Patent ID: 8293297

Claim:
A process for producing a colored structured protein product having protein fibers that are substantially aligned, the process comprising: a. combining a protein material with at least one colorant to form a blended protein mixture; and b. extruding the blended protein mixture under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure through a die assembly comprising: i. a die sleeve having a back portion and a front portion collectively defining an interior chamber; ii. a die insert disposed inside the interior chamber, the die insert including an insert body having a front face and a rear face with the front face defining a bottom portion and a plurality of flow diverters with a tapered flow pathway being defined between the bottom portion and any two adjacent of the plurality of flow diverters; and iii. a die cone coupled to said die sleeve wherein said die cone and said flow pathway collectively define a fully tapered flow channel, wherein the process produces a colored structured protein product comprising protein fibers that are substantially aligned.