Fruit shake and method of making the same

Abstract

A fruit juice shake containing at least one type of fruit juice having a brix value greater than about 30 to about 75, a total amount of stabilizers from at least about 0.05 to 1.5%, about 0.05 to 0.5% of protein, sufficient flavoring agent or agents to give the desired flavor in a frozen state, and sufficient water to give a mix having a brix greater than about 15 and less than 30, sufficient added edible acid to give a pH of less than about 4.4 and greater than about 3.0, a total acidity of about 0.15 to 0.80, measured as citric acid, and containing from about 20 to about 150% overrun and being frozen to a temperature of about -5.degree. F. or less and subsequently thawed for consumption thereof at a viscosity greater than 50,000 and less than about 350,000 cps units at about -4.5.degree. C. to -6.0.degree. C.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to juice mixtures suitable for frozen shakes, to the method of making such shakes and to the shakes themselves.

BACKGROUND ART

There are fruit juice mixtures presently on the market that are suitable as frozen cream confections similar to ice cream or related novelties. Their nature is illustrated by applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,561, as well as by the patents cited in applicant's patent, i.e. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,977,231 of Fox et al; 3,949,098 to Bangert; 4,293,580 to Rubenstein; and 4,551,341 of Blaine et al shows other close art.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,242,367 of Igoe describes how milk shakes may be made by resolving the problems occasioned by milk separating into so-called whey and related products, through use of blends of certain gums.

Additionally, milkshake products have recently been produced which may be purchased in a frozen state, and subsequently thawed, such as by microwaving, to be consumed.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an aspect of the present invention to provide a juice mixture especially adapted for making shakes having the relatively low calorie content of about 11 to 15 calories per fluid ounce that can be consumed with a spoon or a straw due to the fact that its viscosity in the frozen state is within the range of 50,000 to 400,000 cps units at about -4.degree. C. to -5.degree. C.

It is another aspect of the present invention to supply a shake mix that can be frozen to yield a consumable shake capable of being eaten with a spoon or a straw.

It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a shake mix which may have air incorporated therein and be frozen to exhibit hard pack characteristics. The fruite shake may be distributed as well as stored in this frozen state. The frozen shake may then be placed in a microwave oven for a short period of time or otherwise thawed, such that it may be consumed with a spoon or a straw as its viscosity is brought within the range of 50,000 to 400,000 cps units at about -4.degree. C. to -5.degree. C. In this way, there is provided a non-fat, non-dairy, all natural, fruit juice based shake or malt-type having a taste and appearance similar to a milkshake and offering the product convenience and no-mess advantages of a microwavable item that may be prepared in the home of the consumer.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a fruit shake product which may be packaged in individual containers having a single serving therein. The containers may be filled with a juice mixture which is frozen and subsequently placed in a blender or the like to incorporate sufficient air to yield the desired viscosity for consumption. Alternatively, the container may be capable of being microwaved and filled with a shake mix which is initially frozen and has air already incorporated therein. The frozen fruit shake is then merely thawed in its own container using the microwave oven to provide the proper consistency with sufficient frozen ice particles giving the mouth feel of a conventional milkshake in a very convenient manner.

In general, a fruit juice mixture comprises at least one type of fruit juice; from about 0.05% to about 1.5% by weight of at least one stabilizer, based upon the total weight of said mixture, the stabilizer being derived from a natural source, and in preferred formulations being at least partly xanthan gum; from about 0.05% to about 0.50% by weight of a soy protein or related protein, based upon the total weight of said mixture, the amount of remaining ingredients, including water, being such that said mixture has an overall brix value of greater than 15 to about 30, preferably 18 to 21, and the blend being free of sugar and corn sweetener additives. It is also desirable to decrease the flavoring agents to give levels about 10 to 50% lower than customarily used in soft pack formulations, and it is usually desirable to reduce acid levels to adjust the tartness by means of the well known, consumable acidulents.

In the microwavable shake product forming a part of the present invention, a fruit juice mixture similar to that previously described may be utilized with the provision in the preferred formulation that the amount of xanthan gum be increased to help maintain full emulsification of air incorporated into the mix during freezing for proper storage and thawing characteristics during microwaving of the product.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The juices useful in this invention are preferably natural ingredients. By natural ingredients is meant that the ingredients are obtained from a fruit, vegetable or edible plant by crushing, squeezing related operations. They may by filtered, strained, passed through a sieve, resin beds, clay or diatomaceous earth bed or filters, or ion exchange resins to give a juice, a juice concentrate, purees, and so-called modified juices. Although the fruit juice can be used to form mixtures which are frozen and edible as such, that is as a soft-serve, it is preferably in the practice of this invention to adjust the mixes so that they can be frozen in a cream form that can be consumed with a spoon or a straw as a frozen fruit shake. By frozen fruit shake is meant that the mix has a texture, appearance and taste similar to a regular commercial milk shake.

The shake mixtures of this invention contain at least one type of fruit juice preferably capable of yielding a mix of about 15 to 30 brix. Blends of various juices, as well as single juices, can be utilized, and blends are actually desired for many flavors. By the term fruit juice is meant any type of juice that is extracted from fruit by conventional means such as pressing. The juice itself contains various types of saccharides, preferably a majority of monosacchrides. Specific types of juices which can be utilized in the present invention include fruit juice, concentrated fruit juice, fruit puree, fruit puree concentrate, modified juices, as well as modified concentrated juices and the like. Modified juices, for instance, would include ion exchange treated and/or ultrafiltered juices, or deodorized and decolorized ones. Examples of a few of the many specific juices which can be utilized in the product of the invention include, for example, peach concentrate, pear concentrate, blackberry puree, cranberry juice, apple concentrate, and those juice concentrates that generally have a high brix value such as white grape juice, orange juice concentrate, grape concentrate, lemon juice concentrate, apple juice concentrate, etc. Of course, many other types of juices whether in the form of a puree, concentrate, or a juice can be utilized, depending upon the desired end flavor.

The particular type of juice source selected, such as fruit juice, fruit juice concentrate, fruit puree, fruit puree concentrate, fruit juice concentrated puree, modified juice, as well as their concentrates, will have a sweetness due to the natural saccharide content contained therein. The degree of sweetness is generally defined by a brix value. "Brix" is generally defined as the contained percentage of soluble solids, primarily made up of natural sugars. The fruit juice shake mixture of the present invention, generally has an overall brix value greater than about 15 to 30, ordinarily from about 18 to 20, once the other ingredients, such as water, stabilizers natural flavors and the like, as noted hereinbelow, have been added to produce the juice shake mix. In other words, a sufficient amount of water and the like is added to dilute the concentrated juice so that it will have a brix value greater than about 15 to 30, generally from about 18 to 20, and preferably about 19.0.+-.0.5. A blend having a brix value greater than about 30 generally tends to be too sweet, is difficult to freeze, and has insufficient ice to provide a shake consistency. On the other hand, a juice mixture having a brix value of less than about 15 generally tends to be too sour, as well as to be too icy when frozen to make the shake less creamy and difficult to draw through a straw. A more desirable brix range is from about 18 to 20, with a range of about 18.5 to 19.5 being preferred. A brix value of approximately 19 has been found to be optimum for most juices. These brix values may be obtained without the use of the lactose, refined sugar, corn sweeteners or milk and eggs, used in making ice cream. It is highly desirable to use a blend of a high brix juice with a low brix juice - usually about 2 to 35% of low brix juice being present when making certain flavors.

Stabilizers are used in the present invention to give body as well as good texture, consistency, stability and to improve stability of overrun and melt-down of the overall mixture. The stabilizers are preferably derived from natural sources such as plants and the like, although some of the stabilizes may be modified in order to render them stable, food-grade functional, or clean. Examples of stabilizers which are utilized and generally preferred in the present invention include guar gum, locust bean gum, and carrageenan. Especially preferred is xanthan gum since it gives less body and results in a lower viscosity of the mix, as well as superior air to gas emulsibility and greater stability, without undue iciness, but with sufficient ice at the specified brix value to be spoonable and straw consumable at the desired viscosity. In the preferred embodiment, the stabilizing system comprises an amount of xanthan gum in combination with guar gum that in conjunction with a protein give the resulting shake a creaminess similar to that of conventional milkshakes, and having the desired viscosity and body at the consumption temperature.

In this respect, it has been found with the microwavable shake mix that an increased amount of the xanthan gum is preferred due to its unique properties. In this embodiment, the shake mix is to be frozen in a hard pack state until use thereof is desired. Therefore, the desired physical properties of the shake must be maintained during storage for an extended period of time, and also during thawing from the hardpack state to the spoonable and straw-consumable viscosity. It has been found that xanthan gum acts to help maintain full emulsification of air in the mix in its frozen hardpack condition.

In addition to the basic types of stabilizers listed, other types can be utilized such as, for example, various alginates, generally made from seaweed; various cellulose gums; various pectins, and the like. Such stabilizers are well known to those skilled in the art, as well as being mentioned in the literature. The stabilizers render the juice mix uniform and also tend to control the stability and the creaminess of the mixes when frozen, as well as their consistency or viscosity.

The stabilizers may be selected from a group consisting of guar gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, an alginate, a cellulose gum, a pectin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxpropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, amidated pectin, propylene glycol alginate, modified starches, maltodextrins, gelatin, polydextrose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, methylethyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, and combinations thereof.

Conveniently, the juice type is selected from the group consisting of fruit juice, fruit juice concentrate, fruit juice puree, fruit juice puree concentrate, modified juice, and modified juice concentrate, with juice concentrates of 30 to 75 brix being highly desirable, and those from about 45 to 70 brix most preferred in making the single juice product, or juice blends with two or more juices.

The overall amount of said stabilizers usually may be from about 0.05% to about 1.50% by weight with preferable levels being from about 0.12% to 0.5% by weight.

Preferably, the protein comprises a vegetable protein, such as soy protein or wheat protein, but the use of protein from animal products such as milk protein or egg albumen may also be envisioned.

The protein desirably is at a level of at least about 0.05%, based on the total weight of the mixture, with the upper limit being about 0.50%. A preferred range, however, is from about 0.07% to 0.25%, by weight.

The total amount of all stabilizers utilized is generally from at least about 0.05% to about 1.5%, with the desired range being about 0.12 to 0.50%, by weight, based upon the weight of the entire juice mix. Lesser amounts tend to result in separation of the various ingredients, whereas higher amounts tend to result in a very viscous mixture that is difficult to mix. Lesser amounts also tend to yield whipped aerated frozen shake products with weak body, coarse or icy consistency, and poor meltdown stability, while higher amounts tend to result in a gummy or elastic body, and unnatural meltdown qualities. If the amount of an individual stabilizer utilized is reduced, it is usually compensated for by the use of a similarly increased amount of another stabilizer, so that the overall amount generally remains about the same.

More particularly, the preferred stabilizing system includes xanthan gum in the amount of from about 0.03% to about 0.30% by weight with preferable levels being from about 0.04% to about 0.12% and the best results being obtained with the level being 0.06%. The system also preferably includes guar gum in the amount of from about 0.05% to about 0.50% by weight with preferable levels being from about 0.12% to about 0.30%.

Another ingredient which is utilized is a vegetable protein such as soy protein. Generally, any modified type of soy protein can be utilized. The purpose of the soy protein is to improve and control the whippability of the fruit juice mix for frozen shakes. It thus enhances the ability of the overrun upon whipping of the frozen material to take up air, so that a creamier, milk shake-like appearance and consistency of the frozen shake is achieved. The amount of soy protein used is generally from about 0.05% to about 0.50%.

The amount of water will vary over a wide range, depending on the concentration of the juice mixtures to bring the product to the desired brix range.

Other ingredients which may be utilized are natural flavors and/or spices to establish standardized optimum flavor levels for said flavor. Examples of natural flavors include nutmeg and cinnamon in small amounts such as from about 0.05% to about 0.07% by weight, and natural flavors derived from concentrates of essential oils, botanicals, essences and the like. For shake mixes, it is desirable that the flavoring levels be approximately 0 to 5%, by weight. Hence, the shake mixes frequently will contain from about 0.05 to 1.50% by weight of the flavoring ingredients. Naturally, other specialty type ingredients can also be utilized in similar amounts. Any natural flavoring ingredient can be used to make flavors, ranging from vanilla, chocolate, tropical fruits, pumpkin, to pizza, if desired.

Generally, small amounts of various flavor enhancers or modifiers, generally food grade acids, can be utilized to impart tartness, enhance flavor, prevent oxidation of the ingredients or the like. For example, citric acid and other organic acids such as malic acid may be utilized to impart tartness or accentuate the flavor of the mixture. The amounts of such acids generally are sufficient to give a pH of less than 4.4 but greater than 2, preferably above about 3.5, and even more preferably above about 3.8-4.0, and a total acidity level of about 0.15 to 0.80, measured as citric acid. In a preferred embodiment, the acidity level will be from about 0.40 to 0.60, measured as citric acid.

In order to prevent oxidation of the ingredients, commonly called browning, ascorbic acid can be utilized as in an amount from about 0.02 to 0.10 weight percent, and preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.08%, by weight, based upon the total weight of the overall fruit juice micture.

These acids are also utilized to ensure that the pH of the mix is below pH 4, preferably from about a pH of 3.6 to 4.0 to provide microbiological control, and to reduce the tartness of the frozen shake. Another advantage is that generally lower processing temperatures can be utilized at these pH levels with aseptic processing of the mix, thus imparting less heat derived stress on the fruit juice system. The acids are also used to standardize the titratable acidity or tartness perception of the finished mix, as variations occur in raw material maturity. The titratable acidity is usually determined by titration with 0.1N NaOH to a phenolphthalien end-point, or with a pH instrument.

In the microwavable shake mix, the formulation is similar to that previously described in that similar juice types may be selected to provide a brix value of greater than about 15 to about 30, and preferably about 19.0. Such a brix value may be obtained without the use of lactose, refined sugar, corn sweeteners or the like as previously mentioned. It has also been found that an increase in xanthan gum as part of the stabilizing system is preferred in this embodiment to maintain full emulsification of the incorporated air during storage and microwaving of the frozen mix. The amount of xanthan gum may be in the range from about 0.03% to about 0.30% by weight with the preferred level being about 0.07%. The microwavable mix also has a titratable acidity of about 0.50% to about 0.60% being obtained by the addition of citric or other organic acids into the mix.

MIXING

The mixing procedure for forming the fruit juice shake mix is generally that described in our U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,561, and its related copending applications.

The shake mix may be refrigerated while awaiting containerization in suitable shipping packaging. Before packaging, the mix is deaerated with equipment such as a Dole Vacuum Deaerator at vacuums of 15 inch Hg, and then raised to commercial sterilization temperatures, about 173.degree. F. to about 205.degree. F. for about 2 minutes to about 8 seconds, before finally being cooled and aseptically packaged to await use, or shipment to the point where it will be frozen into a frozen shake. Alternatively, in what is generally called the hot pack system, the product is added to the container at about 173.degree. F. to 205.degree. F., and the closed container is cooled to storage temperature to await use or shipment.

In the alternate embodiment, the microwavable shake mix may be initially mixed and aseptically packaged to enable extended shelf-life if the mix was not intended to be frozen and used for some time. Alternately, the mix could be packaged non-aseptically if freezing was to occur relatively close to the time of manufacture and refrigerated or frozen until use thereof is desired. Another alternative would be to provide the mix directly at the freezing point yielding the hardpack shake mix, using for example a high temperature short time (HTST) processor just prior to the freezing operation.

The fruit juice shake mix can also be made at the freezing location and processed at either hot or cold temperatures, depending on the type of stabilizers used and the microbiological aspects of the mix.

At the freezing location, the juice is poured into a machine known to the ice cream trade as a shake making machine, either being gravity or pressure fed. Here it is cooled and frozen, as well as whipped with air or gas, to produce a frozen flavorable mixture having the characteristics of a shake. Whipping results in the generation of small, trapped bubbles in the shake, increasing its volume, and providing it with a texture that is appealing to the palate, and therefore, very desirable. The increase in volume thus achieved is known as "over-run", a doubling of volume equating to a 100% overrun. In the practice of the invention, it has been found that an overrun of from about 40% to 150% provides a superior shake product, but that an overrun of from about 70% to 120% and preferably 90% is even more desirable. Those of ordinary skill in the ice cream trade will be able to propose other apparatus that could be used to process the juice mixes of this invention in making a fruit shake.

Alternatively, with the microwavable shake mix, the freezing operation would be performed in what is known as continuous ice cream freezing equipment to provide a product having hard pack characteristics. The temperature of the frozen mix from the continuous ice cream freezing equipment would run between about 20.degree. to about 24.degree. F. enabling filling and packaging in a microwavable cup or other container for subsequent use by a consumer. Generally, the colder the frozen product is from the continuous ice cream freezing equipment the better, to maintain the desired characteristics such as emulsibility of incorporated air, but still enabling the product to be relatively easily deposited in the packaging containers. The overrun to be provided with the microwavable shake mix should be generally lower than than previously described such as in the range from about 20-150% with a preferred range being from about 50-20% and optionally between 70 and 80%.

The microwavable shake mix which is produced using the continuous ice cream freezing equipment may be provided to a filler which is capable of filling conventional malt-style cups or other containers. The preferred containers are microwavable cups which incorporate a laminated polyethylene layer over a base paper stock, thus having good barrier characteristics and a rigidity which will be retained throughout its life. After being filled with the microwavable shake mix, the container may be covered by a lid and further cooled and hardened to form the hardpack product for storage and distribution. It is preferred that the microwavable shake mix be cooled to a core temperature in the container of about 0.degree. F. within less than 8 hours and preferably within 4 hours. The product is to be preferably stored and transported at at least -15.degree. F. or colder, but yields good results if frozen to between -5.degree. F. and colder.

In an alternate embodiment of the microwavable shake of the invention, a heat sealable plastic packet or bag may be filled with the frozen microwavable mix of the invention by a known filling apparatus. The sealed plastic bags may then be combined to provide a six-pack type arrangement of individual packages containing the fruit juice shake mix that can be stored frozen at home. The sealed plastic bags may also be placed in suitable containers for cooling and shipping as desired. The individual packets or bags containing the frozen shake mix and may then simple be separated and placed into the microwave oven to thaw to the desired consistency. The thawed packet or bag may then be worked with the hands to yield a uniformed consistency within the bag, and subsequently placed in a suitable container for consumption or the bag itself may have an easily penetrated seal on insertion of the straw.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following representative and illustrative examples, where all parts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise designated.

EXAMPLE I

A sample of a shake (10.5 fluid ounces) made from a commercial, Vitari-type regular soft serve having a 70% overrun is drawn into a 16 fluid ounce paper cup, and 1.5 ounces of water is added. The paper cup is then placed under a commercial shake machine and mixed for about 30 to 60 seconds to whip in sufficient air to increase the volume to about 13 fluid ounces.

The shake has an overrun of about 90 to 100%, a viscosity 23.degree.-24.degree. F. (-5.0.degree. to 5.5.degree. C.) of approximately 100,000 25,000 cps, and a brix value of about 19.0.+-.0.5, whereas the Vitari soft serve has a viscosity at 15.degree. F. to 18.degree. F. (-9.4.degree. C. to -7.7.degree. C.) in excess of about 500,000 cps, and a brix value of about 23 to 25. The fruit juice shake, having the appearance similar to a regular milk shake, has an excellent taste, and can be eaten by spoon or by straw.

EXAMPLE II

The ingredients of this example are mixed in four parts, according to the mixing instructions listed beneath each part of the following formula.

Shake Mix Formula

______________________________________SHAKE MIX FORMULAPART I______________________________________Water 216.0 gal.Ascorbic Acid 2.2 lbs.Concentrate, Apple Juice 70 BX DDR 23.1 gal.Puree, Peach 10 BX 1,220 lbs.Flavor, Peach #215 600 fl. oz.Flavor, Peach #237 231 fl. oz.Annatto, Hansen's 32.0 fl. oz.Beet Color, Hansen's - B-40 15.0 fl. oz.______________________________________

Add the water to the 500 gallon batching kettle. Dissolve the ascorbic acid in the water, and add the concentrates, flavor, puree and colors to the kettle. Turn on the agitator and mix thoroughly.

______________________________________PART 2______________________________________Concentrate, Apple Juice 70 Bx DDR 60.0 gal.Xanthan Gum 2.8 lbs.Guar Gum 8.3 lbs.______________________________________

Add the above amount of concentrate to a high-speed marshmallow mixer. Start the mixer; add the gums individually, and in the order listed. Blend until smooth. Then the rest of the ingredients are then to be added, as set forth in Part 3.

______________________________________PART 3______________________________________Water 30.0 gal.Soy Protein 520K 7.7 lbs.______________________________________

Add the water and the protein to the mixture in the marshmallow mixer. Blend until smooth, and pump through a strainer bag into the batching kettle.

______________________________________PART 4______________________________________ Water 23.0 gal.______________________________________

Add the remaining water to make up a 500.0 gallon batch. Agitate 5-10 minutes. Take a sample for quality control.

The brix preferably should be 19.0 0.3; the pH should be 3.95.+-.0.1, and the total acidity should be 0.48.+-.0.03. The total acidity may be adjusted to the preferred range with malic acid to give 500 gallons of a peach flavored fruit shake mix.

A portion of the finished mix is placed in a commercial shake machine and frozen to about 23.degree.-24.degree. F. (-5.0.degree. to 5.5.degree. C.), with stirring to whip in sufficient air to give a 90 to 100%, by volume, over-run.

The frozen shake at these temperatures has a viscosity of about 100,000 cps, an excellent taste, and a consistency which permits it to be eaten with a spoon or through a straw. A satisfactory peach fruit juice shake is thus produced without milk, eggs, or added sugar.

Alternatively, a microwavable shake mix may be provided in a similar procedure making the modifications as described previously, for example increasing the amount of xanthan gum, such that a portion of the finished mix will be placed in a continuous ice cream freezing apparatus and frozen to about 20.degree. F. Air is incorporated to provide an overrun of approximately 70-90% by volume. The frozen microwavable shake mix is then placed in a suitable microwavable container and further cooled to provide a core temperature of 0.degree. F. within 4 hours. Further cooling to a temperature of -15.degree. F. or colder is achieved until consumption of the shake is desired.

For consumption, the lid of the container is removed and the container containing the frozen microwavable shake mix is placed in the microwave for thawing therof. For example, an 11.5 fluid once container having the frozen shake mix therein would require about 35-40 seconds on the microwave ovens high setting for thawing thereof. The center of the shake mix should still be somewhat stiff, and may subsequently be stirred to provide a uniform consistency throughout the container. The consistency of the mix should be as described with reference to the first embodiment, and may be obtained by slightly more or less microwaving time depending on the frozen shake's initial temperature and size. Alternatively, the frozen microwavable shake mix may be placed at room temperature or a refrigerated temperature for several minutes accordingly and then stirred to a uniform consistency.

EXAMPLE III

Shake Mix Formula

A Strawberry Fruit Juice Shake Mix

The ingredients of this formula are mixed as detailed hereinafter for each part of the formula.

______________________________________PART 1______________________________________Water 300.0 gal.Malic Acid 3.8 lbs.Concentrate, Apple 70 BX DDR 37.9 gal.Puree Strawberry Seedless 7 BX 224.0 lbs.Flavor, Strawberry #825 12.5 gal.Elderberry 218 fl. oz.Ascorbic Acid 1.1 lbs.______________________________________

Add the water to the 500 gallon batching kettle. Dissolve the malic acid in the water, and then add the concentrate, puree, flavor and colors to the kettle. Turn on the agitator and stir until well mixed.

______________________________________PART 2______________________________________Concentrate - Apple Juice 70 BX DDR 60.0 gal.Xanthan Gum 2.8 lbs.Guar Gum 9.3 lbs.______________________________________

Add the 60 gallons of apple juice concentrate to the marshmallow mixer. Start the high speed mixer and add the gums individually, in the order listed. Blend until smooth before adding the water and protein listed below in Part 3.

______________________________________PART 3______________________________________Water 35.0 gal.Soy Protein 520K 6.6 lbs.______________________________________

Add the 35 gallons of water and protein to the marshmallow mixer. Blend until smooth and then pump through a strainer bag into the batching kettle.

______________________________________PART 4______________________________________Water 27.0 gal.Malix Acid 1.2 lbs.______________________________________

Add the remaining 27 gallons of water to the 500 gallon batch kettle, together with the malic acid. Agitate 5-10 minutes. Take a sample for quality control checks. Adjust T. A., i.e., total acidity, with the remaining malic acid as necessary to get a brix of 19.0.+-.0.3%, a pH of 3.9.+-.0.1, and a T. A. of 0.53.+-.0.03 (w/w as citric acid), thus producing a strawberry fruit juice shake mix.

The product is frozen in a shake machine to provide about 100.+-.15% over-run, and a viscosity of 100,000.+-.50,000 cps untis at about -4.5.degree. C., a shake which is readily eaten with a spoon or a straw.

The frozen strawberry fruit juice shake of this formula have a mouthfeel similar to that of a regular all-milk shake at this brix and sweetness level, discrete ice crystals appear to be present, as well as the smooth texture and sweetness associated with an all-fruit juice frozen cream. Taste tests show the formula to yield a frozen all-fruit juice shake that would be agreeable to customers and which has properties of appearance, taste, feel and straw consumableness equivalent to the traditional milk-containing milk shake.

In these examples, about 18 to 40% of the high brix juices are used as concentrate, i.e., generally those of 45 to 75 brix, such as the deoderized and/or decolorized apple, grape, or pear juices, while about 2 to 23% of the low brix juice of about 5 to 15 brix are employed, to illustrate one type of the fruit flavored shake mixes of the invention.

Alternatively, a deodorized and decolorized high brix juice such as pear, grape, or apple may be used alone to make a satisfactory vanilla or chocolate shake and related flavors, since such juices may display superior taste qualities. However, the total acidity may then need to be lower than with a blend of two or more juices.

The viscosity values described in the preceding are with a Brookfield viscometer, Spindle T-F, Speed 6 with Heliopath attachment in a downward mode at the temperature indicated.

Another useful embodiment of this invention comprises taking about 6 to 20 fluid ounces of a fruit juice shake mix such as for example those of Example I, II or III or other similar or different flavored fruit juice shake mixes and package it in suitable individual packages viz a 4 to 6 or a dozen individual packages in a unit and market the total package as a unit. The purchaser could take each individual 10 to 20 ounce package from its storage in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator and place the contents in a mixer such as a Waring Blender to whip in sufficient air usually about 70 to 150% overrun to obtain a readily strawable frozen fruit shake that could be consumed either by spoon or straw. This will provide a new product which has not been heretofore available as individual packages of a fruit juice shake mix. Thus, the market would have so called "6-pack type" fruit juice shake mixes that could be stored frozen at home and be easily and efficiently mixed in a home blender to yield a consumable frozen fruit shake. More conveniently, the microwavable fruit shake may be produced in accordance with the invention to provide a product which is yet easier to use without creating any mess. The fruit shake may be packaged in and consumed from the same container, making it highly desirable to the consumer. The container may be a microwavable cardboard carton or simply a heat sealed plastic bag or a packet containing the frozen shake mix.

Thus it can be seen that the objects of the invention have been achieved by the teaching presented herein. While in accordance with the patent statutes, only the best mode and preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented and described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby. Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of the invention, reference should be had to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fruit juice shake comprising a mixture having, on a weight basis, at least one type of fruit juice having a brix value greater than about 30 to about 75, a total amount of stabilizers from at least about 0.05 to 1.5%, about 0.05 to 0.5% of protein, sufficient flavoring agent or agents to give the desired flavor in a frozen state, and sufficient water to give a mix having a brix greater than about 15 and less than 30, sufficient added edible acid to give a pH of less than about 4.4 and greater than about 3.0, a total acidity of about 0.15 to 0.80, measured as citric acid, and containing from about 20 to about 150% overrun and being frozen to a temperature of about -5.degree. F. or less and subsequently thawed for consumption thereof at a viscosity greater than 50,000 and less than about 350,000 cps units at about -4.5.degree. C. to -6.0.degree. C.

2. A fruit juice shake as in claim 1 wherein at least one stabilizer is present in amount from about 0.12% to 0.50% and includes an amount of xanthan gum in the range of about 0.03% to about 0.30%, and wherein said mixture contains from about 0.07% to 0.25% of protein and said pH is greater than about 3.5 and said total acidity is from about 0.4 to 0.6, and wherein still further, said overrun is from about 70% to 120% in the frozen state.

3. A fruit juice shake of claim 2, wherein said amount of xanthan gum is in the range of about 0.04% to about 0.12%, and said overrun is from about 70% to about 90%.

4. A fruit juice shake as in claim 1 wherein one type of fruit juice is selected from among modified juices characterized as reduced color and flavor, grape, apple, pear and orange juices.

5. A fruit juice shake as in claim 4 wherein the modified juice constitutes from about 30 to 99% of the juice present, and the remaining juice is a low brix juice having a brix value of about 5 to 15.

6. A fruit juice shake as in claim 1 wherein at least one of the fruit juices is a deflavorized and decolorized high brix juice of about 45 to 70 brix, and the remainder of the juice is a low brix juice having a brix value of greater than about 5 to about 15, and wherein the proportions of the said juices are adjusted to minimize the amount of added water required to give the desired brix of about 18 to 20, and a frozen viscosity of about 75,000 to 200,000 cps at about 5.0.degree. to 5.5.degree. C.

7. A fruit juice shake as in claim 1 wherein the frozen shake has a calorie content from about 11 to 15 calories per fluid ounce.

8. The fruit juice shake of claim 1 packaged in at least an individual container of essentially a single personal serving amount, being frozen so as to exhibit hardpack properties and subsequently microwaved to yield a mix having about 20-150% overrun and a viscosity of 50,000 to 350,0000 cps units at -4.5.degree. C.

9. A fruit juice shake as in claim 1 wherein sufficient water is added to provide the mix with a brix greater than about 17 and less than about 25, and sufficient air is incorporated therein such that said overrun is from about 70 to about 90%.

10. The fruit juice shake as in claim 1 wherein said thawing for the consumption thereof is accomplished by microwaving said frozen mixture.

11. A method of making a fruit juice shake comprising the steps of:

providing a fruit juice mixture having, on a weight basis, at least one type of fruit juice with a brix value greater than about 30 to about 75, a total amount of stabilizers from at least about 0.05 to 1.5%, about 0.05 to 0.5% of a protein, along with a sufficient amount of at least one flavoring agent to give the desired flavor in a frozen state and sufficient water to get a mix having a brix value greater than about 15 and less than about 30 along with sufficient added edible acids to give a pH of less than about 4.4 and greater than about 3.0 resulting in a total acidity of about 0.15 to about 0.80, measured as citric acid;

introducing said mixture continuous freezing equipment to thereby freeze said mixture to a temperature of about 20.degree. F. and to incorporate air into said mixture to provide an overrun from about 40 to about 150%;

dispensing said frozen mixture into a suitable container such that the frozen mixture may be packaged, distributed, and consumed from said container;

cooling said frozen mixture in said container to a core temperature of 0.degree. F. within a short period of time;

further cooling said frozen mixture to a shipping and storage temperature of -15.degree. F. or less thereby providing said fruit juice shake which exhibits hardpack characteristics until use thereof is desired; and

thawing said frozen mixture to yield an aereated mix having about 20 to about 150% overrun and a viscosity of 50,000 to 350,000 cps units at -4.5.degree. C.

12. A fruit juice shake as in claim 11 wherein said thawing is accomplished by microwaving said frozen mixture in said container to yield a product which having a consistency such that it may be consumed by using a straw or a spoon.

13. A fruit juice shake as in claim 11 wherein said mixture includes an amount of xanthan gum in the range of about 0.03% to about 0.30%, and during said freezing step, air is incorporated into said mixture to provide an overrun from about 50 to about 90%.

14. A fruit juice shake as in claim 11 wherein said container comprises a base paper stock having a layer of polyethelene laminated thereto to provide a microwavable container having good barrier characteristics.

15. A fruit juice shake as in claim 11 wherein said container comprises a film of microwavable plastic forming a bag in which said frozen mixture may be dispensed.

16. A fruit juice shake as in claim 15, wherein said container has an easily penetrated seal for insertion of a straw.

17. A fruit juice shake as in claim 15 wherein said container is flexible and after microwaving may be hand squeezed to mix the shake prior to consumption thereof.