FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to food formulations and particularly the reduction of calories without concomitant loss of mouth feel, flavor and texture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A low or reduced calorie product, such as chips, crackers, cookies, cakes, muffins, brownies, breakfast cereals, pasta, and the like, of a good taste has been the elusive dream of formulators for many years. Despite the obvious desirability of these products, technological limitations have prevented food manufacturers from bringing such products to market. These limitations manifest themselves in unacceptable taste or texture, or negative effects on digestion. It is the object of this invention to delineate the existing limitations in the current art, and provide a method by which to overcome the limitations of the current art, and create acceptable products with significant calorie reduction. This reduction is defined as in excess of 30% of the standard product (i.e. below about 3.25 calories per gram on a dry weight basis, as will be explained herein). One of the easiest paths to caloric reduction is achieved by retaining elevated levels of moisture in the final product. For example, standard white bread often exhibits a caloric value of a mere 2.6 calories per gram, simply due to its high moisture content, which approaches forty percent. Other products such as muffins (again close to 40% moisture), sponge cakes (30% moisture), and doughnuts (35% moisture) continue to bear out this trend. However, this represents a false caloric savings to the consumer, and is no more effective than drinking additional water with the product. Without providing a greater degree of satiation, the consumer will simply be hungry sooner, and will end up consuming the same or greater number of calories eventually. Since moisture levels for baked goods such as cookies, muffins and cakes can vary dramatically between categories, and even between individual formulations within the same category, it is impossible to evaluate the true caloric reduction by looking at the published, FDA-mandated, caloric values of the finished product, since they are based solely on the calories per gram on a non-dry weight basis. Rather, the most appropriate measure to determine caloric reduction is by examining the calories per gram on a dry weight basis. This value can be obtained by dividing the total number of calories of the constituent ingredients, by the total weight in grams of the constituent ingredients less the total weight in grams of the moisture of the constituent ingredients. The term "calorie" in the context of this invention is understood to refer to the kilocalorie unit of energy, also known as the large or food calorie, which is equal to 4.186 kilojoules or one thousand thermal energy calories, and is the energy necessary to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit). One inherent difficulty in creating a low-calorie product is that there are very few raw ingredients with which to work. All common ingredients used in baking manufacture have a relatively high caloric value, on a per-gram basis. For instance, flour, sugar, and starch are all carbohydrates, and, as such, each contains approximately four calories per gram. Any proteins will also provide four calories per gram, while fats and oils provide nine calories per gram. Therefore, in a basic formulation, even if the amount of fat is greatly reduced or even entirely removed, there will still be approximately 110 calories for a 28 gram (1 ounce) serving (28 x 4 = 112), on a dry weight basis. There is much prior art embodied in many patents, dating back to the 1950's, which have focused on creating a large variety of low-calorie products. Although a plethora of raw ingredients have been suggested, which could, under the proper conditions, possibly produce a truly low calorie product, when it comes to actual practice and specific examples, the limitations of the use of the ingredients become apparent, hi all these patents, which were attempting to create lower-calorie baked goods, such as muffins, doughnuts, cakes, cookies, and the like, the examples presented consistently only offered products with a resultant calorie count on a dry weighf basis of between 3.27 and 5.57 calories per gram. Below is an exemplification collection of the patents, the example number within the patent, type of flavored baked good used in the example, and the total calories on a dry weight basis for that example. The highest and lowest values are noted in bold type.

Table 1: Patent Number Example Number Type of flavored baked goods Calories on a dry weight basis 2,802,741 2 Cake 4.29 2,865,757 1 Cookies 4.47 2,865,757 2 Cookies (2) 4.45 2,952,548 2 Cookie 4.62 3,023,104 1 Honey doughnuts 3.36 3,023,104 2 Peanut Butter Cookie 4.26 3,579,548 15a Cake 3.86 ,109,025 16 Biscuits (3) 3.86 ,109,025 4 Biscuits (2) 3.85 ,109,025 5 Biscuits 3.85 ,219,580 10 Chocolate cookies 3.65 ,219,580 12 Chocolate cake 2 3.57 ,219,580 13 Cake 2 3.44 ,219,580 14 Vanilla cookies 4.64 ,219,580 16 Cake 3 3.76 ,219,580 2 Cake 3.79 ,219,580 4 Chocolate Cake 3.92 ,225,628 1 Yellow layer cake 4.69 ,247,568 26 Cake 4.79 ,247,568 31 Lincoln biscuit 4.74 ,275,088 1 Yellow layer cake 4.17 ,275,088 3 Yellow layer cake (2) 4.13 ,351,852 l (B) Cake 1 4.36 ,351,852 2 Cake 2 4.26 ,351,852 5 Devil's Food Cake 3.89 ,351,852 6 Yellow cake 4.00 ,424,237 8 Cake 4.09 ,431,681 1 Cake 3.28 ,431,681 2 Cake (2) 3.89 ,431,681 3 Cake (3) 3.92 ,451,489 2 Cake 3.74 ,526,794 4 Orange cake 3.87 ,526,799 1 Cake 3.82 ,526,799 2 Cake 2 3.76 ,526,799 3 Cake 3 3.69 ,774,099 2 Brownie 4.83 ,871,571 2 Cookie 3.77 ,950,140 1 PB Cookie 5.04 ,968,694 8 Biscuit 4.17 ,051,271 2 - 1 Sugar cookie 5.01 ,051,271 2 - 2 Sugar cookie (2) 5.12 ,051,271 5 Brownies 4.88 ,051,271 6 Sugar cookie (3) 4.61 ,073,387 6 Brownie 3.27 ,106,644 IV - A White cake 4.40 ,106,644 IV - B White cake (2) 4.38 ,106,644 IV - C White cake (3) 4.43 ,106,644 VI Sugar cookies 4.76 ,106,644 VII - A Rolled biscuits 4.63 ,106,644 VII - B Rolled biscuits (2) 4.57 ,108,764 1 Fermented crackers 3.98 ,108,764 2 Unfermented crackers 3.85 ,133,984 1 - B Loaf cake 3.63 ,133,984 11 Cake 3.93 ,133,984 12 Cake 2 5.00 ,133,984 13 Cake 3 3.87 ,133,984 8 Oatmeal cookie 3.64 ,169,671 13 - A American pastry 4.02 ,169,671 15 Doughnut 3.93 ,169,671 23 - C Sponge cake 3.98 ,194,282 2 Chocolate cake 4.28 ,194,282 6 Yellow cake 4.05 ,281,584 1-6 Cookie 3.98 ,308,639 16 Sugar cookie 4.37 ,308,639 24 Chocolate Chip Cookie 5.24 ,466,479 11 Chocolate chip cookies 3.51 ,466,479 12 Oatmeal Cookies 3.28 ,466,479 13 Blueberry muffins 3.51 ,472,732 29 (Food example 22) Donut 4.20 ,472,732 31 (Food example 24) Butter cookie 4.04 ,472,732 32 (Food example 25 ) Pound cake 4.26 5,472,732 33 (Food example 26) Sponge cake 3.61 5,472,732 34 (Food example 27) Apple Pie 5.57 5,514,404 1 Fermented cracker 4.01 5,514,404 2 Unfermented cracker 4.30 5,593,503 6 Oatmeal cookie 4.90 5,593,503 7 Crackers 4.25 5,593,503 9 Yellow cake 5.37 5,766,662 HH Brownie 3.29 5,804,243 1 Donut 4.12 5,902,410 10 Yellow cake 5.37 5,902,410 9 Oatmeal cookie 4.89 5,906,852 2 Cookies 4.52 5,906,852 3 Wafers 3.78 5,906,852 3 Chocolate chip cookies 4.73 5,906,852 3 Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies 4.31 5,906,852 3 Sandwich Cookies 3.90 5,976,598 3 Cookies 4.64 5,976,598 5 Cookies (2) 4.52 6,030,654 11 Cake 4.43 6,030,654 4 Cookie 4.14 6,280,526 14 Cookie 4.56 6,299,924 11 Muffin 3.92 6,299,924 12 A Yellow cake 3.83 6,613,373 9 Cookies 4.49 6,627,242 1 Pizza crust 4.21

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the limitations of the existing state of the art by developing a process and ingredients by which one can produce a food product with acceptable mouth-feel, having a nutritive value between about 1 and 3.25 calories per gram, on a dry weight basis. In order to understand the scope of the present invention it is important to initially understand that there are many ingredients used in low calorie formulations, which do not add increased bulk. These include gums, artificial sweeteners, and emulsifiers. There are however only a limited number of ingredients that can provide the low calorie bulk necessary for satiation. These ingredients fall into three categories: 1) Polyols (sugar alcohols) 2) Cellulose and related fibers 3) Enzyme-resistant starches The advantage of these ingredients is that they have a range of very low caloric values, with the lowest caloric category being the cellulose fibers, which can be as low as 0.1 calories per gram. However, despite their low caloric value, these ingredients provide satiation, and are therefore useful to help restrict caloric intake and promote weight loss. There are numerous studies that indicate that fiber produces both a satiation effect and a gastric fullness effect. The limitation of these ingredients however is that their recommended use level in standard baking formulations is relatively low. The reason for the low recommended levels is that when these ingredients are increased to higher levels, in standard formulations, they result in imperfections in flavor or texture. In addition, some ingredients provide another concern, in that even if they could be tolerated in the product formulation at high levels from a texture perspective, they must be restricted because of negative digestive effects. In the polyol category, for example, each polyol has recommended acceptable use levels, as dictated by the FDA, above for which a warning label must be included, suggesting that the product may have laxative effects. In addition, certain ingredients which the FDA has allowed high levels of usage have been shown to produce flatulence and other undesirable effects even at low levels. For example, polydextrose has been shown to cause flatulence at levels of 10 grams per day, even though the FDA has determined that a laxative effect will not be felt until 90 grams per day are consumed. The second category, cellulose fiber, is composed of alpha-cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and other such naturally indigestible plant material. Only insoluble fibers are considered non-caloric by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cellulose fibers impart a grainy and piece-like texture in the final product. When highly processed, they produce less graininess, but at the expense of increasing siltiness. In all forms, they produce an unacceptable mouth-feel when used at high levels in the final product. Li addition, the high water absorption of the cellulose creates many additional problems in the formulation. The third category, enzyme resistant starch, is that fraction of starch which resists digestive enzymes, and so is not digested in the small intestine. Although not exactly quantifiable due to its heterogeneous nature, some is determined as dietary fiber by the official Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) method. Resistant starches have been categorized into four classes: RS_I. Physically inaccessible starches found in seeds and legumes. RS-II. Starch consumed as granular, non-gelatinized starch that is found in flour and potatoes, for example. RS-III. Inaccessible starch formed by retrogradation caused by heating or shear. Examples would be starch in bread or RTE cereals. RS-IV. Chemically modified starch, such as through cross-linking, substitution, or the addition of side-chains. The prior art is however replete with the use of resistant starch. It has been postulated to add as much resistant starch as possible into baked goods but only a maximum Percentage of the Final Food Product which is Resistant to Digestion has been successfully demonstrated of 12.2% - that is 12.2% of the finished product was resistant to digestion as determined the "AOAC Method 991.43", a measure of what percentage of the starch is digested] by digestive enzymes under conditions which mimic the human body. Much higher levels of the Percentage of the Final Food Product which is Resistant to Digestion, have been generally suggested but without actual substantiation. Table 2 lists prior art experiments collected from numerous patents with their calculations of the Percentage of the Flour-Component which is Resistant to digestion, and the Final Food Product which is Resistant to Digestion. Also listed here are examples from the current patent which are included here to determine the acceptable range of functionality of the various resistant starches: TABLE 2 Percentage of Percentage Percentage of Percentage the Flour- of the Flour- the Final of the Starch component Component Food Product which is which was which is which is Resistant Experiment Patent Resistant to Replaced Resistant to Resistant to Starch Product Number digestion with Starch digestion digestion Type type 6,830,767 40.00% 2.20% 0.88% Unknown 2 Chips 6,830,767 40.00% 3.40% 1.36% Unknown 2 Chips 6,613,373 32.00% 50.00% 16.00% 8.48% 3 Cookies 6,613,373 47.00% 50.00% 23.50% 12.46% 3 Cookies 6,613,373 34.00% 50.00% 17.00% 9.01% 2 Cookies 6,613,373 46.00% 50.00% 23.00% 12.19% 2 Cookies 6,613,373 28.00% 50.00% 14.00% 7.42% 3 Cookies 6,613,373 43.00% 50.00% 21.50% 11.40% 3 Cookies 6,451,367 20.00% 48.27% 9.65% 8.40% 2 Cereal 6,451,367 20.00% 49.60% 9.92% 8.61% 2 Cereal 6,451,367 20.00% 11.76% 2.35% 1.68% 2 Cereal 6,451,367 20.00% 17.07% 3.41% 2.73% 2 Cereal 6,451,367 20.00% 5.00% 1.00% 0.60% 2 Bread 6,451,367 20.00% 10.00% 2.00% 1.20% 2 Bread 6,451,367 20.00% 15.00% 3.00% 1.80% 2 Bread 6,451,367 20.00% 20.00% 4.00% 2.40% 2 Bread 6,451,367 20.00% 25.00% 5.00% 3.00% 2 Bread 6,451,367 20.00% 24.00% 4.80% Unknown 2 Noodles 6,299,907 70.00% 25.00% 17.50% 8.11% 4 Cookies 6,299,907 31.00% 25.00% 7.75% 3.59% 4 Cookies 5,902,410 60.00% 14.00% 8.40% 3.49% 3 Cookies 5,902,410 60.00% 4.50% 2.70% 0.53% 3 Cake 5,776,887 40.00% 26.50% 10.60% 5.36% 2 Granola Bar 5,776,887 40.00% 20.40% 8.16% 2.80% 2 Cookies 5,776,887 40.00% 26.80% 10.72% 4.40% 2 Snack Bar 5,593,503 40.00% 14.00% 5.60% 2.33% 3 Cookies 5,593,503 40.00% 4.50% 1.80% 0.35% 3 Cake 5,593,503 40.00% 16.45% 6.58% 4.10% 3 Crackers 5,593,503 40.00% 16.66% 6.66% 6.00% 3 Cereal

Once levels near 20% were reached, the prior art was not able to achieve a product with acceptable organoleptic properties. Alternatively, in a low calorie formulation, where the amount of fat is by necessity limited (since fat contains 9 calories per gram, as opposed to the 4 calories per gram of starch or protein), the amount of resistant starch that can be tolerated from a functional and organoleptic standpoint is far lower. It is possible that high levels of fat are able to mask the negative organoleptic properties of the resistant starch. In the prior art and current state of the art the amount of resistant starch employed is relatively small, hi addition, Kraft/Nabisco, the leading baked-goods manufacturer in the world, indicated in its US Patent No. 6613373 that the best achievable results for flour replacement have been found with resistant starch type III. However with respect to resistant starch types II and IV, Kraft/Nabisco propounded that they are not as suitable for use as a flour replacement and characterized them as having low melting points, which do not survive a baking process, and do not exhibit good baking functionality. For example, granular starches in the presence of excess water melt at a temperature of about 80 degree C. to about 100 degree C, which is generally below baking temperatures for cookies and crackers. Kraft/Nabisco further found that the digestibility of starch may be reduced by cross-linking or the presence of various substituents such as hydroxypropyl groups. However, the chemical or thermal modification of the starch, which results in a type IV resistant starch, often affects the baking characteristics of the starch. In addition, chemically or thermally modified starches may exhibit undesirable flavors or colors when used in substantial amounts in baked goods. In contrast the type III resistant starch was found by Kraft/Nabisco to be thermally very stable, which is highly advantageous for producing reduced-calorie baked goods. In accordance with the present invention, despite the teachings of the prior art it has been experimentally discovered that resistant starch types II and IV actually produce a far superior product to RS III in formulations which follow. Generally the present invention comprises food products having in the range of about 1 to 3.25 calories per gram, on a dry weight basis, and comprising resistant starch with a maintained granular structure (preferably with a chemical modification). Starch can be chemically modified to achieved resistancy using any of a vast array of reactions, each with their own optimum temperature, pH, and other reaction conditions. In general, however, the actual reaction (or reactions) fall into two broad categories: the addition or substitution of chemical side-chains onto the starch molecule. Cross-linking can be viewed a subset of the former category, in which the added "side-chain" is another starch molecule. The plethora of possible modifications available for actual use is severely limited (though not a limitation of the present invention) by the FDA's Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Volume 3, Section 172.892 "Food starch-modified.", which allows only a small number of chemical compounds to be used, and at restricted usage levels as well. The most likely chemical approved modifications which can be used, alone or in combination, are then: modification by oxidation, etherification, or esterification; the addition of acetyl or phosphate groups (acetylation or phosphorylation, respectively); or the cross-linking of starch molecules by adipic or phosphate bonds. In particular the resistant starch is a type II resistant starch, and wherein the total dietary fiber arising from the resistant starch constitutes 14-20% of the final food product by weight. Alternatively the resistant starch is a type IV resistant starch, and wherein the total dietary fiber arising from the resistant starch constitutes 14-60% of the final food product by weight. The food products containing a type II resistant starch, preferably have the resistant fraction of the flour component of the product constitutes 25-30% of the flour component by weight. Similarly the food products containing a type IV resistant starch, preferably have the resistant fraction of the flour component of the product constituting 25-80% of the flour component by weight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It has been experimentally determined that the amount of resistant starch that can be added to a product varies greatly depending on the type (RS-III, RS-II, or RS-IV) of the resistant starch being utilized. In extensive experiments it was found that: a) When RS-III was used, then when the Percentage of the Final Food Product which is Resistant to Digestion ("PFFPRD") was above around 11%, creation of a product acceptable in organoleptic evaluation was unable to be made. Somewhat acceptable results were obtained at around 7% PFFPRD. b) When RS-II was used, then when the PFFPRD was above around 20% creation of a product acceptable in organoleptic evaluation was unable to be made. Somewhat acceptable results were obtained at around 14% PFFPRD. c) Surprisingly when RS-IV was used, then even when the PFFPRD was as high as 60% a product acceptable in organoleptic evaluation was readily obtained. Another way at looking at this is seeing the Percentage of the Flour-Component which is Resistant ("PFCR") to digestion as compared to the total flour component (column D). This percentage is stated in a different way in the prior art patents in Table 2, which typically give the Percentage of the Starch which is Resistant to digestion (second column) and Percentage of the Flour-component which was Replaced with Starch (third column). These two factors were taken and multiplied to arrive at the Percentage of the Flour- component which is Resistant to digestion (fourth column). In all the experiments cited in the existing patent literature, the PFCR was at most 23.5%. In further extensive experiments it was found that a) When RS-III was used, then when the PFCR was 30%, creating a product acceptable in organoleptic evaluation was not possible. Somewhat acceptable results were obtained at 15% PFCR. b) When RS-II was used, then when the PFCR was 60% creating a product acceptable in organoleptic evaluation was not possible. Somewhat acceptable results were obtained at 30% PFCR. c) When RS-IV was used, then even when PFCR was 80%, creation of a product acceptable in organoleptic evaluation was readily possible. The rationale behind this discovery seems to be that since RS-III's retrogradation destroys its granular structure: a) RS-III has a higher level of water absorption which makes it difficult to form into a dough, with textural issues when creating a dry product and not allowing the granules to fully swell; and b) the particles of RS-III are irregular and amorphous, with no definite size or shape, resulting in a grainy texture in finished products In contrast, RS-II maintains more of the granular structure, and therefore performs better in formulations. But since its granular structure is unprotected, it is often broken down to an extent in processing, resulting in similar negative effects to those observed in RS-III. RS-IV has cross-links which provide a protective barrier not only against digestive enzymes (amylase), but also of the granular structure. This makes it the most workable and acceptable form for the products claimed in this patent. Consequently, in accordance with the present invention and included there are all products utilizing RS-IV with a PFFRD from 14-60%, and/or a PFCR from 25-80%. Additionally, all products utilizing RS-II with a PFFRD from 14-20% and/or a PFCR from 25-30% are within the scope of the present invention.

EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES

The resistant starches which were used for these experiments fit into three of the resistant starch categories described above, namely types II, III, and IV. FiberSym 70 and FiberSym 80 are type IV resistant starches derived from wheat and potato starches, with 70% and 80% resistant starch content, respectively, and are supplied by MGP Ingredients, Inc. GemStar R70 is also a type IV resistant starch derived from wheat starch with 70% resistant starch content. It is manufactured by Manildra Group USA using an undisclosed process, which the manufacturer claims is not identical to that employed in the FiberSym starches. Novelose 260 is a type II resistant starch with 60% resistant starch, and Novelose 330 is a type III resistant starch with 30% resistant starch. Both of the Novelose starches are derived from corn starch, and are supplied by National Starch and Chemical Company. ActiStar 11700 is a type III resistant starch derived from tapioca starch (maltodextrin), with 50% resistant starch content, and is supplied by Cargill Inc. Other non-resistant starches used as controls in the experiments include unmodified potato and corn starches. Unmodified potato and corn starches exhibit low water binding capacity, of about 91% and 95% their weight in water, respectively. These starches also leach significant quantities of amylose, and to a higher degree in corn starch than in potato. The chemical treatment undergone by FiberSym 70 and FiberSym 80 to become partially resistant to digestion allows the granular structure of the starch to remain intact, except for some minor shrinkage, resulting in the maintenance of a low water binding capacity, of about 70% and 80% their weight in water, for FiberSym 70 and FiberSym 80 respectively. Additionally, the processing reduces the amount of amylose leakage from the granules. The GemStar R70 performs similarly to the FiberSym. Novelose 260 (RS type II) is considered a "natural" resistant starch, and its granular structure is unaffected during the processing. Its water binding capacity is somewhat elevated, however, since it is able to bind 115% of its weight. By contrast, in Novelose 330 (RS type III) the entire starch, even the enzyme-susceptible component, is altered during processing through thermal retrogradation, and the entire granular structure is lost. Its water binding capacity increases to 200% of its weight. ActiStar 11700 performs similar to the Novelose 330. Olean is an indigestible oil (sucrose polyester) supplied by the Procter & Gamble Company, and approved by the FDA for use in fried snack products, such as the crisp experiments described below. I. COOKIES These experiments were conducted by combining and blending the dry ingredients thoroughly, in the order given below. The wet ingredients were then combined in the order given below and added to the dry ingredients. Water was added until it formed an acceptable batter. In cases where too much water was added, additional starch was added to compensate, as recorded below. The dough was then formed into 10 flattened circular cookies 1.5-inches in diameter (similar to standard "Nilla" wafers), placed onto a greased cookie sheet, and baked at 375 Fahrenheit until lightly browned. The exact baking time is recorded below. Some experiments employed quantities of standard unbleached all-purpose wheat flour in addition to the starch. Those experiments, and the quantities of flour used, are indicated in the Flour Quantity column. All material units are in grams and times are in minutes.

Base ingredients:

Summary: Using the FiberSym 80 product, which contains the highest percentage of resistant starch, and provides a very acceptable product, the final product provides 2.66 calories per gram on a dry weight basis, well within the range of 1 to 3.25 calories per gram of the present invention. II. CHOCOLATE CAKE These experiments were conducted by combining and blending the dry ingredients thoroughly, in the order given below. The wet ingredients were then combined in the order given below and added to the dry ingredients. Water was added until it formed an acceptable batter. The amount of water is variable, and is recorded below. The batter was then poured into a greased loaf pan, and baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 minutes.

Base ingredients:

Summary: Using the FiberSym 80 product, which contains the highest percentage of resistant starch, and provides a very acceptable product, the final product provides 2.39 calories per gram on a dry weight basis, within the range of 1 to 3.25 calories per gram of the present invention. III. CRISPS 1 These experiments were conducted by combining the starch and salt with 3g of Vital Wheat Gluten and 15g of water. Additional gluten and water were added in Ig and 2g increments (respectively) until the dough attained an appropriate machineable consistency. The dough was then rolled through a hand-operated double roller to achieve a uniform thickness, cut into strips, baked for 12 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and fried in Olean for 1 minute at 375 Fahrenheit.

Base ingredients: Salt

IV. CRISPS 2 These experiments were conducted by combining the starch and salt with 3g of Vital Wheat Gluten and 15g of water. Additional gluten and water were added in Ig and 2g increments (respectively) until the dough attained an appropriate machineable consistency. The dough was then rolled through a hand-operated double roller to achieve a uniform thickness, cut into strips, baked for 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and fried in Olean for 30 seconds at 375 Fahrenheit.

Base ingredients:

Summary: Using the FiberSym 80 product, which contains the highest percentage of resistant starch, provides a very acceptable product, the product, prior to frying in Olean, provides 1.15 calories per gram on a dry weight basis, within the range of 1 to 3.25 calories per gram of the present invention. Since Olean contributes no calories, but some weight, the final product would provide even fewer calories. The actual number is unknown, due to the difficulties inherent in estimating Olean uptake, but it is estimated to be at least as low as 1 calorie per gram.

V. STANDARD PASTA All of the ingredients were combined and kneaded for 5 minutes. The dough was then formed into a ball and allowed to rest for 5 minutes. It was then rolled through a hand- operated double roller to a uniform thickness, cut into strips, and hung to dry for 8 hours. Finally the pasta was boiled in water for 5-10 minutes, until al dente.

Starch (see below for starch type) 21 Gluten 6 Salt 0.3 Whey Protein Concentrate

Several unsuccessful attempts were then made to salvage the Novelose 260 version

VI. EGGNOODLES All of the ingredients were combined and kneaded for 5 minutes. Water was added as demanded by the consistency of the dough. The dough was then formed into a ball and allowed to rest for 5 minutes. It was then rolled through a hand-operated double roller to a uniform thickness, cut into strips, and left to dry in the air for 10 minutes. Finally the pasta was boiled in water for 5-10 minutes, until al dente.

Starch (see below for starch type) 21 Gluten 4 Whole Eggs 10

VII. CRISPS 3 These experiments were conducted by combining the FiberSym 80 and salt with 3g of Vital Wheat Gluten and 15g of water. Additional gluten and water were added in Ig increments until the dough attained an appropriate machineable consistency. The dough was then rolled through a hand-operated double roller to achieve a uniform thickness, cut into strips, baked for 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and fried in Olean for 30 seconds at 375 Fahrenheit. Base ingredients:

These experiments were conducted by combining the all of the ingredients except for the Potato Flakes (when present in the experiment) and an amount of water equal to the weight of the Potato Flakes called for in the experiment (i.e., 5g of water for 5g of flakes, 1Og of water for 1Og of flakes). The dough was then rolled through a hand-operated double roller to achieve a uniform thickness. At this point the potato flakes were lightly combined with the corresponding amount of water and worked into the dough. Additional water was added in 0.5g increments until the dough attained an appropriate machineable consistency. The dough was then cut into strips, baked for the specified number of minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and fried in Olean for 30 seconds at 375 Fahrenheit.

B ase ingredients :

VIII FLAVORED PASTA The most successful version of the STANDARD PASTA was adapted with flavoring, using the same procedures as above. AU of the ingredients were combined and kneaded for 5 minutes. The dough was then formed into a ball and allowed to rest for 5 minutes. It was then rolled through a hand-operated double roller to a uniform thickness, cut into strips, and hung to dry for 8 hours. Finally the pasta was boiled in water for 5-10 minutes, until al dente.

IX. CHEESE CRACKERS The dough in this experiment was rolled through a hand-operated double roller to achieve a uniform thickness, cut into strips, baked for 15 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, turned over, and baked for an additional 3 minutes again at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Experiment 1 :

X. INSTANT NOODLES All of the ingredients were combined and kneaded for 5 minutes. Water was added as demanded by the consistency of the dough. The dough was then formed into a ball and allowed to rest for 5 minutes. It was then rolled through a hand-operated double roller to a uniform thickness and cut into thin strips. At this point, the experiment was optionally boiled in water for 2.5 minutes (indicated in chart). All experiments were then deep-fried in vegetable oil at 375 Fahrenheit for 1.5 minutes. Finally, the noodles were placed in Styrofoam cup which was then filled with boiling water, covered, and allowed to sit for 5 minutes.

Base ingredients:

It is understood that the above examples are illustrative of the present invention and that changes may be made may be made in ingredients, formulations, processing and the like without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims