Susan J Saunders

US Patent:

52002152, Apr 6, 1993

Filed:

Oct 25, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/781646

Inventors:

Louise Slade - Morris Plains NJ
Harry Levine - Morris Plains NJ
Stuart Craig - Morristown NJ
Henry Arciszewski - Franklin Lakes NJ
Susan Saunders - Randolph NJ

Assignee:

Nabisco, Inc. - Parsippany NJ

International Classification:

A21D 804

US Classification:

426 18

Abstract:

Low moisture content comestibles having reduced water regain or increased tolerance to moisture are produced by enzymatically treating a farinaceous material with an enzyme composition comprising pentosanase or beta-glucanase, or mixtures thereof to reduce its net-work forming swellable water-soluble hemicellulose content. The hydrolysis of the water-soluble pentosans, beta-glucans or mixtures thereof is conducted so that a substantial portion of the hydrolysis product has a linear or backbone degree of polymerization of less than about 100, more suitably less than about 75, preferably less than about 50, most preferably less than 17. In addition, the hydrolysis is conducted so as to minimize the production of mono and/or di-saccharides. The low moisture content comestible products include low moisture content baked good such as cookies, crackers, and biscuits, farinaceous pet snacks, plant protein extracts, hot cereals, ready-to-eat cereals, low calorie flours and low calorie flour fractions. The enzyme compositions which are used are preferably substantially completely free of proteases and amylases so as to avoid reducing the functionality of proteins and starch, respectively.