The present invention relates to a method for preparing improved fat based confectionery compositions that comprise particles dispersed in a fat based continuous phase and compositions prepared by the method. In particular one aspect of the invention relates to a method for preparing low fat confectionery compositions (such as fillings) with low amounts of total and/or saturated fat compared to conventional compositions.

Fat-based fillings for confectionery products tend to have a nutritional profile that is high in total fat and high in saturated fats, especially where the filling has a high content of whole milk powder.

The type of fat used in confectionery products governs the texture as well as other organoleptic properties of the product such as dissolution and mouth feel. Confectionery fillings must provide a sufficiently firm texture to ensure shape stability of the product and to avoid substantial deformation of the shape of the product upon handling. To produce a creamy mouth feel it is also desirable that a confectionery filling should melt in the mouth and that it should only have a minor fraction of solids that melt above mouth temperature. High amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and fats solid under standard conditions (referred to herein as solid fats) are normally used to impart the required textural, indulgent, creamy and sensorial properties to fat-based confectionery products. However, high fat consumption and in particular high consumption of SFA are widely considered to be detrimental to health.

Hydrogenation of oil is a commonly used technique to obtain solid fats from liquid oils. Besides resulting high SFA content, the presence of trans fatty acids in partially hydrogenated fats has become a severe health issue. Trans fatty acids are associated with cardiovascular diseases as well as with an increased risk of getting diabetes and some types of cancer such as breast or gut cancer. Hence it would be desirable to reduce the total fat content of fat based confectionery fillings for example by using liquid oils with a low SFA content (typically having no more than 30% of SFA by weight of the oil and referred to herein as low SFA liquid oils) to replace or reduce the amount of solid fats having a high SFA content (typically having more than 50% of SFA by weight of the fat referred to herein as high SFA solid fats) and/or replace or reduce the amount of hydrogenated fats that contain significant levels of trans fatty acids.

Accordingly there is a need for improved fat based confectionery fillings that have a good nutritional profile, for example low fat and low SFA content, whilst still maintaining acceptable other properties such as good texture and/or organoleptic properties.

It is an object of the invention to address one or more the problems described herein.

Oils are not normally added to fat based confectionery fillings as it is believed they inhibit formation of solid fat and other crystals within the filling. As less crystallization occurs adding oil would thus make the structure of the filling too soft and it would be incapable of being processed during manufacture. Current methods to achieve a filling with a low SFA content use blended fats with different profile of solids. Crystallization curves are used to reduce the saturated fats content, but even with this approach the total amount of fat content does not change.

l It was also believed that it was not possible to replace all solid fats with 100% liquid oil in a solid confectionery filling as this would adversely impact physical properties of the filling desired by the consumer, for example by producing a less desirable texture and appearance and a much softer and stickier ingredient mixture (also difficult to process).

The applicant has surprisingly found that confectionery fillings with a continuous hydrophobic phase that overcome some or all of these disadvantages may nevertheless be prepared with a reduced amount of total and saturated fats compared to known recipes. This is achieved by using a dry mixture of powder ingredients and fat in the continuous phase that is lubricated by a certain amount of liquid oil as described herein.

Therefore broadly in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for the preparing a fat based confectionery composition, the process comprising the steps of:

a) in a dry mixing step mixing ingredients (i) and (ii) in a mixer to form a substantially homogenous dry powder mixture substantially-free of liquid ingredients (dry mix); where ingredients (i) and (ii) comprise:

(i) a fat solid under standard conditions (denoted herein as solid fat) present in a total amount of from 10% to 40% by weight; and

(ii) a powder ingredient comprising solid particles having a mean particle size of from 1 micron to 1 mm, the powder present in an amount of from 60 and 90% by weight; where:

the mixing conditions do not create substantial amount of liquids; and

during mixing the mixture is substantially-free of any liquid ingredients (other than optionally ingredient (i)); and

b) in a lubrication step adding liquid ingredient (iii) slowly to the dry mix from step (a) over a period of at least 60 seconds; where ingredient (iii) comprises:

(iii) at least one liquid oil(s), liquid under standard conditions, the oil(s) being present in a total amount of from 0.01 % to 30% by weight;

to obtain a paste having a density of at least 1 g / cm ³ which is suitable for use as a fat based confectionery composition; and

where the percentages by weight in steps (a) and (b) are based on the total weight of fat (i), powder (ii) and oil (iii) totaling 100%.

DRY MIXING STEP (A)

Preferably in the dry mixing step (a) the dry powder ingredients are mixed together at very low speed to form a very dry filling. Without wishing to be bound by any mechanism the dry mixing step a) may be performed at speed such that the fat spreads out through the solids of the initial dry mixture making the powder agglomerate.

Conveniently the mixing in the dry mixing step a) is performed at a rotational speed of at least 60 rpm, more conveniently at least 80 rpm, even more conveniently at least 100 rpm and most conveniently at least 150 rpm.

Usefully the mixing in the dry mixing step a) is performed at a rotational speed of no more than 2000 rpm, more usefully no more than 1000 rpm, even more usefully no more than 500 rpm, and most usefully no more than 400 rpm. Advantageously, the mixing in the dry mixing step a) is performed at a rotational speed of from 60 to 2000 rpm, more advantageously from 60 to 1000 rpm, even more advantageously from 60 to 500 rpm, and most advantageously from 100 to 400 rpm.

Conveniently, the mixing in the dry mixing step a) is performed for a duration of at least 60 seconds, more conveniently at least 80 seconds, even more conveniently at least 100 seconds and most conveniently at least 120 seconds at any of the mixing speeds specified herein.

Usefully the mixing in the dry mixing step a) is performed for a duration of no more than 480 seconds, more usefully no more than 360 seconds, even more usefully no more than 240 seconds and most usefully no more than 180 seconds at any of the mixing speeds specified herein.

Conveniently the mixing in the dry mixing step a) is performed for a duration of from 60 to 480 seconds, more conveniently from 60 to 240 seconds at any of the mixing speeds specified herein. Usefully in another embodiment of the invention the mixing in the dry mixing step a) is performed for a duration of from 80 to 360 seconds, more usefully from 100 to 240 seconds and most usefully from 120 to 180 seconds at any of the mixing speeds specified herein.

Advantageously, the mixing in the dry mixing step a) is performed at a rotational speed of from 60 to 2000 rpm for a duration of from 60 to 240 seconds, more advantageously at a rotational speed of from 60 to 500 rpm for a duration of from 60 to 480 seconds and most advantageously from 60 and 500 rpm for a duration of from 60 to 240 seconds.

Preferably step(s) (a), (b) (and/or (c) where present) of the process are performed at room temperature (e.g. standard conditions as defined herein).

Although ingredient (i) is denoted as a solid fat because the fat is solid under standard conditions, the fat may be added either as a solid and/or as liquid.

Thus in one embodiment of the invention the solid fat (i) may be melted at a temperature above (for example at least 5 degrees Celsuis above) the melting temperature of the solid fat to liquefy the fat before it is mixed with other ingredients for example in step (a). The fat may be added in step (a) as a liquid, in whole or as part of the total amount of fat ingredient (i) used in step (a).

Preferably during mixing if the fat is added as a liquid it solidifies so the resultant mixture from step (a) is substantially dry (i.e. free of liquid). The liquid fat once it solidifies may optionally create dry, solid, hybrid particles that comprise both fat (i) and powder (ii) for example comprise a solid fat coating (i) on the surface of particles of the dry powder (ii) and/or comprise a solid core of a particle of fat (i) the surface of which is coated with the dry powder(ii). Alternatively or as well the fat may form substantially discrete particles of solid fat which are mixed with substantially discrete particles of powder. Agglomerates of some or all of these types of particles may also be present in the dry mix obtained from step (a) and optionally the fat may facilitate agglomeration by increasing the tendency of particles to fuse together.

In further embodiment of the invention under the conditions of step (a) the solid fat is not melted (in whole or in part). In this embodiment the fat is added as a solid (for example as particles., e.g. a powder) and optionally may be added sufficiently slowly (preferably at a rate of addition of no more than 100g of solid fat per minute per kg of mixture to which it is being added, more preferably no more than 1 kg solid fat per minute per kg of mixture). The mixture may alternatively or as well optionally be mixed at a slow mixing speed (conveniently the mixer being operated at a rotation speed of no more than 40 rpm, more conveniently 30 rpm or less) and/or optionally for a limited duration (usefully for no more than 200 seconds, more usefully no more than 150 seconds) so the energy of mixing does not substantially melt the solid fat during mixing and the fat remains substantially solid in the resultant dry mix which thus remains substantially free of any liquid.

LUBRICATION STEP (B)

Usefully in the lubrication step (b) liquid oil is added to the dry mix whilst mixing at high speed to promote lubrication and generate plasticity in the filling.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the lubrication step b) is performed whilst mixing at speed and/or for a duration that improves homogenization of the mixture.

In further embodiment of the present invention, the lubrication step b) is performed whilst mixing at speed and/or for a duration sufficient to turn the resultant composition into a thick and crumbly mass.

Conveniently the mixing in the lubrication step b) is performed at a rotational speed of at least 50 rpm, more conveniently at least 60 rpm, even more conveniently at least 80 rpm and most conveniently at least 100 rpm.

Usefully the mixing in the lubrication step b) is performed at a rotational speed of no more than 500 rpm, more usefully no more than 400 rpm, even more usefully no more than 300 rpm, and most usefully no more than 200 rpm.

Advantageously, the mixing in the lubrication step b) is performed at a rotational speed of from 50 to 500 rpm, more advantageously from 60 to 500 rpm, even more advantageously from 80 to 400 rpm, and most advantageously from 100 to 300 rpm.

Conveniently, the mixing in the lubrication step b) is performed for a duration of at least 60 seconds, more conveniently at least 80 seconds, even more conveniently at least 100 seconds and most conveniently at least 120 seconds at any of the mixing speeds specified herein.

Usefully the mixing in the lubrication step b) is performed for a duration of no more than 480 seconds, more usefully no more than 360 seconds, even more usefully no more than 240 seconds and most usefully no more than 180 seconds at any of the mixing speeds specified herein.

Conveniently the mixing in the lubrication step b) is performed for a duration of from 60 to 480 seconds, more conveniently from 80 to 360 seconds, more conveniently from 100 to 240 seconds and most conveniently from 120 to 180 seconds at any of the mixing speeds specified herein. Advantageously, the mixing in the lubrication step b) is performed at a rotational speed of at least 50 rpm for at least 60 seconds, more advantageously at a speed of from 60 and 500 rpm for a duration of from 60 to 480 seconds.

ADJUSTMENT STEP (C)

After step (b) the process of the invention may comprise an optional further texture adjustment step (c), where emulsifier is added to the paste from step (b) in sufficient amounts to obtain a firm texture characterized by having solution viscosity greater than 20 Pa.s. Preferably emulsifier is added in step (c) to adjusted the viscosity from 21 to 40 Pa.s, more preferably from 22 to 40 Pa.s, most preferably from 25 Pa.s up to 40 Pa.s.

The viscosity is measured in the test method described herein.

A conventional low SFA filling is thin with an apparent viscosity typically from 10 to 20 Pa.s. The dry mix lubrication fillings of the invention have a much firmer texture which is reflected in apparent viscosity above 20 Pa.s, preferably from 21 to 40 Pa.s, more preferably from 22 to 40 Pa.s and most preferably from 25 Pa.s up to 40 Pa.s.

Preferably the adjustment step (c) is performed whilst mixing at rotation speed sufficient that the emulsifier is incorporated in the composition in a manner that improves the final texture of the filling.

Conveniently the fat based confectionery filling comprises emulsifier(s) that can be synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural, preferentially soy or sunflower lechithin.

Conveniently the mixing in the adjustment step (c) is performed at a rotational speed of at least 60 rpm, more conveniently at least 70 rpm, even more conveniently at least 80 rpm and most conveniently at least 100 rpm.

Usefully the mixing in the adjustment step (c) is performed at a rotational speed of no more than 500 rpm, more usefully no more than 300 rpm, even more usefully no more than 200 rpm, and most usefully no more than 150 rpm.

Advantageously, the mixing in the adjustment step (c) is performed at a rotational speed of from 60 to 500 rpm, more advantageously from 60 to 300 rpm and most advantageously from 70 to 200 rpm.

Conveniently, the mixing in the adjustment step (c) is performed for a duration of at least 60 seconds, more conveniently at least 80 seconds, even more conveniently at least 100 seconds and most conveniently at least 120 seconds at any of the mixing speeds specified herein.

Usefully the mixing in the adjustment step (c) is performed for a duration of no more than 240 seconds, more usefully no more than 180 seconds, and most usefully no more than 120 seconds at any of the mixing speeds specified herein.

Conveniently the mixing in the adjustment step (c) is performed for a duration of from 60 to 240 seconds, more conveniently from 60 to 180 seconds, and most conveniently from 80 to 150 seconds at any of the mixing speeds specified herein. Broadly a further aspect of the invention provides a fat based confectionery composition, (optionally obtained and/or obtainable by the method of the present invention), the composition comprising:

(i) solid fat (solid under standard conditions) in an amount of from 10 to 40 parts by weight; with

ii) powder ingredient comprising solid particles having a mean particle size of from 1 micron to 1 mm, the powder being present in an amount of from 60 and 90 parts by weight;

iii) liquid oil (liquid under standard conditions) in an amount of from 0.01 and 30 parts by weight; where

the percentages by weight are given based on the total weight of solid fat (i), powder (ii) and liquid oil (iii) total 100 parts by weight; and

(iv) optionally an emulsifier being also present in the composition in an amount sufficient to maintain the solution viscosity of the composition to be greater than 20 Pa.s, preferably from 21 to 40 Pa.s, more preferably from 22 to 40 Pa.s, most preferably from 25 Pa.s up to 40 Pa.s.

Preferably the fat based confectionery compositions of or prepared according to the invention comprise a filling composition suitable for use as one or more fillings in multi- layer laminated confectionery products comprising a plurality of layers of baked foodstuff (such as wafer and/or biscuit layers), most preferably a filling layer in a sandwich biscuit.

Therefore broadly a further aspect of the invention comprises a foodstuff comprising a filling comprising a fat based confectionery composition of or prepared according to the invention.

One preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention provides a multi-layer food product comprising a plurality of layers of baked foodstuff (preferably selected from one or more wafer and/or biscuit layers) and at least one filling layer located between the layers of baked foodstuff, the filling layer comprising a fat based confectionery composition of or prepared according to the invention.

Baked foodstuffs used in or of the invention may be sweet or savoury. Preferred baked foodstuffs may comprise baked grain foodstuffs which term includes foodstuffs that comprise cereals and/or pulses. Baked cereal foodstuffs are more preferred, most preferably baked wheat foodstuffs such as wafer(s) and/or biscuit(s). Wafers may be flat or shaped (for example into a cone or basket for ice-cream) and biscuits may have many different shapes, though preferred wafer(s) and/or biscuit(s) are flat so they can be usefully be laminated together with a confectionery filling of the invention (and optionally a fruit based filling). More preferred wafers are non-savoury wafers, for example having a sweet or plain flavor.

A non-limiting list of those possible baked foodstuffs that may comprise fat based compositions (e.g. fillings) of the present invention are selected from: high fat biscuits, cakes, breads, pastries and/or pies; such as from the group consisting of: ANZAC biscuit, biscotti, flapjack, kurabiye, lebkuchen, leckerli , macroon, bourbon biscuit, butter cookie, digestive biscuit, custard cream, extruded snacks, florentine, garibaldi gingerbread, koulourakia, kourabiedes, Linzer torte, muffin, oreo, Nice biscuit, peanut butter cookie, polvoron, pizzelle, pretzel, croissant, shortbread, cookie, fruit pie (e.g. apple pie, cherry pie), lemon drizzle cake, banana bread, carrot cake, pecan pie, apple strudel, baklava, berliner, bichon au citron and/or similar products within which filling may be used. One embodiment of the invention the foodstuff comprises a filling (of the invention) surrounded by an outer layer for example a praline, chocolate shell product which may or may not be layered.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention the foodstuff comprises a multi-layer food product comprising a plurality of layers of wafer, chocolate, biscuit and/or other baked foodstuff with filling (of the invention) sandwiched between them. Most preferably the multilayer product comprises a confectionery product (e.g. as listed above), most preferably selected from sandwich biscuit(s), cookie(s), wafer(s), muffin(s), extruded snack(s), praline(s) and/or chocolate shelled product(s). An example of such a product is a multilayer laminate of baked wafer and/or biscuit layers sandwiched with filling(s) of the invention.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that a filling of the invention may be incorporated in the above mentioned products using well known procedures in the art.

Optionally the multi-layer confectionery product of the invention may be further coated with chocolate (or equivalents thereof, such as compound) for example a praline, chocolate shell product and/or chocolate coated wafer or biscuit. The chocolate coating can be applied or created by any suitable means, such as enrobing or moulding.

As used herein the term chocolate comprises any ingredient with cocoa or cocoa-derived fatty solids, whether or not they meet any legal or other formal definition of chocolate used in other contexts. Thus as used herein the term 'chocolate' encompasses ingredients having no cocoa butter (also referred to as 'compound') and/or also white chocolate or white compound. A chocolate coating is also referred to herein as a chocolate shell. Optionally the fat based confectionery filling of the invention may also comprises chocolate and/or similar ingredients (e.g. with similar taste).

The fat based confectionery filling according to the present invention may be used in a variety of applications including but not limited to a filling for a sandwich biscuit, a fillings for cookies, a filling for a wafers, a filling for muffins, a filling for an extruded snack, a praline or for a chocolate shelled product and/or a filling suitable for use with any other foodstuff described herein.

A yet further aspect of the invention broadly comprises use a fat based confectionery composition of or prepared according to the invention as a filling for a foodstuff of the invention (such as a baked foodstuff and/or confectionery) also as described herein.

Compositions of the invention have low fat compared to known fillings with similar amounts of total fat. By preparing fillings using the method of the invention the proportion of solid fat and oil can be adjusted both to improve the final texture and/or nutritional properties of the filling and yet also keep the characteristics required for good processability of the filling during manufacture.

Particularly preferred multi-layer confectionery products of the invention have a low total content of fat and saturated fatty acids (SFA), more preferably no more than 30% total fat by weight of the product. Lubrication of a very dry filling with an oil such as a vegetable oil produces a filling typically with 19% to 21 % of fat by weight which contains about 20 to 50% less fat than the average amount of fat used for conventional fillings (typically 28% to 35% of total fat).

It will be appreciated that one aspect of the present invention provides for a low fat foodstuff having a fat based confectionery filling therein, preferably a sandwich biscuit or laminated wafer, which has a lower total fat content (at least 5 parts or 5% by weight) than previously obtainable from prior art fat based confectionery fillings.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that in fat-based confectionery compositions of the invention, the liquid oil (ingredient (iii)) lubricates the dry fat based continuous phase of solid fat (ingredient (i)) and solid particles (powder ingredient (ii)), and thus less fat crystals and other solid ingredients are needed to be sufficient to maintain the structure of the whole mixture and create a firm and pasty texture. This allows confectionery fillings to be prepared using less total amounts of total fat in the recipe whilst retaining or improving other desired properties of the filling.

The applicants have also found that low fat confectionery fillings of the present invention surprisingly maintain good stability, good texture and organoleptic properties during their preparation, which is maintained after storage.

FAT AND OIL (INGREDIENTS (i) and (iii))

Within the context of the present invention, the term "fat based confectionery filling" denotes confectionery fillings that comprise a matrix of edible hydrophobic material (e.g. fat) as the continuous phase and a dispersed phase comprising solid particles dispersed within the edible hydrophobic continuous phase.

Within the context of the present invention the term "fat" as used herein denotes hydrophobic material which is also edible. Thus fats are edible material (preferably of food grade) that are substantially immiscible with water and which may comprise one or more solid fat(s), liquid oil(s) and/or any suitable mixture(s) thereof. The term "solid fat" denotes edible fats that are solid under standard conditions and the term "oil" or "liquid oil" (unless the context indicates otherwise) both denote edible oils that are liquid under standard conditions.

Preferred fats are selected from one or more of the following: coconut oil, palm kernel oil, palm oil, cocoa butter, butter oil, lard, tallow, oil / fat fractions such as lauric or stearic fractions, hydrogenated oils, and blends thereof as well as fats which are typically liquid at room temperature such as any vegetable or animal oil.

The liquid oil may comprise mineral oils and/or organic oils (oils produced by plants or animals), in particular food grade oils. Examples of oils include: sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil, soybean oil, fish oil, linseed oil, safflower oil, corn oil, algae oil, cottonseed oil, grape seed oil, nut oils such as hazelnut oil, walnut oil, rice bran oil, sesame oil, peanut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, and emerging seed oil crops such as 25 high oleic sunflower oil, high oleic rapeseed, high oleic palm, high oleic soybean oils & high stearin sunflower or combinations thereof.

The fat content in the product of the present invention may be provided by fats of any origin. The fat content is intended to indicate the total fat content in the composition, comprising either the content coming from solid fats and/or the content of liquid oils and thus the oil content will also contribute to the total amount of fat content as described herein for fat based confectionery compositions of the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, the oil comprises (preferably consists of) oil having an inherently low SFA content such as high oleic sunflower oil or high oleic rapeseed oil.

POWDER (INGREDIENT (ii))

Within the context of the present invention, the term "solid particle ingredient" or "powder ingredients" is to be understood as identifying a food ingredient or a mixture of two or more ingredients which are added to provide bulk to the product. The solid particle ingredient may be in the form of a powder but could also be provided by a solid particle suspension in a liquid such as for example cocoa liquor. The solid particle ingredient may be selected in the group consisting of: sugar, mono, di- and poly saccharide, cocoa powder, dairy ingredients, cereals fibres and gums, fruit and /or vegetable powders, bulking agents, other solid particle ingredients and/or mixtures thereof.

Preferred mono saccharides comprise fructose, glucose (dextrose monohydrate or anhydrous) and/or galactose.

Preferred disaccharides comprise crystalline sugar (sucrose) any particle size (powder, caster or granulated), lactose and/or maltose.

Usefully the polysaccharide(s) comprise of: starches from any suitable origin (such as corn, wheat, potato or similar well known sources); high amylose starches; hydrolyzed starches (such as dextrins and/or maltodextrins), pre-gelatanised starches; natural or modified starches; isomaltose, maltulose, mannose, ribose galactose, trehalose; starch derivatives including glucose syrup with a DE above 20, maltodextrins with a DE below 20; polydextrose; and mixtures thereof.

The solid particle diary ingredient may be selected in the group consisting of: Milk powders of any description (whole milk powder, whey powder, skimmed milk powder, demineralized whey powder, milk proteins, whey protein isolate, demineralized whey powder permeate, etc); Caramelized and Condensed Milk powder dried Dulce de Leche; Cheese of any kind in powder; Yoghurt powders and mixtures thereof.

The cereal and gum solid particle ingredients may comprise: cereal flours (wheat, corn, barley, rye, celery and/or, rice); semola, semolina or grits; roasted flours, pregelatinised flours; natural fibres and gums (such as for example pectins, xanthan gum, carrageen, arabic gum, agar-agar, alginate locust bean gum etc) or mixtures thereof; fibers from any suitable origin, for example cellulose, hemicelluloses such as pectins, xylans, xyloglucans, galactomannans and beta-glucans, gums and mucilages, inulin or its hydrolysate; and mixtures thereof.

Conveniently the fruit and vegetable solid particle ingredient comprise: cocoa powder; dried fruits powder (ex.: strawberry, banana); dried vegetables powder; dried vegetable juices and leaves; tapioca flour and potato flour; toasted fruit seeds flour; coconut powder; plant proteins of any kind; and mixtures thereof. Preferred vegetable solid particles comprise cocoa powder. Advantageously the other solid particle ingredient may comprise rework material (which itself may comprise wafer rework, biscuit rework, chocolate rework, compound rework, filling rework or combinations thereof); suitable powdered colours and/or flavours; suitable acids (such as citric, lactic and/or malic acids); suitable minerals (such as calcium carbonate, zinc sulfate and/or magnesium carbonate); fat encapsulated powder; antioxidants, silica; lecithin powder; nut paste; cocoa liquor; and/or suitable mixtures thereof.

The solid particle ingredient may be at least in part in crystalline form. Preferred solid particles have a particle size lower than 350 microns (dgo). Useful solid particles may comprise: cocoa powder, maltodextrin, sucrose and/or mixtures thereof. Solid particle(s) may comprise ingredient(s) traditionally used in recipes for fillings.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the oil has better lubrication and dispersion properties than fat and is able to maintain the fat continuous phase in a recipe with much less total fat.

MIXER

In one embodiment of the present invention, the process may be performed in any type of equipment which is able to perform a mixing action at modulated speed. Non limiting examples of this type of equipment are: vertical and horizontal mixers, turbo mixers, planetary and double planetary mixers, continuous mixers, inline mixers, extruders, screw mixers, high shear and ultra-high shear mixers, cone and double cone mixers, static and dynamic mixers, rotary and static drum mixers, rotopin mixer, ribbon blenders, paddle blenders, tumble blenders, solids/liquid injection manifold, dual-shaft and triple shaft mixers, high viscosity mixers, V blenders, vacuum mixers, jet mixers, dispersion mixers, mobile mixers and banbury mixers.

TEXTURE AND VISCOSITY

Texture of foodstuffs is perceived as a composite of many different characteristics comprising various combinations of physical properties (such as mechanical and/or geometrical properties) and/or chemical properties (such as fat and/or moisture content). As used herein in relation to the compositions of the invention for a given fat and moisture content the composition texture can be related to the viscosity of the composition as a fluid when subjected to shear stress. Provided that the measuring technique is carefully controlled and the same shear rates are used apparent viscosity can be used herein as a guide to indicate texture. The term "viscosity" as used herein refers to the apparent viscosity of a fluid as measured by conventional methods known to those skilled in the art but in particular the method described herein is preferred. Some fluids display non- Newtonian rheology and cannot be totally characterized by a single rheological measurement point. Despite this apparent viscosity is a simple measure of viscosity useful for the evaluation of such fluids.

TEST METHODS AND DEFINITIONS

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms have and should be given the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

RANGES

In the discussion of the invention herein, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper and lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter coupled with an indicated that one of said values is more preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and less preferred of said alternatives is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each less preferred value and said intermediate value.

For all upper and/or lower boundaries of any parameters given herein, the boundary value is included in the value for each parameter. It will also be understood that all combinations of preferred and/or intermediate minimum and maximum boundary values of the parameters described herein in various embodiments of the invention may also be used to define alternative ranges for each parameter for various other embodiments and/or preferences of the invention whether or not the combination of such values has been specifically disclosed herein.

PERCENTAGES

Unless noted otherwise, all percentages in the specification refer to weight percent, where applicable.

It will be understood that the total sum of any quantities expressed herein as percentages cannot (allowing for rounding errors) exceed 100%. For example the sum of all components of which the composition of the invention (or part(s) thereof) comprises may, when expressed as a weight (or other) percentage of the composition (or the same part(s) thereof), total 100% allowing for rounding errors. However where a list of components is non exhaustive the sum of the percentage for each of such components may be less than 100% to allow a certain percentage for additional amount(s) of any additional component(s) that may not be explicitly described herein.

IMPROVEMENTS / COMPARABLE PROPERTIES OF COMPONENT AND COMPOSITIONS

Compositions of and/or used in the present invention may also exhibit improved properties with respect to known compositions that are used in a similar manner. Such improved properties may be (preferably as defined below) in at least one, preferably a plurality, more preferably three of more of those propert(ies) labeled 1 to 3 below. Preferred compositions of and/or used in the present invention, may exhibit comparable properties (compared to known compositions and/or components thereof ) in two or more, preferably three or more, most preferably in the rest of those properties labeled 1 to 3 below.

1 ) Improved texture (i.e. more firm consistency as measured by viscosity as described herein)

2) Lower total fat content

3) Lower amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA)

Improved properties as used herein means the value of the component and/or the composition of and/or used in the present invention is > +8% of the value of the known reference component and/or composition described herein, more preferably > +10%, even more preferably > +12%, most preferably > +15%.

Comparable properties as used herein means the value of the component and/or composition of and/or used in the present invention is within +1-6% of the value of the known reference component and/or composition described herein, more preferably +/- 5%, most preferably +/- 4%. The percentage differences for improved and comparable properties herein refer to fractional differences between the component and/or composition of and/or used in the invention and the known reference component and/or composition described herein where the property is measured in the same units in the same way (i.e. if the value to be compared is also measured as a percentage it does not denote an absolute difference).

PARTICLE SIZE

The particle size values given herein are measured by laser diffractometry (for example as described in Industrial Chocolate Manufacture and Use, editor Steve Beckett, fourth edition, 2009, Section 22.3.4. 'Particle size measurement', pages 522 to 524, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.). A suitable instrument to measure particle size from laser diffraction is a 'Coulter LS230 Particle Size Analyser'. Particle size is determined by measuring the volume distribution of the sample by plotting volume (%) versus size (microns) (e.g. see Figure 22.24 of Beckett). Particle size is then quoted as the linear dimension which corresponds to the diameter of an approximate spherical particle having the same volume as the mean volume calculated from the measured volume distribution. A normal particle size distribution (PSD) with single maximum peak (mono modal) is assumed in most cases for the particles used in the present invention. However other PSDs (e.g. multimodal such as bimodal) are not excluded from this invention. As an alternative measure of particle size, dgo may also be used (also expressed in linear dimensions) which denotes the size of particle below which 90% (by number) of the particles in a given particle sample lie.

STANDARD CONDITIONS

As used herein, unless the context indicates otherwise, standard conditions (e.g. for defining a solid fat or liquid oil) means, atmospheric pressure, a relative humidity of 50% ±5%, ambient temperature (22°C ±2°) and an air flow of less than or equal to 0.1 m/s. Unless otherwise indicated all the tests herein are carried out under standard conditions as defined herein.

SUBSTANTIALLY

The term "substantially" as used herein may refer to a quantity or entity to imply a large amount or proportion thereof. Where it is relevant in the context in which it is used "substantially" can be understood to mean quantitatively (in relation to whatever quantity or entity to which it refers in the context of the description) there comprises an proportion of at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, especially at least 98%, for example about 100% of the relevant whole. By analogy the term "substantially-free" may similarly denote that quantity or entity to which it refers comprises no more than 20%, preferably no more than 15%, more preferably no more than 10%, most preferably no more than 5%, especially no more than 2%, for example about 0% of the relevant whole. Preferably where appropriate (for example in amounts of ingredient) such percentages are by weight.

WEIGHT PERCENT

All percentages are given in percent by weight, if not otherwise indicated.

VISCOSITY

The viscosity of fat based confectionery composition such as chocolate or a confectionery filling (such as those of the present invention) can be characterized by two measurements, one at about 5s ^"1 for low flow situations to approximate to the yield value and a second one at 20s ^"1 for higher flow rates. (See Beckett 4 ^th edition, chapter 10.3). As used herein for the purpose of measuring the viscosity of the fillings of the present invention the yield value of viscosity is used to determine texture measured at a low flow rate of 5s .

The preferred method for measuring the yield value for viscosity (of fat based compositions according to the invention and/or prepared by a method of the invention, as well as comparative examples) uses an instrument denoted by the trade designation RVA 4500 (available commercially from Rapid Viscosity Analyzer, Newport Scientific, Australia) measured under standard conditions (unless otherwise indicated) and at a flow rate of 5s ^~ In this test method 10 grams of the sample composition are added to the canister supplied with the RVA instrument and then measurement is performed using the following profile: a constant temperature of 35°C, mixing vigorously at 950 rpm for 10 seconds then at 160 rpm for the duration of the test which is 30 minutes. The test is done in duplicates or triplicates to ensure repeatability. The final viscosity is used for comparison as well as the quality of the RVA viscosity curve. A viscosity above 20 Pa.s and below 60 Pa.s in this test indicates that the composition has a firm texture and yet would be processable on a production line. A viscosity less than 20 Pa.s in this test indicates that the composition is too thin to have a desired texture and would be difficult to process.

Figures

The invention is illustrated by the following non-limiting figures 1 to 3 where:

Figure 1 is a photograph taken at end of step a) during preparation of a fat based filling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 2 and 3 are photographs taken during step b) during preparation of a fat based filling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a photograph taken at end of step c) during preparation of a fat based filling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects or embodiments of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention. Although embodiments have been disclosed in the description with reference to specific examples, it will be recognized that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. Various modifications may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and may be acquired from practice of the invention and such variations are contemplated within the broad scope of the present invention. It will be understood that the materials used and the chemical details may be slightly different or modified from the descriptions without departing from the methods and compositions disclosed and taught by the present invention.

Further aspects of the invention and preferred features thereof are given in the claims herein.

Examples

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following limiting examples which are by way of illustration only. Reference Example Comp A

Preparation of a conventional confectionery biscuit filling

A conventional chocolate flavoured biscuit filling was prepared according to the recipe given in Table 1 below.

Table 1 : Conventional chocolate filling (Comp A)

The conventional filling was prepared by mixing the ingredients in Table 1 together until the filling was completely homogeneous.

Example 1

Preparation of a confectionery chocolate filling according to the invention

A chocolate filling according to the present invention was prepared according to the recipe given in Table 2 below using the dry mix lubrication process of the present invention.

Table 2:

Ex 1 - Chocolate filling made using dry mix lubrication process

Example 1 was a cream filling prepared from the following three steps

Step 1 : all the ingredients, except oil and Lecithin, were added in the following order: 1st— fat; 2nd - flavours; 3rd - powders (sugar powder + cocoa powder + whole milk powder) and the resultant mixture was mixed for 180 seconds at high mixer speed (at a speed of 100 rpm) to obtain a powdery mixture.

Step 2: The liquid oil was added slowly to the powder from step 1 by sprinkling at a rate of 0,008% per second till complete 1 ,3%, while mixing for a total of 240 seconds at high speed 150 rpm to lubricate the filling and obtain a paste. Step 3: Lecithin is added as an emulsifier to the paste from step 2 and filling was mixed for additional 180 seconds (60 rpm) to improve filling creaminess and texture.

The Example 1 filling of the invention had reduction of fat content of 28% compared to the reference Comp A filling and the recipe was balanced with the other components (mainly cocoa, milk powder and sugar).

Example 2 and Comp B

Preparation of sandwich biscuits and comparison of shelf life

Sandwich biscuits, Comp B (reference) and Example 2 (of the invention) were prepared using the respective confectionery fillings of Comp A (reference) and Example 1 (of the present invention) from standard chocolate round biscuits (Triton Biscuit) using a Peters machine with a capacity of 600 sandwich / min . The sandwich biscuits prepared contained the ratio of 30% filling and 70% biscuit.

The shelf life of both these biscuits (Example 2 and Comp B) were evaluated for 8 weeks counting from production date of the samples. Both samples were stored in stoves under controlled conditions at 35°C and 85% RH (relative humidity) and were evaluated using descriptive sensorial evaluation (appearance, smell, flavor, texture and after taste); 8 trained panelists participated per session, evaluating samples of Comp B (Reference) and Example 2 (Invention) at weekly intervals.

One week under the conditions 35°C and 85% RH simulate approximately 1 month under 25°C and 70%RH condition. So the study covered the equivalent of the desired biscuit shelf life (8 months).

Signs of deterioration in the fillings of both samples (Comp B and Example 2) were identified by tasters after the 7th week. The changes were considered acceptable and within the sensorial range for products at this age and were at the same intensity in both samples. The use of oil in fillings has been associated with a more rancid characteristic during shelf life tests, but surprisingly in this case no changes in rancidity were perceived even though Example 2 has a higher oil content where such a change might have been expected.

Compared to the Comp A filling, the colour of the Example 1 filling was slightly darker throughout the study herein, and the chocolate flavor and smell were slightly more intense and the texture became slightly harder at the end of shelf life.

Conclusions:

Shelf life stability of the biscuit of the invention (Example 2) compared to the reference biscuit (Comp B) was not affected by the reduction in total and saturated fats in the filling of the invention (Example 1 ) compared to the reference filling (Comp A). There were no significant differences in flavour, smell and texture between Comp B and Example 2 (or of the corresponding fillings Comp A and Example 1 ) and the aging and rancidity was not accelerated in Example 2 compared to Comp B.

This study demonstrate that it was possible to reduce total fat content and the saturated fat content of a filling recipe (Example 1 compared to Comp A), without affecting the shelf life stability and principal sensory properties of the corresponding biscuit (Example 2 compared to Comp B). Comparing the reference filling Comp A with filling of Example 1 a reduction of 28% of total fat content and 35% of saturated fat content was surprisingly achieved with no adverse effects on other properties.

Preparation of a strawberry confectionery filling (Ex 3) and biscuit (Ex 4)

Example 3 (strawberry filling)

A strawberry flavoured biscuit filling according to the present invention (Example 3) was prepared according to the recipe of Table 3 below by an analogous process of the invention to that described for the filling of Example 1.

Table 3:

Ex 3 - Strawberry filling made using dry mix lubrication

A strawberry flavoured cream filling was prepared from the three steps described below: Step 1 : All the ingredients, except oil and Lecithin, were added in the following order: 1st - fat; 2nd - flavours; 3rd - powders (sugar powder + cocoa powder + whole milk powder), and the resultant mixture was mixed for 180 seconds at high mixer speed (at a speed of 100 rpm) to obtain a powdery mixture.

Step 2: The liquid oil was added slowly to the powder from step 1 by sprinkling at a rate of 0,0085% of oil per second till complete 2% of oil while mixing for 240 seconds at high speed (150rpm) to lubricate the filling and obtain a paste.

Step 3: Lecithin is added as an emulsifier to the paste from step 2 and filling was mixed for additional 180 seconds (60 rpm) to improve the creaminess and texture of the filling.

Example 4 (Strawberry filled biscuit)

A biscuit according to the present invention (Example 4) was prepared using the filling of Example 3 by an analogous process to that described for Example 2.

The Strawberry filling of Example 3 achieved 24% fat reduction and 32% SFA compared to reference filling Comp A while presenting good sensorial results in a biscuit (Example 4) compared to reference biscuit Comp B.

Preparation of a white chocolate confectionery filling (Ex 5) and biscuit (Ex 6)

Example 5 (white chocolate filling)

A white chocolate flavoured biscuit filling according to the present invention (Example 5) was prepared according to the recipe of Table 4 below by an analogous process of the invention to that described for the filling of Example 1. Table 4

Ex 5 - White chocolate filling made using dry mix lubrication process

A white chocolate flavoured cream filling was prepared from the three steps described below:

Step 1 : All the ingredients, except oil and Lecithin, were added in the following order: 1st - fat; 2nd - flavours; 3rd - powders (sugar powder + cocoa powder + whole milk powder) and the resultant mixture was mixed for 180 seconds at high mixer speed (at a speed of 100 rpm) to obtain a powdery mixture.

Step 2: The liquid oil was added slowly to the powder from step 1 by sprinkling at a rate of 0,008% of oil per second till complete 1 ,8% of oil while mixing for 240 seconds at high speed (150rpm) to lubricate the filling and obtain a paste.

Step 3: Lecithin is added as an emulsifier to the paste from step 2 and filling was mixed for additional 180 seconds (60 rpm) to improve the creaminess and texture of the filling.

Example 6 (biscuit)

A biscuit according to the present invention (Example 6) was prepared using the filling of Example 5 by an analogous process to that described for Example 2.

The white chocolate filling of Example 5 achieved 24,8% fat reduction and 32,5% SFA compared to reference filling Comp A while presenting good sensorial results in a biscuit (Example 6) compared to reference biscuit Comp B.