Coated low-fat and fat-free snack food products and method to prepare the same

US6217921A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• David Arthur Lanner · Cincinnati, US
• Yen-Ping Chin Hsieh · Cincinnati, US
• Michael Weber · Lancaster, US
• Pamela Susan Wehner · Cadiz, US
• Barbara Ann Anderson · Cincinnati, US
• Maria Dolores Martinez-Serna Villagran · Mason, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 20, 1999
• Grant date: Apr 17, 2001
• Expiry date: Jul 20, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A23L7/122
• WIPO field: Food chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Disclosed are low-fat and fat-free snacks having a glossy coating and a process for making the same. Disclosed in a preferred embodiment are coated low-fat and fat-free pretzels having a surface area to inner volume ratio of from about 22 inches.sup.-1 (8.66 cm.sup.-1) to about 40 inches.sup.-1 (15.75 cm.sup.-1), a pH of about 8 or less, a digestible fat content of less than 3 g per 28 g serving, and a moisture content of from about 1% to about 4%. The large surface area to inner volume ratio permits the use of reduced concentrations of caustic solution and facilitates drying. Coated pretzels are prepared by: (1) applying a warm coating comprising a carbohydrate selected from modified starch, corn syrup solids, maltodextrins, dextrins, and mixtures thereof; water; and preferably flavoring to ready-to-eat pretzels while tumbling; (2) adding sugar and optionally salt to the tumbling pretzels; (3) removing the pretzels from the tumbling device; and (4) drying the pretzels with the products stationary. The pretzels have substantially improved texture, taste and flavor display. Additionally, the color and shiny surface which is characteristic of pretzels is maintained.