Patent Description:
The present invention relates to decorations for foodstuffs, wherein the decorations comprise an edible substrate and an edible image disposed on the edible substrate. The invention also relates to methods of making decorations for foodstuffs as well as methods of decorating foodstuffs.

It is difficult to directly print a lasting image from edible and food compliant inks onto the surface of foodstuffs, which can be curved or contoured objects, frozen, and/or goods that have just been baked and are in the cooling process, without some noticeable changes in the image quality. Typically, spreading of the inks occurs across the surface and very poor image quality results. Several methods have been developed for the use of substrates to transfer printed images to foodstuffs. However, each of these methods suffers from certain disadvantages.

<CIT> relates to transferring a print, such as a logo, onto a food item. The method involves printing an image onto an inedible carrier medium, such as a plastic film, bringing the film into contact with the food object, heating up the object to facilitate transfer, and finally removing the insoluble and inedible plastic carrier.

<CIT> relates to a similar process to <CIT>, wherein an edible inkjet ink is used to create an image, for example a date stamp, on an inedible bottom plastic film, before covering the printed image with another film, applying the film to foodstuffs, and then heating at an elevated temperature to make the image adhere to the foodstuffs, which are typically frozen goods.

<CIT> relates to slot coating an edible material onto a backing material to form an edible substrate, which is then in turn printed with an image. The edible substrate can then be applied to various food objects, including by applying the backing material and substrate to foodstuffs and then peeling away the backing material. The edible substrate is formed from mixtures of starches and other ingredients in very complex formulations, and can be decorated using, for example, printing. However, the substrates are not water soluble and thus the printed substrates remain on the surface of food objects after transfer. Accordingly, it is not possible to decorate foodstuffs with only the printed image using the method disclosed in this document, as the substrate itself is also visible on the surface of the foodstuffs.

<CIT> and <CIT> are related to the preparation of a decorated edible film which can be affixed to a food object like a transfer. The disclosed film is made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which is water insoluble, and so remains on the surface of the food object and is not aesthetically pleasing. <CIT> relates to a product comprising an amylaceous edible substrate, to a method of forming such a product and to a number of uses of such a product, particularly in the foodstuff decorating art. <CIT> relates to edible print substrates. <CIT> relates to an adornment for a comestible product and particularly to a starch-based substrate having an image printed thereon and a method of manufacture of the printed starch-based substrate. <CIT> relates to a transparent and edible motif sticker for application to cakes and tarts as well as moist desserts.

In the above references, the substrates are inedible, such that the printed image has to be transferred from the substrate to the foodstuff and the substrate then removed. For example, the substrate may be peeled off the foodstuffs after the image has been transferred; a difficult process that can compromise the quality of the printed image on the foodstuffs. Alternatively, the substrates are edible but are water insoluble and may also be made from very complicated formulations. For example, the edible films of <CIT> contain many ingredients, including colorants. Moreover, these edible substrates are insoluble in water and thus do not dissolve into the foodstuffs, such that the substrates remain visible on the foodstuffs after transfer. Moreover, the films of the prior art may need to be prepared using specific moulding and/or casting equipment.

The present invention addresses these problems in the art.

The invention provides a decoration for food stuffs comprising an edible substrate and an edible image disposed on the edible substrate. The edible substrate comprises a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, citric acid, citric acid esters, vegetable oil, collagen, and combinations thereof. The material selected from the group consisting of pectin, citric acid, citric acid esters, vegetable oil, collagen, and combinations thereof is present in the substrate in an amount of at least 50wt%, such as <NUM> to 95wt%, relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate. The substrate has a water solubility of at least <NUM>%, wherein water solubility is measured at <NUM>.

The invention further provides a method for providing a decoration for a foodstuff or beverage or a method for decorating a foodstuff or beverage, comprising:.

The method of the invention may further comprise the steps:.

The invention further provides a method for decorating a foodstuff or beverage, comprising steps:.

Water-soluble = for the purposes of the present invention, a water-soluble compound or composition is a compound or composition that has a solubility of at least <NUM>% (i.e., is fully dissolvable in water at a concentration of at least 50wt%, wherein % solubility is the number of grams of said compound or composition that fully dissolves in <NUM> of water at ambient temperature (<NUM>)). Thus, <NUM>% solubility corresponds to <NUM> of a compound or composition fully dissolving in <NUM> of water at <NUM>.

Fully dissolved = when the mixture of water and compound or composition is transparent after <NUM> minutes at <NUM> with stirring.

Transparent = when it is possible to read text on a printed sheet of paper through the solution (from every angle).

Edible = any item that is safe for humans to eat, i.e., any item that can be consumed and digested by a consumer and that does not cause adverse effects to the health of said consumer.

Food-compliant = complies with FDA regulation CFR Part <NUM> and/or the corresponding EU food regulation <CIT>.

Pectin = a naturally occurring substance (polysaccharide) found in fruits, including berries, apples and citrus fruits. Pectin typically has a weight average molecular weight of <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> Da.

LM pectin = low methoxyl pectin, i.e., pectin that has a level of esterification of less than <NUM>%, such that less than <NUM>% of the acid groups on the polysaccharide rings are esterified.

Natural gums = polysaccharides of natural origin, capable of causing a large increase in a solution's viscosity, even at small concentrations. Natural gums are mostly botanical gums, found in the woody elements of plants or in seed coatings. Natural gums can include the following: Agar, Alginic acid, sodium alginate, carrageenan, gum arabic, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, karaya gum, Guar gum, Locust bean gum, Beta-glucan, Dammar gum, Glucomannan, Psyllium seed husks, Tara gum, Gellan gum, and Xanthan gum. Gum arabic is also known as gum acacia, gum sudani, and/or Senegal gum.

Nestle Coffeemate = a composition comprising glucose syrup, palm kernel oil, milk proteins, stabilisers (E331, E452), acidity regulator (E340), emulsifiers (E471, E472e), anti-caking agent (E170), and the colour riboflavin.

Plantcol White = a plant based "collagen" comprising water, citric acid, modified starch, coconut oil, and Potassium sorbate.

IMWITOR® <NUM> = a blend of mono-, di-, and triglycerides, mainly of caprylic and capric acid.

Citrem = a citric acid ester of mono- and diglycerides.

Modified starch (also called a starch derivatives) is prepared by physically, enzymatically, and/or chemically treating native starch in order to change its properties.

Unless otherwise stated, all percentages (%) are weight percentages (wt%) relative to the total weight of the respective composition.

Unless otherwise stated, room/ambient temperature is <NUM>.

Boiling point = unless otherwise specified, all boiling points are measured under standard atmospheric pressure of <NUM> kPa.

The preparation, decoration, and subsequent application of an edible decorated substrate to a food object, which dissolves when applied, is an advantageous feature of the present invention. The benefit is that the image is applied to the surface of the food object when the substrate is exposed to a small amount of moisture. Furthermore, when the water-soluble substrate is applied to the food or beverage object, the substrate is absorbed into or onto the surface, such that it is no longer visible, leaving only the printed image visible with excellent print quality. The substrates for use in the invention are edible and thus can be retained on the food or beverage objects.

The edible substrates of the invention can either be drawdown coated or simply cast onto a temporary backing sheet and then dried. Once dried, the substrates can be overprinted with a number of various techniques, including inkjet printing. Inkjet printing is advantageous as it enables a very high level of printed image quality to be achieved. The substrates of the invention thus obviate the well-known issues associated with printing directly onto food, which has the undesirable tendency of resulting in the ink absorbing into the food thus creating a wicking effect and dot spread, imparting poor print appearance. The printed image quality achieved when printing edible inkjet inks onto the substrates for use in the invention (e.g., pectin films) is visually superior to that achieved via direct printing methods, with a sharper image and greatly reduced dot spread than images printed directly onto a food object.

Moreover, the inventors have found that substrates made from water-soluble materials, such as pectin, can have an image printed thereon in a central location using edible inks, according to the design of the customer, and then the printed substrate can be shipped to the food factory, domestic place, or restaurant, such that a printer is not required on-site. Indeed, it may be impractical to invest in an inkjet printer for edible inks, which are only used occasionally, or even for personalization in the home, and the present invention addresses this issue. The substrates of the invention allow a decorator to decorate a food object without the need to own an inkjet printer, and can instead purchase the substrates for use in the invention (e.g., soluble transfers) pre-printed with edible inks ot their own personalised design, and apply them to foodstuffs.

In addition, the thickness of the substrates and the various ways in which the primers (e.g., pectin solutions) can be formed into the substrates are numerous, such that they do not require any specialized processing equipment.

Furthermore, the primers for making the edible substrates for use in the invention, such as those comprising pectin, comprise very few ingredients and are advantageously chosen from plant-based sources to be compliant with various food regulations and certifications. For example, the substrates for use in the invention may comprise only three ingredients, pectin, water, and a small quantity of a preservative. Therefore, the substrates are very simple to prepare and can be cast into any mould or shape on a temporary backing film, and then, once dried, printed with a variety of edible inkjet inks or even decorated with effects pigment inks, which are also edible.

The components of the substrates for use in the invention are preferably all derived from plant-based sources. The components are certified as edible, and as such are compliant with various food regulations, such as those required by vegan, kosher, and halal. More importantly, printed substrates, such as pectin substrates that are exemplified in this invention, may be permitted for application to foods such as breadcakes, frozen meats, frozen foods, baked goods and confectionary according to the FDA regulation CFR Part <NUM>, and the corresponding EU food regulation <CIT>, which regulate the definition and use of food additives.

The decorations of the invention are suitable for use on a very wide range of food products including frozen goods, baked goods, and confectionary. The invention avoids the use of plastic transfer films, which are typically used in the art for edible transfer printing of food or beverage objects and do not degrade in the environment after disposal.

The edible substrates for use in the invention are water-soluble. By water-soluble it is meant that the edible substrate has a water solubility of at least <NUM>% when measured at ambient temperature (<NUM>) or, in other words, that at last <NUM> of the substrate for use in the invention dissolves in <NUM> of water at ambient temperature. At least <NUM> of the substrate for use in the invention dissolves in <NUM> of water at ambient temperature (i.e., the water solubility is at least <NUM>%). More preferably, at least <NUM> of the substrate for use in the invention dissolves in <NUM> of water at ambient temperature (i.e., the water solubility is at least <NUM>%). Even more preferably, at least <NUM> of the substrate for use in the invention dissolves in <NUM> of water at ambient temperature (i.e., the water solubility is at least <NUM>%).

The skilled person would appreciate that while the substrates for use in the invention are water-soluble, the presence of small amounts of water insoluble components do not affect the function of these substrates, i.e., the ability of the substrate to be absorbed into the foodstuffs upon which the decorations are placed to leave only the printed edible ink image visible. Accordingly, the water-soluble edible substrates for use in the invention preferably comprise less than 5wt% of water-insoluble components, more preferably less than 3wt%, and even more preferably less than 1wt% of water-insoluble components. The water-soluble edible substrates for use in the invention are most preferably substantially free of water-insoluble components.

The substrate for use in the invention preferably comprises 30wt% or less of water, such as 20wt% or less of water.

The inventors have found that substrates made from water-soluble materials, such as pectin, are particularly advantageous, providing edible substrates that can be printed upon with edible ink, easily removed from a support medium, and transferred to foodstuff. In addition, the inventors found that such substrates are water-soluble and thus dissolve into the foodstuffs. The substrates of the invention are also transparent and therefore, once dissolved, advantageously leave the printed edible image on the surface of the foodstuffs with no visible coloration of the foodstuffs resulting from the substrate. In other words, the substrates for use in the invention effectively transfer the printed images to foodstuffs but are not themselves visible, such that only the printed image is visible on the foodstuffs.

As an alternative or in addition to pectin, the primers for making the substrates of the present invention can comprise collagen (such as gelatine), citric acid, citric acid esters, vegetable oil (such as coconut oil), and combinations thereof.

Starch may be used in addition to the materials required by the invention (i.e., pectin, citric acid, citric acid esters, vegetable oil, collagen, and combinations thereof) and is preferably selected from the group consisting of corn starch, maize starch, modified starch, tapioca starch, and combinations thereof. More preferably, the starch for use in the invention is selected from corn starch, tapioca starch, and modified starch, and combinations thereof, and even more preferably the starch is modified starch. Modified starch includes starch that has been reacted with carboxylic acids or anhydrides to afford a product comprising carboxylic acid salts as substituents, for example, starch sodium octenylsuccinate.

The vegetable oil for use in the invention is preferably selected from the group consisting of coconut oil, olive oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, canola oil, palm kernel oil, and combinations thereof. More preferably, the vegetable oil is selected from the group consisting of olive oil, coconut oil, and combinations thereof. Even more preferably, the vegetable oil is coconut oil.

The substrates for use in the invention (e.g., pectin films) are typically transparent but can optionally be made opaque using, for example, food-compliant white pigments or food-compliant water-insoluble effects or coloured pigments, such as silver, gold, cacao husk, or combinations thereof.

The substrate (and primer for making the substrate) for use in the invention may further comprise one or more additives, such as an additive selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate, sorbitol, potassium sorbate, glycose syrup, sucrose, beta carotene, milk proteins, whey, milk powder, and combinations thereof.

The substrate (and primer for making the substrate) for use in the invention can further comprise one or more surfactants. The surfactant is preferably a blend of mono-, di- and/or triglycerides, such as a blend of mono-, di- and/or triglycerides of caprylic and capric acid.

The substrate of the invention and the inks disposed thereon are edible. Edible substrates and inks are materials that are safe for human consumption, i.e., they can be consumed and digested by a consumer and do not cause adverse effects to the health of said consumer. The edible substrates for use in the invention include those made from polysaccharides, such as sugars and starches, as well as proteins, such as collagen.

In contrast, inedible-substrates include the synthetic substrates: polyolefins, including polyethylene and polypropylene, polystyrene, poly(meth)acrylates, poly(meth)acrylamides, polycarbonates, polyvinyls, polyamides, and polyesters.

The substrate for use in the invention preferably comprises a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, citric acid, citric acid esters, vegetable oil, collagen, and combinations thereof. The substrate for use in the invention more preferably comprises a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, gelatine, citric acid, citric acid esters, coconut oil, and combinations thereof. The substrate for use in the invention even more preferably comprises pectin, such as low methoxyl (LM) pectin.

The substrate for use in the invention preferably comprises at least <NUM> wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, citric acid, citric acid esters, vegetable oil, collagen, and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the non-water components. The substrate for use in the invention more preferably comprises <NUM> to 95wt%, such as <NUM> to 95wt%, of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, citric acid, citric acid esters, vegetable oil, collagen, and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the non-water components, even more preferably <NUM> to 90wt%, and most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, citric acid, citric acid esters, vegetable oil, collagen, and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate. The substrate may comprise pectin in combination with one or more materials selected from starch, citric acid, citric acid esters, vegetable oil, and collagen.

The substrate for use in the invention preferably comprises at least <NUM> wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, gelatine, citric acid, citric acid esters, coconut oil, and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the non-water components. The substrate for use in the invention more preferably comprises <NUM> to 95wt%, such as <NUM> to 95wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, gelatine, citric acid, citric acid esters, coconut oil, and combinations thereof, even more preferably <NUM> to 90wt%, and most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, gelatine, citric acid, citric acid esters, coconut oil, and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the non-water components. The substrate may comprise pectin in combination with one or more materials selected from modified starch, corn starch, tapioca starch, gelatine, citric acid, citric acid esters, and coconut oil.

The substrate for use in the invention preferably comprises at least <NUM> wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, citric acid, and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the non-water components. The substrate for use in the invention more preferably comprises <NUM> to 95wt%, such as <NUM> to 95wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, citric acid, and combinations thereof, even more preferably <NUM> to 90wt%, and most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, citric acid, and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the non-water components. The substrate may comprise pectin in combination with one or more materials selected from modified starch and citric acid.

The substrate for use in the invention preferably comprises at least <NUM> wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, coconut oil, citric acid, and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the non-water components. The substrate for use in the invention more preferably comprises <NUM> to 95wt%, such as <NUM> to 95wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, coconut oil, citric acid, and combinations thereof, even more preferably <NUM> to 90wt%, and most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, coconut oil, citric acid, and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the non-water components. The substrate may comprise pectin in combination with one or more materials selected from coconut oil and citric acid.

The substrate for use in the invention preferably comprises at least 20wt% pectin, such as <NUM> to 90wt% pectin, based on the total weight of the non-water components, more preferably <NUM> to 80wt% pectin, even more preferably <NUM> to 75wt%, and most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt% pectin, based on the total weight of the non-water components.

The substrate for use in the invention is obtained from a water-soluble, edible liquid primer.

The water-soluble, edible liquid primer for use in the invention preferably comprises <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, collagen, and combinations thereof, more preferably <NUM> to 8wt%, and even more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, such as <NUM> to <NUM> wt%, of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, collagen, and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the liquid primer.

The water-soluble, edible liquid primer for use in the invention preferably comprises <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of pectin, more preferably <NUM> to 8wt% pectin, and even more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt% pectin, such as <NUM> to <NUM> wt% pectin, based on the total weight of the liquid primer. The water-soluble, edible liquid primer for use in the invention most preferably comprises <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of low methoxyl pectin, based on the total weight of the liquid primer.

The water soluble, edible liquid primer for use in the invention preferably comprises <NUM> to 95wt% water, more preferably <NUM> to 95wt% water, even more preferably <NUM> to 95wt% water, and most preferably <NUM> to 95wt% water.

The substrate for use in the invention may comprise citric acid and/or citric acid esters, such as preferably <NUM> to 60wt% citric acid and/or citric acid esters relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate. The substrate for use in the invention may comprise <NUM> to 60wt% citric acid relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate.

The water soluble, edible liquid primer for use in the invention may comprise citric acid, such as preferably <NUM> to 5wt% citric acid. The water soluble, edible liquid primer for use in the invention may comprise <NUM> to 2wt% citric acid, such as <NUM> to <NUM> wt% citric acid, or <NUM> to <NUM> wt% citric acid relative to the total weight of the primer.

The substrate for use in the invention may comprise a surfactant, preferably in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> wt% relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate. More preferably, the substrate for use in the invention comprises a surfactant in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> wt% relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate, such as <NUM> to <NUM> wt% relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate.

The surfactant can be a blend of mono-, di- and/or triglycerides, such as a blend of mono- , di- and/or triglycerides of caprylic and capric acid.

The substrate for use in the invention may comprise one or more additives selected from the group consisting of potassium sorbate, glycose syrup, sucrose, beta carotene, and combinations thereof in an amount up to 10wt%, preferably up to 8wt% relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate.

The substrate for use in the invention may comprise one or more additives selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate, sorbitol, milk proteins, whey, and milk powder, in an amount up to 40wt%, such as up <NUM> to wt%, or up to <NUM> wt%.

The substrate for use in the invention preferably comprises less than or equal to 40wt% of natural gum, relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate. The substrate for use in the invention more preferably comprises less than or equal to 30wt% natural gum, relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate, such as less than or equal to <NUM> wt%, or even more preferably less than or equal to <NUM> wt% natural gum, relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate. The natural gum may be gum acacia.

The water soluble, edible liquid primer for use in the invention preferably comprises less than or equal to 20wt% of natural gum, relative to the total weight of the primer. The water-soluble, edible liquid primer for use in the invention more preferably comprises less than or equal to 15wt% of natural gum, relative to the total weight of the primer, such as less than or equal to <NUM> wt% of natural gum, relative to the total weight of the primer. The natural gum may be gum acacia.

The inventors found that incorporating large amounts of natural gum, such as gum acacia, into the substrate for use in the invention, provides properties that are unsuitable for the intended use of the invention. In particular, and as demonstrated in Comparative Example <NUM>, increasing the amount of natural gum (e.g., gum acacia) to above 30wt% relative to the total weight of the primer (i.e., above 70wt% relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate) provides substrates that cracked and could not be printed upon.

The substrate for use in the invention preferably comprises less than or equal to 10wt% pigment, relative to the total weight of the substrate. The substrate for use in the invention more preferably comprises less than or equal to 5wt% pigment, relative to the total weight of the substrate, such as less than or equal to <NUM> wt%, or less than or equal to <NUM> wt%, pigment, relative to the total weight of the substrate. The substrate for use in the invention may be substantially free of pigment.

The water-soluble, edible, liquid primer for use in the invention preferably comprises less than or equal to 5wt% of pigment, relative to the total weight of the primer. The water-soluble, edible liquid primer for use in the invention more preferably comprises less than or equal to 3wt% pigment, relative to the total weight of the primer, such as less than or equal to <NUM> wt%, or less than or equal to <NUM> wt% pigment, relative to the total weight of the primer. The water-soluble, edible, liquid primer for use in the invention may be substantially free of pigment.

The substrate for use in the invention preferably comprises less than or equal to <NUM> wt% cellulose, more preferably less than or equal to 30wt%, or less than or equal to 15wt% cellulose, and even more preferably less than or equal to 10wt% cellulose, relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate. The substrates for use in the invention may be substantially free of cellulose. Cellulose includes cellulose derivatives, such as methylcellulose and microcrystalline cellulose.

The water-soluble, edible, liquid primer for use in the invention preferably comprises less than or equal to <NUM> wt% cellulose and more preferably less than or equal to 5wt% cellulose relative to the total weight of the primer composition.

The substrate for use in the invention preferably comprises <NUM> to 95wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, starch, citric acid, citric acid esters, vegetable oil, collagen, and combinations thereof, less than or equal to 40wt% of natural gum, less than or equal to <NUM> wt% cellulose, and less than or equal to 20wt% pigment, based on the total weight of the non-water-based components.

The substrate for use in the invention more preferably comprises <NUM> to 95wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, modified starch, corn starch, tapioca starch, gelatine, citric acid, citric acid esters, coconut oil, and combinations thereof, less than or equal to 30wt% natural gum, less than or equal to 30wt% cellulose, and less than or equal to 10wt% pigment, based on the total weight of the non-water components.

The substrate for use in the invention even more preferably comprises <NUM> to 95wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, modified starch, citric acid, and combinations thereof, less than or equal to <NUM> wt% natural gum, less than or equal to 15wt% cellulose, and less than or equal to <NUM> wt% pigment, based on the total weight of the non-water components.

The substrate for use in the invention even more preferably comprises <NUM> to 95wt% of a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, coconut oil, citric acid, and combinations thereof, less than or equal to <NUM> wt% natural gum, less than or equal to 15wt% cellulose, and less than or equal to <NUM> wt% pigment, based on the total weight of the non-water components.

The substrate for use in the invention preferably comprises <NUM> to 80wt% pectin, less than or equal to <NUM> wt% natural gum, less than or equal to 10wt% cellulose, and less than or equal to <NUM> wt% pigment, based on the total weight of the non-water components.

The substrate for use in the invention most preferably comprises <NUM> to 75wt%, pectin, based on the total weight of the non-water-based components, is substantially free of natural gum, is substantially free of cellulose, and is substantially free of pigment.

The edible substrate for use in the invention comprises an edible image disposed thereon, wherein the image is obtained from an edible ink. The edible ink is suitable for being printed onto the edible substrate. The edible ink is preferably printed onto the substrate, for example, using inkjet printing. Preferably, the edible inks are food-certified edible inks, such as inks that comply with FDA regulation CFR Part <NUM>, and the corresponding EU food regulation EC <NUM>/<NUM>.

The edible inks for use in the invention comprise water, a humectant, and food colouring.

The edible ink for use in the invention may comprise water, glycerin, vegetable oil, flour, cellulose, starch, and calcium carbonate. For example, the edible ink may comprise about <NUM>% to <NUM>% water; from <NUM>% to <NUM>% glycerin; from <NUM>% to <NUM>% vegetable oil; from <NUM>% to <NUM>% flour; from <NUM>% to <NUM>% of microcrystalline cellulose; from <NUM>% to <NUM>% of starch; and from <NUM>% to <NUM>% of calcium carbonate.

The edible inks for use in the invention may comprise water, a humectant, and food coloring. The humectants can include, for example, glycols such as propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and butylene glycol, aloe vera gel, alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic acid, egg yolk and egg white, glyceryl triacetate, honey, polymeric polyols such as polydextrose, Quillaia, Sodium hexametaphosphate E452i, sugar alcohols (sugar polyols) such as glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, urea, and castor oil.

The edible ink may instead comprise about: <NUM>% Trimoline® (an inverted sugar syrup comprising 82wt% crystallized inverted sugar syrup and 18wt% water), <NUM>% glycerin; <NUM>% potassium polysorbate; <NUM>% canola oil; <NUM>% coconut oil; <NUM>% soybean lecithin· <NUM>% of tapioca flour; <NUM>% of solid corn syrup; <NUM>% of confectioner's sugar; <NUM>% of microcrystalline cellulose· <NUM>% of gum acacia; <NUM>% of modified starch· <NUM>% of citric acid; <NUM> % of potassium sorbate; <NUM>% of alginate; <NUM>% of nee starch; <NUM> % of calcium carbonate; <NUM> % of milk protein; and <NUM>% of food dye, and the remainder is water.

The substrates for use in the invention may be any suitable thickness, such as from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, such as <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>, and even more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The decoration of the invention can be applied to any suitable foodstuffs, which are either already rich in water or are able to absorb water. The foodstuffs could be, for example, frozen meat, frozen baked goods, baked cookies, baked bread or bread cakes, baked cakes, cut fruit, cakes, pastries, pasties, ice-cream, bread, beer, cream, candy, biscuits, chocolate, vegetables, and other meat products. The invention is especially suitable for use with contoured food objects, such as bread rolls. It is also applicable to the personalisation of frozen articles and frozen dairy items and ices. Furthermore, the decoration of the invention can be applied to the foam tops of beverages, such as coffee, beer, and other beverages.

The invention also provides a method of providing a decoration for a foodstuff or beverage or a method for decorating a foodstuff or beverage, comprising the steps of:.

The primer solution is applied to a temporary support medium. The temporary support media can a material selected from the group consisting of paper, plastic, card, and metal. In good sustainability practice, the temporary support layer can be a layer used to package the printed films for shipping to a client.

There is no specific requirement for the method of applying the primer to the temporary support medium. Accordingly, the primer can be applied, for example, by simply pouring the primer onto the support medium, by using a drawdown or printing process, or by other means.

Control of the thickness of the substrate is not essential and the thickness can be tailored to specific requirements by altering the application method.

Once applied to the temporary support medium, the substrate is dried. The substrate can be either allowed to air dry or can undergo forced convection drying in a low temperature oven, air knife, or other convection system. Near IR dryers or other types of drying, such as warm air, can also be used.

Once the substrate (e.g., pectin or other water-soluble film) is dried (i.e., is not tacky), then an edible ink can be printed thereon. The edible ink can be disposed onto the edible substrate using any suitable process, including screen printing such as silk screen printing, offset printing, thermal transfer, and inkjet printing Preferably, the edible ink is printed using inkjet printing.

The full gamut of colours is available to construct fully CMYK and effects images. In effects, it is possible to print edible gold leaf or titanium dioxide white inks onto the substrates. This negates the requirement to add a contrasting agent to the substrate (e.g., pectin film). It is possible, for example, to print a layer of base white ink onto the substrate (e.g., pectin film) and then in a second pass, once dry, to overprint with CMYK or effects. This liberates the printed substrate (e.g., pectin film) on a temporary support, which can be suitably packaged in a desiccated package and then shipped.

A simple process has been devised to overcome some of the challenges of inkjet printing directly onto certain foodstuffs. By printing edible inks onto simple films of pectin or other natural polymers, applying the film onto the object, followed by exposure to water vapour (humidity or steam), the film dissolves on the surface of the food object leaving the image on the surface of the object. The primer film could also be applied to the food or beverage substrate using an edible adhesive (for example Dab-N-hold, Wilton Industries) or by using the liquid primer the film was made from as an adhesive.

The substrate can be peeled away from the temporary support/packaging layer and physically applied to a food product. The affixed substate can then be either left to melt into the foodstuff or alternatively exposed to a small quantity of water vapour, or humidity, for example, which might be present during a cooking/baking process. The substrate (e.g., pectin film) is absorbed into the surface of the foodstuff, carrying with it the printed image. The image colour droplets do not migrate as they are held in place in the top surface of the foodstuff in the presence of the substrate (e.g., pectin film) as a polymeric scaffold.

Once the substrate (e.g., pectin film) is applied to a food object and placed on the food article, usually within seconds, in a semi-humid environment (e.g., at typical ambient conditions of <NUM> and <NUM>% relative humidity), the pectin substrate readily dissolves on the surface of the food object carrying the printed image onto the surface.

A pectin substrate may provide a desirable, visually glossy finish to foodstuffs. There is no transfer film to dispose of at the end of the process and no film on the top of the food article. Moreover, even in conditions of low humidity, a pectin substrate can easily be transferred, simply by first spraying the foodstuffs with water.

The optional step of exposing the foodstuff to water and/or humidity to assist the dried primer layer film to adhere to the foodstuff may be performed at a humidity level of <NUM> to <NUM>% relative humidity, such as <NUM> to <NUM>% relative humidity, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% relative humidity, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% relative humidity.

The present invention has been described in detail, including various embodiments thereof. However, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon consideration of the present disclosure, may make modifications and/or improvements on this invention that fall within the scope of the invention.

The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

Viscosity was measured on a Brookfield DV II+ Pro Viscometer, using a UL spindle, and the sample cell immersed in a temperature-controlled water bath at <NUM>.

Surface tension was measured using a Kruss K11MK4 tensiometer at <NUM>.

pH was checked and measured on a Mettler Toledo MP220 pH meter.

Solubility of a compound or composition is typically determined by measuring the maximum amount of said compound or composition that can be dissolved in <NUM> of water at ambient temperature (defined as <NUM>) with stirring. Fully dissolvable is defined as when the mixture of water and compound or composition is transparent after <NUM> minutes at <NUM> with stirring. Transparent is defined as when it is possible to read text on a printed sheet of paper through the solution (from every angle). For the purposes of the invention, water soluble is defined as a minimum solubility of <NUM> of compound or composition in <NUM> of water at <NUM> (i.e., <NUM>% solubility).

Comparative Example <NUM>. Gum Arabic Based Liquid Formulation primer.

<NUM> of the surfactant "Imwitor <NUM>", <NUM> of Gum Arabic stock solution (<NUM>% solids), and <NUM> Polysorbate <NUM> were mixed with <NUM> distilled water. The mixture was stirred on a laboratory stir plate for <NUM> hour at room temperature. The resultant composition contains <NUM>. 2wt% of the surfactant "Imwitor <NUM>"; <NUM>. 7wt% of Polysorbate <NUM>; <NUM>. 1wt% of Gum Arabic solids; and <NUM>. 0wt% distilled water.

To a <NUM> beaker was added deionised water (<NUM>) and the stirrer started. <NUM> of Citrem (from Danisco, a subsidiary of Dupont) was added, followed by <NUM> "Imwitor <NUM>" (from IOI Oleo), <NUM> potassium sorbate, <NUM> sorbitol, and <NUM> LM pectin (Modernist Pantry, Ingredion). The mixture was stirred for <NUM> minutes and then <NUM> of a solution of citric acid in water (<NUM>%w/w) was added and the pH measured. The pH was then maintained at pH <NUM> and the resulting liquid preparation purified by filtration through a <NUM> screen mesh.

The viscosity was 100cP. The surface tension was recorded at <NUM> dynes/cm. The pH was <NUM>.

To a <NUM> beaker was added <NUM> deionised water and the stirrer started. <NUM> of Citrem (from Danisco) was added, followed by <NUM> "Imwitor <NUM>" (from IOI Oleo), <NUM> potassium sorbate, <NUM> Plantcol White and <NUM> LM pectin (Modernist Pantry). The mixture was stirred for <NUM> minutes and then <NUM> of a solution of citric acid in water (<NUM>%w/w) was added and the pH measured. The pH was then maintained at pH <NUM> and the resulting liquid preparation purified by filtration through a <NUM> screen mesh.

To a <NUM> beaker was added <NUM> deionised water and the stirrer started. <NUM> of Citrem (from Danisco) was added, followed by <NUM> "Imwitor <NUM>" (from IOI Oleo), <NUM> potassium sorbate, and <NUM> LM pectin (Modernist Pantry). The mixture was stirred for <NUM> minutes and then <NUM> of a solution of citric acid in water (<NUM>%w/w) was added and the pH measured. The pH was then maintained at pH <NUM> and the resulting liquid preparation purified by filtration through a <NUM> screen mesh.

To a <NUM> beaker was added <NUM> deionised water and the stirrer started. <NUM> of Citrem (Danisco a subsidiary of Dupont) was added, followed by <NUM> Imwitor <NUM> (IOI Oleo), <NUM> potassium sorbate, <NUM> Nestle Coffeemate, and <NUM> LM pectin (Modernist Pantry, Ingredion). The mixture was stirred for <NUM> minutes and then <NUM> of a solution of citric acid in water (<NUM>%w/w) was added and the pH measured. The pH was then maintained at pH <NUM> and the resulting liquid preparation purified by filtration through a <NUM> screen mesh.

The viscosity was 227cP. The surface tension was recorded at <NUM> dynes/cm. The pH was <NUM>.

To a <NUM> beaker was added <NUM> deionised water and the stirrer started. <NUM> Citrem (Danisco a subsidiary of Dupont) was added, followed by <NUM> Imwitor <NUM> (IOI Oleo), <NUM> potassium sorbate, <NUM> sodium alginate (Modernist Pantry), and <NUM> LM pectin (Modernist Pantry, Ingredion). The mixture was stirred for <NUM> minutes and then <NUM> of a solution of citric acid in water (<NUM>%w/w) was added and the pH measured. The pH was then maintained at pH <NUM> and the resulting liquid preparation purified by filtration through a <NUM> screen mesh.

The viscosity was 470cP. The surface tension was recorded at <NUM> dynes/cm. The pH was <NUM>.

Casting of films was performed at room temperature and standard relative humidity (<NUM>-<NUM>%) by adding enough primer liquid formulation to cover a metal dish with a <NUM>-<NUM> depth of the liquid formulation. The metal dishes were then placed on a warm heated surface (for example, a hot plate at ~<NUM>°F) until set (usually <NUM>-<NUM> hours).

After drying, the films were peeled off the metal support tray and printed using a Primera Eddie inkjet or Logojet Pro (H4 version) printer containing Sensijet FSE series edible inkjet inks. The printed films were then stored and adhered to various food objects.

When the standard sprayable wet primer formulation of Comparative Example <NUM> was formed into a substrate and air-dried, the resulting films cracked and broke down and could not be decorated by inkjet printing. Thus, for Comparative Example <NUM>, the only attainable ratings were for visual inspection, solubility, and gloss for the beer foam test (see Table <NUM>).

The film integrity after application and image quality were awarded various ratings, on a scale of <NUM>-<NUM>. The tests undertaken were as follows:.

Table <NUM> shows that Inventive Examples <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are best for chocolate coated ice cream bars; Inventive Example <NUM> is also suitable; Inventive Example <NUM> is less suitable.

Table <NUM> shows that Inventive Examples <NUM> and <NUM> are best for brioche buns; Inventive Examples <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are also suitable.

Table <NUM> shows that Inventive Examples <NUM> and <NUM> are best for white chocolate; Inventive Example <NUM> and <NUM> are also suitable; Inventive Example <NUM> is less suitable.

Table <NUM> shows that Inventive Examples <NUM> and <NUM> are best for wheatmeal biscuits; Inventive Example <NUM> and <NUM> are also suitable; Inventive Example <NUM> is less suitable.

Table <NUM> shows that Inventive Example <NUM> is best for beer foam; Inventive Examples <NUM> is also suitable; Inventive Examples <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are less suitable.

Comparative Example <NUM> was prepared from a primer with the following composition.

The substrate of Comparative Example <NUM> is based on Formulation <NUM> of <CIT> (see Table <NUM> in paragraph [<NUM>]). The only exception is that polysorbate <NUM> was used instead of polysorbate <NUM>. Polysorbate <NUM> is polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) sorbitan monooleate. Polysorbate <NUM> is polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) sorbitan monostearate.

All the dry ingredients except titanium dioxide were dry blended in a mixer. All the liquid ingredients were blended in a separate mixture, to which titanium dioxide was then added and dispersed using a Branson Digital Sonifer SFX <NUM> disperser (mfr. Emerson Automation Solutions. Mixing was conducted for exactly <NUM> minutes. The liquid mixture was then added to the dry mixture and mixed until a well-blended composition was achieved. The composition was then sieved through a mesh paint strainer (size: <NUM> micrometers). The final composition was then made into substrates using coated can lids and air drying. Thickness of the test substrates was from about <NUM> to <NUM>.

A substrate for use in the invention prepared from the primer of Inventive Example <NUM> and the substrate of Comparative Example <NUM> were prepared and placed into a beaker comprising <NUM> of water at room temperature. The substrates are visually inspected immediately and then after <NUM> minute, <NUM> minutes, <NUM> minutes, and <NUM> minutes (see <FIG>). After <NUM> minutes, the substrate for use in the invention was completely dissolved and the substrate of Comparative Example <NUM> was not.

In particular, the substrate for use in the invention almost immediately dissolved when added to the water and was fully dissolved between <NUM> and <NUM> minutes later. The substrate of Comparative Example <NUM> was still intact after <NUM> minutes and was <NUM>-<NUM>% undissolved after <NUM> minutes (i.e., the water was not transparent).

Claim 1:
A decoration for food stuffs comprising:
a) an edible substrate;
b) an edible image disposed on the edible substrate;
wherein the edible substrate comprises a material selected from the group consisting of pectin, citric acid, citric acid esters, vegetable oil, collagen, and combinations thereof; wherein said material is present in the substrate in an amount of at least 50wt% relative to the total weight of the non-water components of the substrate; wherein the substrate has a water solubility of at least <NUM>%, wherein water solubility is measured at <NUM>.