Patent Description:
Various carbohydrates including monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose as well as disaccharides such as sucrose and lactose are marketed in form of liquid compositions. These liquid compositions are nutritive sweeteners useful for the preparation of foodstuffs and beverages.

These marketed compositions, however, are not satisfactory in every respect and there is a demand for carbohydrate compositions having advantages compared to the conventional carbohydrate compositions.

It is desirable to provide carbohydrate compositions that have advantages with respect to.

It is desirable to have a carbohydrate composition or products prepared with the carbohydrate composition which have advantageous sensory properties when consumed, e.g. provide a better mouth feeling when chewed or swallowed and/or are less sweet. Which feeling in the mouth is more pleasant can depend on the product which is consumed. For example, a crunchier texture when chewed or swallowed can be desirable in products such as biscuits, crackers or cereals, whereas a softer texture when chewed or swallowed compared to conventional carbohydrate compositions can be desirable in e.g. dairy products or seasonings.

Besides the mouth feeling, the taste of the carbohydrate composition should not differ from natural caloric sugars (nutritional sweeteners) such as glucose and fructose as well as disaccharides such as sucrose and lactose, i.e. it should not have a bitter taste, metallic taste, astringent taste, licorice taste, a cooling taste, a lingering sweet aftertaste or show a delayed sweetness onset. Nonetheless, a lower degree of sweetness compared to invert sugar syrup can be advantageous.

Further, the carbohydrate composition should not have a pronounced laxative effect.

As the smell of a product is important for consumers, for certain applications it is desirable to provide a carbohydrate composition that does not take in odors such as odors from the packaging or products stored close to the carbohydrate composition, whereas for other applications it is desirable to provide a carbohydrate composition which takes in odors, e.g. flavors such as vanilla, orange, lavender, spices and the like.

<CIT> relates to the use of high levels of allulose in food and beverage products. <CIT> relates to allulose syrups, use of allulose syrups in the manufacture of food or beverage products, and food and beverage products made using the allulose syrups. <CIT> discloses compositions with enhanced sweetness per weight when compared to the sweetener carbohydrate or sweetener polyol component thereof, and methods for the preparation thereof.

<CIT> discloses a low or zero calorie sweetener composition with sweetness synergy, providing a reduction in off-taste and a desirable temporal profile. The sweetener composition is suitable for use as a substitute for high calorie sugars. The sweetener composition is for use in food and beverage products, pharmaceutical products, nutritional products, and cosmetic products.

<CIT> relates to a method of producing D-psicose crystals from a D-psicose solution by using supersaturation.

There is also a demand for carbohydrate compositions having advantageous properties with respect to shipping, storage and processability in industrial and private preparation processes of foodstuffs, beverages and/or animal feed.

There is a demand for carbohydrate compositions having a long shelf-life and storage stability e.g. due to lower contamination and/or growth of bacteria and/or fungi, especially mold, and the like. Further, there is a demand for carbohydrate compositions that keep their color and taste better than products prepared with conventional carbohydrate compositions.

Further, there is a demand to provide compositions having properties which can help to save energy in preparation processes. For example, there is a need for liquid carbohydrate compositions with a low viscosity, especially for liquid carbohydrate compositions with a high concentration of the carbohydrate. The production of liquid carbohydrate compositions having a low viscosity is more energy efficient compared to conventional carbohydrate compositions with a high viscosity. Also, the handling of a liquid carbohydrate composition with a low viscosity during production and preparation processes is easier and faster.

Furthermore, there is a demand for replacements for nutritive sweeteners, such as monosaccharides e.g. glucose and fructose as well as disaccharides e.g. sucrose and lactose, by low to zero-calorie sweeteners.

It is an object of the invention to provide carbohydrate compositions that are useful in food applications or beverage applications and that have advantages compared to the prior art.

This object has been achieved by the subject-matter of the patent claims.

It has been surprisingly found that liquid compositions comprising allulose are advantageously useful for various food applications and beverage applications, respectively.

Various properties and parameters of an aqueous liquid composition comprising allulose may become important with respect to various aspects:.

Due to the good water solubility of allulose and the lower sweetening capacity compared to fructose, advantageous syrups can be made from allulose. At sweetening capacities comparable of that of the corresponding fructose syrups, the allulose syrups allow for higher carbohydrate concentrations. This is particularly advantageous not only with respect to shipping costs, but also with respect to shelf-life, and storage stability, as due to the higher osmolarity of the corresponding allulose syrups, they exhibit a better stability against contamination by osmotolerant microorganisms, especially yeasts and bacteria, particularly highly osmotolerant yeasts.

It has been surprisingly found that at acidic pH (pH <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>), aqueous liquid compositions comprising allulose are as stable against discoloration as the corresponding compositions comprising sucrose, glucose, fructose or invert sugar, although at alkaline pH aqueous liquid compositions comprising allulose have a more pronounced tendency towards discoloration. The storage stability of aqueous liquid compositions comprising allulose is a function of the pH value.

There is indication that aqueous liquid compositions comprising allulose have a surface tension that differs from the surface tension of the corresponding compositions comprising sucrose, glucose, fructose or invert sugar. This may have certain advantages for various applications, e.g. with respect to the capability of being mixed with other additives and ingredients of foodstuffs, beverages or animal feeds.

Further, there is indication that aqueous liquid compositions comprising allulose have sensory advantages, as invert sugar is too sweet for several applications, especially at high carbohydrate contents. At the same dry matter content allulose advantageously provides less sweetness in beverages than invert sugar. The aqueous liquid compositions comprising allulose are particularly advantageous for improving the taste of weight management products (e.g. dietary food and the like).

Still further, there is indication that aqueous liquid compositions comprising allulose are less sticky than the corresponding compositions comprising the corresponding amounts of sucrose, glucose, fructose or invert sugar. This is particularly advantageous with respect to processing, e.g. spraying applications.

Yet further, there is indication that allulose has a less pronounced tendency to crystallize from highly concentrated aqueous liquid compositions compared to the corresponding compositions comprising the corresponding amounts of sucrose, glucose, fructose or invert sugar. Thus, allulose remains in solution thereby providing an improved shelf-life and storage stability of aqueous liquid compositions without forming undesirable precipitates. Moreover, allulose syrups can be transported at higher concentrations even at oversaturated concentrations at ambient temperature without crystallization.

It has been surprisingly found that aqueous liquid compositions comprising allulose have a lower aw-value than aqueous solutions containing the same amount of sucrose. Especially aqueous solutions with a high concentration of allulose have a considerable lower aw-value than solutions containing the respective same amount of sucrose. Surprisingly, the same applies to mixtures of apple juice with allulose compared to mixtures of apple juice with sucrose, respectively.

Further, it has been surprisingly found that aqueous solutions of allulose have a lower viscosity compared to solutions containing the respective same amount of sucrose. Especially aqueous solutions with a high concentration of allulose have a lower viscosity than solutions containing the respective same amount of sucrose. Surprisingly, the same applies to mixtures of apple juice with allulose compared to mixtures of apple juice with sucrose, respectively. Even more surprisingly, the same applies to cooked mixtures of apple juice with allulose compared to mixtures of apple juice with sucrose, respectively.

There is indication, that aqueous liquid compositions comprising allulose have a prolonged shelf life due to lower bacterial contamination and do not have a tendency to decolorize. It seems that at high concentrations, allulose acts as an antioxidant. The aqueous liquid compositions comprising allulose may enhance and/or stabilize the color of other additives or ingredients of foodstuffs, beverages and animal feeds. As far as desired browning is concerned, the allulose in the aqueous liquid compositions may react in Maillard reactions and/or may be caramelized thereby providing edible brown color (e.g. burnt sugar syrup). Thus, the resultant aqueous liquid compositions comprising allulose are useful as browning syrup and browning accelerator, respectively.

Moreover, it has been surprisingly found that allulose exhibits prebiotic properties and thus can be used inter alia for rendering an edible composition such as a foodstuff or a beverage with prebiotic properties. Further, it has been surprisingly found that allulose has a sweetening capacity that is about <NUM>% of that of sucrose but at the same time has no or nearly no physiological caloric value. Still further, it has been surprisingly found that allulose is not fermented by most microorganisms that are conventionally used in the production of fermented foodstuff, beverages and the like. Thus, in the presence of such microorganisms, allulose remains inert, i.e. storage stable. Accordingly, allulose can be regarded as a sweetener not exhibiting cariogenic properties. Yet further, it has been surprisingly found that allulose does not have a pronounced laxative effect. Furthermore, it has been surprisingly found that the allulose undergoes Maillard reaction with a pronounced browning effect that is comparable to that of fructose. At comparable color, a caramelized allulose has a lower sweetness than a caramelized fructose. Further, in dry caramel products, allulose provides or maintains flowability even under extreme conditions. Thus, allulose is useful as a substitute of fructose, as some people tend to develop fructose intolerance.

Furthermore, it has been surprisingly found that the color of the end product can be adjusted by the process parameters like temperature, pH value, concentration and reaction time. Due to this reason it is possible to adjust the color in the range of a clear solution up to a dark yellow solution of the end product and fit it directly to customers' demands by the process.

A first aspect of the invention relates to an aqueous liquid composition comprising allulose, wherein the weight content of allulose is at least <NUM> wt. -%, relative to the total weight of the liquid composition; wherein the weight content of allulose is at least <NUM> wt. -%, relative to the total content of all carbohydrates that are contained in the liquid composition; wherein the liquid composition has a pH value within the range of <NUM>±<NUM>; and wherein the liquid composition has a viscosity of not more than <NUM> mPa·s, measured by means of a rotary viscosimeter at <NUM> at a speed of <NUM> rpm. The invention also relates to the use of the liquid composition comprising allulose in food and beverage applications.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, for the purpose of the specification, all percentages are weight percent.

The liquid composition according to the invention is aqueous, i.e. contains water. Preferably, water is the only liquid constituent of the composition, i.e. the only constituent that in pure form under ambient conditions is liquid as well. Thus, for example, the composition according to the invention preferably comprises no alcohol.

The aqueous composition according to the invention is liquid. While the aqueous composition according to the invention may principally be a dispersion, i.e. an emulsion and/or suspension, the aqueous composition is preferably a solution. Thus, preferably all ingredients that are contained in the aqueous composition are preferably essentially completely dissolved in the aqueous phase.

Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a weight content of undissolved material of not more than <NUM> wt. -%, more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. -%, still more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. -%, yet more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. -%, even more preferably not more than <NUM> wt. -%, most preferably not more than <NUM> wt. -%, and in particular not more than <NUM> wt. -%, in each case relative to the total weight of the liquid composition. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid composition according to the invention contains substantially no undissolved material.

Preferably, upon visual inspection with the naked eye, the liquid composition according to the invention is preferably colorless and clear.

Nonetheless, the liquid composition according to the invention may also be colored to a certain extent, e.g. slightly yellow.

Commonly, the coloring capacity of comparatively darkly colored compositions can be quantified in EBC units (European Brewery Convention).

When the liquid composition according to the invention is comparatively darkly colored, it preferably has a coloring capacity of not more than <NUM> EBC, or not more than <NUM> EBC, more preferably not more than <NUM> EBC or not more than <NUM> EBC, still more preferably of not more than <NUM> EBC or not more than <NUM> EBC, yet more preferably of not more than <NUM> EBC or not more than <NUM> EBC, even more preferably of not more than <NUM> EBC or not more than <NUM> EBC, most preferably of not more than <NUM> EBC or not more than <NUM> EBC, and in particular of not more than <NUM> EBC or not more than <NUM> EBC. In preferred embodiments, the liquid composition according to the invention has a coloring capacity within the range of <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; <NUM>±<NUM> EBC, <NUM>±<NUM> EBC; or <NUM>±<NUM>.

Commonly, the coloring capacity of comparatively lightly colored compositions, e.g. only slightly yellow or yellowish compositions, can be quantified in ICUMSA units (International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis).

When the liquid composition according to the invention is comparatively lightly colored, it preferably has a color of not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units, or not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units, more preferably not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units or not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units, still more preferably of not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units or not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units, yet more preferably of not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units or not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units, even more preferably of not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units or not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units, most preferably of not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units or not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units, and in particular of not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units or not more than <NUM> ICUMSA units. In preferred embodiments, the liquid composition according to the invention has a color within the range of <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units; <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units; <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units; <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units; <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units; <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units; <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units; <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units; <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units; <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units, or <NUM>±<NUM> ICUMSA units.

Allulose, also referred to as psicose, is a ketohexose. For the purpose of the specification, allulose is preferably provided in form of the D-enantiomer, i.e. D-allulose (<NPL>), which in open chain Fischer projection has the following structure:
<CHM>.

D-allulose can be present inform of the two anomers, α-D-allulose and β-D-allulose. In preferred embodiments of the powder according to the invention, at least <NUM> wt. -%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>% of the allulose are present in form of β-D-allulose, relative to the total weight of allulose.

The liquid composition according to the invention has a comparatively high allulose weight content of at least <NUM> wt. -%, relative to the total weight of the liquid composition. Thus, the liquid composition according to the invention is distinguished from e.g. beverages containing allulose due to its substantially higher allulose weight content.

The liquid composition according to the invention is preferably a syrup.

The liquid composition according to the invention is typically not devoted for intake or consumption as such, but is useful as in intermediate in the manufacture of foodstuffs, beverages or animal feeds. The liquid composition can be advantageously stored and shipped and is typically diluted in order to provide the final foodstuffs, beverages or animal feeds with the desired weight content, which is typically well below <NUM> wt. -%, relative to the total weight of the foodstuff, beverage and animal feed, respectively.

The liquid composition according to the invention has a weight content of allulose of at least <NUM> wt. -%, relative to the total weight of the liquid composition. Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a weight content of allulose of at least <NUM> wt. -%, at least <NUM> wt. -%, at least <NUM> wt. -%, or at least <NUM> wt. -%, in each case relative to the total weight of the liquid composition.

Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a weight content of allulose of not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, or not more than <NUM> wt. -%, in each case relative to the total weight of the liquid composition.

Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a weight content of allulose of not more than <NUM>%, more preferably not more than <NUM>%, still more preferably not more than <NUM>%, yet more preferably not more than <NUM>%, even more preferably not more than <NUM>%, most preferably not more than <NUM>%, and in particular not more than <NUM>%, in each case of that weight content of allulose that would be contained in a fully saturated solution of allulose at ambient conditions.

The weight content of allulose that would be contained in a fully saturated solution of allulose at ambient conditions can be determined by simple routine experiments.

Besides allulose, the liquid composition according to the invention may comprise additional carbohydrates (saccharides), such as other monosaccharides, disaccharides or oligosaccharides. Preferred additional carbohydrates include but are not limited to glucose, fructose, sucrose, and mixtures thereof.

The liquid composition according to the invention has a weight content of allulose of at least <NUM> wt. -%, relative to the total content of all carbohydrates that are contained in the liquid composition.

Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a weight content of allulose of at least <NUM> wt. -%, at least <NUM> wt. -%, or about <NUM> wt. -%, in each case relative to the total content of all carbohydrates that are contained in the liquid composition.

In a preferred embodiment, allulose is substantially the only carbohydrate that is contained in the liquid composition according to the invention.

In another preferred embodiment, the liquid composition according to the invention has a weight content of allulose of not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, in each case relative to the total content of all carbohydrates that are contained in the liquid composition.

The brix value (degrees brix, symbol °Bx) is the sugar content of an aqueous solution. One degree Brix is <NUM> gram of sucrose in <NUM> grams of solution and represents the strength of the solution as percentage by mass. If the solution contains dissolved solids other than pure sucrose, then the °Bx only approximates the dissolved solid content. The brix value is determined by refractometry.

Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a brix value of at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, or at least <NUM>°.

Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a brix value of not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, not more than <NUM>°, or not more than <NUM>°.

In preferred embodiments, the liquid composition according to the invention has a brix value within the range of <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, <NUM>±<NUM>°, or <NUM>±<NUM>°.

Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a weight content of water of not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, or not more than <NUM> wt. -%, or not more than <NUM> wt. -%, or not more than <NUM> wt. -%, or not more than <NUM> wt. -%, or not more than <NUM> wt. -%, or not more than <NUM> wt. -%, in each case relative to the total weight of the liquid composition.

Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a weight content of water of at least <NUM> wt. -%, at least <NUM> wt. -%, at least <NUM> wt. -%, at least <NUM> wt. -%, at least <NUM> wt. -%, at least <NUM> wt. -%, at least <NUM> wt. -%, at least <NUM> wt. -%, at least <NUM> wt. -%, or at least <NUM> wt. -%, in each case relative to the total weight of the liquid composition.

The liquid composition according to the invention has a pH value within the range of <NUM>±<NUM>. Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a pH value of not more than <NUM>, not more than <NUM>, not more than <NUM>, not more than <NUM>, not more than <NUM>, not more than <NUM>, not more than <NUM>, not more than <NUM>, not more than <NUM>, not more than <NUM>.

Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a pH value of at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>.

Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a viscosity of at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, at least <NUM> mPa·s, or at least <NUM> mPa·s.

The liquid composition according to the invention has a viscosity of not more than <NUM> mPa s, measured by means of a rotary viscosimeter at <NUM> at a speed of <NUM> rpm. Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a viscosity of not more than <NUM> mPa s, not more than <NUM> mPa s, not more than <NUM> mPa s, not more than <NUM> mPa s, not more than <NUM> mPa s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, not more than <NUM> mPa·s, or not more than <NUM> mPa·s.

In preferred embodiments, the liquid composition according to the invention has a viscosity within the range of <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s, or <NUM>±<NUM> mPa·s.

The viscosity is measured by means of a rotary viscosimeter at <NUM>, at a speed of <NUM> rpm.

Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a total weight content of carbohydrates (saccharides) other than allulose of.

Preferably, the liquid composition according to the invention has a total content of carbohydrates (saccharides) including allulose of.

In a preferred embodiment, besides allulose the liquid composition according to the invention additionally comprises sucrose.

-%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, not more than <NUM> wt. -%, or not more than <NUM> wt. -%, in each case relative to the total weight of the liquid composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the sucrose is present in form of particles which essentially contain no allulose and/or wherein the allulose is present in form of particles which essentially contain no sucrose.

In a preferred embodiment, besides allulose the liquid composition according to the invention additionally comprises fructose.

In a preferred embodiment, besides allulose the liquid composition according to the invention additionally comprises a sweetener and/or sugar substitute.

Preferably, the sweetener and/or sugar substitute is selected from the group consisting of acesulfame, aspartame, aspartame-acesulfame-salt, cyclamate, neohesperidine, neotame, saccharine, sucralose, stevioglycoside, especially stevioside, stevia, mogrosides, monkfruit, thaumatine, alitame, brazzeine, dulcine, hernandulcine, lugduname, monelline, pentadine, curculine, miraculine, osladine, perillartine, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, isomaltitol, isomaltulose, maltitol, lactitol, erythritol, and tagatose.

In a preferred embodiment, besides allulose the liquid composition according to the invention additionally comprises a monosaccharide or disaccharide or polysaccharide. The monosaccharide fructose and the disaccharide sucrose have been described above.

Preferably, the monosaccharide is selected from the group consisting of glucose, mannose and galactose.

Preferably, the disaccharide is selected from the group consisting of maltose, lactose and cellobiose.

Preferably, the polysaccharide is a starch, preferably maize starch or potato starch.

Preferably, the content of monosaccharide or disaccharide or polysaccharide is.

In a preferred embodiment, besides allulose the liquid composition according to the invention additionally comprises an acid.

Preferably, the acid is an organic acid. Preferably, the organic acid is a carboxylic acid. Preferably, the carboxylic acid is a multicarboxylic acid. Preferably, the acid is selected from citric acid and tartaric acid.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid composition according to the invention comprises essentially no carbohydrate other than allulose.

In a preferred embodiment, besides allulose the liquid composition according to the invention essentially contains.

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid composition according to the invention essentially contains no hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF).

In a preferred embodiment, the liquid composition according to the invention essentially consists of allulose and water.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a container comprising the aqueous liquid composition according to the invention as described above. The volume of the container is not particularly limited.

Preferably, the container comprises the liquid composition according to the invention in form of a bulk material, preferably at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM>, or at least <NUM> of liquid composition.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of the liquid composition according to the invention as described above as a prebiotic or for rendering a foodstuff, a beverage or a feed for animals with prebiotic properties.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of the liquid composition according to the invention as described above for preparing a foodstuff, a beverage or a feed for animals.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for preparing a foodstuff or a beverage comprising the step of adding a liquid composition according to the invention as described above to an intermediate of the foodstuff, a beverage or a feed for animals.

All preferred embodiments of the liquid composition according to the invention as described above also analogously apply to the uses according to the invention and to the process according to the invention and are therefore not repeated hereinafter.

Preferably, the foodstuff, a beverage or a feed for animals according to the invention is solid, semi-solid or liquid composition.

Preferably, the foodstuff or beverage according to the invention is selected from foodstuffs and beverages.

Preferably, the foodstuff is selected from the group consisting of basic foods and prepared foods.

Preferred basic foods include but are not limited to breads, dairy products, eggs, legumes, edible plants, edible fungi, meat, edible nuts and seeds, cereals, seafood, and staple foods.

Preferred prepared foods include but are not limited to appetizers, condiments, confectionery, convenience foods, desserts, dips, pastes and spreads, dried foods, dumplings, fast food, fermented foods, halal food, kosher food, noodles, pies, salads, sandwiches, sauces, snack foods, soups, and stews.

Preferred foodstuffs are selected from the group consisting of basic foods and prepared foods. Preferred basic foods are selected from the group consisting of breads, dairy products, eggs, legumes, edible plants, edible fungi, meat, edible nuts and seeds, cereals, seafood, and staple foods. Preferred prepared foods are selected from the group consisting of appetizers, condiments, confectionery, convenience foods, desserts, dips, pastes and spreads, dried foods, dumplings, fast food, fermented foods, halal food, kosher food, noodles, pies, salads, sandwiches, sauces, snack foods, soups, and stews. In a preferred embodiment, the foodstuff is selected from the group consisting of food, functional food, food ingredients, dietary supplements, and feed.

Preferred beverages are selected from the group consisting of non-alcoholic drinks and alcoholic drinks. Preferred non-alcoholic drinks are selected from the group consisting of water, milk, tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, juice and juice drinks. Preferred alcoholic drinks are selected from the group consisting of beer, cider, wine, and spirits.

Particularly preferred foodstuffs and beverages include but are not limited to.

Examples of foodstuffs and beverages made with the liquid composition according to the invention include but are not limited to.

Preferred beverages include but are not limited to non-alcoholic drinks and alcoholic drinks.

Preferred non-alcoholic drinks are selected from the group consisting of water, milk, cocoa milks, tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, juice and juice drinks.

Preferred alcoholic drinks are selected from the group consisting of beer, cider, wine, and spirits.

Preferred feeds are animal feeds such as concentrated feed preferably for feeding pets or livestock.

Preferred pets (domestic animals, farm animals) according to the invention include but are not limited to dogs, cats, mice, rats, rabbits, hamster, guinea pigs, birds, fish and the like. Preferred pets are selected from cats, dogs, rabbits, hamster and guinea pigs.

In a preferred embodiment, the animal feed is dry feed, preferably for pets, or wet feed, preferably for pets.

In another preferred embodiment, the animal feed is a liquid composition, preferably for pets.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for preparing a storage stable liquid allulose composition comprising the steps of.

The following examples are not within the scope of the claims.

The aw-value and the viscosity of solutions prepared with allulose in distilled water were determined and compared with solutions of sucrose in distilled water. Further, the concentration of carbohydrates in solution (wTSr-value) was measured by means of a refractometer.

Aqueous solutions containing different amounts of allulose were prepared and analyzed. The amounts of allulose and the test results are displayed in the table below:.

Aqueous solutions containing different amounts of sucrose were prepared and analyzed. The amount of sucrose and the test results are displayed in the table below:.

The results of the measurements of the concentration of carbohydrates in the solution (wTSr - values) are displayed in <FIG>.

The results of the measurements of the aw-values of the solutions containing distilled water and allulose, or sucrose respectively, as a function of the content of allulose, or sucrose respectively, are displayed in <FIG>.

The results of the measurements of the aw-values of the solutions containing distilled water and sucrose, as a function of the aw-values of the solutions containing distilled water and allulose, are displayed in <FIG>.

The results of the viscosity-measurements of the solutions containing distilled water and allulose, or sucrose respectively, as a function of the content of allulose, or sucrose respectively, are displayed in <FIG>.

It becomes clear from the experimental data that the solutions containing water and allulose according to the invention had a lower aw-value than solutions containing water and the same amount of sucrose. Especially solutions with a high concentration of more than <NUM> of allulose had a considerable lower water activity than solutions containing the respective same amount of sucrose.

Further, the experimental data show that solutions containing water and allulose had a lower viscosity compared to solutions containing water and the same amount of sucrose. Especially solutions with a high concentration of more than <NUM> of allulose had a much lower viscosity than solutions containing the respective same amount of sucrose.

A lower viscosity at the same weight concentration is often advantageous and thus desirable, as it facilitates processing of liquid compositions.

The aw-value and the viscosity of cold solutions of allulose in apple juice were determined and compared with solutions of sucrose in apple juice. Further, the concentration of carbohydrates in the solution (wTSr-value) was measured by means of a refractometer.

Cold solutions containing different amounts of apple juice and different amounts of allulose were prepared and analyzed. The respective amounts and the test results are displayed in the table below:.

Cold solutions containing different amounts of apple juice and different amounts of sucrose were prepared and analyzed. The respective amounts and the test results are displayed in the table below:.

It becomes clear from the experimental data that solutions containing apple juice and allulose had a lower aw-value than solutions containing apple juice and the same amount of sucrose. Especially solutions with a higher carbohydrate concentration of more than <NUM> of allulose had a considerable lower aw-value than solutions containing the respective same amount of sucrose.

Further, the experimental data shows that solutions containing apple juice and allulose had a lower viscosity compared to solutions containing water and the respective same amount of sucrose. Especially solutions with a high carbohydrate concentration of allulose had a much lower viscosity than solutions containing apple juice and sucrose.

The aw-value and the viscosity of cooked solutions of allulose in apple juice were determined and compared with solutions of sucrose in apple juice. Further, the concentration of carbohydrates in the solution (wTSr-value) was measured by means of a refractometer.

Different amounts of apple juice and different amounts of allulose were mixed and subsequently cooked for four minutes. Citric acid was added just before cooking. The thus obtained solutions were analyzed. The respective amounts and the test results are displayed in the table below:.

Different amounts of apple juice and different amounts of sucrose were mixed and subsequently cooked for four minutes. Citric acid was added just before cooking. The thus obtained solutions were analyzed. The respective amounts and the test results are displayed in the table below:.

The results of the measurements of the aw-values of the cold and cooked solutions containing apple juice and allulose, or sucrose respectively, as a function of the concentration of carbohydrates in the solution (wTSr -values) are displayed in <FIG>.

The viscosity-values of the solutions containing apple juice and allulose, or sucrose respectively, before and after cooking as a function of the concentration of carbohydrates in the solution (wTSr -values) are displayed in <FIG>.

Like the cold solutions, also the cooked solutions containing apple juice and allulose had lower aw-value than solutions containing apple juice and the same amount of sucrose. Also the wTSr-value was lower in the solutions containing allulose compared to the solutions containing the respective same amount of sucrose.

Further, the experimental data shows that also the cooked solutions containing apple juice and allulose had a lower viscosity compared to solutions containing water and the respective same amount of sucrose. Especially solutions with a high carbohydrate concentration of allulose had a much lower viscosity than solutions containing apple juice and sucrose.

Aqueous allulose solutions comprising <NUM> wt. -% of allulose relative to the total dry solids content and comprising <NUM> wt. -% or <NUM> wt. -% dry solids content are subjected to different pH values at different dry solids contents and different temperatures. Sealed sample containers are placed into different temperature ovens at <NUM> and <NUM>. Extracts from each of the samples are periodically removed from each oven. Samples are chilled quickly in an ice bath and analyzed for carbohydrate composition, color and pH value.

At <NUM> after <NUM> days and <NUM> days, respectively:.

The pH value drops over the course of the experiments. The decrease in pH value is more pronounced in samples starting at higher pH, and the pH drops faster at higher temperature. The sample with only a slightly lower dry solid content, (<NUM> wt. -% vs. <NUM> wt. -%) starting at pH <NUM> shows much less allulose loss than its equivalent pH sample at <NUM> wt. -% dry solids content. High pH, longer time and high temperature increase the color formation. By increasing the pH it is possible to mitigate the allulose content loss, however there is an upper limit bound by increasing color in the final product.

Aqueous allulose solutions are prepared at different dry solids contents and equilibrated at different temperatures. These samples are seeded with ~<NUM> % crystalline allulose and crystallization is monitored visually and by change in dry solids after <NUM> month of storage:.

Relative change in dry solids content after storage at <NUM>:.

Claim 1:
An aqueous liquid composition comprising allulose,
wherein the weight content of allulose is at least <NUM> wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the liquid composition;
wherein the weight content of allulose is at least <NUM> wt.-%, relative to the total content of all carbohydrates that are contained in the liquid composition;
wherein the liquid composition has a pH value within the range of <NUM>±<NUM>; and
wherein the liquid composition has a viscosity of not more than <NUM> mPa·s, measured by means of a rotary viscosimeter at <NUM> at a speed of <NUM> rpm.