Instant product for preparation of an instant drink, containing alginate- and / or pectin-ensheathed beads, and process for production thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an instant product for preparation of an instant drink, comprising: a first preparation (2) in a viscous state or in the form of a concentrate, which is water-based and includes at least one added sweetener, acidifier and aroma or flavouring; and a multitude of beads (3) present in the first formulation (2) and having an outer shell (4) formed from alginate and / or pectin and having a liquid or gelated second formulation (5) which is water-based, wherein the second preparation (5) includes at least one added sweetener, acidifier and aroma or flavouring.

Description

[0001] INSTANT PRODUCT FOR PREPARING A READY-TO-DRINK BEVERAGE CONTAINING ALGINATE- AND / OR PECTIN-COATED PEARLS AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF

[0002] The present invention relates to an instant product for preparing a ready-to-drink beverage and a process for its production.

[0003] Bubble teas, long popular, especially in Asian countries, continue to enjoy great popularity. These are drinks based on mostly sweetened tea, to which colored beads with an alginate outer shell are added. These beads can be filled with a liquid or jelly in various flavors. The finished drink is consumed through a straw, which allows the beads or pearls to be consumed, providing a unique taste experience.

[0004] The problem with currently commercially available ready-made bubble teas is that the bubbles in the finished drink lose their flavor intensity over time, significantly impairing the taste experience of the bubble tea. To overcome this disadvantage, sets consisting of the base drink and a separately packaged portion of bubbles are now being offered. Due to the additional packaging, such a solution not only results in higher production costs but also generates additional packaging waste, which negatively impacts the product's carbon footprint.

[0005] US 2020 / 0 367 534 A1 describes a beverage packaging in the form of a bag containing a beverage containing pearls made from cooked tapioca in a frozen beverage solution. Therefore, before use, the beverage is first heated to thaw the frozen solution. This is done in a microwave, with the bag placed in a container for heating. The solution containing the tapioca pearls can be a syrup, plant extract, fruit juice, fruit puree, tea, coffee, or the like. In this well-known beverage, tapioca is used to produce the pearls. This has the disadvantage that, due to its hygroscopic properties, tapioca absorbs water from the base liquid of the beverage, which leads to the decomposition of the pearls over time. Such a beverage mix is ​​therefore only shelf-stable if it is deep-frozen after production and is therefore sold as a frozen product.This well-known product therefore has storage restrictions due to the use of tapioca to make the pearls. DE 10 2013 110 128 A1 describes a bubble tea with pearls based on alginate or pectin. The beverage containing the pearls can be lemonade, for example, and contain a sugar content of several percent. The pearls themselves are made from a mixture that contains sugar in addition to alginate. The specific gravity of the alginate pearls in this well-known preparation is designed so that they float on the surface of a beverage based on an aqueous liquid.

[0006] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a beverage preparation which is improved compared to the prior art and which has a good shelf life, in particular when stored at room temperature.

[0007] According to the invention, the object is achieved by an instant preparation for preparing a ready-to-drink beverage having the features of patent claim 1.

[0008] The instant preparation according to the invention is intended for preparing a ready-to-drink beverage and comprises a first preparation in a viscous state or as a concentrate, which has a water base and is mixed with at least one sweetener, one acidifier, and one aroma or flavoring, and further comprises a plurality of pearls present in the first preparation, which have an outer shell formed from alginate and / or pectin and are filled with a liquid and / or gelled second preparation having a water base, which is also mixed with at least one sweetener, one acidifier, and one aroma or flavoring. Depending on the embodiment, the pearls can then be embedded in the first preparation in the viscous state or can be freely movable in the first preparation in the concentrate.

[0009] The present invention thus proposes a different approach, proposing an instant product that can simply be mixed with the base beverage, such as water, milk, or a tea preparation, in a specific ratio to produce ready-to-drink bubble tea. Inventively, it was recognized that storing the bubbles in a thick liquid or concentrated preparation preserves and stabilizes them, thereby preserving the flavor and original shape of the bubbles for longer. A further advantage of such an instant product is its longer shelf life compared to prior art solutions.The instant product according to the invention also has a beneficial effect on the carbon footprint, as it can be offered commercially, for example, in a preserving jar or alternatively in a bag as a ready-to-sell unit intended for preparing several servings of bubble tea. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the instant product according to the invention can also be used as a topping for various desserts, such as ice cream, yogurt, pudding, or cake. In this case, the instant product can form a separately packaged unit with one of the aforementioned desserts.

[0010] In the course of extensive experiments that led to the present invention, it was also found that the aforementioned preservation and stabilization of the pearls can be further improved if the first preparation has a similar sugar and / or acid content as the second preparation within the pearls.

[0011] Furthermore, it has been found that the preservation and stabilization of the pearls can be improved by adjusting the pH values ​​of the first and / or second preparation. Preferably, the first and / or second preparation has a pH in the range of 2 to 6, particularly preferably in the range of 3 to 5. In this context, it is particularly preferred that the pH of the second preparation deviates from the pH of the first preparation by less than 1, preferably by less than 0.5, either upwards or downwards.

[0012] The sugar content is preferably 5 to 40% by weight. The inventors assume that this suppresses the diffusion of the individual ingredients, whereby the pearls then remain stable in taste, consistency, shape, and color. In this context, it is therefore particularly preferred that the proportion of the at least one sweetener and / or the at least one acidifier in the first preparation differs from the second preparation by less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, even more preferably less than 3%, and most preferably less than 1%.

[0013] An additional positive effect can also be achieved if the selection and / or the respective concentration of the aroma substances or flavorings in both preparations is similar, preferably identical or almost identical.

[0014] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically expedient manner and can define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented. In the context of the present invention, the term "viscous" is understood to mean that the first preparation has very low flowability, whereby the beads are embedded in it and their mobility is greatly inhibited.Preferably, the first preparation, in the viscous state, has a dynamic viscosity of at least 3000 mPas at 20°C, more preferably a dynamic viscosity of at least 4000 mPas at 20°C, even more preferably a dynamic viscosity of at least 5000 mPas at 20°C, and most preferably a dynamic viscosity of at least 8000 mPas at 20°C. However, the dynamic viscosity must not be too high, therefore it is limited to a maximum of 10,000 mPas at 20°C.

[0015] A first preparation in the form of a concentrate, on the other hand, has a lower dynamic viscosity, preferably a dynamic viscosity in the range from 100 to 1000 mPas at 20°C, more preferably a dynamic viscosity in the range from 150 to 400 mPas at 20°C, even more preferably a dynamic viscosity in the range from 150 to 250 mPas at 20°C.

[0016] The beads may have a size of about 0.1 mm to about 15 mm, preferably up to about 10 mm.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, sweeteners are agents that impart sweetness to the respective preparation. These are preferably selected from the group comprising sugar, in particular sucrose, fructose, sugar substitutes, and / or mixtures thereof. The sugar substitutes can include so-called sugar alcohols or typical sweeteners known to those skilled in the art, such as aspartame, cyclamate, etc.

[0018] Acidulants are substances that increase the acidity of a food and / or impart a sour taste, thereby producing a sour taste sensation on the human tongue. Acidulants can also have a saliva-stimulating and aroma-enhancing effect. Preferred acidulants within the scope of the present invention are preferably selected from the group comprising citric acid (E 330), calcium citrate (E 333), potassium citrate (E 332), malic acid (E 296), and / or a mixture thereof.

[0019] For the purposes of the present invention, the term flavorings refers to ingredients that impart a flavor to the preparation and can be detected by the human nose. Preferred flavorings within the scope of the present invention are preferably selected from the group of natural flavorings, from the group of flavor extracts, and / or from a mixture thereof.

[0020] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "flavorings" refers to ingredients that impart a flavor and, where appropriate, a color to the preparation. Preferred flavorings within the scope of the present invention are preferably selected from the group comprising fruit purees, fruit juices, fruit concentrates, fruit granules, tea preparations, and / or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, fruit pieces from natural fruits can be added to the first preparation.

[0021] To further improve the shelf life of the instant product, an advantageous embodiment may provide that both preparations each contain at least one preservative from the group of sorbic acid-containing preservatives, such as potassium sorbate. The preservative may be present in the respective preparation in an amount of up to 3% by weight.

[0022] In a further embodiment, food colorings can be added to the respective preparation in an amount of up to 3% by weight in order to intensify the color of the product, which then makes it appear to be of higher quality.

[0023] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a process for producing the instant product, preferably according to the invention, wherein firstly a defined portion of pearls having an outer shell formed from alginate and / or pectin and filled with a liquid and / or gelled second preparation having a water base, to which at least one sweetener, an acidifier and an aroma or flavoring is added, is provided; then a first water-based mixture comprising at least one sweetener, an acidifier and an aroma or flavoring is prepared as a concentrate and heated, or is mixed with a thickener and heated; and then the first mixture, while still hot, is filled into a sterilized container with the pearls added and sealed airtight.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment for producing the instant product, preferably according to the invention, it can be provided that first a defined portion of pearls, which have an outer shell formed from alginate and / or pectin and are filled with a liquid and / or gelled second preparation having a water base, to which at least one sweetener, an acidifier and an aroma or flavoring is added, is provided; then a first water-based mixture, which comprises at least one sweetener, an acidifier and an aroma or flavoring, is produced as a concentrate, or is mixed with a thickener, and is filled in an unheated or cooled state with the pearls added, into a sterilized container and sealed airtight; and the filled and airtight container is subsequently heated or pasteurized.

[0025] The container can preferably be designed in the form of a container with a container lid or in the form of a packaging bag, whereby the packaging bag can be made of a plastic or a composite material. Corresponding packaging bags for use as food packaging are generally known to those skilled in the art.

[0026] Potato starch, xanthan gum, modified starch, guar gum and / or a mixture thereof, optionally with the addition of sugar, can preferably be used as thickeners.

[0027] The pearls are available for purchase in a variety of forms. To determine the sugar and acid content, so that the composition of the first preparation can then be adjusted accordingly, they are crushed in sufficient quantities. The acid content can then be determined as the pH value using an electrochemical pH meter. The sugar content, however, is usually determined using a refractometer, particularly a digital refractometer, which provides the Brix value of the solution or preparation. The sugar and acid content in the first preparation is determined in a similar manner.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the beads themselves are manufactured using methods known from the state of the art.

[0029] In a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a beverage preparation comprising the instant product according to the invention, which is prepared with water, milk or a tea preparation to form a ready-to-drink beverage.

[0030] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description and / or figures. In particular, it should be noted that the figures and in particular the illustrated proportions are only schematic. The same reference numerals denote the same objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used as a supplement if necessary. They show:

[0031] Figs. 1 and 2 each show a variant of a ready-to-sell unit comprising the instant product according to the invention. Such a ready-to-sell unit comprises a container 1 containing a first preparation 2 in a viscous state (Fig. 1) or as a concentrate (Fig. 2), in which a plurality of pearls 3 are present. The pearls 3 have an outer shell 4 formed from alginate and / or pectin and are filled with a second preparation 5. The container 1 is hermetically sealed by a lid 6. Examples

[0032] Below are some sample recipes for the first preparation, although it should be noted that these are subject to variation. The core and starting point of these recipes is always the proportion (in wt. %) of sweetener and / or acidifier in the pearls, based on which the recipe for the first preparation is adjusted. List of reference symbols

[0033] 1 container / receptacle

[0034] 2 first preparation

[0035] 3 Beads 4 Outer shell

[0036] 5 second preparation

[0037] 6 lids

Claims

Patent claims 1 . An instant product for preparing a ready-to-drink beverage, comprising: a first preparation (2) in a thick liquid state or as a concentrate, which has a water base and is mixed with at least one sweetener, one acidifier, and one aroma or flavor; and a plurality of beads (3) present in the first preparation (2), which beads have an outer shell (4) formed from alginate and / or pectin and are filled with a liquid or gelled second preparation (5) having a water base, wherein the second preparation (5) is mixed with at least one sweetener, one acidifier, and one aroma or flavor.

2. Instant product according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sweetener is selected from the group comprising sugar, in particular sucrose, fructose, sugar substitute and / or a mixture thereof.

3. Instant product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one acidifying agent is selected from the group comprising citric acid (E 330), calcium citrate (E 333), potassium citrate (E 332), malic acid (E 296) and / or a mixture thereof.

4. Instant product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the proportion of the at least one sweetener in the first preparation differs by less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, more preferably less than 3% and most preferably less than 1% from the proportion of the at least one sweetener in the second preparation.

5. Instant product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the proportion of the at least one acidulant in the first preparation differs by less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, more preferably less than 3% and most preferably less than 1% from the proportion of the at least one acidulant in the second preparation.

6. Instant product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the selection and / or the respective concentration of the aroma substances or flavorings in both preparations (2, 5) is similar, preferably identical or almost identical.

7. Instant product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one flavoring agent is selected from the group of natural flavoring agents, from the group of flavoring extracts and / or a mixture thereof.

8. Instant product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one flavoring agent is selected from the group comprising fruit purees, fruit juices, fruit concentrates, tea preparations, fruit granules and / or a mixture thereof.

9. Instant product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first preparation (2) has a pH in the range of 2 to 6, preferably a pH in the range of 3 to 5.

10. Instant product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second preparation (5) has a pH in the range of 2 to 6, preferably a pH in the range of 3 to 5.

11. Instant product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the second preparation (5) deviates from the pH of the first preparation (2) upwards or downwards by less than 1, preferably by less than 0.

5.

12. Instant product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two preparations (2, 5) each contain at least one preservative from the series of sorbic acid-containing preservatives.

13. A method for producing an instant product, preferably according to one of the preceding claims, wherein firstly a defined portion of pearls (3) having an outer shell (4) formed from alginate and / or pectin and filled with a liquid and / or gelled second preparation (5) having a water base, wherein the second preparation (5) is mixed with at least one sweetener, one acidifier and one aroma or flavoring, is provided; then a first water-based mixture comprising at least one sweetener, one acidifier and one aroma or flavoring is prepared as a concentrate and heated, or mixed with a thickener and heated; and then the first mixture, while still in a hot state, is filled into a sterilized container (1) with the pearls (3) added and sealed airtight.

14. A method for producing an instant product, preferably according to one of the preceding claims, wherein firstly a defined portion of pearls (3) which have an outer shell (4) formed from alginate and / or pectin and are filled with a liquid and / or gelled second preparation (5) which has a water base, wherein the second preparation (5) is mixed with at least one sweetener, a acidulant and a flavoring or flavouring agent is added; then a first water-based mixture comprising at least a sweetener, an acidulant and a flavoring or flavouring agent is prepared as a concentrate, or is added with a thickener, and in the unheated or cooled state under Addition of the pearls (3) is carried out into a sterilized container (1) and sealed hermetically; and the filled and hermetically sealed container (1) is then heated or pasteurized.

15. A beverage preparation comprising an instant product according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein the instant product is mixed with water, milk or a Tea preparation is prepared into a ready-to-drink beverage.

Images