Patent ID: 7122215

Claim:
Composite particles that provide a sequential change in optical and organoleptic properties in a food product when exposed to an aqueous environment, wherein the sequential change comprises at least (1) a first change in the optical and organoleptic properties and (2) a second change in the optical and organoleptic properties, said composite particles comprise a core particle having a first encapsulating coating formed thereon which contains a first optical modifying agent and a first organoleptic modifying agent, followed by a second encapsulating coating surrounding the first encapsulating coating, the second encapsulating coating containing a second optical modifying agent and a second organoleptic modifying agent; wherein, when the composite particles are exposed to water, the second optical modifying agent and the second organoleptic modifying agent are first released from the second encapsulating coating by dissolution of the second encapsulating coating in the aqueous environment to provide the first change in the optical and organoleptic properties, and wherein the first optical modifying agent and the first organoleptic modifying agent are thereafter released from the first encapsulating coating by dissolution of the first encapsulating coating in the aqueous environment to provide the second change in the optical and organoleptic properties; and wherein the composite particles are soluble in water.