Food containing fructose polymer

Abstract: There is provided a food and drink having a reduced oil, fat, or sugar content yet retaining good gelation properties and good organoleptic properties, etc. A part of or the whole of gelation materials, low calorie sugars and/or oils and fats is/are replaced with polyfructan.

Description: Field of the Invention: The present invention relates to a food or drink containing a fructose polymer mainly composed of β-2,1-bonds, hereinafter referred to as "polyfructan", as a substitute for oils, fats, and sugars and having improved gel properties compared with foods containing other oil, fat, or sugar substitutes and a creamy taste and texture equivalent to that derived from oils and fats and a method of producing such a food or drink. Discussion of the Background: In recent years, problems of obesity and hyperlipemia have increased due to excessive consumption of oils, fats and sugars, and decreased consumption of dietary fibers. It has been suggested that certain adult diseases, which are leading causes of death, such as cancer, heart diseases, etc., are associated with excessive consumption of oils, fats, and sugars and decreased consumption of dietary fibers. For these reasons, a low calorie diet has been hitherto prepared by adding sugar alcohols, gum substances and emulsion stabilizers, to foods as substitutes for oils, fats, and sugars. Examples of low calorie diet foods and methods for preparing the same include: a method for preparing cream or paste for confectioneries or baked goods (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 60-66936), soybean milk cream for coffee (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 60-153755), low fat, foamable oil in water emulsified fat (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 62-22563), low fat cream for whipping and a method for the preparation thereof (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 62-118855), low fat spread (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 62-232335) and low fat coffee whitener (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 63-87942). In order to substitute a low calorie sweetener having a high degree of sweetness, such as aspartame, for sugar, it is necessary to compensate for the lack of sugar-like volume and texture of the low calorie sweetener by adding a filler comprising a low calorie sugar or gelation material such as polydextrose. However, fillers tend to cause a heavy or "pasty" texture and/or an undesirable taste and flavor in the foods in which they are used. The substitution of sugar alcohols, gum substances, emulsion stabilizers, etc., for oils and fats tends to dilute the rich taste and flavor of foods. For example, the creamy good taste and smoothness of ice cream that results when fresh cream is used is seriously damaged when conventional cream substitutes are used. When low calorie materials available on the market such as polydextrose or dextrin, are used in food as substitutes for oils and fats, the food acquires a sour, pungent, or astringent taste or a floury flavor. These conventional low calorie materials used to reduce the amount of sugar or to increase bulk and texture or to create a creamy taste and texture fail to provide adequate taste and flavor. In addition, these materials tend to detrimentally affect such physical properties of food as shape retention, extensibility and stringiness. The use of low-molecular weight oligofructose designated as "raftilose" and "raftiline" as a food ingredient in order to substitute a part of the sugar and fat present in different foods is disclosed in "Soluble & Insoluble Bulking Agents", Conference presented on March 13, 1991 at Atlanta, Chemisch Magazine, May 1990, p. 22 to 25, international patent application no. WO 91/13076 and in Alimentation diététique et hygiène of October 1989. The oligosugars disclosed therein have polymerisation degrees of 3 to 50 which correspondes to a highest possible molecular weight of 9000. Furthermore, there was known a process for producing polyfructan polymers composed of fructose units bound by β-2,6-bonds (US-A-7 393 604). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, one object of this invention is to solve the defects associated with conventional oil and fat substitutes, low calorie sugars, gelation materials, and thickening agents, by providing a material which exhibits good gel properties and good organoleptic characteristics such as creamy taste and texture without any adverse effects on flavor, taste, and texture when incorporated into foods or drinks. A further object of this invention is to provide a material that may be used with a low calorie sweetener having a high degree of sweetness, as a substitute for sugar, to compensate for the lack of sugar-like volume and texture of the low calorie sweetener. A further object of this invention is to provide a material that may be used with water, milk, or a mixture of water and milk as an oil and fat substitute. A further object of this invention is to provide a material that may be used as a substitute for thickening agents and gelation materials. A further object of this invention is to provide a food or drink having reduced sugar, oil, or fat content yet retaining good gel properties and good organoleptic characteristics of taste and texture by substituting a material for oils and fats, conventional oil and fat substitutes, thickening agents, gelation materials, and low calorie sugars in foods or drinks. A further object of this invention is to provide a method of producing a food or drink having reduced sugar, oil, or fat content yet retaining good gel properties and good organoleptic characteristics of taste and texture by substituting a material for oils and fats, conventional oil and fat substitutes, thickening agents, gelation materials, and low calorie sugars in foods or drinks. According to the present invention, there is thus provided a food or drink containing a fructose polymer mainly composed of fructose bound by β-2,1-bonds and having a molecular weight in the range of 10,000 to 15,000,000 and a method of producing a food or drink with reduced oil, fat, and sugar content yet retaining good gelation properties and good organoleptic properties such as taste, texture, and flavor comprising substituting, wholly or partially, a fructose polymer as defined in any of the claims 1, 6 and 7 for oils and fats, oil and fat substitutes, gelation materials, thickening agents, and low calorie sugars. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As a result of extensively investigating a solution to the problems described above, the present inventors have found that by incorporating polyfructan composed mainly of β-2,1-bonds in foods as a substitute for oils, fats, low calorie sugars, thickening agents, and gelatin materials, it is possible to provide a food having good organoleptic characteristics such as creamy taste and texture and good gelation without adversely affecting flavor, taste, and texture as with conventional oil and fat substitutes, gelation materials, thickening agents, and low calorie sugars. The polyfructan used in the present invention is mainly composed of fructose bound by β-2,1-bonds and has a molecular weight in the range of 10,000 to 15,000,000. A polyfructan containing β-2,6-bonds as a branched chain may also be effective. To produce polyfructan, it is conventional to use a method for incubating the conidium of Aspergillus sydowi and sugar (Kawai et al., Agric. Biol. Chem., 37, 2111, 1973). The polyfructan may also be produced by other methods, such as using fructose transferase derived from yeast, Aspergillus oryzae , Aspergillus niger , Aureobasidium pullulans , etc., and sugar (such as sucrose) or inulin (derived from Jerusalem artichoke). As described hereinabove, the polyfructan used in the present invention is known. Because inulin is difficult to digest and because it helps Bifidobacterium to proliferate in the intestine, it is expected to be effective in relieving constipation. In addition, it may be applied to a patient with diabetes because it does not increase blood sugar even in a blood sugar load test, and it reduces the triglyceride and the cholesterol level in the blood and liver. It is assumed that polyfructan would have similar effects. Polyfructan can be applied in the form of a powder or liquid to such foods as breads or biscuits (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 61-187797). However, the characteristics of polyfructan are unknown and the application of polyfructan to specific foods because of its physical properties and functional characteristics, is as yet undeveloped. The present inventors have investigated the properties of polyfructan while trying to develop an industrial process for preparing it. As a result, they found that an aqueous paste composition of polyfructan has a texture similar to oils and fats. Furthermore, by substituting this composition for liquid oils and solid fats such as fresh cream, cream cheese, butter or salad oil, in various cooked and processed foods, the number of calories in the resulting food are greatly reduced without the adverse effects on flavor, taste and texture, associated with conventional oil and fat substitutes. For example, in foods using fresh cream, almost 70% can be replaced with the polyfructan paste without sacrificing the creamy texture, the rich taste, or the flavor of fresh cream. Furthermore, the properties of the fresh cream, such as the creamy texture and rich taste and flavor, are not damaged. By substituting gelation materials, thickening agents, and low calorie sugars such as polydextrose, with polyfructan or by combining these materials with polyfructan, properties such as increased viscosity, tough texture and sour pungent taste, can be markedly relieved. Thus, it is possible to approximate the properties of sugar, e.g., volume, water retention and moisturization, by using the polyfructan in combination with a sweetener having a high degree of sweetness, such as aspartame. Such properties of sugar could not be adequately compensated for by using the low calorie sugars described above in combination with a sweetener having a high degree of sweetness. Accordingly, polyfructan provides the necessary mass and volume as a bulking agent when combined with a sweetener having a high degree of sweetness in formulating a table sweetener or a sweetener for use in other foods. Foods incorporating polyfructan may also contain suitable amounts of other components without any detrimental effects. For example, such other components include a sweetener having a high degree of sweetness, a coloring material, a pigment, an emulsifier, a gum substance, protein, a flavor and a spice. Polyfructan may be used in the form of a powder but its use as a fluid is preferred. That is, polyfructan is preferably dispersed in water, milk, other raw materials of a food or drink, or mixture thereof, in 10 to 40% (w/w) to form a paste. The hardness of the paste can be adjusted by controlling the amount of polyfructan in water, milk, other raw materials of a food or drink, or mixture thereof so as not to damage the physical properties of the foods prepared. Oils and fats may be wholly substituted with a form of polyfructan, e.g., an aqueous paste. However, a preferred degree of substitution is 20 to 70% by weight based on the oils and fats. Where gelation materials or thickening agents such as gelatin, animal or vegetable protein gel including albumen or yolk, polysaccharides such as pectin, carrageenan, xanthane gum, guar gum and other gum substances, are substituted with polyfructan, the degree or ratio of substitution may be varied depending upon the gelation materials or thickening agents to be substituted. The determination of the optimum ratio of polyfructan to gelation materials or thickening agents depends upon the desired degree of gelation which is understood from an index of gel properties associated with texture such as gel intensity and strain. The polyfructan of the present invention has a low viscosity. Its dispersion is spreadable, smooth and creamy with good melt in the mouth characteristics yet remains tasteless and free of the pungent or bitter taste and floury flavor often associated with polysaccharides. Therefore, when incorporated into the foods described above, it became possible to reinforce the creamy taste and texture that was impossible with other gum substances or polysaccharides. That is, the polyfructan can reinforce a creamy taste and texture without damaging the taste and texture inherently in the food. Furthermore, the gelation materials release water with passage of time when they are incorporated into meats such as ham or sausage. The polyfructan of the present invention is advantageous over these previous gelation substitutes in that it helps prevent the release of water. Specific examples applying the polyfructan to foods and the preferred properties are explained in more detail by referring to the examples below. Other features of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following description of exemplary embodiments which are given for illustration of the invention. Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Examples Example 1 (Low calorie mayonnaise) Following the formulation shown in Table 1, low calorie mayonnaise was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for corn salad oil. As a control, mayonnaise was prepared using the whole amount of corn salad oil. The 4 test samples were evaluated by 12 panel members on the basis of appearance, agreeability to the palate, meltability on the tongue, smooth swallowing, flavor, taste, and other properties. The samples were judged on a scale of 1 to 10. A score of 10 indicates a rating of very favorable , a score of 5 indicates a rating equivalent to the control, and a score of 1 indicates a rating of very unfavorable. The results are shown in Table 1. Among low calorie mayonnaise samples, mayonnaise (D) in which 20% polyfructan aqueous paste was substituted for 67% of the corn salad oil and mayonnaise (A) in which 25% polyfructan aqueous paste was substituted for 33% of the corn salad oil were good in agreeability to the palate, meltability on the tongue and smooth swallowing, and showed reduction in unpleasant oily smell, mild sour taste and salty taste. These samples were judged, as the total scoring, to be almost equivalent to the control. Example 2 (Low calorie dressing) Following the formulation shown in Table 3, low calorie dressing was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for corn salad oil. As a control, low calorie dressing was prepared using the whole amount of corn salad oil. The 3 test samples were evaluated by 6 panel members on the basis of appearance, agreeability to the palate, meltability on the tongue, smooth swallowing, flavor, taste, and other properties. The samples were judged on a scale of 1 to 10. A score of 10 indicates a rating of very favorable , a score of 5 indicates a rating equivalent to the control, and a score of 1 indicates a rating of very unfavorable. The results are shown in Table 4. Among low calorie dressing samples, dressing (C) in which 20% polyfructan aqueous paste was substituted for 67% of the corn salad oil and dressing (A) in which 20% polyfructan aqueous paste was substituted for 33% of the corn salad oil were good in agreeability to the palate, meltability on the tongue and smooth swallowing, and showed reduction in unpleasant oily smell, mild sour taste and salty taste. These samples were judged, as the total scoring, to be almost equivalent to the control. Example 3 (Low calorie whipped cream) Following the formulation shown in Table 5, low calorie whipped cream was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan and polydextrose for fresh cream. As a control, whipped cream was prepared using the whole amount of fresh cream. The 2 test samples were evaluated by 8 panel members on the basis of appearance, agreeability to the palate, meltability on the tongue, smooth swallowing, flavor, taste and other properties. The whipped cream (A) in which polyfructan was substituted for 50% of the fresh cream maintained the creamy texture and rich taste and flavor of fresh cream, indicating a good taste property. Separation of the whipped cream (A) prepared using the polyfructan occurred only with excessive frothing upon whipping. Therefore, it is believed that polyfructan tends to have an action in preventing separation. Whipped cream (B) prepared using polydextrose showed a considerably weaker rich taste and flavor of fresh cream and possessed a strong rough, sour, and astringent taste. Example 4 (Low calorie bavarois) Following the formulation shown in Table 6, low calorie bavarois was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for fresh cream. As a control, bavarois was prepared using the whole amount of fresh cream. The 2 test samples were evaluated by 6 panel members on the basis of appearance, agreeability to the palate, meltability on the tongue, smooth swallowing, flavor, taste and other properties. Bavarois (A) in which 25% polyfructan aqueous paste was substituted for half the fresh cream showed good meltability on the tongue and pleasant smoothness on the tongue. Furthermore, bavarois (A) in which 25% polyfructan aqueous paste was substituted for half the fresh cream retained the rich taste and flavor inherently possessed by fresh cream. Bavarois obtained using a paste of the polyfructan in milk showed similar results. Example 5 (Low calorie chocolate cream) Following the formulation shown in Table 7, low calorie chocolate cream was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for fresh cream. As a control, chocolate cream was prepared using the whole amount of fresh cream. The 3 test samples were evaluated by 12 panel members on the basis of appearance, agreeability to the palate, meltability on the tongue, smooth swallowing, flavor, taste, and other properties. The samples were judged on a scale of 1 to 10. A score of 10 indicates a rating of very favorable , a score of 5 indicates a rating equivalent to the control, and a score of 1 indicates a rating of very unfavorable. The results are shown in Table 8. Chocolate cream (A) in which 20% polyfructan was substituted for 1/3 of the fresh cream and chocolate cream (B) in which 20% polyfructan was substituted for 2/3 of the fresh cream were good in meltability on the tongue and mild. In fact, they received a more favorable total score than the control. Example 6 (Low calorie souffle gras) Following the formulation shown in Table 9, low calorie souffle gras was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for fresh cream. As a control, souffle gras was prepared using the whole amount of fresh cream. The 2 test samples were evaluated by 6 panel members on the basis of appearance, agreeability to the palate, meltability on the tongue, smooth swallowing, flavor, taste and other properties. Souffle gras (A) in which 20% polyfructan was substituted for half the fresh cream retained the pleasant flavor, rich taste and texture of fresh cream. On the other hand, souffle gras (B) prepared using Paselli SA-2, which is the oil and fat substitute dextrin of Abebe Co., showed poor fresh cream flavor and texture and possessed a powdery flavor. Example 7 (Low calorie cheese paste) Following the formulation shown in Table 10, low calorie cheese paste was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for cream cheese. Evaluation was made in a similar manner. Cheese paste (A) in which 25% polyfructan was substituted for half the cream cheese retained the flavor of cream cheese, showed good meltability on the tongue and good spreadability on bread, etc., and possessed smooth texture. Cheese paste (B) in which 25% polyfructan paste was substituted for 3/4 of cream cheese showed a good texture, although its flavor was somewhat weak. Example 8 (Low calorie rare cheese cake) Following the formulation shown in Table 11, low calorie rare cheese cake was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of the polyfructan for fresh cream and was evaluated similarly to previous examples. Rare cheese cake (A) in which 20% polyfructan paste was substituted for half the fresh cream showed good agreeability to the palate and smooth texture and was tasty. Rare cheese cake (B) prepared using Paselli SA-2, which is the oil and fat substitute dextrin of Abebe Co., had a powdery and foreign taste, and was not thus favorable. Example 9 (Low calorie butter cream) Following the formulation shown in Table 12, low calorie butter cream was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for salt-free butter and was evaluated similarly to previous examples. Butter cream (A) in which 25% polyfructan paste was substituted for half the salt-free butter retained the flavor of butter cream, was free of collapse in shape due to elevated temperature, namely, good shape retention and was tasty. Butter cream (B) in which polydextrose of Pfizer was substituted for half the salt-free butter showed a weak flavor of butter cream and showed a strong sour, rough and astringent taste. Example 10 (Low calorie baked cheese cake) Following the formulation shown in Table 13, low calorie baked cheese cake was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of the polyfructan for fresh cream or cream cheese. Baking conditions were at 180°C for 50 minutes and then at 150°C for 20 minutes. As a control, baked cheese cake was prepared using the whole amount of fresh cream and cream cheese. The 4 test samples were evaluated by 6 panel members on the basis of appearance, agreeability to the palate, meltability on the tongue, smooth swallowing, flavor, taste and other properties. The cake samples all possessed a good taste, as shown in Table 14. Example 11 (Low calorie madeleine) Following the formulation shown in Table 15, low calorie madeleine was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for salt-free butter. Baking conditions were at 180°C for 30 minutes. As a control, madeleine was prepared using the whole amount of salt-free butter. The 4 test samples were evaluated by 8 panel members on the basis of appearance, texture, taste and flavor. Madeleine in which polyfructan was substituted for 33% of salt-free butter retained a flavor of butter and was equivalent to the control in appearance and texture, as shown in Table 16. Moist and smooth texture were imparted to the madeleine, indicating a good taste. Example 12 (Low calorie bread) Following the formulation shown in Table 17, low calorie bread was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for shortening. For the preparation, automatic home bakery SD-BT3 manufactured by Matsushita Electronic Industry Co., Ltd. was used. Bread prepared using the whole amount of shortening was made as a control. A taste evaluation of 2 test samples was performed in a manner similar to that described above. As the result, the samples all showed a good taste, as shown in Table 18. Example 13 (Low calorie American pastry) Following the formulation shown in Table 19, low calorie American pastry was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for salt-free butter. Baking conditions were at 160-170°C for 30 minutes. American pastry prepared using the whole amount of salt-free butter was made as a control. A taste evaluation of test samples (A) and (B) was performed in a manner similar to that described above by 10 panel members. A crispy texture which is important for pie increased in both samples, without changing taste and flavor. The samples showed good taste. In addition, the samples formed a color only with difficulty when backed. Example 14 (Low calorie brioche) Following the formulation shown in Table 20, low calorie brioche was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for shortening. For the preparation, automatic home bakery SD-BT3 manufactured by Matsushita Electronic Industry Co., Ltd. was used. Brioche prepared using the whole amount of shortening was made as a control. A taste evaluation of 2 test samples was performed in a manner similar to that described above. The two samples showed improved meltability on the tongue and chewiness and showed a favorable decrease in the oily smell of shortening. Example 15 (Low calorie doughnuts) Following the formulation shown in Table 21, low calorie doughnuts were prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for shortening. Frying was performed at 160°C for 30 minutes. A taste evaluation was performed in a manner similar to that described above. As compared to the control prepared using the whole amount of shortening, the samples showed an increase in elasticity, a good consumer acceptance in texture and were favorably free of an unpleasant oily flavor. Example 16 (Low calorie corn potage soup) Following the formulation shown in Tables 22 and 23 low calorie corn potage soup was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for fresh cream. Corn potage soup prepared using the whole amount of fresh cream was made as a control. Sensory evaluation of test samples (A) and (B) was performed in a similar manner by 6 panel members. The samples (A) and (B) both had a texture, taste and flavor similar to the control, retained the fresh cream flavor of the control, and were highly tasty with body texture. Example 17 (Low calorie margarine) Following the formulation shown in Table 24, low calorie margarine was prepared by substituting an aqueous paste of polyfructan for the margarine blend oil (soybean oil + hydrogenated oil and fat). Margarine prepared using the whole amount of margarine blend oil was made as a control. Sensory evaluation of test samples (A) and (B) was performed in a similar manner. As the result, the samples (A) and (B) both had an improved meltability on the tongue, imparted spreadability and were favorably tasty, as compared to control. Example 18 (Yogurt beverage) Yogurt beverage shown in Table 25 was prepared as samples in a conventional manner. Sensory evaluation of A and B was performed by a panel of 20 individuals. B was preferred by a ratio of 3:1. In the polydextrose group of A, a strong pungent, astringent, rough and bitter taste was noted. B had a lesser pungent, astringent and rough taste and was judged good. Example 19 (Soup) Soup shown in Table 26 was prepared in a conventional manner. (A) showed a strong sour and bitter taste. (B) showed good balance in taste. Example 20 (Cocoa) Cocoa shown in Table 27 was prepared. (A) prepared using polydextrose showed a strong sour and rough taste. A sensory evaluation of (A) and (B) was performed by a panel of 20 individuals. By a ratio of 18:2, (B) prepared using polyfructan showed good taste. (B) using polyfructan was preferred. Example 21 (Yogurt beverage) Following the formulation described below, yogurt beverage samples were prepared using polyfructan. Formulation (unit: gram) Plain yoghurt: 60.0 Water: 40.0 Polyfructan: 8.0 Aspartame 0.032 Yogurt beverage samples prepared by the above formulation were comparable in texture with the control group prepared using 8.0 g of sugar, indicating a favorable taste equivalent to the control group. To examine the physical properties, the degree of water release was determined after centrifugation. When 5 ml of yogurt was used, 3 ml of water release was noted in the control group, whereas in the formulation group, water release was as small as 0.7 ml, indicating the effect of polyfructan in preventing water release. The foregoing results reveal that when a sweetener having a high degree of sweetness is used in a milk beverage such as a yogurt beverage, lactic acid beverage, etc., the bulk of polyfructan not only reinforces body texture (bulk and space) and imparts organoleptic properties equivalent to those of sugar but it can also be expected to exhibit effect in preventing water release. Among ordinary gum substances, guar gum, which is known to have the effect of preventing water release fails to reinforce body texture (bulk and space). By using polyfructan, the both effects can be exhibited at the same time. Example 22 (Improvement in shape retention property of low calorie ice cream) Following the formulation shown in Table 28, ice cream was prepared. In the group (B) using polydextrose, shape was collapsed in about 10 minutes after standing at room temperature, and in the control group (A), shape was collapsed in about 30 minutes. On the other hand, the group (C) using polyfructan retained its shape even after standing at room temperature for an hour. Example 23 (Sponge cake) Three sponge cakes shown in Table 29 were prepared. There were no difference among control (A), (B) and (C) in taste and texture immediately after baking. However, 2 to 3 days after baking, sponge cake (B) baked using polydextrose showed a sticky texture. Sponge cake (C) baked using the polyfructan retained its texture soon after baking even 3 days after and showed more elasticity and a smoother texture than control (A). Example 24 (Sponge cake) Using the polyfructan, sponge cake samples were prepared in the following formulation: Formulation (unit: gram) Polyfructan: 6.0 Water: 10.0 Sugar: 20.0 Yolk: 45.0 Albumen: 60.0 Milk: 10.0 Wheat flour: 40.0 Butter: 10.0 Aspartame 0.1 Sponge cake prepared by the above formulation showed puffing ability in its appearance similar to the control group in a conventional formulation in which 40.0 g of sugar was used and no polyfructan, aspartame, or water were used. In texture, the sponge cake showed less stickiness and light agreeability to the palate. The foregoing results reveal that when polyfructan is used with an amount of sugar less than that used in the control group, the polyfructan not only compensates for the solid content in an amount corresponding to the reduced amount of sugar but also exhibits a puffing effect similar to sugar, i.e., a shape retention effect. According to the present method, it is possible to supplement the shape retention effect when a sweetener having a high degree of sweetness, such as aspartame, etc., is used in cake-like foods, e.g., sponge cake, castilla, pound cake, Karukan (sweetened jelly of yam and rice flour), etc., prepared by whipping egg albumen, etc., and fixing the foam to impart a texture thereto. Example 25 (Cookie) Using polyfructan, cookie samples were prepared in the following formulation. Formulation (unit: gram) Polyfructan: 10.0 Water: 5.0 Butter: 25.0 Sugar: 10.0 Yolk: 15.0 Wheat flour: 50.0 Aspartame 0.05 Cookies prepared by the above formulation showed puffing ability and an appearance somewhat better than a control group in which a conventional formulation utilizing 10.0 g of sugar was used but no polyfructan, aspartame, or water was used, although baked a little longer. In texture, the cookie showed a moist and soft taste and crispy and pleasant roughness in combination. The foregoing results reveal that when polyfructan is used, it is possible to improve the puffing ability of baked cakes such as cookie, sable, biscuit, etc., and at the same time, impart a crispy and soft texture thereto. Example 26 (Lacto-ice cream) Using polyfructan, lacto-ice cream samples were prepared in the following formulation. Formulation (unit: gram) Coconut oil: 30.0 Skimmed milk: 40.0 Sugar: 75.0 Gum substance: 3.0 Monoglyceride: 3.0 Vanilla essence: 2.0 Water: 772.0 Polyfructan 75.0 Aspartame 0.44 Lacto-ice cream samples prepared by the above formulation showed no difference in appearance from the control group prepared by a conventional formulation in which 150 g of sugar was used but neither polyfructan nor aspartame was used. In texture, the lacto-ice cream showed good meltability on the tongue and was smooth. In physical properties, the lacto-ice molded into a cylinder having a diameter of 2.0 cm and a length of 3.0 cm was put at a temperature of 20°C and a time until the ice melted out was visually measured. In the control group, the ice cream lost its shape in 35 minutes, whereas the ice cream in the test group having the formulation described above lost its shape in 55 minutes. In the control group, water release was caused but no water release was noted in the test group. The foregoing results reveal that when the polyfructan is used, smoothness and meltability on the tongue similar to sugar are imparted, namely, growth of ice crystal is prevented and a shape retention property that when put at room temperature, its shape is retained over a long period, is also imparted. According to the present method, it is expected to reinforce a body texture and smoothness when a sweetener having a high degree of sweetness, such as aspartame, etc., is used in cakes such as lacto-ice cream, ice milk, sherbet, etc., which are prepared by ice crystals. Example 27 (Jam) Polyfructan was substituted for a half (A) and all (B) of the weight of sugar, respectively. Following the formulation (unit: gram) shown in Table 30, 3 kinds of jams were subjected to organoleptic examination on physical properties (smoothness and stickiness) by 10 panel members with respect to the products immediately after preparation and after storage. Evaluation was performed by comparing the test groups (A) and (B) shown in Table 30 with the control group in which sugar was used. The results are as follows. Criterion for evaluation: Score 0 worse than the control group Score 2.5 somewhat worse than the control group Score 5.0 same as the control group Score 7.5 somewhat better than the control group Score 10.0 better than the control group Immediately after the preparation, there was almost no difference in the physical properties and the scoring was as shown in Table 31. After storage, however, sugar crystals were precipitated in the control group but no crystal was precipitated in the test group, which is reflected by the scoring shown in Table 32. In this case, the jam was characteristic of smoothness being imparted due to no precipitation of crystals, no increase in viscosity caused by a conventional crystallization prevention agent, e.g., dextrin, because of low viscosity of the polyfructan and softness inherent to jam being retained without becoming hard, and because of good water retention property. The foregoing results reveal that when the polyfructan is used in jam, it is possible to prevent crystallization during storage, without affecting other properties of jam, e.g., viscosity, hardness, etc. According to the present method, it is possible to use the fructose polymer in food such as jam, marmalade, fruit sauce, etc., wherein sugar is used as a body, together with a sweetener having a high degree of sweetness. Example 28 (Jelly) The polyfructan was substituted for 50% (A) and 25% (B) of the weight of sugar, respectively. Following the formulation (unit: gram) shown in Table 33, 2 jelly samples were prepared. The jelly samples prepared in the formulation described above showed no difference in appearance and texture, from the control group prepared in a conventional formulation in which 40 g of sugar was used but neither polyfructan nor aspartame was used. The foregoing results reveal that by using polyfructan, it is possible to prepare dietary fiber-reinforced jelly having a good appearance and texture equivalent to jelly prepared using sugar. When polyfructan is used with a dietary fiber, it is possible to add dietary fiber in a higher concentration than when conventional gum substances such as pectin, etc., are used due to its low viscosity when formed in a solution. It is also possible to impart organoleptic properties of sugar, e.g., hardness, smoothness, meltability on the tongue, and the like, to jelly. Example 29 (Gel) Using the polyfructan derived from Aspergillus sydowi , agar and starch gel were prepared in the following formulation. Breaking strength and deformation were determined by a rheometer. A size of the gel was 3 cm in diameter and 3 cm in width and a spherical plunger of 10 mm was used. Formulation: Agar gel: agar powder 3% Aspergillus sydowi -derived polyfructan 1% In the control group, 3% of agar powder alone was used. Starch gel: corn starch 20% Aspergillus sydowi -derived polyfructan 7% In the control group, 20% corn starch alone was used. Breaking strength and deformation were as follows. Agar gel: breaking strength 433 g/cm 2 (637 g/cm 2 ) deformation 0.6 cm (0.5 cm) Starch gel: breaking strength 36 g/cm 2 (166 g/cm 2 ) deformation 0 cm (0.8 cm) Data within parenthesis indicate the control group. As described above, softness was imparted to the gel by adding the polyfructon. Example 30 (Custard pudding) Using the polyfructon derived from Aspergillus sydowi , custard pudding samples were prepared in the following formulation. Formulation (unit: gram) Aspergillus sydowi -derived polyfructan: 25.0 Granulated sugar: 25.0 Egg: 100 Milk: 240 Aspartame: 0.125 Vanilla essence: 0.1 The custard pudding samples prepared in the formulation described above showed no pore in appearance but were smooth and possessed more creamy taste and texture and was meltable on the tongue, as compared to the control group in which 50 g of sugar was used. Example 31 (Rare cheese cake) Using the polyfructan derived from Aspergillus sydowi , rare cheese cake samples were prepared in the following formulation. Formulation (unit: gram) Cream cheese: 150 Aspergillus sydowi -derived polyfructan: 10 Milk: 40 Granulated sugar: 20 Lemon juice: 10 Gelatin: 5 Water: 50 The rare cheese cake samples prepared in the formulation described above showed no difference in appearance and were creamy and meltable on the tongue and smooth, as compared to the control group in which 20 g of sugar was used. By adding the polyfructan, the creamy texture was reinforced. Example 32 (Chocolate mousse) Using the polyfructan derived from Aspergillus sydowi , chocolate mousse samples were prepared in the following formulation. Formulation (unit: gram) Chocolate: 70 Yolk: 20 Aspergillus sydowi -derived polyfructan : 20 Milk: 100 Gelatin: 10 Fresh cream: 50 Albumen: 50 Granulated sugar: 20 Aspartame: 0.05 The chocolate mousse samples prepared in the formulation described above showed no difference in appearance and were smooth and agreeable to the palate, more creamy and meltable on the tongue and rich, as compared to the control group in which 40 g of sugar was used. Example 33 (Wine cream) Using the polyfructan derived from Aspergillus sydowi , wine cream samples were prepared in the following formulation. Formulation (unit: gram) Corn starch: 5 White wine: 50 Gelatin: 5 Cream cheese: 150 Aspergillus sydowli -derived polyfructan: 25 Milk: 75 Lemon juice: 50 Fresh cream: 50 Albumen: 50 Aspartame: 0.1 The wine cream samples prepared in the formulation described above showed no difference in appearance and were smooth and more creamy and meltable on the tongue, as compared to the control group in which 25 g of sugar was used. Example 34 (Bavarois) Using the polyfructan derived from Aspergillus sydowi , bavarois samples were prepared in the following formulation. Formulation (unit: gram) Aspergillus sydowi -derived polyfructan: 38 Milk: 135 Fresh cream: 55 Yolk: 20 Gelatin: 6 Aspartame: 0.19 Water: 35 Vanilla essence: 0.1 The bavarois samples prepared in the formulation described above showed no difference in appearance and were smooth and more creamy and meltable on the tongue, as compared to the control group in which 38 g of sugar was used. Example 35 (Ice cream) Using the polyfructan derived from Aspergillus sydowi , ice cream samples were prepared in the following formulation. Formulation (unit: gram) Gelatin: 3 Water: 15 Milk: 200 Yolk: 30 Liquor: 15 Sugar: 25 Aspartame: 0.14 Fresh cream: 100 Aspergillus sydowi -derived polyfructan: 25 The ice cream samples prepared in the formulation described above showed no difference in appearance and were smooth and more creamy in meltability on the tongue, as compared to the control group in which 1 g of guar gum was used. By adding the polyfructan, the creamy texture was reinforced. Example 36 With respect to various desserts prepared in Examples 30 through 35, organoleptic evaluation was performed by 9 panel members on a creamy texture such as softness, smoothness, spreadability, etc., and the total creamy taste and texture. As a control, there were provided samples prepared in a conventional formulation in which no polyfructan was used. Criterion for the evaluation is as follows. Score 0 worse than the control group Score 2.5 somewhat worse than the control group Score 5.0 same as the control group Score 7.5 somewhat better than the control group Score 10.0 better than the control group Results: As shown in Table 34, it was confirmed in any of the test groups that by using the polyfructan, the effect of reinforcing a creamy taste and texture was obtained. By substituting the polyfructan for a part of or the whole of gelation materials, thickening agents, low calorie sugars or oils and fats, there are provided food having a good taste and flavor in which agreeability to the palate, meltability on the tongue and smooth swallowing are improved, and good gel property and creamy texture are reinforced. Formulation of low calorie mayonnaise Control A B C D Corn salad oil 66 44 22 0 22 25% Polyfructan paste 0 22 44 66 0 20% Polyfructan paste 0 0 0 0 44 Yolk 10 10 10 10 10 Table salt 1 1 1 1 1 Creal vinegar 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 Results of evaluation on low calorie mayonnaise Control A B C D Comment strongly sour mild mild pasty mild strongly salty spreadable smooth powdery mildly sour strongly sour & salty good meltability on the tongue pasty mildly salty mildly sour good meltability on the tongue Total scoring 5.0 4.1 2.8 2.4 4.2 Formulation of low calorie dressing Control A B C Corn salad oil 37 25 12 0 20% Polyfructan paste 0 12 25 37 Creal vinegar 14 14 14 14 Granulated sugar 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 Table salt 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.4 Sodium glutamate 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Xanthane gum 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Black pepper 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Water 40 40 40 40 Results of evaluation on low calorie dressing A B C Comment mild taste mild taste strong pepper flavor weakly acidic and salty good adherence to vegetable no oily smell good adherence to vegetable no oily smell light taste Formulation of low calorie whipped cream Control A B Fresh cream 100 50 50 25% Polyfructan paste 0 50 0 25% Polydextrose 0 0 50 Sugar 10 10 10 Formulation of low calorie bavarois Control A B Fresh cream 100 50 50 25% Polyfructan paste 0 50 0 Yolk 18 18 18 Granulated sugar 40 40 40 Milk 100 100 100 Gelatin 6 6 6 Vanilla essence 0.3 0.3 0.3 Water 30 30 30 Formulation of low calorie chocolate cream Control A B C Fresh cream 33 22 11 0 20% Polyfructan paste 0 11 22 33 Sweet chocolate 67 67 67 67 Results of evaluation on low calorie chocolate cream Control A B C Comment somewhat poor meltability light flavor mild good agreeability to the palate mild good flower decorating property good flower decorating property good agreeability on the tongue good shape retention property good shape retention property hard chocolate-like Total scoring 5.0 5.8 5.1 4.1 Formulation of low calorie souffle gras Control A B Fresh cream 50 25 25 20% Polyfructan paste 0 25 0 20% Paselli SA-2 0 0 25 Granulated sugar 20 20 20 Yolk 18 18 18 Gran marnier 10 10 10 Water 15 15 15 Low calorie cheese paste Control A B Cream cheese 100 50 25 25% Polyfructan paste 0 50 75 Formulation of low calorie rare cheese cake Control A B Fresh cream 160 80 80 20% Polyfructan paste 0 80 0 20% Paselli SA-2 0 0 80 Granulated sugar 14 14 14 Lemon juice 7.5 7.5 7.5 Gelatin 3 3 3 Water 50 50 50 Formulation of low calorie butter cream Control A B Salt-free butter 100 50 50 25% Polyfructan paste 0 50 0 25% Polydextrose 0 0 50 Yolk 21 21 21 Granulated sugar 50 50 50 Water 18 18 18 Formulation of low calorie baked cheese cake Control A B C D Cream cheese 100 50 0 100 100 Fresh cream 80 80 80 40 0 25% Polyfructan paste 0 50 100 40 80 Egg 40 40 40 40 40 Soft flour 10 10 10 10 10 Granulated sugar 35 35 35 35 35 Results of evaluation on low calorie baked cheese A B C D Mild texture good spreadability and extendibility no difference from control in taste and flavor; good meltability on the tongue; somewhat weakly sour. Weak cheese flavor; creamy texture strong flavor like egg and fresh cream; good spreadability and extendibility; good meltability on the tongue; mildly sour. No difference from control in taste; flavor and texture; good spreadability and extendibility; rich taste; agreeable to the palate and good meltability on the tongue. Creamy texture somewhat poor smoothness; rich taste; strong flavor like egg. Formulation of low calorie madelaine Control A B C D Salt-free butter 60 40 20 20 20 Granulated sugar 60 60 60 60 60 Soft flour 60 60 60 60 70 Egg 60 60 60 60 60 Water 0 0 0 30 30 25% Polyfructan paste 0 20 40 0 0 Results of evaluation on low calorie madelaine A B C D Similar to control in appearance, texture and flavor; strong butter flavor; moist and delicious. Somewhat white a bit sticky, strong flavor; somewhat sweet like sweet pastry. Crispy & dry; light castilla-like; weak butter flavor; watery; strongly sweet. Somewhat hard texture like sponge cake; strong egg flavor; weak butter flavor. Formulation of low calorie bread Control A B Soft flour 250 250 250 Granulated sugar 34 34 34 Skimmed milk 6 6 6 Table salt 5 5 5 Shortening 30 20 10 Water 150 150 150 Dry yeast 3 3 3 25% Polyfructan paste 0 10 20 Results of evaluation on low calorie bread A B No difference from control in taste, flavor and texture; delicious. Somewhat moist texture; color is somewhat light when baked; edge portion is soft. Formulation of low calorie American pastry Control A B Hard flour 55 55 55 Soft flour 20 20 20 Shortening 55 35 20 25% Polyfructan paste 0 50 0 Chilled water 25 25 25 Table salt 1.5 1.5 1.5 Formulation of low calorie brioche Control A B Shortening 100 67 37 25% Polyfructan paste 0 33 67 Hard flour 100 100 100 Soft flour 100 100 100 Granulated sugar 18 18 18 Skimmed milk 6 6 6 Table salt 4 4 4 Water 40 40 40 Egg 60 60 60 Dry yeast 4 4 4 Formulation of low calorie doughnuts Control Sample Soft flour 100 100 Baking powder 3 3 Sugar 25 25 Shortening 10 0 25% Polyfructan paste 0 10 Egg 25 25 Water 12 12 Formulation of low calorie corn potage Control A B Soup base 200 200 200 Milk 100 100 100 Fresh cream 38 25 13 25% Polyfructan paste 0 13 25 Table salt 1 1 1 Formulation of soup base used above Corn (cream style) 500 Butter 80 Onion 160 Carrot 100 Wheat flour 40 Hot water 1600 Consomme 2 pieces Boiled down to 1600 in total Formulation of low calorie margarine Control A B Margarine blend oil 1590 1060 530 20% Polyfructan paste 0 530 1060 Lecithin 4 4 4 Monoglyceride 6 6 6 Water 376 376 376 Table salt 24 24 24 Formulation of yogurt beverage A B Yogurt (fat content, 2.35% 895 895 Cherry syrup 80 80 Sugar 20 20 Corn starch 3 3 Locust bean gum 2 2 Polydextrose 50 0 Polyfructan 0 50 Formulation of soup A B Potato powder 60.9 g 60.9 g Chicken powder 6.5 6.5 Skimmed milk 13 13 Table salt 6.5 6.5 Butter powder 13 13 Onion extract powder 1.3 1.3 White pepper 0.13 0.13 Celery powder 0.013 0.013 Laurel powder 0.013 0.013 Polydextrose 130 0 Polyfructan 0 130 Water 1300 g 1300 g Total 1500 g 1500 g Formulation of cocoa Cocoa 0.8% 0.8% Sugar 3.8 3.8 Hot water 3.8 3.8 Milk 76.3 76.3 Water 12.0 12.0 Polydextrose 3.0 3.0 Polyfructan 0 3.0 Formulation of low calorie ice cream A B C Coconut oil 60 g 60 g 60 g Skimmed milk 80 80 80 Sugar 300 - - Aspartame - 1.4 1.4 Guar gum 3 3 3 Carrageenan 1 1 1 Locust bean gum 2 2 2 Monoglyceride 6 6 6 Vanilla essence 4 4 4 Polydextrose - 300 - Polyfructan - - 300 Water 1544 1543 1543 Total 2000 g 2000 g 2000 g Formulation of sponge cake A B C Egg 3 3 3 Sugar 150 g 150 g 150 g Wheat flour 100 g 100 g 100 g Butter 30 g 30 g 30 g Milk 30 g 30 g 30 g Polydextrose - 60 g - Polyfructan - - 60 g Aspartame - 0.2 g 0.2 g Formulation of jam Control A B 1) Strawberry 1/5 concentrate 60 60 60 2) Refined sugar 210 105 - 3) Polyfructan - 105 210 4) APM - 0.525 1.05 5) Water 300 300 300 6) Citric acid (50% solution) 3.5 3.5 3.5 7) Pectin (Hi-methoxy) 4.0 4.0 4.0 8) Calcium lactate 0.07 0.07 0.07 Total weight (g) 577.57 578.095 578.62 Final weight (g) 300 300 300 Note) A: Polyfructan substitution rate of 50% B: Polyfructan substitution rate of 100% Note) B: 25% Paste was prepared from polyfructan and moisture was evaporated off to adjust the solid weight Evaluation immediately after preparation Sample code A B Scoring 5.0 4.8 Evaluation immediately after preparation Sample code A B Scoring 7.5 6.0 Formulation of jelly Control A B Gelatin powder 100 50 50 Water 130 130 130 Sugar 40 20 30 Grape juice 100 100 100 Lemon juice 15 15 15 Polyfructan - 20 20 APM - 0.11 0.05 Evaluation on various desserts Example 30 31 32 33 34 35 Softness 5.5 7.0 6.0 5.2 6.6 5.0 Smoothness 6.5 6.0 7.3 6.8 7.5 6.1 Spreadability 5.8 5.5 6.4 5.2 5.9 5.4 Creamy texture 6.0 5.6 7.4 5.5 6.6 5.8 Pleasantness 6.0 7.0 6.6 6.3 6.6 5.8

Claims: A food or drink containing a fructose polymer mainly composed of fructose bound by β-2,1-bonds and having a molecular weight in the range of 10,000 to 15,000,000. A food or drink according to Claim 1 comprising at least one of a gelation material, a thickening agent, a low calorie sugar, a sweetener having a high degree of sweetness, and an oil and fat, wherein a part of or the whole of the gelation material, the thickening agent, the low calorie sugar and the oil and fat is replaced by a fructose polymer mainly composed of fructose bound by β-2,1-bonds and having a molecular weight in the range of 10,000 to 15,000,000. The food or drink according to Claim 2 wherein said oil and fat is at least one selected from the group consisting of fresh cream, cream cheese, butter and a vegetable oil. The food or drink according to Claim 2, wherein said gelation material and/or thickening agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of gelatin, a gum substance, pectin, starch, yolk and albumen. The food or drink according to Claim 2, wherein said sweetener having a high degree of sweetness is aspartam. The food or drink of any of the Claims 1 to 5, wherein the fructose polymer further contains β-2,6-bonds as a branched chain. The food or drink of any of the Claims 1 to 6, wherein the fructose polymer was formed by incubating the conidium of Aspergillus sydowi and sugar or by using fructose transferase derived from yeast, Aspergillus oryzae , Aspergillus niger , Aureobasidium pullulans and sugar or inulin. The food or drink of any of the Claims 1 to 7, wherein the fructose polymer is dispersed in water, milk or mixture thereof in an amount of 10 to 40 % (w/w) to form a paste. The food according to any of the Claims 1 to 8, which comprises cream, jelly, bavarois, mousse, jam, ice cream, ice milk, lacto-ice cream, sherbet, sauce, mayonnaise, dressing, white sauce, chocolate, pudding, sponge cake, bread, spread, butter, margarine, ham or sausage of fish and meat. The food or drink of any of the Claims 1 to 8 wherein the food or drink is selected from the group consisting of spreads, sauce, low calorie mayonnaise, low calorie dressing, cream, low calorie whipped cream, low calorie chocolate cream, low calorie souffle gras, low calorie cheese paste, low calorie rare cheese cake, low calorie butter cream, low calorie baked cheese cake, low calorie madeleine, low calorie bread, low calorie American pastry, low calorie brioche, low calorie doughnuts, low calorie corn potage soup, low calorie margarine, yogurt beverage, soup, cocoa, low calorie ice cream, sponge cake, pudding, cookies, lacto-ice cream, sherbert, ice-milk, jam, jelly, custard pudding, chocolate mousse, wine cream, bavarois, ice cream, ham, and sausage of fish and meat. A method of producing a food or drink with reduced oil, fat, and sugar content, yet retaining good gelation properties and good organoleptic properties such as taste, texture, and flavor comprising substituting, wholly or partially, a fructose polymer as characterized in any of the claims 1, 6 and 7 for oils, fats, oil and fat substitutes, thickening agents, gelation materials, and low calorie sugars. The method according to Claim 11, wherein 20 to 70 % by weight of the oils and fats are substituted by the fructose polymer. The method according to Claims 11 or Claim 12, wherein the fructose polymer is used in the form of a powder or a fluid. The method according to Claim 11, wherein the fructose polymer is used in the form of a paste by dispersing the fructose polymer in water, milk, other raw material of the food or drink, or mixture thereof and the desired hardness of the paste is adjusted by controlling the amount of fructose polymer in water, milk, other raw material of the food or drink, or mixture thereof. The method according to Claim 14, wherein the fructose polymer is dispersed in water, milk, other raw material of the food or drink, or mixture thereof in an amount of 10 to 40% (w/w). The use of fructose polymer mainly composed of fructose bound β-2,1-bonds and as defined in Claim 1, 6 or 7 dispersed in water, milk, other raw materials of a food or drink , or a mixture thereof, as an oil or fat substitute. The use of a fructose polymer mainly composed of fructose bound β-2,1-bonds and as defined in Claim 1, 6 or 7 together with a sweetener having a high degree of sweetness as a sugar substitute. The use of Claim 17, wherein the sweetener having a high degree of sweetness is aspartame.

Inventors: HARADA TSUTOMU, IKEDA MIKA, OOHATA KATSUMI, SUZUKI SOUJI, YAMANAKA FUSAKO, HARADA, TSUTOMU, IKEDA, MIKA, OOHATA, KATSUMI, SUZUKI, SOUJI, YAMANAKA, FUSAKOATORIE, Harada, Tsutomu, c/o Central Research Laboratories, Ikeda, Mika, c/o Central Research Laboratories, Oohata, Katsumi, c/o Central Research Laboratories, Suzuki, Souji, c/o Central Research Laboratories, Yamanaka, Fusako, c/o Central Research Laboratorie
Applicants: AJINOMOTO KK, AJINOMOTO CO., INC.
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A23L1
IPC codes: A23G3, A23L1, A21D2, A23D7, A23C9, A23G1, A23G9, A23C13, C12P19, A23C19