EP2117347A2

EP2117347A2 - Protein-based food product and associated production method

Info

Publication number: EP2117347A2
Application number: EP07856478A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jutta Hoffmann; Michael Ahlers
Original assignee: Gelita AG
Current assignee: Gelita AG
Priority date: 2007-01-09
Filing date: 2007-12-08
Publication date: 2009-11-18
Also published as: BRPI0720798A2; US20090269455A1; DE102007002295A1; CN101616601A; JP2010515431A; MX2009007362A; WO2008083802A3; WO2008083802A2

Abstract

The aim of the invention is to obtain a food product, in particular a snack product, which has a favourable nutrient physiology and a crispy, brittle texture, and an associated production method. To achieve this, the food product is substantially devoid of starch and has a foamed structure and the solid content has a protein fraction of at least approximately 25 % by weight, at least 65 % by weight of the protein fraction consisting of gelatin and/or collagen hydrolysate.

Description

Protein-based food product and method of

manufacturing

The present invention relates to a food product, in particular snack product, based on protein. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a food product.

As snacks, products of high popularity, which are distinguished by a crisp, brittle texture (e.g., chips, crackers, pretzel sticks, and the like), are particularly popular. Such snack products consist almost exclusively or to a large extent of carbohydrates, in particular starch, and in many cases a high fat content is added, since the desired crispy texture is obtained by frying (for example in potato chips).

Because of this high carbohydrate and possibly fat content, these snack foods are extremely unfavorable from a nutritional point of view, so there is a need for alternative products. In DE 30 39 348 Al an extruded, foamed snack protein-based product with a content of 51 to 95 wt .-% protein in the dry part is described, wherein the protein from 30 to 70 wt .-% caseinate and optionally casein, 2 to 25 wt .-% cereal protein and 10 to 70 wt .-% soy protein. However, these products also contain carbohydrates and fat, which are mainly incorporated in the product together with soy protein and the grain protein.

The object of the present invention is to provide a food product, in particular a snack product, and a method for its production to propose, which is nutritionally beneficial and which at the same time has a crisp, brittle texture.

This object is achieved in the food product of the type mentioned in the present invention that the food product has a solids content of 80 wt .-% or more, is substantially free of starch and has a foam structure, wherein the solids content of 25 wt .-% protein or having more than 65% by weight or more of gelatin and / or collagen hydrolyzate.

The food products according to the invention are not only suitable for human consumption, but can also be used as animal food, for example for dogs and fish.

The term "essentially free of starch" in the context of the present invention is to be understood to mean that the food product has a starch content of about 5% by weight or less. However, the amount of starch can also be significantly lower or, depending on the purity of the raw materials used, essentially zero. Such food products according to the invention are particularly suitable as foods for celiac disease (Sprue) patients suffering from gluten protein incompatibility. In any case, as the basis for the food product of the present invention, protein, i. Gelatin and / or collagen hydrolyzate, which is advantageous over starch-based products in two respects: protein is not only more nutritionally beneficial, but also has a faster saturating effect than starch, thus counteracting the phenomenon commonly found in snack foods that too much of the product.

Conventional potato chips are sometimes highly contaminated with carcinogenic acrylamide because of their manufacturing process. It arises in the Maillard reaction when overheating starch, especially when frying. The snack product according to the invention is essentially free of starch and the Manufacturing process does not require high temperatures. Thus, the risk of acrylamide formation is greatly reduced.

Other proteins which may supplement the content of gelatin and / or collagen hydrolyzate are in particular soya proteins, caseinate, whey proteins and egg white. These further proteins can be used individually or as a mixture of two or more further proteins and amount to up to 35% by weight of the protein content.

According to a solid content of 80% by weight or more, the water content (moisture) of the food product of the present invention is 20% by weight or less.

The food product according to the invention is much less questionable than conventional snack products, especially in overweight.

The desired texture, i. The crunchiness and friability described above are achieved in the context of the present invention on the one hand by the fact that the food product has a foam structure. However, with a foaming structure of a commercial gelatin alone (e.g., having a bloom value of 200 to 300 g), these requirements can not be satisfied because a product having a tacky toughened and sticky texture is obtained.

Surprisingly, it has been found in the context of the present invention that a reduction in the average molecular weight of the protein used can produce a crisp and brittle product which does not have this disadvantage.

In this case, for example, a low-bloom gelatin (with, for example, about 100 bloom) alone or a mixture of different gelatins with different bloom values can optionally be used successfully together with collagen hydrolyzate become. Sensory very interesting products can be prepared, for example, with a hochbloomigen gelatin in combination with collagen hydrolyzate.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protein content in the solids content is 50% by weight or more, more preferably 80% by weight or more. These food products are particularly suitable for a high-protein diet.

The residual solids content may e.g. flavors, spices, vegetable pieces or the like, or in the case of sweet food products of flavors, fruit pieces, nuts and the like.

In addition, the food products of the present invention may be decorated on their surface with fruit, vegetable, nut or other solid food products. The food product according to the invention takes on the role of a carrier for this decoration. However, such decorations are not included in the calculation of the composition of the food product.

The Bloom value indicates the gel strength of a gelled at 10 ⁰ C, 6.67 wt% gelatin solution and is determined according to the standard Bloom test which in the 4th edition of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur. 4) is described. Low-Bloom Gelatins have a lower average molecular weight compared to conventional, higher-bloomer gelatin types.

According to a variant of the invention, the protein portion of the food product comprises gelatin and 10% by weight or more of collagen hydrolyzate. In contrast to gelatin, which in turn constitutes a hydrolysis product of collagen, the term "collagen hydrolyzate" in the context of the present invention means a hydrolyzed product which no longer gels under the conditions of the standard bromine test, ie has a bloom strength of zero g. Collagen hydrolyzate can also be prepared in particular by the enzymatic hydrolysis of gelatin.

A proportion of 10% by weight of collagen hydrolyzate already leads to a noticeable effect on the texture of the food product according to the invention. In preferred embodiments, the protein portion comprises 35% by weight or more of collagen hydrolyzate. In the selection of the weight fraction, in particular, the bloom value of the gelatin used also plays a role, i. in a high blood gelatin, more collagen hydrolyzate is preferably used than in low blood gelatin to achieve the same effect.

Excessive levels of collagen hydrolyzate can result in a sandy texture of the food product. The protein content therefore preferably comprises up to 85% by weight of collagen hydrolyzate, in particular when using highly oily gelatin. Particularly preferred is a content of collagen hydrolyzate of up to 80 wt .-%. Frequently, proportions of 45 to 75% by weight of collagen hydrolyzate lead to optimum results.

The collagen hydrolyzate typically used in the present invention has an average molecular weight of about 0.1 to about 30 kDa. Preferably, the average molecular weight is in the range of about 0.5 to about 20 kDa, in particular about 1 to about 12 kDa.

The texture of the food product according to the invention when consumed is also influenced by its water content. Preferably, a water content of about 8 to about 14 wt .-%, in particular from about 10 to about 12 wt .-%. At too high water contents, the food product tends to feel soft and spongy on chewing. In comparison with known starch-based snack products, the food product according to the invention is characterized by a lower water absorption from the environment, so that it remains fresh and crisp longer after the packaging has been opened. Preferably, the food product comprises salt, spices and / or flavorings. In this case, all the flavors can be realized, which are also known in conventional snack products, such as paprika, onion or vinegar flavor.

A typical proportion of spices and / or flavorings and / or salt is about 2 to 6 wt .-% of the total weight of the food product according to the invention.

In consideration of the objective of offering a starch-free food product as far as possible, the spices are selected so as to have a carbohydrate content of 45% by weight or less.

The spices and flavorings may also be accompanied by a fat content, but regularly does not exceed about 3 wt .-% based on the content of spices / flavorings.

The said additives can be distributed homogeneously in the protein portion. However, it is particularly favorable if the salt, the spices and / or the flavorings are applied to the outer surfaces of the food product. It has been found that in this case lower amounts of additives must be used to achieve the same flavor effect.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the food product comprises one or more sugars, sugar substitutes and / or synthetic sweeteners. In this way, the food product according to the invention can be used in the confectionery sector, for example as starch-free (and when using sweeteners also carbohydrate-free) alternative to biscuits or the like. When sugar is used as a constituent of the formulation, a proportion of gelatin of about 6% by weight or more of the total weight of solids is recommended to stabilize the foam structure in the manufacturing process.

However, sugar-free food products according to the invention are particularly preferred.

Preferably, the food product is fat free. In the context of the present invention, fat-free is understood as meaning a content of about 3% by weight or less of the total weight of the food product. Addition of fat is not required in the context of the present invention either for reasons of taste or for reasons of the manufacturing process, as e.g. when frying potato chips is required. The food product according to the invention thus offers the possibility of a starch- and fat-free alternative to conventional snack products.

In addition to the selection of raw materials, the density of the food product also has an effect on its texture when consumed. The density can be set within a wide range during the production of the foam structure in the context of the production method according to the invention (see below), and is preferably in the range from about 0.05 to about 0.8 g / cm ³ , in particular from about 0 , 1 to about 0.5 g / cm ³ . The average pore size of the foam structure is preferably in the range of about 30 microns to about 4 mm.

The food products of the present invention having very low specific gravity (about 0.05 g / cm ³ or more) find use, for example, as fish food.

Food products for human consumption generally have specific densities of about 0.1 g / cm ³ or more. Above about 0.8 g / cm ³ often the bite strength of the food product according to the invention becomes too large. Preferred specific densities are often about 0.5 g / cm ³ or less.

The food product of the present invention may be presented in various forms, especially in the form of crisps, crackers, biscuits, croutons or the like. It can be used especially as a snack or in the form of croutons for seasoning salads or soups. Another form are cereal substitutes. Also suitable for use as a filler in chocolate bars.

The above object is achieved in the method of the aforementioned type according to the invention in that the method comprises:

a) providing an aqueous solution containing 5 to 60 wt .-% gelatin and / or collagen hydrolyzate;

b) foaming the aqueous solution; and

c) drying the foamed solution to obtain a food product having a foam structure.

The production process according to the invention is relatively easy to carry out, since the food product does not have to be extruded, fried or baked. The desired crisp texture of the product is obtained in particular by frothing the desired raw materials and drying the solution to form a solid foam structure. Extrusion, however, has advantages in the industrial manufacturing process for chip products.

The criteria for selecting the gelatin and optionally the collagen hydrolyzate have already been described in connection with the food product according to the invention. The choice of the total concentration of gelatin and / or collagen hydrolyzate in the starting solution in step a) takes place from the viewpoint that if the concentration is too low, the product breaks down after drying and foaming of the solution is problematical if the concentration is too high and the product is also problematic gets too hard. Particularly good results are obtained when the aqueous solution contains a total of 20 to 40 wt .-% gelatin and / or collagen hydrolyzate.

Further soluble and insoluble formulation ingredients are preferably added to the aqueous solution prior to foaming. In particular larger particles, e.g. Nuts, vegetables and / or fruit pieces, even after foaming can be lifted under the foam or sprinkled onto the product.

The foaming of the solution can be done by various techniques. Preferably, the solution is mechanically disrupted, in particular by means of a Kesselaufschlagmischers, a pressure impact mixer or a static mixer. Furthermore, foaming can take place by introducing a gas stream, in particular an air stream, into the solution.

By choosing different foaming processes and / or the intensity of the foaming, the wet density of the foamed solution can be influenced. This has a direct influence on the density of the prepared food product after drying and on the average pore size of the foam structure. As already described above, these factors in turn have an influence on the texture (crunchiness, brittleness) of the food product.

Preferably, the solution is provided at a temperature of about 40 ^° C or more, especially when gelatin forms part of the formulation of the aqueous solution. More preferably, the temperature is about 60 ⁰ C or more. In contrast, the impact of the aqueous solution in step (b) is preferably carried out at temperatures in the range from about 20 ^° C. to about 50 ^° C.

Depending on the desired shape of the product, the foamed solution may be poured into a suitable mold prior to drying. Particularly preferably, the foamed solution before drying on a substrate, in particular on a belt, a roller or the like, applied. This enables a continuous manufacturing process and provides a sheet product, which is then e.g. can be cut or broken into individual pieces of the desired size.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the foamed solution is flash-frozen before drying. The flash-freezing is preferably carried out in portions, in particular by dropping the foamed solution into liquid nitrogen. In this way, products with a spherical shape can be obtained.

Drying the foamed solution takes place preferably at a temperature below about 60 ⁰ C, more preferably below about 30 ⁰ C. gelled before or during the drying process, the gelatin used, so-that at high temperatures there is a risk that the gelatin melts again and the foam structure collapses. In order to accelerate the gelling, the foamed solution can also be cooled before drying, which is advantageously done by applying the foamed solution, for example, to a cooled conveyor belt or a cooled roller.

The relative humidity during drying of the foamed solution is preferably about 10 to about 45%, in particular about 10 to about 25%. The drying may also be carried out in two or more stages, ie, with the temperature stepped up and / or the relative humidity stepped down. Another preferred option is the freeze-drying of the foamed solution. This offers itself in particular following the shock freezing described above.

Salt, spices and / or flavorings can either be added to the aqueous solution prior to foaming or applied to the outer surfaces of the food product after foaming in the inventive method. As already mentioned, the second variant is preferred insofar as a greater taste effect can be achieved with the same amount.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further described by the following examples.

Example 1:

Production of salty snack products

An aqueous solution was prepared which contained 7.5% by weight of pork rind gelatin (260 bloom), 22.5% by weight of collagen hydrolyzate (average molecular weight 3 kD) and a total of 3% by weight of salt and spice mixture. As an alternative to pork rind gelatin, a bovine cleavage gelatin of the same Bloom value can also be used.

The solution was applied by means of a pressure impaction machine named "Mondomix Haas" type VS-06 under the following parameters: speed of the pump: 100 rpm, inlet temperature: 60 ^° C., mixing head speed: 1000 rpm, mixing head pressure: 3.4 bar, air inlet: 49.1 l / h, back pressure: 3 bar, outlet temperature: 31.7 ⁰ C, wet density foam: 0.3 g / cm ³ .

The foam was applied to baking paper by means of a squeegee at a height of 1.5 mm. After the foam was firm, it became 2x2 cm in size Cut chips that were dried at 26 ⁰ C and a relative humidity of 10%. After that, the chips were broken at their interface.

In the sensory examination, the chips had a pleasant crisp, brittle texture.

FIG. 1 shows a slightly schematic representation of a photomicrograph of a break point of a chip according to the invention produced according to Example 1

Example 2:

Production of salty snack products

An aqueous solution was prepared which contained 15% by weight of pork rind gelatin (260 g Bloom), 15% by weight of collagen hydrolyzate (average molecular weight 3 kDa) and a total of 5% by weight of salt and spice mixture.

The solution was applied to a pressure beater (as described in Example 1) opened, so that a foam with a wet density of about 0.3 g / cm ³ was obtained.

The foam was spread using a squeegee at a height of 1.5 mm on a flat surface (baking paper). After the foam was firm, it was cut into approximately 2x2 cm chips, which were dried at 26 ⁰ C and a relative humidity of 10%.

In the sensory evaluation, the chips had a nice crunchy, brittle texture.

Similar chips can be produced if, instead of the gelatin and the collagen hydrolyzate, an aqueous solution containing 30% by weight a gelatin with a Bloom value of about 100 g is used. In the sensory assessment, the chips are a little less crisp, but still acceptable.

Example 3:

Production of salty snack products

Fifteen wt% SSW (120 bloom) + 15 wt% collagen hydrolyzate (6 kD) were solubilized together in water. Further processing was carried out as described in Example 1.

The drying can be carried out at a maximum of 60 ^° C. and at least 20 ^° C. Here, different drying zones, ie different temperatures can be used. In the pilot plant was dried only at 26 ⁰ C.

Alternatively, a drying of the chips at temperatures below 20 ⁰ C or a freeze-drying is possible.

In the sensory evaluation, the chips had a pleasant crisp, brittle texture.

Example 4:

Production of salty snack products

22.5 wt% bovine bone gelatin (95 bloom) + 7.5 wt% collagen hydrolyzate (6kD) were solubilized together in water. The further processing was carried out as in Example 1.

However, the product obtained is sensorially tougher than in Example 1. This product is suitable as pet food, eg as dog food. Example 5:

Making sweet chips

An aqueous solution containing 12% by weight of pork skin gelatin (140 g Bloom), 5% by weight collagen hydrolyzate (average molecular weight 3 kDa), 32.4% by weight sucrose, 5.5% by weight glucose syrup and 0 , 1% by weight of citric acid, dye and flavor. The foaming of the solution on a pressure impaction machine and the further processing were carried out as described in Example 1.

It got sweet chips with an appealing crisp, brittle texture.

Example 6:

Production of sweet chips / biscuits / poppies for cereal bars as a carbon substitute

11% by weight pigskin gelatin (120 bloom) + 18% by weight collagen hydrolyzate (3 kD) + 0.2% flavor, 1% citric acid, 1% dye, 0.02% sweetener were made into an aqueous solution.

The use of sucrose instead of sweetener leads to a crystalline texture in the chips, so that sensory not necessarily collagen hydrolyzate is necessary here. In this example, therefore, it is also possible to use gelatin with sugar alone.

For the production of round shapes / balls, eg for poppies (instead of flat products for crisps and biscuits), the foam is either poured into round molds and taken out of the mold after gelation, or in liquid Nitrogen dripped, and then dried in the oven as the chips.

The sensory evaluation results in a pleasant crisp, brittle texture.

Other possible applications depending on composition:

Snack for dogs, fish food, cereal substitutes (poppies) for muesli with milk or in a cereal bar or as a biscuit layer in a bar or chocolate.

Example 7:

Shelf life of the chips

In the experiments summarized in the following table, the shelf life and the moisture absorption of various chip formulations A to F were compared to conventional chip products G to K checked.

First, it is noticeable that the chips according to the invention have a higher water content than conventional products and nevertheless have comparable sensory properties.

After 5 days of open storage, all products increase in their water content. While the conventional chip products (G to K) thereby lose their advantageous sensory properties, they remain essentially unchanged in the products (A to F) according to the invention.

After the food products according to the invention, especially in snack or crisp form can be produced largely without fat or completely fat-free, also eliminates the problem of rancidity when stored in atmospheric oxygen.

In the table mean:

Gelatin A: Bovine Bone Gelatin 95 Bloom Hydrolyzate A: Collagen Hydrolyzate 6 KDa Gelatin B: Bovine Cleavage Gelatin 50 Bloom Hydrolysate B: Collagen Hydrolysate 12 KDa Gelatin C: Pork Wait Gelatin 260 Bloom Hydrolysate C: Collagen Hydrolyzate 3 KDa

The collagen hydrolyzate used in Example 7 was obtained in each case on the raw material basis pork rind. Other collagen hydrolyzates e.g. on the raw material basis Cow split or bovine bone can be used with the same advantages.

Claims

A food product, in particular a snack product, based on protein with a solids content of about 80% by weight or more, wherein the food product is substantially free of starch and has a foam structure, and wherein the solids content has a protein content of about 25% by weight. % or more, which consists of about 65% by weight or more of gelatin and / or collagen hydrolyzate.

2. Food product according to claim 1, wherein the protein content is about 50 wt .-% or more of the solids content.

A food product according to claim 2, wherein the protein content is about 80% by weight or more of the solids content.

The food product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protein portion comprises about 10% by weight or more of collagen hydrolyzate.

The food product of claim 4, wherein the protein portion comprises about 35% by weight or more of collagen hydrolyzate.

A food product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protein portion comprises up to about 85% by weight of collagen hydrolyzate.

A food product according to claim 6, wherein the protein portion comprises up to about 80% by weight of collagen hydrolyzate.

The food product of claim 7, wherein the protein portion comprises from about 45 to about 75% by weight of collagen hydrolyzate.

The food product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the collagen hydrolyzate has an average molecular weight of about 0.1 to about 30 kDa.

10. Food product according to claim 9, wherein the collagen hydrolyzate has an average molecular weight of about 0.5 to about 20 kDa, in particular about 1 to about 12 kDa.

A food product according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the food product has a water content of from about 8 to about 14 weight percent, more preferably from about 10 to about 12 weight percent.

12. Food product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the food product comprises salt, spices and / or flavorings.

The food product of claim 12, wherein the salt, spices and / or flavorings are incorporated on the outer surfaces and / or outer layers of the food product.

A food product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the food product comprises one or more sugars, sugar substitutes and / or sweeteners.

A food product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the food product is substantially fat free.

16. Food product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the food product has a density of about 0.05 to about 0.8 g / cm ^3, in particular from about 0.1 to about 0.5 g / cm ^3, ,

17. Food according to one of the preceding claims in the form of chips, crackers, croutons, cereal substitutes or the like.

18. A process for producing a protein-based food product comprising:

a) providing an aqueous solution containing about 5 to about 60 wt .-% gelatin and / or collagen hydrolyzate;

b) foaming the aqueous solution; and

c) drying the foamed solution to obtain a food product having a foam structure.

The method of claim 18, wherein the aqueous solution contains collagen hydrolyzate at a level of 10% by weight or more based on the total protein content.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein the aqueous solution contains a total of about 20 to about 40 wt .-% gelatin and / or collagen hydrolyzate.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the solution with a temperature of about 40 ⁰ C or more, in particular about 60 ⁰ C or more provided.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the impact of the aqueous solution in step (b) at a temperature in the range of about 20 ⁰ C to about 50 ⁰ C is performed.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the foaming takes place by mechanical impact of the solution.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the whipping of the solution by means of a Kesselaufschlagmischers, a pressure impact mixer or a static mixer.

25. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the foaming of the solution by introducing a gas stream, in particular an air stream, takes place in the solution.

26. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the foamed solution is poured into a mold before drying and optionally provided with predetermined breaking points or cut into pieces.

27. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the whipped aqueous solution is extruded and cut after drying in a disk form.

28. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein the foamed solution from step (b) before drying and before or after informing to a temperature of about 25 ⁰ C or less, in particular about 15 ⁰ C or less, more preferably about 10 ⁰ C or less is cooled.

29. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 28, wherein the foamed solution before drying on a substrate, in particular on a belt, a roller or the like, is applied.

30. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the foamed solution is flash frozen before drying.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the foamed solution is dropped into liquid nitrogen.

32. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 31, wherein the drying of the foamed solution takes place at a temperature below about 60 ⁰ C.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the drying of the foamed solution takes place at a temperature below about 30 ⁰ C.

34. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 33, wherein the drying of the foamed solution at a relative humidity of about 10 to about 45%, in particular about 10 to about 25%, takes place.

35. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 34, wherein the foamed solution is freeze-dried.

36. The process according to any one of claims 18 to 35, wherein the drying in step (c) is carried out in two or more stages, wherein the temperature of the first drying step is lower than the temperature of the second drying step.

A process according to any one of claims 18 to 36, wherein the drying in step (c) is carried out in two or more stages, the first drying step being at a higher relative humidity than the second drying step.

38. A food product prepared according to a method according to any one of claims 18 to 37.