Patent Description:
It is well known to use powders that upon dissolution produce foaming beverages. In many cases such compositions comprise, additional to the actual foaming composition a soluble beverage powder, such as a coffee, soup or chocolate powder, or extract, such as coffee or tea extracts. These are then used to prepare instant drinks, such as a cappuccino beverage, by adding (hot) water.

Because of the high demand in these kind of powder composition there is a need to prepare a more sustainable and affordable composition. One of the elements in the known compositions which is relatively expensive and has a relatively high burden on the ecosystem is protein. Hence, compositions using a sustainable, cheap source of protein and minimalizing the amount of protein are goals of the present invention.

Foaming compositions with a relatively low amount of protein are already known. One of such compositions has been described in <CIT>, but this composition still contains a high amount of less sustainable casein protein.

Another such composition was described in <CIT>. However, the method for making this composition is very complex and expensive.

Thus, there is still a need for a foaming composition with better characteristics and improved methods for producing these.

<CIT> relates to a creamer composition containing casein or a salt thereof and an oil, wherein the weight ratio of casein or salt thereof to oil is about <NUM> : <NUM> to about <NUM> : <NUM>, and its use together with a process of preparing a creamer composition. <CIT> discloses a cold water-soluble powdered creamer which is made of agglomerated creamer particles. The creamer particles are each made up of a sweetener, a water-dispersible or water-soluble protein and a edible oil having a bland flavor and melting point to below <NUM>.

<CIT> pertains to powdered foamer composition or ingredient suitable for producing enhanced foam in foodstuffs and beverages, the composition or ingredient comprising fat, carbohydrate, and protein and entrapped gas, and <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % of lecithin and/or at least one other phospholipid.

<CIT> relates to powder-form foaming creamer for beverages, containing fat, carbohydrates and chicken-egg albumen protein.

<CIT> describes a powdered creamer soluble in cold water, which creamer is made up of powdered or agglomerated creamer particles. The creamer particles are preferably made up of a sweetener, a water-dispersible or water soluble protein and an edible oil having a melting point below <NUM>.

<NPL> describes experiments using caseinate or whey protein isolate in oil emulsions and the effect of heat treatment, ionic strength and pH on the emulsion properties. Heat-induced gelation is observed.

<CIT> describes an aqueous foam comprising water, at least one polysaccharide and food-grade, interfacially active particles.

It has been surprisingly found that addition of an emulsifier greatly enhances the foam texture and the stability of the foam when low amounts of proteins, which proteins are mainly whey proteins, are used. Surprisingly, the foam still maintains an attractive, milky taste. Therefore, the invention comprises a powdered foaming composition for beverages comprising fat, carbohydrates, protein, and an emulsifier, wherein the protein content is <NUM>% or lower, based on the dry weight of the composition.

The invention relates to a powdered foaming composition for beverages comprising fat, carbohydrates and protein, wherein the protein content is <NUM>% or less on a dry weight basis (<NUM> wt. %), further comprising an emulsifier. Preferably, the amount of protein is less than <NUM>%, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%.

The protein fraction comprises whey protein and casein, but the whey protein is a more important constituent of the composition and will be available in the composition in a higher amount than casein. Accordingly, the whey protein to casein ratio preferably is in the range is <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>, more preferably in the range of <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>. Other proteins from plant or animal origin, such as soy protein or egg protein may be present, but preferably in low amounts.

The absolute amount of whey protein ranges from <NUM> - <NUM> wt%, where the amount of casein lies in between <NUM> - <NUM> wt. The casein protein content preferably is derived from skim milk powder, while the whey protein preferably is mainly derived from whey powder and the remainder of the whey protein is derived from skimmed milk powder. In a preferred embodiment the amount of skimmed milk powder that is part of the composition is <NUM>-<NUM>% (where the skimmed milk powder has a protein content of about <NUM>% - <NUM>%, where the casein amount is normally between <NUM> and <NUM>% and the whey protein content is between <NUM> and <NUM>%. Preferably more than <NUM> wt. % of the whey protein content of the foaming composition is derived from whey powder, more preferably more than <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably more than <NUM> wt. % and most preferably more than <NUM> wt. Alternatively, less than <NUM> wt. %, preferably less than <NUM> wt. % and even more preferable less than <NUM> wt. % of the whey protein is derived from skimmed milk powder.

In the prior art foaming compositions the casein protein is held responsible for the foaming properties of the powder composition. However, with a lowering of the casein content, the influence of casein on the stabilization of the foam properties of the composition decreases and the advantageous effects of the casein should be taken over by other ingredients. Surprisingly, it was found that addition of small amounts of emulsifier in combination with the low protein content yielded foaming compositions of which the foaming properties were comparable to, if not better than those of the foaming compositions of the prior art Further, it was surprisingly found that such a composition maintained the sensory characteristics (taste, mouthfeel and the like) of the prior art compositions.

The emulsifiers are chosen from the group of sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL, E481), diacetyl tartaric ester of mono- and diglycerides (DATEM, E472e) and sucrose esters of fatty acids (E473). The amounts of these emulsifiers need not be large and generally will not exceed <NUM> wt. % and preferably will be present in an amount of <NUM> wt. % - <NUM> wt. If SSL is used the amount preferably is between <NUM> wt. % and <NUM> wt. %, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably around <NUM> wt. % , where DATEM is used, the amount preferably is between <NUM> wt. % and <NUM> wt. %, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> wt. %, even more preferably around <NUM> wt.

Another relevant factor in the foaming composition of the invention is the level of lactose. Too high lactose levels may cause solubility problems due to limited solubility of lactose. The lactose level should preferably be lower than found in whey. Preferably, the whey protein to lactose weight ratio is at least <NUM>, more preferably at least <NUM>, most preferably at least <NUM>, up to e.g. <NUM>, preferably up to <NUM>, most preferably up to <NUM>. In absolute terms, the lactose level of the foaming composition, on a dry weight basis, is less than <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%.

In addition to or instead of lactose, the foaming composition contains other carbohydrates. Preferably the other carbohydrates at least partly have a sweetening effect, but may also serve as a bulking agent or as a carrier component to facilitate spray drying. Thus, the carbohydrates preferably comprise one or more of fructose, glucose, sucrose and short-chain fructans. Alternatively, the carbohydrates are digestible or non-digestible non-sweet carbohydrates, which are used in combination with an artificial (non-carbohydrate) sweetener. Further carbohydrates can be maltose, maltodextrins, or mixtures thereof with glucose, inulin, oligofructose or further carbohydrates having a stabilising effect. Especially preferred is a carbohydrate composition comprising glucose syrup having a DE (dextrose equivalent) of at least <NUM> up to e.g. <NUM>, especially of from <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>. The lactose to total carbohydrate weight ratio is preferably below <NUM>, in particular between <NUM> and <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. The level of glucose and glucose oligomers (= glucose syrup) is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> wt. %, more preferably <NUM>- <NUM> wt. % of the foaming composition. The total carbohydrate content, i.e. including any lactose, is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> wt. % (dry) of the foaming composition, more preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, most preferably <NUM>-<NUM> wt.

The foaming composition according to the invention further contains fats, preferably vegetable fats. Preferred examples of fat types comprise soy, palm or coconut oil. Especially preferred are so-called lauric fats, i.e. fats having a relatively high level of C12 and C14 fatty acids, mostly more than <NUM> wt. Suitable examples are palm kernel oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, palm oil, palm stearin, hydrogenated or non-hydrogenated coconut oil, MCT oil, sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, shea oil, or combinations thereof,. The fat level, on a dry weight basis of the foaming composition, is preferably between <NUM> % - <NUM>%, more preferably between <NUM>% - <NUM>%, most preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the proportion of palm oil fats is at least <NUM>% of the fat component, more preferably, the proportion of palm kernel oil is more than <NUM>%. The level of trans fatty acids should be low, preferably lower than <NUM>% of the fat component.

The foaming composition can further contain minor (<<NUM>%) components, such as salts or other minerals, in particular buffering salts, e.g. dipotassium phosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate or disodium phosphate, or free flowing agents, like tricalcium phosphate, tricalcium citrate or silicon dioxide. Preferably the amount of dipotassium phosphate and/or disodium phosphate in the foaming composition is between <NUM> % and <NUM> %, more preferably between <NUM> % and <NUM> %, more preferably between <NUM> % and <NUM> %, all on w/w basis.

The foaming composition preferably has a loose bulk density of between <NUM> and <NUM>/L, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>/L, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>/L. A density within this range can be obtained by the skilled person using known technology. For instance use can be made of gas injection. The gas may be any suitable food grade gas, such as nitrogen, nitrous oxide, air carbon dioxide or a mixture of two or more of such gases. Gases that are substantially inert are preferred. The gas may be introduced into the powder by any suitable process, for instance by gasifying an emulsion comprising the constituents as described above and then spray-drying. This allows for preparation of products with such a low density.

The foaming composition has a pH value of <NUM> or higher, preferably <NUM> or higher, more preferably <NUM> or higher, up to pH <NUM>, preferably up to <NUM>, more preferably up to <NUM>. measured as <NUM> wt % solution in demi water.

In a further embodiment of the invention the composition may be added to an instant beverage powder, such as an instant coffee powder.

In another embodiment, the foaming composition of the invention can be combined with a conventional beverage creamer to enhance the beverage whitening effect.

The invention further relates to a process of preparing a powdered, dry foaming composition, comprising mixing fats, carbohydrates and proteins in an aqueous medium in such a manner that, on a dry weight basis, a protein content of less than <NUM> wt. %, preferably less than <NUM>%, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, even more preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%. is obtained; homogenising, introducing a gas in the mixture and drying it. In such a method, the whey protein is preferably derived for the larger part from whey powder, wherein the whey powder may be added in amount of <NUM> - <NUM> wt %, more preferably <NUM> - <NUM> wt. On a weight basis,preferably more than <NUM>% of the whey protein content of the foaming composition is derived from whey powder, more preferably more than <NUM>%, even more preferably more than75% and most preferably more than <NUM>%. Alternatively, on weight basis, less than <NUM>%, preferably less than <NUM>% and even more preferable less than <NUM>% of the whey protein is derived from skimmed milk powder. The casein protein may be derived from milk powder, such as skimmed milk powder, but may also be derived from caseinate, or from mixtures of milk powder and caseinate. The range of milk powder and caseinate in such a mixture is for milk powder <NUM> - <NUM> % wt. and for caseinate <NUM> - <NUM> wt. The total amount of solids in the emulsion that is formed is <NUM> - <NUM> wt. The preferred range for the fat component in the emulsion is <NUM> - <NUM> wt. %, while the range of carbohydrates in the emulsion is <NUM> - <NUM> wt. The ranges of the other ingredients are as discussed above, where the amounts that have been mentioned are given in relation to the end-product. The foaming composition can be prepared following methods known to the skilled person. In general the components as detailed above can be in solid or liquid form and are mixed in any order, homogenised and heated, followed by introducing a gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide into the liquid composition and then spray-drying.

The composition may be packaged in a unit dose packaging, such as a sachet, typically providing about <NUM> - <NUM> per dosage, in particular <NUM> - <NUM> per dosage, in a multi-use package for domestic use, e.g. a container of <NUM> - <NUM> or in a multi-use container for use in a coffee, cacao, cocoa or other beverage vending machine.

The invention further comprises a method for preparing an instant beverage composition comprising mixing the foaming composition as described above with a vegetable or animal extract and one or more of a thickener and/or stabilizer, a sweetener, a flavoring compound and a coloring compound. The vegetable or animal extract may be any of coffee or tea extracts, matcha tea, chocolate powders, bouillon, meat extract or instant soup powders. Thickeners or stabilisers may be chosen from carboxymethyl cellulose, hydropropyl methyl cellulose, carrageenan, xanthan gum in amounts of <NUM> - <NUM> wt. % to impart viscosity and/or mouthfeel. Flavor compounds may be vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, chai flavor, salt, and the like. As coloring compound next to conventional colorants, cocoa or cacao may be used. The invention further pertains to a process for preparing a foamed beverage comprising adding a foaming composition as described above to a beverage preparation and mixing. The beverage preparation may be any hot or cold beverage, preferably coffee, and the mixing may take place by stirring and/or shaking. The addition of the foaming composition to the beverage preparation may be done manually or automatically, such as in vending machines.

Three foaming compositions were made in a similar manner as generally described above (and specified in more detail in <CIT>) and two foaming compositions according to the invention were made in the same manner. The amounts of the specific ingredients for each of the composition are listed in the table directly below. (all values in weight/weight).

Skimmed milk powder, glucose syrup powder, whey powder and water were mixed. After mixing, coconut oil was added and the mixture was heated. Thereafter dipotassium phosphate was added and the final mixture was heated and homogenized. Nitrogen gas was injected into the emulsion and the mixture was spray dried to obtain a powder having the specified bulk density.

Loose bulk density was determined by pouring the powder in a graded <NUM> glass cylinder.

Each powder (<NUM>) and fine instant coffee (<NUM>) were weighed in a <NUM> beaker (with a diameter of <NUM>). The beaker was cover with a tissue and its content mixed thoroughly. <NUM> of hot water (about <NUM>) was added and stirred with a spoon until the powder was dissolved.

Directly after effervescence the foam height was measured with a ruler to the millimeter precise. The foam height was assessed after <NUM> minutes and after <NUM> minutes and the coffee mixture was assessed and tasted by a test panel for colour and taste.

Claim 1:
A powdered foaming composition for beverages comprising fat, carbohydrates, protein, and an emulsifier, wherein the protein content is <NUM>% or lower, based on the dry weight of the composition, wherein the protein fraction comprises whey protein and casein and wherein the whey protein to casein weight ratio is in the range of <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, the amount of casein is in the range <NUM>-<NUM> wt%, the amount of whey protein is in the range <NUM>-<NUM> wt%, and wherein the emulsifier is selected from the group of sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL), diacetyl tartaric ester of mono- and diglycerides (DATEM) and sucrose esters of fatty acids.