Patent Application
20220022488
The present invention relates to frozen confections such as ice cream. In particular, the invention relates to frozen confections that are formulated to be dispensed from containers at low temperatures.
In recent years, systems for dispensing frozen confections such as ice cream have been developed in which pre-packaged ice cream is provided in containers that can be squeezed by hand to extrude the confection. In particular pouch-based systems have been developed.
US 2009/0208630 A discloses a spout pouch ice cream and frozen yogurt manufacturing method and a device capable of injecting ice cream after an overrun process through a narrow drinking tube of the spout pouch.
Further systems for dispensing frozen confections such as soft ice cream have also been developed in which pre-packaged ice cream is delivered from a container by a dispensing device. In particular systems which employ bag-in-bottle type containers or piston-type cartridges have been developed.
WO 2013/124193 A discloses a method for dispensing a frozen confection comprising: providing a refrigerated, insulated chamber, which houses at least one container, containing a frozen confection at a temperature of −12° C. or below; wherein the at least one container has an outlet which is closed by a self-closing valve; wherein the container comprises a flexible bag containing the frozen confection located inside a bottle; pressurising gas in the region inside the bottle and outside the flexible bag thereby applying pressure to the frozen confection so that the valve opens and the frozen confection is forced out of the container through the outlet; releasing the pressure so that the valve closes.
Such systems typically employ frozen confections that are specifically formulated to be dispensed at the desired low temperatures.
US 2004/0161503 A discloses a frozen product comprising a cartridge containing a frozen aerated confection having an overrun of above 20 percent and below 100 percent, and containing less than 1.5 percent w/w glycerol, freezing point depressants in an amount of between 25 percent and 37 percent w/w, and between 2 and 12 percent fat, wherein the freezing point depressants have a number average molecular weight <M>n of less than 300. The frozen aerated confection has a soft structure and can be extruded from the cartridge at −18 degrees centigrade.
WO 03/096821 A discloses a frozen aerated product in a container, the container having at least two compartments (A) and (B), said compartments being gastighlty separated from each other by an at least partially movable wall, compartment (A) containing a propellant and compartment (B) containing the frozen aerated product, compartment (B) being provided with a valve, wherein the frozen aerated product contains freezing point depressants in an amount of between 20 percent and 40 percent w/w and between 0 percent and 15 percent fat, the freezing point depressants having a number average molecular weight <M>n following a certain condition.
WO 2017/133863 A discloses a frozen confection comprising freezing point depressants in an amount of from 25 to 35 percent by weight of the frozen confection, wherein the number average molecular weight of the freezing point depressants is from 200 to 250 g mol−1, and wherein the freezing point depressants comprise erythritol in an amount of from 0.25 to 7 percent by weight of the frozen confection.
The present inventors have now recognized that there is a need for improvements in formulations for use in systems for dispensing frozen confections like soft ice. In particular the present inventors have found that there is a need for confections which are extrudable at the temperature of a domestic freezer but are tolerant to temperature abuse in a frozen supply chain. The inventors have found that improved confections can be provided when they are formulated with specific emulsifiers in combination with specific amount and type of freezing point depressants.
In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a frozen confection comprising:
The frozen confection of the present invention is formulated to be extrudable and yet stable at a range of temperatures encountered in domestic and commercial freezers operating, for example, at temperature of −10° C. or below.
The amount of ice in the product is determined, to a large extent by the amount and molecular weight of the freezing point depressants. If the amount of ice is too high, then the confection becomes too difficult to extrude at low temperatures found in some storage freezers. Thus the freezing point depressants have a number average molecular weight <M>n of less than 230 g mol−1, and are present in an amount of at least 20% by weight of the frozen confection. More preferably the amount of freezing point depressants is at least 25%, even more preferably at least 26% and most preferably at least 27% by weight of the frozen confection.
Preferably the number average molecular weight <M>n of the freezing point depressants is no more than 220 g mol−1.
On the other hand if the amount of freezing point depressants becomes too high and/or their molecular weight becomes too low then the rheology will very liquid-like at higher temperatures encountered in some storage freezers. Thus the freezing point depressants are present in an amount of less than 40% by weight of the frozen confection. Preferably the amount of freezing point depressants is no more than 35%, more preferably no more than 34%, more preferably still no more than 33% and most preferably no more than 32% by weight of the frozen confection.
Preferably the number average molecular weight <M>n of the freezing point depressants is no less than 200, more preferably no less than 205, more preferably still no less than 208 and most preferably no less than 210 g mol−1.
For the purposes of the present invention, the average molecular weight for a mixture of freezing point depressants is defined by the number average molecular weight <M>n (Equation 1). Where wi is the mass of species i, Mi is the molar mass of species i and Ni is the number of moles of species i of molar mass Mi.
Freezing point depressants as defined in this invention consist in:
Erythritol is particularly effective at imparting the desired rheological properties to the frozen confection. In addition, in comparison to some other sugar alcohols, erythritol does not impart an unpleasant off-taste, is not overly sweet and does not interfere with natural digestion and excretion of food. Thus it is preferred that the freezing point depressants comprise erythritol.
Preferably the amount of erythritol is at least 0.25%, more preferably at least 0.5%, even more preferably at least 0.7% and most preferably at least 1% by weight of the frozen confection.
Preferably the amount of erythritol is not too high, otherwise the confection may be too liquid-like and/or it may be difficult to formulate the confection with the desired sweetness. Thus it is preferred that the amount of erythritol is no more than 7%, more preferably no more than 6%, even more preferably no more than 5%, more preferably still no more than 4% and most preferably no more than 3% by weight of the frozen confection.
Other than erythritol, it is preferred that the freezing point depressants are substantially comprised of saccharides. Preferably the freezing point depressants comprise at least 90% by weight of the freezing point depressants of mono, di and oligosaccharides, more preferably at least 92%. The total amount of mono, di and oligosaccharides and erythritol in the freezing point depressants is preferably at least 98% by weight of the freezing point depressants, more preferably 99 to 100%.
An especially preferred disaccharide is lactose as this provides freezing point depression without imparting a high amount of sweetness. Preferably the freezing point depressants comprise lactose in an amount of at least 5% by weight of the freezing point depressants, more preferably from 10 to 25% by weight of the freezing point depressants. The lactose may be present in the confection as part of milk solids and/or added separately from milk solids.
Certain freezing point depressants are undesirable as they impart unwanted taste and/or physiological effects.
Preferably the frozen confection comprises less than 0.5% ethanol by weight of the frozen confection, more preferably less than 0.1% and more preferably still less than 0.01%, and most preferably 0%.
Preferably the frozen confection comprises less than 1.5% glycerol by weight of the frozen confection, more preferably less than 1% and more preferably still less than 0.5%, and most preferably from 0.2 to 0%. Additionally or alternatively the total amount of arabitol, glycerol, xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, lactitol and malitol in the frozen confection is less than 1.5% by weight of the frozen confection, more preferably less than 1% and more preferably still less than 0.5%, and most preferably from 0.2 to 0%.
Preferably the frozen confection comprises less than 5% fructose by weight of the frozen confection, more preferably less than 3% and most preferably from 0 to 2%.
Preferably the freezing point depressant impart the desired sweetness to the frozen confection without the need to use intense sweetener. By “intense sweetener” is meant one or more of aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, alitame, thaumatin, cyclamate, glycyrrhizin, stevioside, neohesperidine, sucralose, monellin, and neotame. Preferably the frozen confection is substantially free from intense sweetener. More preferably the frozen confection comprises intense sweetener in an amount less than the amount required to impart an equivalent sweetness as 1% sucrose, more preferably less than the amount required to impart an equivalent sweetness as 0.5% sucrose, and most preferably less than the amount required to impart an equivalent sweetness as 0.1% sucrose. Additionally or alternatively, the frozen confection comprises less than 0.003% intense sweetener, more preferably less than 0.001% and most preferably from 0.0001 to 0%.
The present inventors have found that frozen confections that are formulated with specific amounts and types of freezing point depressants as hereinabove described are very sensitive to temperature fluctuations encountered, for example, in a distribution chain. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believe that the very factors that allow for easy extrusion at low temperatures, confer poor microstructural stability at elevated temperatures, even if the confection remains frozen. The present inventors have found that this instability may be ameliorated by employing an emulsifier system in the frozen confection that comprises lactic acid ester of mono-diglyceride.
Lactic acid ester of mono and/or diglyceride is often known by the generic name of LACTEM. Especially preferred are those supplied by Danisco under the Grinstead® brand such as GRINSTEAD® LACTEM P 22 MB.
Preferably the frozen confection comprises LACTEM in a total amount of at least 0.05% by weight of the frozen confection, more preferably at least 0.1% and most preferably at least 0.2%.
Preferably the frozen confection comprises LACTEM in a total amount of no more than 2% by weight of the frozen confection, more preferably no more than 1% and most preferably no more than 0.6%.
Aerated frozen confections are especially sensitive to temperature-abuse as the finely dispersed air bubbles created during manufacture can easy ripen, coalesce and channel at elevated temperature. The present inventors have found, however that LACTEM is effective at provided increased cold-chain stability to even aerated frozen confections. Thus it is preferred that the frozen confection is aerated.
By “aerated” is meant that the confection has an overrun of at least 30%. More preferably the frozen aerated confection has an overrun of from 50 to 135%, most preferably from 70 to 120% and most preferably from 80 to 120%.
Overrun (OR) is defined by the following Equation 3
It is measured at atmospheric pressure and where the frozen confection is in a container it is measured before extrusion from the container. Ambient temperature is 20° C.
The frozen confection preferably comprises fat in an amount of from 1 to 15% by weight of the frozen confection, more preferably from 4 to 12%, and most preferably from 5 to 10%.
The frozen confection preferably comprises protein in an amount of from 0.5 to 8% by weight of the frozen confection, more preferably from 1 to 6%, and most preferably from 1.5 to 5%.
The frozen confection is typically made by freezing a mix (more preferably a pasteurized mix) of ingredients such as water, freezing point depressants, LACTEM and optionally other ingredients such as fat, protein (normally milk proteins), additional emulsifiers, stabilisers, colours and flavours. Frozen confections include ice cream, gelato, frozen yoghurt, sorbets, granitas, shaved ices and the like. Preferably the frozen confection is ice cream.
The frozen confection is formulated to be dispensed from a container. Thus in a second aspect the present invention is directed to a frozen product comprising a container comprising a product compartment containing the frozen confection according to any embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the product compartment comprises a product outlet and a moveable wall through which a dispensing force can be transmitted to urge the frozen confection through the product outlet.
The moveable wall is such that a dispensing force can be transmitted through the wall to the frozen confection. Examples of containers comprising a moveable wall include bag-in-bottles (where the bag acts as the moveable wall) and cartridges containing pistons (where the piston acts as the moveable wall) although other configurations are possible including, for example, containers with an end wall that is deformable to become the moveable wall (as described, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,485). Examples of bag-in-bottle type containers are described in WO 2007/039158 A and examples of piston-in-cartridge type containers are described in EP 1 449 441 A both of which documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In a preferred embodiment the container is a bag-in-bottle.
In one embodiment the container is adapted such that the wall is moveable on application of hand pressure. For example the container may comprise a flexible pouch that is squeezable by hand.
The shape and configuration of the pouch have been found to affect the ease of dispensing. In this respect it is preferred that where the container is a flexible pouch, the moveable wall delimits the product compartment and extends in a longitudinal direction from a base end to a top end of the pouch, wherein the top end comprises the product outlet, and wherein:
By providing such a frozen product, the present inventors have found that consumers are inclined to grip and squeeze the pouch at the gusseted base end (which is usually the thickest part of the pouch) which means that the dispensing force is consistently directed towards the top end where the product outlet is located. Furthermore, unlike, for example the pouch disclosed in US 2009/0208630 A, the product outlet is disposed at or proximal to a corner of the top edge. The present inventors have found that where the product outlet is at the centre of the top edge (as in US 2009/0208630 A), consumers are inclined to grip and squeeze the pouch at the side edges which directs the dispensing force both towards the top and base ends and can lead to choking of the flow and residual frozen confection in the base end.
Preferably the pouch comprises side edges, each at opposite extremes of the gusset and extending in the longitudinal direction as this further allows for the gusseted base end being the thickest part of the pouch. To further dissuade holding and squeezing of the pouch by the side edges, it is preferred that at least one of the side edges comprises an indented portion, more preferably each of the side edges comprise an indented portion.
The present inventors have found that the force needed to dispense the frozen confection from the container is attainable with hand pressure when the size of the container is not too large.
Preferably the product compartment has a volume of no more than 500 ml, more preferably no more than 475 ml, most preferably no more than 450 ml. Additionally or alternatively, preferably the product compartment is filled with no more than 325 g of frozen confection, more preferably no more than 275 g and most preferably no more than 250 g.
The volume of the product compartment should be sufficient to hold at least one serving of frozen confection. Preferably, however, the product compartment contains multiple servings of frozen confection. Therefore it is preferred that the product compartment has a volume of at least 100 ml, more preferably at least 250 ml, more preferably still at least 275 ml and most preferably at least 300 ml. Additionally or alternatively, the product compartment is filled with at least 50 g of frozen confection, more preferably at least 100 g, more preferably still at least 150 g and most preferably at least 175 g.
The product outlet could take any form such as a simple orifice. Preferably, however the outlet is in the form of a spout as this allows for more controlled dispensing, for example into an ice cream cone or other receptacle. To reduce the amount of force required to be applied to extrude the confection, it is preferred that the spout has an inner diameter of at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 12 mm and most preferably from 15 to 35 mm.
In a yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for dispensing a frozen confection from a container, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a frozen product as described in any embodiment of the second aspect; and
(b) applying force to the container to deform the wall and thereby urge the frozen confection in the product compartment towards the outlet and extrude at least a portion of frozen confection therefrom.
Preferably the force is manual force. Where the container comprises a flexible pouch it is preferred that the manual force is applied at least at a base end of the pouch.
Typically the container is stored in a domestic or commercial freezer between dispensing occasions. Thus it is preferred that between dispensing portions of the frozen confection, the container is stored in a freezer at a temperature of less than −10° C., more preferably at a temperature of from −14 to −25° C., and most preferably from −16 to −22° C.
Except in the Examples, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material, time periods, length scales, conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use may optionally be understood as modified by the word “about”.
It should be noted that in specifying any range of values, any particular upper value can be associated with any particular lower value.
For the avoidance of doubt, the word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of”. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive.
The disclosure of the invention as found herein is to be considered to cover all embodiments as found in the claims as being multiply dependent upon each other irrespective of the fact that claims may be found without multiple dependency or redundancy.
Where a feature is disclosed with respect to a particular aspect of the invention such disclosure is also to be considered to apply to any other aspect of the invention mutatis mutandis.
The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures, wherein:
The pouch comprises a wall (4) formed from a sheet of a multilayer polymer laminate film, wherein following formation of a gusset (7), opposing front and back faces (11a, 11b) have been heat-sealed together at side edges (9a, 9b) and a top edge (3) of the wall (4). The pouch extends from a base end (6) in a longitudinal direction to a top end (5). On the underside of the base end (6) is the gusset (7) which forms a base on which the pouch (2) is self-standing on a flat surface. As best seen in
At one corner of the top end (5) a product outlet (8) in the form of a spout is sealingly engaged with the wall (4), for example through heat sealing or adhesive. Although not shown, the product outlet (8) is preferably closable by a removable cap.
The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following Examples.
Five ice creams were formulated with varying emulsifier systems as shown in Table 1 (amounts in % w/w).
1DIMODAN ® UJ supplied by Danisco.
2 GRINSTEAD ® ACETEM 70-00 P MB supplied by Danisco.
3GRINDSTED ® CITREM supplied by Danisco.
4GRINSTEAD ® LACTEM P 22 MB supplied by Danisco.
All of the formulations employed the same amounts and types of freezing point depressants and had a total amount of freezing point depressants of 30% w/w with <M>n of 213 g mol−1.
The ice creams were prepared by pasteurizing and homogenizing mixes prepared according to the above formulations. The mixes were aged at 4° C. overnight before freezing and aerating in a scraped surface heat exchanger (standard ice cream freezer). The air input to the freezer was controlled to give a target overrun of 100% (actual overrun varied between 92 and 110%). Freezing was controlled to give a target extrusion temperature of −7° C. (actual extrusion temperature varied between −6 and −9° C.).
The mixes were extruded directly into pouches with the shape shown in
Samples of the pouches were then removed from the freezer and subject to a dispensing force test and an overrun test. The dispensing force was measured by squeezing each pouch between the plates of an Instron® universal testing machine. The overrun was determined by dispensing a set mass of ice cream, hardening the dispensed ice cream by cooling in a dry ice environment and then measuring the volume of ice cream by the amount of water displaced when the hardened sample was submerged in an iced water bath.
The results are shown in Table 2.
All five formulations were found to give ice creams that could easily be extruded by hand from the pouch (dispensing force less than 600 N) and showed no significant overrun loss.
Samples of each of the ice creams were subjected to temperature abuse in order to simulate the thermal regime encountered in a cold chain. This involved storing pouches in a temperature-controlled cabinet for 14 days wherein during each 24 hours the temperature of the cabinet varied as follows: −20° C. for 11.5 hours, and then +10° C. for 0.5 hours; and then −10° C. for 11.5 hours; and then +10° C. for 0.5 hours. The pouches were then transferred to a domestic freezer (−18° C.) for several days before testing.
The temperature-abused samples were then subjected to the same overrun test as previously described and the results are shown in Table 3.
All samples showed loss of overrun on dispensing following the temperature abuse. The samples formulated with ACETEM or LACTEM showed the best resistance to structural deterioration on temperature abuse as evidenced by retention of higher amounts of air on dispensing.
Sensory analysis of ice cream dispensed from the temperature-abused pouches containing formulations 2 or 5 showed that the formulation with LACTEM (formulation 5) resulted in dispensed ice cream with a better texture both in terms of eating quality (more body and less icy) and shape retention (better definition of the dispensed “flutes”).
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18209263.5 | Nov 2018 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2019/079917 | 10/31/2019 | WO | 00 |
