Edible composition comprising discrete fat-bearing particles in a

Abstract

The present invention provides an edible, non-pourable plastic or semi-plastic composition comprising 0.1 to 80% by weight of discrete, fat-bearing, plastic, semi-plastic, or liquid particles dispersed in a fat-bearing plastic or semi-plastic matrix, said matrix and said particles each comprising 10 to 100% by weight of fat, said particles having a size of about 0.04 mm to 10.0 mm and a Wiley mp less than 100.degree. F. Alternatively, either the matrix, or the particles or both the matrix and the particles may comprise sucrose polyesters. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a composition comprising discrete particles containing 10 to 100% by weight of fat and having a particle size of 0.04 to 10.0 mm in a margarine matrix comprising the steps of introducing 0.1 to 80% by weight of said particles into said matrix at a temperature below the melting point of the particles while the matrix is in a liquid supercooled state; and cooling the composition. In an advantageous alternative embodiment said particles are sprinkled onto said matrix while it is still in solid, extruded, strand form. The sprinkled strands are thereafter combined and extruded in the form of prints, sticks or bars. If the particles as they are sprinkled onto the extruded matrix are larger than 10.0 mm, they are comminuted to the size range of 0.04 to 10.0 mm by passage of the particle and matrix mixture through a suitable perforated plate.