Freeze-dried soluble three-dimensional material containing cocoa

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of cocoa-based compositions that, after reconstitution with, for example, milk or water, result in a cocoa-based beverage. For example, the present invention relates to preformulated cocoa-based compositions. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a freeze-dried, three-dimensional food-grade shape comprising cocoa, sugar, and milk powder. The three-dimensional shape may be aerated and soluble in a liquid, such as milk or water. One three-dimensional shape may represent one portion of the cocoa-based composition.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates broadly to the field of cocoa-based compositions that can provide a cocoa-based beverage by reconstitution with, for example, milk or water. For example, the present invention relates to a pre-prepared cocoa-based composition. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a freeze-dried food three-dimensional shape comprising cocoa, sugar, and milk powder. The three-dimensional shape may be aerated and soluble in a liquid, such as milk or water. One three-dimensional shape may represent one part of the cocoa-based composition. 【0002】 Cocoa-based beverages are very popular. Such beverages are liked by both children and adults, either hot or iced. Cocoa-based beverages are typically available in ready-to-drink form or in the form of powdered or granular beverage powders that are reconstituted with milk or water. 【0003】 Such beverage powders can be well used to flavor milk-based beverages to increase the milk consumption in individuals who do not enjoy milk as it is. However, it is important to avoid overdosing. 【0004】 For example, to address this need, cocoa-based beverage powders are also commercially available today as individually packaged single "portions". However, individual packaging increases the amount of packaging material required per portion of beverage powder. 【0005】 One of the main problems associated with packaging is generally the generation of packaging waste. According to Eurostat, in 2017, 172.6 kg of packaging waste per inhabitant of the EU was generated. 【0006】 Industry is addressing this issue by introducing a circular economy. In line with this, the European Commission recently delivered a new Circular Economy Action Plan (COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONSA new Circular Economy Action Plan For a cleaner and more competitive Europe, Brussels, 11.3.2020). Therefore, the EU needs to accelerate its transition to a regenerative growth model that gives back to the Earth rather than depletes it, move towards keeping resource consumption within the Earth's planetary sphere, and ultimately reduce the consumption of natural resources while striving to double the use of circular materials in the next decade. 【0007】 One step towards achieving these goals is to eliminate the individual packaging of the cocoa-based beverage powder. 【0008】 However, it is difficult to eliminate packaging. Beverage powders and granules typically have a sufficiently high surface-to-volume ratio to ensure rapid dissolution. However, simply compressing beverage powder into single-portion-sized tablets would make the dissolution of the beverage powder tablets in milk or water very slow, making it less likely that consumers would accept the use of such tablets for preparing cocoa-based beverages. 【0009】 Therefore, it is desirable to have single-portion cocoa-based beverage powders available that do not require individual packaging and dissolve quickly enough in milk or water to provide a favorable consumer experience. 【0010】 No reference to prior art documents in this specification should be construed as an acknowledgment that such prior art is well known or forms part of a general understanding common in the art. 【0011】 The object of the present invention is to enhance and / or improve the current state of the art, specifically to provide individual beverage powder portions that do not require individual packaging, dissolve sufficiently quickly in liquid, and provide consumers with a pleasant and / or stimulating experience when used, or to provide a useful alternative to existing solutions in the art. 【0012】 The inventors have surprisingly found that the object of the present invention can be achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. The dependent claim further develops the idea of ​​the present invention. 【0013】 Accordingly, the present invention provides a freeze-dried three-dimensional food product comprising cocoa, sugar, and powdered milk. The three-dimensional product is soluble in food liquids, such as milk or water. 【0014】 The present invention further provides a three-dimensional object comprising cocoa, sugar, and skim milk powder for use in the treatment or prevention of disorders of growth and development in children, and / or in supporting healthy growth and development in children. The present invention also provides the use of a three-dimensional object comprising cocoa, sugar, and skim milk powder for the preparation of compositions for the treatment or prevention of disorders of growth and development in children, and / or in supporting healthy growth and development in children. 【0015】 Furthermore, the present invention provides a three-dimensional material comprising cocoa, sugar, and skim milk powder for use in supplementing the nutritional value (goodness) of milk. For this purpose, the three-dimensional material comprising cocoa, sugar, and skim milk may further contain vitamins and minerals selected from the group consisting of, for example, vitamin D, iron, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B1, vitamin A, and combinations thereof. 【0016】 As used herein, the words “comprises,” “comprising,” and similar words should not be interpreted as exclusive or exhaustive. In other words, they are intended to mean “includes, but not limited to.” 【0017】 The inventors have surprisingly demonstrated that a freeze-dried three-dimensional food product containing cocoa, sugar, and skim milk powder solves the problems of the present invention. While not wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors now believe that it may be possible to produce a three-dimensional food product containing cocoa, sugar, and skim milk powder that solves the problems of the present invention, and is particularly stable enough to avoid substantial wear even when not individually packaged, and dissolves sufficiently quickly even in cold liquids such as water or milk, by freeze-drying in an optional combination with aeration. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0018】 [Figure 1] This shows the shape after being removed from the freeze dryer. [Figure 2] This shows the shape of a tertiary substance when it is dissolved in whole milk. [Figure 3] Three examples of the fun and playful shapes of the present invention are shown. 【0019】 In other words, the present invention relates in part to a freeze-dried three-dimensional food product comprising cocoa, sugar, and powdered milk. 【0020】 The three-dimensional object according to the present invention can be aerated. 【0021】 For the purposes of this invention, the term "food-grade" means that the material is safe for human consumption. 【0022】 According to international food standards, the term “food” means all substances, whether processed, semi-processed or unprocessed, intended for human consumption, including beverages and chewing gum, and all substances used in the manufacture, preparation, or processing of “food,” but not substances used solely as cosmetics, tobacco, or pharmaceuticals. 【0023】 Freeze-drying is a well-known technique in the art. Freeze-drying can be used, for example, in the production of food powders. Here, freeze-drying is recognized as a very good drying process for maintaining the quality of food. Freeze-drying of plant-based foods is outlined, for example, in Foods 2020, 9(1), 87. 【0024】 A composition is considered aerated if it contains a certain amount of gas. For example, a composition may be considered aerated if it contains at least 5% by volume of gas. The gas may be, for example, CO2 or N2, or air. The preparation and characterization of aerated foods are outlined, for example, in Trends in Food Science & Technology 10 (1999) 283-296. 【0025】 An object is a three-dimensional shape if it extends in all three dimensions. For the purposes of the present invention, an object can be considered three-dimensional if its shortest dimension is at least 1 / 100 of the length of its longest dimension, for example at least 1 / 50 of the length of its longest dimension, or for example at least 1 / 10 of the length of its longest dimension. Further, for example, the object may have a shorter dimension length in the range of about 2 - 4 cm, a longer dimension length in the range of about 4 - 6 cm, and a thickness in the range of about 3 - 7 mm. Any shape can be used. For example, in order to make the three-dimensional object of the present invention more playful, it may be shaped like a human or an animal. The object may, for example, be shaped after a comic character, a brand name or icon, a letter or word. Further, the object may, for example, be shaped after an item such as a toy, musical instrument, sports equipment, or vehicle. The object may also have a geometric shape such as, for example, a cube, cuboid, pyramid, or prism. Such regular geometric shapes have the advantage of allowing for compact packaging and thus contributing to the conservation of packaging materials. 【0026】 As the sugar, any sugar can be used. For example, sucrose can be used. 【0027】 As the powdered milk, any powdered milk can be used. For example, whole milk powder or skimmed milk powder can be used. For consumers who wish to avoid milk, a powder of a milk substitute may be used. The powder of the milk substitute can be selected from the group consisting of soy milk powder, almond milk powder, coconut milk powder, rice milk powder, cashew milk powder, peanut milk powder, or a combination thereof. 【0028】 The three-dimensional object of the present invention has the advantage of being soluble in food liquids. For example, the three-dimensional object of the present invention is soluble in milk or water. Any milk may be used. For example, whole milk or milk such as skim milk powder with reduced fat content can be used. The three-dimensional object of the present invention is also soluble in milk alternatives such as soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, cashew milk, peanut milk, or combinations thereof. 【0029】 Therefore, the three-dimensional object according to the present invention can be soluble in milk, milk alternatives and / or water. 【0030】 For the purposes of the present invention, the term "soluble" shall mean that the three-dimensional object is substantially uniformly dispersed in the liquid after stirring, even if the cocoa is partially insoluble in water. For example, if the three-dimensional object is substantially uniformly dispersed in the liquid after stirring for 15 seconds at room temperature, the three-dimensional object can be considered soluble. In a preferred embodiment, if the three-dimensional object is substantially uniformly dispersed in the liquid after stirring for 10 seconds at room temperature, the three-dimensional object can be considered soluble. In an even more preferred embodiment, if the three-dimensional object is substantially uniformly dispersed in the liquid after stirring for 5 seconds at room temperature, the three-dimensional object can be considered soluble. 【0031】 The three-dimensional object according to the present invention can be obtained by mixing cocoa, sugar and milk powder in a wet state, aerating the mixture, freezing the aerated mixture into a three-dimensional shape, and lyophilizing such mixture. 【0032】 In one embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional object may contain about 60-70% by weight of sugar, about 20-30% by weight of cocoa, and about 5-15% by weight of milk powder. The inventors have achieved particularly good results with a three-dimensional object containing about 64% by weight of sugar, about 26% by weight of cocoa, and about 10% by weight of skim milk powder. 【0033】 Sugars may be replaced, at least partially, by dietary fiber. This replacement may be beneficial for consumers who wish to reduce their sugar intake. 【0034】 The three-dimensional material of the present invention may further contain about 5 to 55% by weight of cereal raw materials. The cereal raw materials may be selected from the group consisting of, for example, oat syrup, protomalt® or barley malt extract, corn flour, oat flour, hydrolyzed rice, hydrolyzed oats, wheat, or combinations thereof. Adding cereal raw materials has the beneficial effect of making the resulting beverage more nutritionally satisfying. The addition of cereal raw materials can have an even more interesting effect on the taste of the final product, and the inventors have found that this effect is preferred by some consumers. 【0035】 In a preferred embodiment, the grain raw material is a grain extract, more preferably the grain extract is barley malt extract, and even more preferably the barley malt extract is present in an amount of 30-40% by weight. In a further preferred embodiment, the grain raw material consists of barley malt extract. 【0036】 In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grain raw material contains soluble corn fiber, particularly in an amount of 30-40% by weight. 【0037】 Advantageously, the grain raw materials include a combination of barley malt extract and soluble corn fiber. 【0038】 In this context, protomalt® refers to barley malt extract. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grain raw material includes malted barley extract. 【0039】 The dissolution time at low temperatures of the product of the present invention containing barley malt extract has been found to be shorter compared to products containing other grain raw materials. 【0040】 Therefore, the three-dimensional object according to the present invention may contain about 30-40% by weight of sugar, about 15-25% by weight of cocoa, about 3-12% by weight of skim milk powder, and about 35-45% by weight of cereal raw materials. 【0041】 The inventors achieved particularly good results with a three-dimensional material containing approximately 34% by weight of sugar, approximately 20% by weight of cocoa, approximately 6% by weight of skim milk powder, and approximately 40% by weight of protomalt® or barley malt extract. 【0042】 The inventors also achieved particularly good results with a three-dimensional object containing about 34% by weight of sugar, about 20% by weight of cocoa, about 6% by weight of skim milk powder, and about 40% by weight of oat syrup. 【0043】 As children grow, they develop many new and exciting abilities that allow them to explore the world further and become active members of society. As children grow, their bodies undergo dramatic changes and require support from proper nutrition, an active lifestyle, and a caring social environment. Proper growth and development of children is a major concern for parents. Milk is an excellent source of nutrition to support healthy growth in children. In one embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional object of the present invention provides vitamins and minerals in a specific composition, which complements the nutrients in milk and provides children with what they need for growth and development. 【0044】 Therefore, the three-dimensional object according to the present invention may contain vitamins and minerals, for example, vitamins and minerals selected from the group consisting of vitamin D, iron, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B1, vitamin A, or combinations thereof. For example, the three-dimensional object according to the present invention may contain 1.0 to 2.0 μg of vitamin D, 2.1 to 4.2 mg of iron, 9 to 18 mg of vitamin C, 2.25 to 4.5 mg of zinc, 45 to 90 mg of magnesium, 0.21 to 0.42 mg of vitamin B1, and optionally 120 to 240 μg of vitamin A per serving. 【0045】 Growth is a phenomenon associated with an increase in body tissue mass and height. Childhood and adolescence are crucial periods for growth, particularly bone growth and the achievement of peak bone mass, offering a significant opportunity to reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Adequate nutrition and regular physical activity are important factors in ensuring normal growth. Several micronutrients are necessary to support the activity of osteogenic cells in the internal (organic) matrix of bone and to promote stronger bone formation in the external (inorganic) matrix. Calcium and vitamin D are among the most studied of these micronutrients. Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone metabolism by maintaining the balance of calcium and phosphate in the body. Vitamin D increases both intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption of calcium, thus increasing the availability of calcium for bone (Weaver (2007) J. Bone & Mineral Res. 22 (2): 45-49). Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and normal bone function. Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bone. 【0046】 Therefore, the three-dimensional object of the present invention could, for example, be an ideal complement to milk, providing the necessary calcium. 【0047】 Development is a physiological concept that describes the gradual acquisition of organ-specific functions. The brain begins to develop within the first few days of pregnancy and continues to grow and develop throughout childhood and beyond. Childhood is a period of particularly rapid brain growth, resulting in the emergence of several different cognitive functions, such as memory, concentration, and language. Nutrition plays a crucial role in cognitive function, learning, and behavior, but it is especially important during periods of rapid brain growth. Nutritional deficiencies have been shown to affect neurodevelopment, cognition, and behavior. Various studies have examined the effects of different combinations of vitamins and minerals on cognition. While there is still no consensus on the observed effects and types of cognitive functions affected by differences in the type, duration, and dosage of supplementation, as well as the methodologies used, there is evidence that iron and zinc have a positive impact on cognitive function, especially in cases of nutritional deficiency. Iron plays a vital role in various processes in the brain, including myelin production and the synthesis and breakdown of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which are important for cognitive functions such as attention and executive function. Zinc is an important nutrient for the development of the central nervous system, which is involved in neurotransmission related to memory function. Magnesium, thiamine (vitamin B1), and vitamin C support the normal functioning of the nervous system. 【0048】 In one embodiment of the present invention, one three-dimensional object of the present invention may represent one serving. Alternatively, two, three, or four three-dimensional objects of the present invention may represent one serving. For example, the three-dimensional objects of the present invention may have a weight in the range of about 2 to 5 g, for example, about 3 to 4 g. 【0049】 A serving can represent a weight of, for example, 5 to 20 g. Therefore, a three-dimensional object can have a serving size in the range of 5 to 20 g, for example, 7 to 14 g. Furthermore, for example, a single three-dimensional object can have a weight in the range of approximately 5 to 20 g, for example, approximately 7 to 14 g. 【0050】 The inventors have found that aeration assists the dissolution rate of the three-dimensional material of the present invention, particularly when the total solids content (TS) of the wet mixture is 42-35% by weight. The inventors have achieved particularly good results when the aeration of the three-dimensional material of the present invention is at least about 10% by volume, at least about 15% by volume, or at least about 20% by volume. The inventors have further found that aeration is not necessary when the TS of the wet mixture is 35-25% by weight. In preferred embodiments having a TS (total solids content) greater than 35-45%, the aeration is 20-35% by volume. 【0051】 The three-dimensional shape of the present invention can produce a cocoa-based beverage after being dissolved in milk or water. 【0052】 The three-dimensional object according to the present invention can be dissolved in a liquid in an amount that can be conveniently consumed in a single use by the target group of consumers. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine an appropriate amount of liquid. For example, the three-dimensional object can be dissolved in about 100 mL to 300 mL of liquid, such as water, a milk substitute, or milk. Furthermore, for example, the three-dimensional object can be dissolved in about 150 mL to 250 mL of liquid, such as water, a milk substitute, or milk. 【0053】 The three-dimensional shape of the present invention has the advantage of avoiding the preparation of excessive or insufficient quantities. Furthermore, the three-dimensional shape eliminates the risk of spilling beverage powder or granules onto the floor or table and is easier to use than powder or granules. This is particularly important for children and people who have difficulty holding things steadily in their hands. Therefore, the three-dimensional shape according to the present invention can be given to children. 【0054】 In general, the three-dimensional shape according to the present invention can be used to prepare cocoa-based beverages at any time of day and at any occasion for consumption. For example, the three-dimensional shape according to the present invention can be consumed, for example, during breakfast, in the morning, as a snack, in the evening, or after sports. Since most cocoa-based beverages are consumed at breakfast, the three-dimensional shape according to the present invention can be consumed at breakfast. 【0055】 The three-dimensional shape according to the present invention is The step of mixing the raw materials, Pasteurization step, A step to optionally perform aeration. Steps to freeze in the mold, It can be manufactured by a method that includes a freeze-drying step. 【0056】 Freezing in the mold is preferably carried out at a temperature below -35°C, preferably between -35°C and -80°C. 【0057】 The inventors of this invention, The step of mixing the raw materials, The pasteurization step involves heating at approximately 80-100°C for approximately 2-5 minutes, or at approximately 73-100°C for 15 seconds to 5 minutes or 2-5 minutes. An optional step of aeration to achieve an overrun of 0-50 volume%, for example, in the range of 15-40 volume%, A step of freezing in a mold at a temperature in the range of approximately -20°C to -80°C, or in the range of approximately -20°C to -70°C, preferably below -35°C, more preferably at a temperature of -35°C to -80°C. Particularly good results were obtained using a method that includes a step of freeze-drying for a period of time ranging from 15 hours to 1 week, preferably from 15 hours to 48 hours. 【0058】 The three-dimensional shapes according to the present invention may, in particular (but not limited to), be used for treating or preventing disorders of growth or development in children, and / or for supporting the healthy growth and development of children, if vitamins and / or minerals are added to the three-dimensional shapes. 【0059】 The subject matter of the present invention also relates to the use of three-dimensional objects according to the present invention for the treatment or prevention of disorders of growth and development in children, and / or for the preparation of compositions that support healthy growth and development in children. 【0060】 Finally, the three-dimensional object according to the present invention may be used to supplement the nutritional content of milk. 【0061】 Those skilled in the art will understand that all features of the present invention disclosed herein can be freely combined. In particular, features described for the products of the present invention may be combined with uses of the present invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, features described for different embodiments of the present invention may be combined. 【0062】 Although the present invention has been described by examples, it should be understood that modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. 【0063】 Furthermore, where known equivalents exist for a particular feature, such equivalents are incorporated as specifically referred to herein. Further advantages and features of the present invention are evident from the figures and non-limiting embodiments. 【0064】 [Examples] Example 1 Recipe: The following three formulations were prepared: 【0065】 [Table 1] 【0066】 method: [Table 2] 【0067】 Another freeze-drying parameter: [Table 3] 【0068】 Example 2 Example 2 shows a comparison of the dissolution times of several formulations of the present invention in cold milk and hot milk. The product of the present invention containing barley malt extract is shown to have a short dissolution time in cold water. 【0069】 [Table 4]

Claims

[Claim 1] A freeze-dried, three-dimensional food-grade material manufactured from raw materials including cocoa, sugar, and powdered milk, The three-dimensional food-grade object has an internal structure obtained by aerating a wet mixture of raw materials, subsequently freezing the aerated mixture in a mold, and freeze-drying the frozen mixture, and a three-dimensional shape derived from the mold, and A three-dimensional food-grade object having at least 10% by volume of aeration. [Claim 2] A three-dimensional food product according to claim 1, comprising 60-70% by weight of sugar, 20-30% by weight of cocoa, and 5-15% by weight of milk powder. [Claim 3] The three-dimensional food-grade material according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional food-grade material further comprises 5 to 55% by weight of grain raw materials. [Claim 4] The three-dimensional food product according to claim 3, wherein the grain raw material is selected from the group consisting of oat syrup, barley malt extract, soluble fiber, corn flour, oat flour, hydrolyzed rice, hydrolyzed oats, wheat, or a combination thereof. [Claim 5] A three-dimensional food product according to claim 3 or 4, comprising 30 to 40% by weight of sugar, 15 to 25% by weight of cocoa, 3 to 12% by weight of skim milk powder, and 35 to 45% by weight of cereal raw materials. [Claim 6] The three-dimensional food product according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the grain raw material contains barley malt extract. [Claim 7] A three-dimensional food product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising 1.0 to 2.0 μg of vitamin D, 2.1 to 4.2 mg of iron, 9 to 18 mg of vitamin C, 2.25 to 4.5 mg of zinc, 45 to 90 mg of magnesium, and 0.21 to 0.42 mg of vitamin B1 per serving. [Claim 8] The three-dimensional food-shaped object according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the three-dimensional food-shaped object has a serving size in the range of 5 to 25 g. [Claim 9] A three-dimensional food-grade object according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which, when dissolved in milk or water, yields a cocoa-based beverage. [Claim 10] A three-dimensional food-grade material according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is dissolved in 100 mL to 300 mL of water or milk. [Claim 11] A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional food product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A step of preparing a wet mixture by mixing raw materials containing cocoa, sugar, and powdered milk in a wet state, The step of pasteurizing the wet mixture, The steps include aerating the wet mixture to achieve at least 10% by volume aeration, The steps include freezing the aerated mixture in a mold, and A method comprising the step of freeze-drying the frozen mixture.

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