AU2187700A - Gelatin replacement composition - Google Patents

Description

WO 00/36930 PCT/US99/29849 TITLE GELATIN REPLACEMENT COMPOSITION 5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention 10 This invention is related to a gelling composition comprising alginate, hydrocolloid and galactomannan in amounts effective to provide a suitable gelatin replacement composition. The invention is also related to food products containing such novel gelling 15 compositions. Related Background Art Gelatin is used in combination with other food 20 ingredients in a wide range of products. In particular, the presence of gelatin in food products presents a familiar suite of impressions to the consumer including its texture, appearance and effects on flavor. However, in some applications an 25 alternative to gelatin is desirable, for example in the production of vegetarian or kosher products.

WO 00/36930 - 2 - PCTIUS99/29849 The use of gellan gum as a gelling agent in food products is well-known. However, gellan gum produces hard, brittle gels that require substantial modification to produce a composition having a texture 5 resembling that of gelatin. Xanthan gum and locust bean gum ("LBG") are typically added to the gellan gum, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,647,470, to produce a gelling agent having similar mechanical and textural properties to gelatin. The use of these agents, 10 however, results in other undesirable properties. In particular, the addition of xanthan gum and LBG in amounts sufficient to produce a suitable texture results in measurable adverse effects on other desirable properties such as flavor release. 15 Other attempts to provide gelatin replacements have been made. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,746,528 discloses a gellable composition comprising a mixture of (1) gellan gum, (2) xanthan gum and (3) a 20 galactomannan and/or glucomannan gum capable of producing a gel in combination with xanthan gum, especially carob, tara, cassia or konjac gum, wherein the ratio by weight of (1):[(2)+(3)] is 1:a2. 25 Despite the compositions described above, a need still exists for suitable gelatin replacements having superior characteristics to those known in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 30 The present invention provides a gelling composition comprising a blend of an alginate (A), a hydrocolloid (B) and a galactomannan (C), wherein the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) is about 0.1:1 to about 1.5:1 and the 35 ratio by weight of B:C is about 0.8:1 to about 1.2:1.

WO 00/36930 - 3 - PCTAUS99/29849 This invention also provides a food product comprising one or more food ingredients and a gelling composition, wherein the gelling composition comprises a blend of an alginate (A), a hydrocolloid (B) and a galactomannan 5 (C), wherein the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) is about 0.1:1 to about 1.5:1 and the ratio by weight of B:C is about 0.8:1 to about 1.2:1. The compositions of the present invention exhibit 10 properties similar to gelatin over a wide range of concentrations and exhibit a more rapid set time than gelatin. Another advantage of the composition of the present invention is that the composition, once formulated, does not require refrigeration. The 15 compositions of the present invention are useful in ready-to-eat or dry mixture dessert gel formulations and as gelatin replacements or alternatives; in yogurts, puddings, marshmallow cream; pet foods and restructured meats; beverages; toppings, sauces and 20 gravies; pastry and dessert fillings; vegetable, fruit and fish gels; and in spreadable food products such as sour cream, jellies, jams and low-calorie jellies and jams. 25 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention provides a gelling composition comprising a blend of an alginate (A), a hydrocolloid (B) and a galactomannan (C), wherein the ratio by 30 weight of A:(B+C) comprises about 0.1:1 to about 1.5:1 and the ratio by weight of B:C is about 0.8:1 to about 1.2:1. The preferred range of the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) 35 will vary depending on the desired application of the gelling composition. For example, in one particularly -4.

WO 00/36930 PCT/US99/29849 preterred embodiment, the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) is about 0.5:1 to about 1:1. Alginates are polysaccharides prepared from brown 5 seaweeds such as the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, which is one of the principal sources of the world's algin supply. Alginates are also derived from several varieties of Laminaria (e.g., Laminaria digitata or horsetail kelp, L. saccharina or sugar kelp and L. 10 hyperborea), Ecklonia (e.g., E. cava), Eisenia bicycles and Ascophyllum nodosum. The sodium salt of alginic acid, sodium alginate, is available from the Nutrasweet/Kelco Company, San Diego, California, under such trade names as KELTONE* (KELTONE*HV, KELTONE*LV), 15 MANUGEL* (MANUGEL*DMB), and as the propylene glycol esters of alginic acid under the KELCOLOID* trade name. The alginates are characterized by a unique combination of sugars, mannuronic and guluronic acid, in varying 20 ratios among the different seaweeds. The ratio of mannuronic to guluronic acid or "M/G ratio" significantly affects the physical properties of the gel which forms in the presence of divalent cations (e.g., calcium, magnesium). "High G" alginates such as 25 from L. hyperborea form relatively hard, brittle gels, while "low G" alginates such as from A. nodosum form relatively softer, more elastic gels. Thus, a variety of alginates are available to optimize the physical properties of the gel in a particular application. 30 In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the alginate is derived from giant kelp. In another preferred embodiment, the alginate is a low G alginate. Low G alginates such as those produced from A. nodosum 35 are particularly useful in beverage applications. In yet another preferred embodiment, the alginate is a High G alginate such as from L. hyperborea. In still WO 00/36930 5 - PCT/US99/29849 another preferred embodiment, the alginate is a propylene glycol alginate. Propylene glycol alginates are commercially available from the Nutrasweet/Kelco Company, San Diego, California, under the trade names 5 KELCOLOID®HVF, KELCOLOID*LVF, KELCOLOID*DH, KELCOLOID*S and KELCOLOID*O. The commercially available alginates encompass a broad range of molecular weights and mechanical properties, and it is to be understood that this invention includes the use of any of the 10 commercially available alginates. Hydrocolloids that are useful in this invention include, for example, xanthan gum and the like. Xanthan gum is an extracellular polysaccharide produced 15 during fermentation of carbohydrates by Xanthamonas campestris and other bacteria of the genus Xanthamonas. The gum is manufactured in industrial scale and is used widely as, for example, a thickener in foods. Xanthan gum is produced and sold by the Nutrasweet/Kelco 20 Company under the trade name Keltrol*T. Xanthan gum may be clarified for use in applications where clarity is particularly desirable. Clarification may be accomplished by means well-known in the art including physical, chemical and enzymatic clarification methods. 25 Preferably, the hydrocolloid is clarified. A suitable, commercially available alternative to xanthan gum is carrageenan, a galactose-containing polysaccharide derived from red seaweed. 30 Exemplary sources of galactomannan that are useful in this invention include locust bean gum, tara gum and guar gum. Locust bean gum (LBG) is an extract of the locust bean or carob, Ceratonia siligua. LBG is commercially available and used as a stabilizer in 35 foods such as ice cream, sausages, and cheese. Chemically, LBG is a galactomannan. Any gel-forming galactomannan may be suitable for use in the invention.

WO 00/36930 - 6 - PCT/US99/29849 As previously indicated, other examples of galactomannans suitable for use in the invention include but are not limited to tara gum and guar gum. Tara gum is a vegetable gum derived from the seed of 5 the legume Cesalpinia spinosa. Guar gum is also a vegetable gum, which is derived from the seed of the legume Cyamopsis tetragonolobus. For applications in which clarity is desirable, the galactomannan usually must be clarified. Clarification may be accomplished 10 by means well-known in the art including physical, chemical and enzymatic clarification methods. Clarified LBG is commercially available from CNI (France). Preferably, the galactomannan used in this invention is clarified. 15 In yet another embodiment the invention comprises a gel composition comprising about 0.01 percent to about 4 percent by weight of any of the gelling compositions of this invention, and water. The amount of the gelling 20 composition will vary depending on the nature of the gel composition. In an embodiment of the gel composition of this invention, the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) is about 0.5:1 to about 1:1. In another embodiment, the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) is about 1:1 25 to about 1.5:1. In the present invention, the term "gel composition" encompasses any composition or food product containing a gelling composition and water. It is to be 30 understood that the gel compositions referred to herein may contain in addition to the gelling composition and water, any number of flavoring or food ingredients, as well as sweeteners, stabilizers, preservatives, etc. necessary to the particular application of the gel 35 composition. In an embodiment, the alginate is derived from giant kelp. In another embodiment, the hydrocolloid is xanthan gum. Preferably, the WO 00/36930 7 - PCT/US99/29849 hydrocolloid is clarified. In yet another embodiment, the galactomannan is selected from the group consisting of locust bean gum, tara gum or guar gum. Preferably, the galactomannan is clarified. 5 Sweeteners that may be employed include, without limitation, aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose, saccharin, alitame, cyclamates, stevia derivatives, thaumatin, sucrose (liquid and granulated), high 10 fructose corn syrup, high conversion corn syrup, crystalline fructose, glucose (dextrose), polyol sugar alcohols, invert sugar and mixtures thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, the gel composition 15 contains gelling composition in an amount of about 0.01 percent to about 0.3 percent by weight of the gel composition. In another embodiment, the gel composition contains gelling composition in an amount of about 0.3 percent to about 0.5 percent by weight of 20 the gel composition. In yet another embodiment, the gel composition contains gelling composition in an amount of about 0.5 percent to about 1 percent by weight of the gel composition. In a still further embodiment, the gel composition contains gelling 25 composition in an amount of about 1 percent to about 4 percent by weight of the gel composition. A particularly preferred gel composition is a food product comprising one or more food ingredients and a 30 gelling composition, wherein the gelling composition comprises a blend of an alginate (A), a hydrocolloid (B) and a galactomannan (C), wherein the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) comprises about 0.1:1 to about 1.5:1 and the ratio by weight of B:C is about 0.8:1 to about 35 1.2:1.

WO 00/36930 - 8 - PCT/US99/29849 In a preferred embodiment, the food ingredient is selected from the group consisting of dairy products, sour cream, yogurt, pudding, beverages, toppings, sauces, gravies, pet foods, restructured meats, aspics, 5 dessert gel formulations, dessert fillings, pastry fillings, vegetable gels, fruit gels, fish gels, jellies,. jams and mixtures thereof. The preferred ratio of A:(B+C) will depend on the particular food ingredient(s) with which the gelling composition is 10 used. One preferred embodiment of the food product of the present invention includes a gelling composition having a ratio by weight of A:(B+C) of about 0.5:1 to about 15 1:1. However, certain food products may preferably include a gelling composition having a weight ratio of A:(B+C) lower than 0.5:1, e.g., pet foods, or greater than 1:1, e.g., puddings and jellies. 20 The food product of this invention generally contains from about 0.01 percent to about 4 percent by weight of the food product. Again, the preferred concentration of the gelling composition in the food product will depend upon the nature of the food product. For 25 example, sour cream, low fat yogurt, chocolate pudding, imitation mayonnaise and marshmallow cream will typically contain the gelling composition in an amount from about 0.01 percent to about 0.3 percent by weight of the food product. On the other hand, pet foods may 30 be preferably formulated with the gelling composition in an amount from about 0.3 percent to about 0.5 percent by weight of the food product. In yet another example, dessert gels or aspics will 35 typically contain the gelling composition in an amount from about 0.5 percent to about 1 percent by weight of the food product. In yet a further example, jelly WO 00/36930 - 9 - PCT/US99/29849 candy preferably contains the gelling composition in an amount from about 1 percent to about 4 percent by weight of the food product. The exact amount of gelling composition to be employed in the food product 5 can be readily ascertained by one of ordinary skill in the art. In particularly preferred examples, this invention provides a food product comprising a gelling 10 composition, wherein the gelling composition comprises an amount from about 0.3 percent to about 0.5 percent by weight of the food product, and wherein the ratio of A:(B+C) is less than about 0.5:1. In another particularly preferred example, a food product is 15 provided wherein the gelling composition is present in an amount from about 0.01 percent to about 0.3 percent by weight of the food product, and the ratio of A:(B+C) is greater than about 0.5:1. In yet another particularly preferred example, a food product is 20 provided wherein the gelling composition is present in an amount from about 0.5 percent to about 1 percent by weight of the food product, and the ratio of A:(B+C) is about 0.5:1 to about 1:1. In a still further preferred example, a food product is provided wherein the gelling 25 composition is present in an amount from about 1 percent to about 4 percent by weight of the food product and the ratio of A:(B+C) is greater than about 1:1. 30 In formulating the compositions and food products of the present invention, typical pH modifiers, such as citric acid or maleic acid, sweeteners, such as natural and high intensity sweeteners, preservatives, such as sodium benzoate, flavorings such as flavor emulsion 35 bases, other common additives such as sodium citrate and ascorbic acid, and colorings, may also be added to the compositions of the present invention.

WO 00/36930 - 10 PCT/US99/29849 Processes for blending the various ingredients of the compositions and producing the food products of the present invention are well-known in the art and include but are not limited to dry blending and wet blending 5 such as in agglomeration/hydration followed by drying (e.g., spray drying, fluidized bed drying or drum drying). It is also well-known that water quality may vary widely across the consumer market, thus, sequestration agents such as sodium hexametaphosphate 10 may be added to the compositions in order to allow for consistency and ease of use in differing markets. Texture Profile Analysis 15 The texture profile of a gel can be evaluated in terms of four parameters: modulus, hardness, brittleness and elasticity. These are standard gel properties evaluated in Texture Profile Analysis, or "TPA," that are determined by methods well-known in the art, for 20 example on an Instron 4201 Universal Testing Machine, which compresses the sample to about 2/4 of its original height two times in succession. The sample is compressed twice so that the amount of structure breakdown can be determined. 25 Modulus is the first parameter that is determined when testing a sample. The modulus is the initial slope of the force-deformation curve. This is a measure of how the sample behaves when compressed a small amount. The 30 modulus usually correlates closely with a sensory perception of the sample's firmness. Modulus is expressed in units of force per unit area (pounds per square inch or Newton's per square centimeter). 35 Hardness is defined as the maximum force that occurs at any time during the first compression cycle. It may occur when the gel initially breaks, or it may occur WO 00/36930 - 11 - PCT/US99/29849 later in the test as the sample is flattened and deformed. In most cases, the hardness is correlated to the rupture strength of the material. It is expressed in units of force (pounds or Newtons). 5 Brittleness is defined as the first significant drop in the force-deformation curve during the first compression cycle. This is the point of first fracture or cracking of the sample. A gel that fractures early 10 in the compression cycle is considered to be more brittle or fragile than one that breaks later. Brittleness is measured as the percent strain r equired to break the gel. As the number gets smaller, it indicates a more brittle gel at a lower strain level. 15 Following the first compression cycle, the force is removed from the sample as the Instron crosshead moves back up. 20 A measure of the sample's elasticity is taken as the second compression cycle is begun. By noting where the force begins to increase during this second compression cycle, a measure of the sample height may be obtained. If the sample returned to its original height, the 25 elasticity would be 100%. The elasticity is a measure of how much the original structure of the sample was broken down by the initial compression. In sensory terms, it can be thought of as how "rubbery" the sample will feel in the mouth. The units are dimensionless 30 and are expressed as a percentage. The following examples are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the invention, and no limitation of the invention is to be implied. 35 WO 00/36930 - 12 - PCT/US99/29849 Experimental Examples The gel compositions used to perform the texture profile analyses reported in Table 1 (Examples 1 - 6) 5 were prepared by adding to heated water, with stirring, a dry mixture comprising a gelling composition and a flavor blend, in the manner described in detail below. The ingredients used in these preparations and the preparations of Examples 7-14 (infra) are well known to 10 those of ordinary skill in the art and commercially available. Examples 1 - 6 The gelling composition component of the dry mixture 15 comprised alginate (KELTONE*HV or MANUGEL*DMB), xanthan gum (KELTROL*T), and clarified LBG in the ratios set forth in Table 1, with the exception of comparative example 1, in which the gelling composition was gelatin. 20 The flavor blend component of the dry mixture comprised: sugar (sucrose) 93.27%, adipic acid 3.38%, sodium citrate 3.20%, strawberry flavor 0.123%, and FD&C Red 0.027%. In the sugar free example (Example 25 6), the sucrose was replaced with a composition comprising a low-calorie bulking agent (filler) with a high intensity sweetener (e.g., Nutrasweet aspartame at a final concentration of 0.8%, with maltodextrin at a final concentration of 14%). Other high intensity 30 sweeteners and blends thereof may also be used, as well as various blends of high intensity sweeteners and sugar. The amount of gelling composition in each dry mixture 35 was based on the final percentage of gelling composition reported in Table 1, and a total final weight of 558 grams (473 grams water and 85 grams dry WO 00/36930 - 13 - PCT/US99/29849 mixture). For example, in comparative example 1, the gelling composition was gelatin, used at a final concentration of 1.3%, so that the amount of gelatin used was: 5 1.3% gelatin = 0.013 x 558 g = 7.254 g gelatin. Flavor blend was then added to the gelling composition to bring up to 85 grams the weight of dry mixture in each example. In the gelatin example described above, 10 the amount of flavor blend added to produce the dry mixture was: 85 g - 7.254 g gelatin = 77.746 g flavor blend. The samples tested using TPA were prepared by heating 15 473 grams of water (about two cups) to 85 0 C in an electrically heated hot cup. For each sample, a dry mixture comprising gelling composition and flavor blend, prepared as described above, was added to the water while stirring with a 3-blade, 2-inch diameter 20 prop mixer set to about 800 rpm. The sample was held at this temperature for 5 minutes with continued stirring to ensure complete hydration of all ingredients. The hot cup was removed from the stirrer and hot water added back to make up for the volume lost 25 to evaporation. The sample was stirred for an additional 30 seconds, then immediately poured into 1 inch diameter x 0.50 inch tall plastic ring gel molds. The mold was immediately covered with a plastic cover slip to prevent evaporation and placed into a 30 refrigerator for about 18 hours. For TPA (Texture Profile Analysis, supra), a minimum of 7 rings were prepared for each sample. After about 18 hours, the samples were removed from the refrigerator and the gel carefully removed from the plastic ring mold and 35 evaluated using TPA with an Instron Universal Tester. The results are set forth in Table 1.

WO 00/36930 - 14 - PCT/US99/29849 Table 1. Texture analysis of alginate gels. Comparative Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 example 1 Gelling Gelatin KELTONEI/ KELTONE*/ KELTONE*/ 5 composition Control

KELTROL®

2 / KELTROL!/ KELTRQL*/ Clar. LBG 3 Clar. LBG Clar. LBG ratio N/A 2:1:1 2:1:1 2:1:1 % total 1.30% 0.8% 0.8% 0.8% 10 Other ::pA ingredients - DCPAi 0.06% Calgon, TPA Parameter Modulus 3185 2582 3221 2563 15 Hardness 3.23 3.95 4.61 7.14 Brittleness 70.50 67.05 61.74 70.07 Elasticity 27.6 30.5 33.3 43.1 Cohesive 7.51 16.8 12.867.33 Table 1 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 20 (continued) Gelling KELTONE*/

MANUGEL

6 / (Sugar Free) composition KELTROL*/ KELTROL*/ KELTONE*/ Clar. LBG Clar. LBG KELTROL*/ 25 Clar. LBG ratio 1:1:1 % total 0.8% 0.8% 0.8% Other DCPA DCPA DCPA ingredients 0.06% 0.06 0.06 30 TPA Parameter Modulus 2947 3176 2922 Hardness 6.03 3.29 2.8 Brittleness 74.72 61.7 57.45 35 Elasticity 35.0 24.3 33.0 Cohesive 16.2 11.7 14.3 'KELTONE* - sodium alginate (KELTONE*HV) 2 KELTROL* - Xanthan gum (KELTROL*T) 40 3 Clar. LBG - Clarified locust bean gum 'DCPA - dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (calcium source) 'Calgon - Sodium hexametaphosphate (sequestrant) 6 MANUGEL* - sodium alginate

(MANUGEL*DMB)

WO 00/36930 - 15 - PCTIUS99/29849 Example 7 - Sour Cream A sour cream composition was prepared by: (1) adding 594.48 g of non-fat milk and 558 g of manufacturing cream (40% butterfat) to a mixing 5 vessel, then adding 30 g non-fat milk solids, followed by heating the mixture to 49 0 C (120 0 F); (2) adding 0.90 g Keltone HV, 1.20 g Kelgum (1:1 LBG:xanthan gum, Nutrasweet/Kelco, San Diego CA), and 2.40 g 74K Emulsifier (American Ingredients, 10 Kansas City, MO) and hydrating the mixture under agitation; (3) heating the mixture to 60-71 0 C (140-1600F) to partially pasteurize the mixture; (4) preheating a homogenizer with boiling water and 15 homogenizing the mixture in two stages (first stage 2000 psi; second stage 500 psi); (5) pasteurizing the homogenized mixture at 85 0 C (185 0 F) for 5 minutes, and cooling to 23 0 C (74 0 F); (7) inoculating with 12.00 g DSG 2000-30 starter 20 culture (Hansen, Los Angeles, CA); (8) filling clean containers; (9) incubating at 22 0 C (720F) for 14 -16 hours or until a total acidity of 0.70% or pH 4.5; and (10) cooling to 4 0 C (40 0 F). 25 In this type of composition, the gelatin level would be 0.4% of a 250 Bloom type. Ingredients - Ex. 7 - Sour Cream Grams Percent Milk, non-fat 594.48 49.58 30 Manufacturing Cream, 40% butterfat 558.00 46.54 Milk solids, non-fat 30.00 2.50 DSG 2000 - 30 starter culture 12.00 1.00 (Hansen) 74K emulsifier (American Ingredients) 2.40 0.20 35 Keltone HV 0.90 0.08 Kelgum 1.20 0.10 Total 1202.88 100.00 WO 00/36930 - 16 - PCT/US99/29849 Example 8 - Low Fat Yogurt A low fat yogurt was prepared by: (1) preblending all ingredients listed below including the milk solids, sugar, the gums, and the pectin; 5 (2) adding 20.16 g ISOSWEET 100 high fructose corn syrup (Staley, Decatur, IL) to 1065.84 g milk (2% fat) under moderate stirring to prevent air entrainment (<350 rpm with a propeller mixer); (3) adding the dry blend of step (1) slowly to the 10 milk-fructose solution in a 2 liter stainless steel container in a double boiler arrangement on a stove with moderate stirring; (4) heating the mixture to 60 - 71 0 C (140 - 160 0 F) to partially pasteurize it; 15 (5) preheating the homogenizer with boiling water and homogenizing the mixture with a two-stage process (2000 psi first stage and 500 psi second stage); (6) pasteurizing the homogenized mixture at 88*C (1900F) for 8 minutes; 20 (7) cooling the mixture to 40 - 41 0 C (104 - 106*F); (8) inoculating the mixture with starter culture using sterile utensils, by completely stirring in the culture (a10 minutes with moderate agitation); and (9) incubating the mixture at 40 - 41 0 C (104 - 106 0 F) 25 until the pH reaches 4.5 - 4.2 (3% - 5 hours) in sanitized containers. Ingredients - Ex. 8 - Low fat yogurt Grams Percent Milk, 2% fat 1065.84 88.77 Milk solids, non-fat powder 48.72 4.06 30 Sugar, granular 47.88 3.99 ISOSWEET 100 high fructose corn syrup 20.16 1.68 (Staley) YC 180 starter culture (Hansen) 15.60 1.30 Low-methoxy pectin 104AS (Aqualon, 1.20 0.10 35 Wilmington, DE) Keltone HV 0.60 0.05 Kelgum 0.60 0.05 Total 11200.,60100.00 WO 00/36930 - 17 - PCT/US99/29849 Example 9 - Chocolate Pudding A chocolate pudding was prepared by: (1) blending all dry ingredients together and sifting; 5 (2) placing the dry ingredients in a saucepan and gradually adding 71C (45 0 F) milk while stirring; (3) heating the mixture on a stove over low heat and gradually bringing to a boil while on low heat, stirring constantly; 10 (4) As soon as the mixture starts to boil, immediately pouring into pudding dishes and cooling at room temperature or refrigerating for 20 - 30 minutes. Ingredients - Ex. 9 - Chocolate Pudding Grams Percent 15 Sugar, granular 58.32 10.39 COKAY #35 Dutch cocoa 12.01 2.14 CLEARJEL modified waxy maize starch 8.42 1.50 (National Starch, Bridgewater, NJ) MELOJEL corn starch (National Starch) 5.61 1.00 20 Tetrasodium pyrophosphate 2.02 0.36 Keltone HV 0.56 0.10 Kelgum 0.42 0.075 Salt 0.56 0.10 Calcium Sulfate 0.50 0.09 25 Whole Milk, 2 cups 473.09 84.28 Total 561. 51 100.00 Example 10 - Imitation Mavonnaise 30 An imitation mayonnaise was prepared by: (1) dry blending all dry ingredients listed below except the salt; (2) adding the dry blend to 724 g water; (3) mixing at medium speed until the mixture is 35 homogeneous (3 - 5 minutes); (4) adding 40 g salt and mixing for 1 minute; (5) adding 80 g fresh egg yolk and mixing for 5 minutes; WO 00/36930 - 18 - PCT/US99/29849 (6) adding 800 g vegetable oil and mixing for 3 minutes with increased mixing speed; (7) adding 160 g vinegar and mixing for 3 minutes to obtain a crude emulsion with no separation; 5 (8) homogenizing the mixture using a colloid mill with a setting of 0.25 mm (0.01 in), using if necessary a pump to force the mixture through the mill. Ingredients - Ex. 10 - Imitation Grams Percent 10 Mayonnaise Vegetable oil, soybean 800.00 39.92 Water 724.00 36.12 Vinegar, white, 10% (100 grain) 160.00 7.98 Sugar, granular 140.00 6.99 15 Egg yolks, fresh 80.00 3.99 ULTRA - TEX 4 instant starch 40.00 2.00 (National Starch). Salt 40.00 2.00 Mustard powder 10.00 0.50 20 Sodium citrate, hydrous (Pfizer, 4.00 0.20 Groton, CT) Keltone HV 2.00 0.10 Kelgum 4.00 0.20 Total 2004.00 100.00 25 Example 11 - Marshmallow Creme A marshmallow creme was prepared by: A. Preparing "Part 1" as follows: 30 (1) dry blending 1.5 g Keltone HV and 2.00 g Kelgum with approximately 5 % of the sugar (-12.55 g) allotted to the preparation of Part 1, dispersing the blend in 343.6 g water with good mechanical stirring; 35 (2) stirring and heating the solution to 80 0 C (176 0 F) until the gum blend is completely hydrated (about 10 minutes); (3) dry - blending the remaining sugar (-238.45 g) and 1.00 g calcium chloride and adding the 40 resulting dry blend to the hydrated gum blend WO 00/36930 - 19 - PCT/US99/29849 or step A(1) and continuing to mix for one minute; (4) slowly adding 1400 g corn syrup (42 DE, Staley) to the mixture while maintaining the 5 temperature at 80 0 C (176"F); (5) heating the mixture to 990C (2100F) and continuing heating until the soluble solids reach 78% (BRIX 78) as determined by a hand held refractometer; and 10 (6) cooling the mixture to about 54 0 C (130 0 F) before combining with Part 2; B. Preparing "Part 2" as follows: (1) slowly adding 88.5 g egg white solids to 15 water; (2) adding 177 g sugar and continuing to mix until homogenous (about 30 minutes); (3) storing in a refrigerator (4 0 C) until ready for use; 20 C. Combining Part 1 and Part 2 as follows: (1) combining 925.0 g of Part 1 (cooled to about 54 0 C (130 0 F) and 75.0 g of Part 2 (warmed to room temperature), using a 5 - quart Hobart 25 mixer at the lowest speed and equipped with a wire whip; (2) adding vanillin and continuing to mix for one minute; (3) cooling to 4 0 C (120 0 F), whipping at high 30 speed to approximately 100 - 120% overrun.

WO 00/36930 20 PCTIUS99/29849 Ingredients - Ex. 11 - Marshmallow Grams Percen Creme t 1. Sugar syrup base Corn syrup, 42 DE Staley 1300 1400 70.018 5 Water 343.6 17.184 Sugar, granular 251 12.553 Keltone HV 1.50 0.075 Kelgum 2.00 0.100 Calcium chloride, dihydrate 1.00 0.050 10 powdered Vanillin 0.4 0.020 Total 1999.5 100.00 2. Egg syrup base Water 734.5 73.45 15 Sugar, granular 177 17.70 P20 egg white solids (Henningsen 88.5 8.85 Foods, Omaha, NB) Total 1000 100.00 20 Example 12 - Jelly Candy A jelly candy was prepared by: (1) placing 700 g deionized water in the cooking kettle and adding 2.50 g sodium citrate; 25 (2) dry blending 22.80 g Keltone HV and 18.20 g Kelgum with 98.0 g of the sugar and mixing the blend into the water/sodium citrate solution of step (1); (3) continuing to stir while heating to boiling and holding at boiling for one minute; 30 (4) slowly adding 330 g 42 DE Staley 1300 corn syrup and 330 g 62 DE Staley 4300 corn syrup and the remainder of the sugar while not breaking the boil; (5) adding 0.5 g calcium phosphate monobasic 35 (Mallinckrodt, St. Louis, Missouri) and 1.40 g disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate (Solutia, St. Louis, MO); (6) cooking to approximately 76% BRIX [( 107*C) 224 0

F];

WO 00/36930 - 21 - PCT/US99/29849 (7) adding 0.10 g FD&C Yellow #6, 10% solution, 0.83 g natural and artificial orange flavor #13512935 (IFF, Dayton, NJ), 0.05 g 3FUB lecithin (Central Soya, Ft. Wayne, IN) and 8.20 g citric acid 5 solution (40% hydrous-monohydrate, Pfizer) and mixing thoroughly; (8) depositing the mixture into warm, dry starch molds and heating at 40 - 43 0 C (105 - 110 0 F) for 40 hours; and 10 (9) removing candies from the starch mold and brushing off the starch, followed by steaming and sugar sanding. Ingredients - Ex. 12 - Jelly Candy Grams Percent 15 Water, deionized 700.00 38.302 Sugar, granular 413.00 22.598 Corn syrup, 42 DE Staley 1300 330.00 18.056 Corn syrup, 62 DE Staley 4300 330.00 18.056 Keltone HV 22.80 1.248 20 Kelgum 18.20 .996 Citric acid solution, 40% hydrous- 8.20 .449 monohydrate (Pfizer) Sodium citrate, hydrous (Pfizer) 2.50 .137 disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate 1.40 .077 25 (Solutia) Natural & artificial orange flavor 0.83 .045 Calcium phosphate, monobasic 0.52 .028 (Mall inckrodt) FD&C Yellow #6, 10% solution 0.10 .005 30 Lecithin, 3FUB (Central Soya) 0o.o05 .003 Total 1827.60 100.00 Example 13 - Canned Pet Food 35 A canned pet food composition was prepared by: (1) blending 1.50 g Keltone V, 2.50 g Kelgum and 5.00 g SUPERCOL G2 guar gum (Rhodia, Cranbury, NJ) and dispersing in cold water with shear, continuing mixing for 10 minutes; WO 00/36930 - 22 - PCT/US99/29849 (2) adding the gum dispersion of step (1) to cold (41C) meat and mixing well; and (3) sealing the product in cans, followed by retort at 121"C (250 0 F) for 60 minutes. 5 Ingredients - Ex. 13 - Canned Pet Food Grams Percent Meat (Offals or hamburger) 700.00 69.90 Water 292.40 29.20 10 SUPERCOL G2H guar gum (Rhodia) 5.00 0.50 Keltone HV 1.50 0.15 Kelgum 2.50 0.25 Total 1 100 15 Example 14 - Savory (Meat Flavored) Food Aspic A meat flavored food aspic was prepared by: (1) dispersing 1.00 g Keltone HV and 1.25 g Kelgum in 496 g water using high shear and, while stirring, 20 heating the dispersion to BOC (1760F) and holding the solution at 80 0 C for 10 minutes; (2) adding to the dispersion of step (1) 0.50 g calcium sulfate, 1.5 g salt and 1.5 g MAGGI #7821 hydrolyzed plant protein beef flavor (L.J. Minor, 25 Cleveland, OH), mixing for 1 minute; and (3) pouring into appropriate containers, then allowing to cool to room temperature or chill. Ingredients - Ex. 14 - Savory (Meat Grams Percent 30 Flavored) Food Aspic Water 496 98.854 MAGGI #7821 hydrolyzed plant protein 1.50 0.299 beef flavor (L.J. Minor) Keltone HV 1.00 0.199 35 Kelgum 1.25 0.249 Salt 1.5 0.299 calcium sulfate 0.50 0.100 Total 501.75 100.00 WO 00/36930 - 23 - PCT/US99/29849 Other variations and modifications of this invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. This invention is not limited except as set forth in the claims.

Claims (29)

1. A gelling composition comprising a blend of an alginate (A), a hydrocolloid (B) and a galactomannan (C), wherein the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) is about 0.1:1 to about 1.5:1 and the ratio by weight of B:C is about 0.8:1 to about 1.2:1.

2. A gelling composition of claim 1, wherein the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) is about 0.5:1 to about 1:1.

3. A gelling composition of claim 1, wherein the alginate is derived from giant kelp.

4. A gelling composition of claim 1, wherein the hydrocolloid is xanthan gum.

5. A gelling composition of claim 1, wherein the galactomannan is selected from the group consisting of locust bean gum, tara gum or guar gum.

6. A gelling composition of claim 1, wherein the hydrocolloid is clarified.

7. A gelling composition of claim 1, wherein the galactomannan is clarified.

8. A gel composition comprising (i) about 0.1 percent to about 4 percent by weight of a blend of an alginate (A), a hydrocolloid (B) and a galactomannan (C), wherein the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) is about 0.1:1 to about 1.5:1 and the ratio by weight of B:C is about 0.8:1 to about 1.2:1; and WO 00/36930 PCT/US99/29849 - 25 (ii) water.

9. A gel composition of claim 8, wherein the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) is about 0.5:1 to about 1:1.

10. A gel composition of claim 8, wherein the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) is about 1:1 to about 1.5:1.

11. A gel composition of claim 8, wherein said gelling composition is present in an amount of about 0.01 percent to about 0.3 percent by weight of the gel composition.

12. A gel composition of claim 8, wherein said gelling composition is present in an amount of about 0.3 percent to about 0.5 percent by weight of the gel composition.

13. A gel composition of claim 8, wherein said gelling composition is present in an amount of about 0.5 percent to about 1 percent by weight of the gel composition.

14. A gel composition of claim 8, wherein said gelling composition is present in an amount of about 1 percent to about 4 percent by weight of the gel composition.

15. A gel composition of claim 8, wherein the alginate is derived from giant kelp.

16. A gel composition of claim 8, wherein the hydrocolloid is xanthan gum.

17. A gel composition of claim 8, wherein the galactomannan is selected from the group WO 00/36930 - 26 - PCTIUS99/29849 consisting of locust bean gum, tara gum or guar gum.

18. A gel composition of claim 8, wherein the hydrocolloid is clarified.

19. A gel composition of claim 8, wherein the galactomannan is clarified.

20. A gel composition of claim 8, further comprising at least one sweetener in an amount effective to sweeten the composition.

21. A food product comprising one or more food ingredients and a gelling composition, wherein the gelling composition comprises a blend of an alginate (A), a hydrocolloid (B) and a galactomannan (C), wherein the ratio by weight of A:(B+C) is about 0.1:1 to about 1.5:1, and the ratio by weight of B:C is about 0.8:1 to about 1.2:1.

22. A food product of claim 21, wherein the food ingredient is selected from the group consisting of dairy products, sour creams, yogurts, puddings, beverages, toppings, sauces, and gravies.

23. A food product of claim 21, wherein the food ingredient is selected from the group consisting of pet foods, restructured meats, and aspics.

24. A food product of claim 21, wherein the food ingredient is selected from the group consisting of dessert gel formulations, dessert fillings and pastry fillings. WO 00/36930 - 27 - PCT/US99/29849

25. A food product of claim 21, wherein the food ingredient is selected from the group consisting of vegetable gel formulations, fruit gel formulations, fish gel formulations, jelly formulations, jelly candy formulations, jam formulations and mixtures thereof.

26. A food product of claim 21, comprising an amount of the gelling composition from about 0.3 percent to about 0.5 percent by weight of the food product, wherein the ratio of A:(B+C) is less than about 0.5:1.

27. A food product of claim 21, comprising an amount of the gelling composition from about 0.01 percent to about 0.3 percent by weight of the food product, wherein the ratio of A:(B+C) is greater than about 0.5:1.

28. A food product of claim 21, comprising an amount of the gelling composition from about 0.5 percent to about 1 percent by weight of the food product, wherein the ratio of A:(B+C) is about 0.5:1 to about 1:1.

29. A food product of claim 21, comprising an amount of the gelling composition from about 1 percent to about 4 percent by weight of the food product, wherein the ratio of A:(B+C) is greater than about 1:1.