be selected from a group consisting of: milk protein powder, whey powder, caseinate powder and combinations thereof.

[0049] The or each additional thickener may be selected from a group consisting of: carrageenan, hydrocolloids, polysaccharides, other gelling agents and combinations thereof.

[0050] The anti-caking agent may be silicon dioxide.

[0051] The acidity regulator may be sodium carbonate. The or each additional emulsifier may be selected from the group consisting of: lecithin, poly glycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR), ammonium phosphatides (e.g., YN), polysorbates and combinations thereof.

[0052] The or each additional sweetener may be selected from the group consisting of; aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, acesulfame K, saccharin, a polyol sweetener (such as sorbitol, lactitol, xylitol, isomalt, erythritol and the like) and combinations thereof. The addition of an additional sweetener (in addition to the sugar) to the particulate solid composition may reduce the sugar content required.

[0053] The solid particulate composition may additionally comprise at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: palm oil, vegetable oil, vegetable fat, starch, maltodextrin, polydextrose, fructo oligosaccharides, gluco oligosaccharides, inulin and combinations thereof.

[0054] In some embodiments, each discrete ingredient in the food mix may independently comprise at least 5 wt.%, at least 10 wt.%, at least 20 wt.%, at least 30 wt.%, at least 40 wt.%, at least 50 wt.%, at least 60 wt.%, or at least 70 wt.% of the food mix. In some embodiments, the each discrete ingredient in the food mix may independently comprise no more than 80 wt.%, no more than 70 wt.%, no more than 60 wt.%, no more than 50 wt.%, no more than 40 wt.%, no more than 30 wt.%, no more than 20 wt.%, or no more than 10 wt.% of the food mix.

[0055] The total amount of the discrete ingredients may be no more than 99.9 wt.%, no more than 99.5 wt.%, no more than 99 wt.%, no more than 98 wt.%, no more than 97 wt.%, or no more than 96 wt.% of the food mix.

[0056] The particulate solid composition may be present in an amount less than 4 wt.%, less than 3 wt.%, less than 2 wt.%, less than 1 wt.%, less than 0.5 wt.%, or less than 0.1 wt.% of the food mix.

[0057] In some embodiments the food mix may comprise a further ingredient comprising chocolate pieces. The chocolate pieces 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 items, and combinations thereof.

[0058] The chocolate pieces 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 pieces may have a diameter and / or length or 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.

[0059] The chocolate pieces may be present in the food mix in an amount of at least 5 wt.%, at least 10 wt.%, at least 15 wt.%, or at least 20 wt.%.

[0060] The chocolate pieces may or may not be coated with the particulate solid composition. The chocolate pieces may comprise at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: white chocolate, milk chocolate, plain chocolate, dark chocolate, compound chocolate, fat based confectionery items and chocolate pieces comprising a combination thereof. The chocolate pieces may comprise filled chocolate pieces. The filled chocolate pieces may comprise chocolate with at least one filling selected from the group consisting of: caramel, toffee, honey, nougat, marshmallow, creme, jelly candy, aerated candy, popping candy, fruit paste, nut paste, praline, sherbet, fondant, chewy candy and combinations thereof.

[0061] In some embodiments, the food mix may additionally comprise at least one discrete ingredient independently selected from the group consisting of: puffed rice, puffed wheat, rye chips, coconut flakes, seeds with a diameter or length less than 3 mm (for example, but not limited to: poppy seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds), popcorn, biscuit pieces, wafers, oats, pretzels, confectionery items, cereals, grains and combinations thereof.

[0062] The additional discrete ingredient(s) 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 of the aforementioned.

[0063] The additional discrete ingredient(s) may be coated in the particulate solid composition in a similar way to the discrete ingredients described above.

[0064] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preparing a food mix 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 legume, pieces thereof having a minimum diameter and / or length of no less than 3 mm and combinations thereof, and

[0065] (b) At least partially coating at least one of the at least two discrete ingredients with a particulate solid composition comprising at least one cocoa ingredient and at least one sugar, wherein the particulate solid composition is present in a total amount of less than 4 wt.% of the food mix.

[0066] In some embodiments, at least one of the at least two discrete ingredients of the food mix may be coated with the particulate solid composition before combining said discrete ingredient(s) with any further discrete ingredients. Alternatively, some or all of the discrete ingredients comprising the food mix are firstly combined, and then coated with the particulate solid composition.

[0067] The discrete ingredients, particulate solid composition, at least one cocoa ingredient and at least one sugar may be as described and defined hereinabove for the first aspect of the invention.

[0068] In some embodiments, the method may comprise adding one or more further discrete ingredients, chocolate pieces and / or other ingredients, as described and defined hereinabove for the first aspect of the invention. The further 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)). The method of the second aspect of the invention may be used to manufacture a food mix of the first aspect of the invention.

[0069] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a packaged food mix according to the first aspect of this invention.

[0070] The food mix may be packaged in a single serving size, or as a larger serving size. A single serving size may comprise less than 60 g, less than 50 g, or less than 40 g of the food mix. A larger serving may comprise more than 60 g, more than 80 g, more than 100 g, or more than 200 g of the food mix.

[0071] The packaging may comprise any suitable container, such as a box, bag, pouch or the like. The packaging may be a flexible packaging such as a pouch or bag, and may comprise an opening feature, which may be selected from the group comprising: a ziplock, a tear strip, a peelable opening, an area or line of weakness (such as perforations, for example) or an axially oriented material capable of being torn. The packaging may be resealable.

[0072] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0073] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood an embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0074] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a food mix according to the invention.

[0075] An embodiment of a food mix of the invention will now be described with reference to Figure 1. The food mix of this embodiment is also commonly known as a trail mix, comprising a mixture of nuts, fruit and seeds. Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a food mix 1 according to the invention. The food mix 1 comprises four different discrete ingredients 2 - raisins 12, almonds 14, hazelnuts 16 and cranberries 18. The discrete ingredients 2 are coated in a particulate solid composition, wherein the particulate solid composition is a drinking chocolate powder 20. The drinking chocolate powder 20 contains a cocoa ingredient in the form of cocoa powder and a sugar in the form of sucrose. The drinking chocolate powder 20 is present at 2 wt.% of the food mix. The surfaces of the raisins 12, almonds 14, hazelnuts 16 and cranberries 18 have a substantially even coating of the drinking chocolate powder 20. The drinking chocolate powder 20 forms a dry coating on the surface 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 an oil or glaze, or a further processing step. Although the drinking chocolate powder 20 substantially evenly coats the surface of the discrete ingredients 2, the discrete ingredients 2 remain distinguishable and retain the “natural look” of the noncoated ingredients and the majority of the surface of each discrete ingredient 2 is visible.

[0076] 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 pieces, or even all of the raisins, almonds, hazelnuts and cranberries could be present as pieces. The discrete ingredients 2 are therefore of similar size to the standard ingredient, and all have a minimum diameter and / or length of at least 3 mm.

[0077] The almonds 14 and hazelnuts 16 are roasted nuts, wherein the roasting process occurs before coating in the drinking chocolate powder 20. The raisins 12 and cranberries 18 are dried fruits, wherein the drying process occurs before coating in the drinking chocolate powder 20.

[0078] The drinking chocolate powder 20 comprises around 32 wt.% cocoa solids. The sugar content of the drinking chocolate powder 20 is around 68 wt.%%, with the sugar being sucrose, and the fat content is around 6 wt.%. The drinking chocolate powder 20 additionally comprises an anti-caking agent and flavourings.

[0079] The food mix comprises a further discrete ingredient in the form of chocolate pieces, wherein the chocolate pieces are chocolate discs 22. The chocolate discs 22 comprise solid milk chocolate and have a diameter of around 20 mm. The chocolate discs 22 have a fat content of around 30% and around at least 20% cocoa solids. The chocolate discs 22 are not purposely coated in the drinking chocolate powder 20.

[0080] However, the chocolate discs 22 may contain a residual amount of drinking chocolate powder 20 that has transferred onto the chocolate discs 22 from the discrete ingredients 2 during mixing, storage and / or transport. In another embodiment, the chocolate discs 22 may be provided with the at least two discrete ingredients 2 and then all of the ingredient coated together with the drinking chocolate powder 20.

[0081] The food mix comprises the ingredients in the amounts set out in the table below:

[0082] The method of preparing the food mix 1 described in the example herein comprises firstly providing the natural discrete ingredients 2; raisins 12, almonds 14, hazelnuts 16 and cranberries 18 in the ratios set out in the example, followed by coating said discrete ingredients 2 in the drinking chocolate powder 20 at an amount of 2 wt.% of the final weight of the food mix 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 the chocolate discs 22.

[0083] In another embodiment, of the method of preparing the food mix of the invention natural discrete ingredients 2 which consist of raisins 12, almonds 14, hazelnuts 16 and cranberries 18 (but in other embodiments some of the ingredients may be omitted, others added or swapped with other ingredients), and chocolate discs 22 were provided. The discrete ingredients 2 and the chocolate discs 22 were then all coated in the drinking chocolate powder 20 at an amount of 2 wt.% of the final weight of the food mix 1.

[0084] The food mix 1 of this embodiment was found to provide the non-chocolate ingredients (raisins, almonds etc.) with a chocolate-like taste in addition to the underlying taste of the individual ingredients, even though only small quantities of cocoa powder coated those ingredients, contrary to general expectations. The chocolate powder 20 in an amount of less than 4 wt.% of the food mix 1 also enabled the surface of the food mix ingredients 1 to be visible but provided anti-caking and anti-sticking properties. The food mix of the above embodiments were also packaged in a foil or plastic packaging bag which included a resealable opening in the form of a resealable strip. The resealable strip consisted of the packaging material adhered using a cold seal or pres sure- sensitive food grade adhesive. The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A food mix 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, pieces thereof having a minimum diameter and / or length of no 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 ingredient and at least one sugar; and wherein the particulate solid composition is present in a total amount of less than 4 wt.% of the food mix.

2. A food mix according to claim 1, wherein the particulate solid composition comprises a particle size of at least 5 pm, and no more than 1100 pm.

3. A food mix according to any preceding claim, wherein the particulate solid composition comprises a fat content of at least 2 wt.%, and no more than 15 wt.%.

4. A food mix according to any preceding claim, wherein the particulate solid composition comprises a sugar content of at least 20 wt.%, and no more than 90 wt.%.

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

6. A food mix according to any preceding claim, wherein the particulate solid composition additionally comprises one or more ingredient independently selected from the group consisting of: emulsifiers, sweeteners, preservatives,anti-caking agents, fillers, stabilisers, thickeners, milk powders, protein powders, bulking agents, soluble fibre powders, insoluble powder fibres, acidity regulators, flavourings, salt, oils, fats and combinations thereof.

7. A food mix according to any preceding claim, wherein each type of discrete ingredient in the food mix independently comprises at least 5 wt.%, and no more than 80 wt.% of the food mix, and wherein the total amount of the discrete ingredients is no more than 99.9 wt.% of the food mix.

8. A food mix according to any preceding claim, wherein the food mix additionally comprises a further ingredient comprising chocolate pieces.

9. A food mix according to claim 8, wherein the chocolate pieces are selected from the group consisting of: chocolate chunks, chocolate chips, chocolate flakes, aerated chocolate, coated chocolate flakes, chocolate curls, chocolate shapes, chocolate discs, chocolate coated confectionery items, filled chocolate pieces and combinations thereof.

10. A food mix according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the chocolate pieces comprise a chocolate disc.

11. A food mix according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the chocolate pieces comprise at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of: white chocolate, milk chocolate, plain chocolate, dark chocolate, compound chocolate, a fat based confectionery item and a combination or blend of any two or more of the aforesaid.

12. A food mix according to any preceding claim, wherein the food mix further comprises at least one discrete ingredient independently selected from thegroup consisting of: puffed rice, puffed wheat, rye chips, coconut flakes, popcorn, biscuit pieces, wafers, oats, pretzels, confectionery items, poppy seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, cereals, grains and combinations thereof: optionally, wherein the further discrete ingredient is chocolate coated.

13. A method of preparing a food mix of any one of claims 1 to 12 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 legume, pieces thereof having a minimum diameter and / or length of no less than 3 mm and combinations thereof, and(b) At least partially coating at least one of the at least two discrete ingredients with a particulate solid composition comprising at least one cocoa ingredient and at least one sugar, wherein the particulate solid composition is present in a total amount of less than 4 wt.% of the food mix.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method comprises dry coating, at least partially, the at least one of the at least two discrete ingredients with the particulate solid composition, and wherein the surface of the at least one of the at least two discrete ingredients does not comprise any additional coating prior to dry coating with the particulate solid composition.

15. A method as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the step of at least partially coating of the at least one of the at least two discrete ingredients with theparticulate solid composition occurs before combining said discrete ingredients with any further ingredients of the food mix.

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