Nutrient clusters for food products and methods of preparation
US6837682B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S426/808
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Nutrient clusters for food products, such as for addition to Ready-To-Eat cereals, are made in the form of aggregates or clusters comprising a first particulate component; a nutrient powder blend, and sufficient binder to adhere the powder to the particulates. The nutrient clusters are in the form of pieces each weighing from about 0.3 to 5 g. and having a moisture content of about 2% to 10%. Such nutrient clusters are prepared by applying a liquid binder to the particulates to form sticky particulates, adding a powdered nutrient blend, and curing the mixtures to form hardened dried nutrient clusters. The nutrient cluster can contain 100% US recommended daily allowance of essential vitamins and minerals and can contain added macronutrients such as soy proteins, soluble fiber, and/or calcium in nutritionally dense form in as little as 5 to 15 g of nutrient clusters. The clusters find particular suitability for use in providing to-order customized cereal products in response to particular customer requirements for nutrition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.