The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 17, 2001
Filed:
Jul. 20, 1999
David Arthur Lanner, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Yen-Ping Chin Hsieh, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Michael Weber, Fairfield, OH (US);
Pamela Susan Wehner, Harrison, OH (US);
Barbara Ann Anderson, Cincinnati, OH (US);
Maria Dolores Martinez-Serna Villagran, Mason, OH (US);
The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH (US);
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,(8.66 cm,) to about 40 inches,(15.75 cm,), 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.