阅读说明：本技术 不含蛋的仿真蛋食物产品 (Egg-free simulated egg food product ) 是由 黛博拉.A.刘易斯 戴维.A.刘易斯 于 2018-05-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：本文中公开了用于制造不含蛋的仿真蛋食物产品的组合物。所述组合物包括乳清蛋白、包含脂肪氧合酶灭活的豆粉的豆材料和对于使所述组合物在水合时碱化而言有效的pH调节剂。在将所述组合物水合,然后烹制时,产生了具有与如果使用雌禽蛋制造的蛋食物产品的感官性质类似的感官性质的仿真蛋食物产品。(Disclosed herein are compositions for making an egg-free simulated egg food product. The composition includes whey protein, a soy material comprising lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour, and a pH adjusting agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration. Upon hydration and then cooking of the composition, a simulated egg food product is produced that has sensory properties similar to those of an egg food product if made using female eggs.)

1. A composition for making an egg-free simulated egg food product, the composition comprising:

whey protein;

a soy material comprising lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour; and

a pH adjusting agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration,

wherein upon hydration of the composition, followed by cooking, a simulated egg food product is produced having sensory properties similar to those of an egg food product if made using female poultry eggs.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the whey protein is whey protein isolate.

3. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said composition comprises about 28% w/w to about 70% w/w of said whey protein.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the soy material comprises lipoxygenase inactivated soybean cotyledon powder.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the legume material comprises processed legume material (PSM).

6. The composition of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the composition comprises about 15% w/w to about 50% w/w of the bean material.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the ratio of said whey protein to said soy material in said composition is from about 1.55:1.0 to about 0.66: 1.0.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the pH adjusting agent is selected from the group consisting of potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, tripotassium phosphate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, and combinations thereof.

9. The composition of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the pH adjusting agent is a combination of sodium bicarbonate and tripotassium phosphate.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the pH adjusting agent is effective to basify the hydrated composition to a pH of about 7.2-8.5.

11. The composition of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the composition comprises about 0.2% w/w to about 1.8% w/w of the pH adjusting agent.

12. The composition of any one of claims 1-11, further comprising an oil.

13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the oil is a vegetable oil.

14. The composition of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the composition comprises up to about 45% w/w of the oil.

15. The composition of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the composition further comprises one or more of the following agents: sodium chloride, sugar, emulsifiers, flavorings, colorants, antioxidants, stabilizers, fibers, vitamins, and minerals.

16. A composition for making an egg-free simulated egg food product, the composition comprising:

about 28% w/w to about 70% w/w whey protein;

about 15% w/w to about 50% w/w lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour;

from about 0.2% w/w to about 1.8% w/w of a pH adjusting agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration; and

optionally an oil.

17. The composition of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the composition is provided as a dry powder.

18. A liquid composition for use in the manufacture of an egg-free simulated egg food product, the liquid composition comprising the composition of any one of claims 1-17 and a liquid.

19. A cooked egg-free simulated egg food product made by cooking a hydrated composition of any one of claims 1-17 or a liquid composition of claim 18.

20. The cooked egg-free simulated egg food product of claim 19 wherein the egg-free simulated egg food product has sensory properties similar to sensory properties of a omelet, scrambled egg, omelet, fried egg, or a food product comprising cooked egg white or cooked egg yolk.

21. A method for making a cooked egg-free simulated egg food product, said method comprising the steps of:

mixing:

whey protein;

a soy material comprising lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour;

a pH adjusting agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration; and

optionally an oil, in the form of a mixture of oils,

to produce a dry blend;

mixing the dry blend with a liquid; and

cooking the mixture, thereby producing a cooked egg-free simulated egg food product having sensory properties similar to those of an egg food product if formed using female eggs.

22. A method for making a cooked egg-free simulated egg food product, said method comprising the steps of:

mixing:

about 28% w/w to about 70% w/w whey protein;

about 15% w/w to about 50% w/w lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour;

from about 0.2% w/w to about 1.8% w/w of a pH adjusting agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration; and

optionally an oil, in the form of a mixture of oils,

to produce a dry blend;

mixing the dry blend with a liquid; and

cooking the mixture, thereby producing a cooked egg-free simulated egg food product having sensory properties similar to those of an egg food product if formed using female eggs.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to compositions that, when hydrated and cooked, produce simulated (simulated) egg food products (foods) that are egg-free. The invention also relates to food products made from such compositions.

Background

Eggs are a valuable source of nutrients in the human diet and include high quality proteins, lipids, vitamins and minerals. Female eggs (hen egg) also have particular cooking functionality, including emulsification, thermal setting and stabilization in food. However, due to their limited shelf life (shelf-life), fragility, and manufacturing and distribution costs, eggs are not necessarily a convenient form for consumers. Whole eggs are also relatively high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which many consumers desire to limit in their diet for health reasons. Furthermore, the possibility of eggs carrying avian-related diseases such as avian influenza or food-borne diseases from bacterial loads (loads) is an ever present risk, requiring additional processing steps such as pasteurization and irradiation treatments, which can increase the cost of the resulting egg product and adversely affect the functionality of the resulting egg product. Periodic outbreaks of avian influenza that affect large commercial groups (flock), requiring regional outbreaks, have resulted in both ethical problems and expense, disruption of business and price fluctuations.

Thus, more and more consumers are turning to food protein sources based on fewer eggs for reasons of improved nutrition, reduced risk of avian-related diseases such as avian influenza, and for personal dietary preferences such as vegetarians and religious reasons.

A large number of egg substitutes and egg extenders are available which attempt to mimic the organoleptic properties and cooking functionality of female poultry eggs. However, many of these egg substitutes and extenders are not completely egg-free, as they require the presence of at least some egg white to enable the egg substitute to achieve the rheological properties of an egg (and in particular its heat set functionality). Many existing egg replacers with alternative protein sources fail to achieve the rheological properties of eggs and are often adversely affected by the inherent "off flavor imparted by non-egg ingredients. Furthermore, many of these egg replacers and extenders do not reproduce the nutritional properties of eggs, nor their physical properties such as their pH, appearance and texture (texture). Making egg substitutes as follows has been a persistent challenge in the art: the egg replacer can completely replace female eggs in the consumer's diet, in terms of its nutrition and its particular functionality in cooking.

It would be advantageous to provide a simulated egg food product that can be completely egg-free and a composition for making such an egg-free simulated egg food product.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a composition for making an egg-free simulated egg food product. The composition includes whey protein, a soy material comprising lipoxygenase inactivated soy (soy) flour (flours), and a pH adjusting agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration. Upon hydration and then cooking of the composition, a simulated egg food product is produced that has sensory properties similar to those of an egg food product if made using female eggs.

The compositions of the present invention provide a complete replacement for whole eggs and the unique combination of its ingredients imparts cooking functionality and resulting sensory properties similar to those of female eggs when cooked, either alone or in a recipe (recipe). The present inventors have discovered that a composition of whey protein, soy material, and pH modifier according to the present invention can, upon hydration and cooking, form an egg-free food product that closely simulates, both functionally and organoleptically, a whole-female avian egg. Indeed, simulated egg food products that may be manufactured according to embodiments of the invention may have sensory properties similar to those of the same egg food product but manufactured in a conventional manner using female avian eggs. The whey protein when in the composition mimics the sensory and cooking functionality and multiple properties of egg white. The soy material provides nutritional and organoleptic properties similar to egg yolk when in the composition, by allowing whey protein to coalesce at a suitable pH and moderating the coagulation of the whey protein, resulting in a coagulated product that is softer than would otherwise be expected. To the best of the inventors' knowledge, food products with such functional and organoleptic properties have not previously been achievable in the complete absence of eggs and in particular egg whites.

As will be described in further detail below, the ratio of whey protein to soy material in the composition may be variable in some embodiments to impart an eating quality of whole eggs, egg white, or egg yolk to the hydrated and cooked composition. In fact, the ratio of whey protein and bean material in the composition may be adjusted to contribute varying degrees of textural simulated egg white or simulated egg yolk in cooked (cooked) products (deli). Thus, the compositions of the present invention can be advantageously used in a wide variety of cooking applications similar to those of female avian eggs.

In some embodiments, the whey protein may be a whey protein isolate.

In some embodiments, the soy material may include lipoxygenase inactivated soybean (soy bean) cotyledon powder. The legume material may be, for example, processed legume material (PSM), such as that described in australian patent No.559031 (and in further detail below).

In some embodiments, the pH adjusting agent may be selected from, for example, potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, tripotassium phosphate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pH adjusting agent may be effective to basify the hydrated composition to a pH of about 7.2-8.5.

In some embodiments, the composition may further comprise an oil. The inventors have found that the inclusion of an oil in the composition provides advantages including: improve the handleability and storage of the composition when in dry powder form, impart desirable organoleptic properties to the cooked product and impart useful nutritional properties to the resulting food product. Oils may also be capable of dissolving hydrophobic components (e.g., vitamins, flavors, etc.), which may help improve their stability and improve the flavor profile of the simulated egg food product. In some embodiments, the oil can be a vegetable oil such as sunflower oil, palm kernel oil, canola oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, olive oil, rice bran oil, corn oil, coconut oil, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the oil may be an animal oil. The use of animal or fish oils, for example, can introduce desirable omega (omega) 3 or DHA fatty acids into the resulting food product.

In some embodiments, the composition may further comprise fat for reasons similar to those described in the preceding paragraph. Such fats may also contribute to the organoleptic qualities of the resulting food product, noting that the female eggs have a natural fat content. In some embodiments, the fat may be hydrogenated to improve its operability.

In some embodiments, the composition may further comprise additional components, including additional components selected from one or more of: salts (sodium chloride), sugars, emulsifiers, flavourings, colorants (coluurant), antioxidants, stabilizers, fibres (soluble or insoluble), vitamins and minerals.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a composition for making an egg-free simulated egg food product. The composition comprises about 28% w/w to about 70% w/w whey protein, about 15% w/w to about 50% w/w lipoxygenase inactivated soy flour, about 0.2% w/w to about 1.8% w/w of a pH adjusting agent effective to alkalize the composition when hydrated, and optionally an oil.

The composition according to the second aspect of the invention can, when hydrated and cooked, produce a simulated egg food product having sensory properties similar to those of an egg food product if made using female eggs.

The composition of the first or second aspect of the invention may be provided, for example, in powder form (e.g. as a dry blend) as a dry powder for subsequent hydration by mixing with an aqueous liquid. In some embodiments, for example, about 25g of the dry powder composition can be mixed with about 75g of an aqueous liquid (e.g., water or milk) to produce a hydrated product in the form of a batter ready for cooking.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a liquid composition for use in the manufacture of an egg-free simulated egg food product, the liquid composition comprising a composition of the first or second aspect of the invention and a liquid. The liquid composition may then be cooked to form the egg-free simulated egg food product, or may be used as is to make an uncooked (uncooked) egg-free simulated egg food product (e.g., a mayonnaise or beverage traditionally comprising eggs of fresh females).

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a cooked egg-free simulated food product made by cooking a hydrated composition of the first or second aspects of the invention or a liquid composition of the third aspect of the invention. Such cooked food products may, for example, have organoleptic properties similar to those of omelettes, scrambled eggs, poached eggs (poached egg), steamed eggs, omelettes, or food products including cooked egg white or cooked egg yolk.

The compositions of the first, second and third aspects of the invention may also be used as egg extenders, in which they are mixed with the eggs of a female avian as they are formed into a food product comprising eggs. Use of the compositions of the present invention in this manner can advantageously reduce the cost of the resulting egg food product (i.e., the food product being extended) and impart beneficial nutritional advantages (e.g., by reducing its total cholesterol content).

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for making a cooked egg-free simulated egg food product. The method comprises the following steps:

mixing whey protein, a soy material comprising lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour, a pH adjusting agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration, and optionally an oil, to produce a dry blend;

mixing the dry blend with a liquid; and

cooking the mixture, thereby producing a cooked egg-free simulated egg food product having sensory properties similar to those of an egg food product if made using female eggs.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method for making a cooked egg-free simulated egg food product. The method comprises the following steps:

mixing about 28% w/w to about 70% w/w whey protein, about 15% w/w to about 50% w/w lipoxygenase inactivated soy flour, about 0.2% w/w to about 1.8% w/w of a pH adjusting agent effective to basify the composition upon hydration and optionally oil to produce a dry blend;

mixing the dry blend with a liquid; and

cooking the mixture, thereby producing a cooked egg-free simulated egg food product having sensory properties similar to those of an egg food product if made using female eggs.

The methods of the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention may, for example, be used to produce cooked food products having organoleptic properties similar to those of omelettes, scrambled eggs, omelettes, steamed eggs, omelettes or products comprising cooked egg white or cooked egg yolk (or combinations thereof).

In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a method for making an uncooked egg-free simulated egg food product (e.g., a mayonnaise or beverage traditionally containing raw-female avian eggs). Such a method comprises the steps of:

mixing whey protein, a soy material comprising lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour, a pH agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration, and optionally an oil, to produce a dry blend; and

mixing the dry blend with a liquid.

In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a method for making an uncooked egg-free simulated egg food product. Such a method comprises the steps of:

mixing about 28% w/w to about 70% w/w whey protein, about 15% w/w to about 50% w/w lipoxygenase inactivated soy flour, about 0.2% w/w to about 1.8% w/w of a pH adjusting agent effective to basify the composition upon hydration and optionally an oil to produce a dry blend; and

mixing the dry blend with a liquid.

In some embodiments of the method of the fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth aspect of the invention, the dry blend may comprise the composition of the first or second aspect of the invention.

Other aspects, embodiments and advantages of the invention will be described below.

Detailed Description

The present invention provides a composition for making an egg-free simulated egg food product, the composition comprising:

whey protein;

a soy material comprising lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour; and

a pH adjusting agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration. Upon hydration and then cooking of the composition, a simulated egg food product is produced that has sensory properties similar to those of an egg food product if made using female eggs.

The present invention also provides a composition for making an egg-free simulated egg food product, the composition comprising:

about 28 to about 70% w/w whey protein;

about 15% w/w to about 50% w/w lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour;

from about 0.2% w/w to about 1.8% w/w of a pH adjusting agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration; and

optionally an oil.

The compositions of the present invention can be advantageously used to manufacture cooked egg-free simulated egg food products having sensory properties similar to those of the same food products but manufactured using female avian eggs. Indeed, the inventors have not tasted other egg substitutes having organoleptic properties close to those of female poultry eggs, like those prepared according to the present invention and described in further detail below. The selection of specific whey protein formulations and soy materials may also result in simulated egg food products having nutritional profiles similar to those prepared using eggs but without (or containing significantly reduced amounts of) cholesterol. Egg-free simulated egg food products that can be made according to the present invention include, for example, omelettes, scrambled eggs, omelettes, steamed eggs, or omelettes. The composition of the invention may also be used in recipes for forming cooked food products such as cakes, tarts (e.g. baked tarts), tarts (tarts), cookies, souffles (souffles), custards (baked eggs, fritttata), muffins (muffins ), english pancakes (pancakes), crepis (crepe), spreads (spread), bread, puddings, salads, soups, sauces, tarts (tarts), fillings (stuffing ), sausages, pancakes (fritters), pies (pie), and the like. The compositions of the present invention may also be used in recipes for forming uncooked food products such as mayonnaise or beverages that traditionally contain uncooked hen eggs.

As used herein, the phrase "sensory properties similar to those of an egg food product if made using female eggs" or "sensory properties similar to those of cooked eggs" should be understood to mean that the simulated food product without eggs to which the phrase refers has such sensory properties (including taste, aroma, appearance, odor, texture, and mouthfeel): which mimic those of the same type of food product but prepared in a conventional manner using female eggs.

As used herein, the term "egg" or "hen egg" refers to all avian eggs that may be used, including chicken (chicken) eggs, goose eggs, quail eggs, and other known edible eggs from poultry. "egg white" as used herein refers to eggs of the type described above from which yolk has been removed. Similarly, "egg yolk" as used herein refers to eggs of the type described above from which egg white has been removed.

The cooking functionality (heat setting, emulsification, aeration (aeration), etc.) of the hydrated composition of the present invention closely mimics those of a full-female avian egg. Female avian eggs have many useful functional properties, including emulsifying, aerating and, in particular, heat setting properties, which result in the widespread use of eggs in food. The ability of hen egg white to thermally coagulate has enabled the development of many food products and this is due to egg white losing fluidity at about 60 ℃ and eventually forming a firm (firm) gel by about 80 ℃. Hen eggs develop different heat set properties than clear eggs because they begin to lose fluidity at about 65 ℃ and set to form a soft and crispy (short) texture at about 85 ℃. The pH of egg yolk is about 6.4 and egg white is about 7.0-9.0. The whole egg has a pH of about 7.1-7.9.

As used herein, the phrase "cooking functionality similar to that of a female egg" should be understood to mean that the hydrated (and, when relevant, cooked) composition to which the phrase refers has physical (e.g., rheology, emulsification, aeration, thermal coagulation, etc.) and chemical (e.g., pH, nutritional content) properties that mimic those of a female egg alone.

In addition, the ratio of whey protein to soy material in the compositions of the present invention may be varied to impart an organoleptic "eating quality" of egg white or egg yolk to the hydrated and heated composition. Thus, embodiments of the compositions of the present invention can be used to individually simulate two portions of a female avian egg (i.e., clear and yellow), and thus can be used in place of a female avian egg in many cooking applications, while closely simulating the appearance, taste, texture, cooking method, and nutrition of an egg. Embodiments of the composition of the invention may also be combined in the following manner: which mimics the intact, unbroken, yellow and white albumin that is co-cooked as is typical in pan, parcook (half-cooked, simmered) and steamed whole hen egg recipes, again without the need for changes to the traditional cooking process. Thus, for a recipe requiring egg white and yellow functionality (e.g., in the cooking of a complete egg), the simulated cooked yellow may be partially surrounded by the simulated white. By combining the compositions of the present invention, the texture, flavor, color and appearance of fried, blanched, microwave cooked or steamed whole eggs can be simulated. Alternatively, some embodiments of the compositions of the present invention may be used to simulate the emulsification functionality of the egg yolk of a hen, as is required in mayonnaise recipes.

The compositions of the present invention may be provided in any suitable form. Typically, the composition is provided in dry powder form for mixing with a liquid, as it is possible for the composition to be stored for a period of time before use. Such "dry blends" are common in the food industry and are well known and acceptable to consumers. They are shelf-stable, ready-to-use consumer products in which the consumer simply adds water (or another aqueous liquid such as milk) and mixes the product manually (e.g., by whipping with a fork or hand-held mechanical stir bar (whisk), as is typically done for female eggs) to produce an egg-like food product that is ready for use (e.g., cooking) in exactly the same manner as is the case for true female eggs in traditional recipes.

The dry formulations prepared using standard dry mixing operations will typically be blended (mix) with water to provide an egg-shaped food product ready for use (e.g., cooking). However, other liquid food components such as skim milk or other types of milk, various stocks (stock) such as vegetable stock, meat stock or chicken stock, etc. may be used instead of or in addition to water (note that such alternative liquids may contain minor amounts of cholesterol or may not be at a neutral pH).

The composition may alternatively be provided in liquid form, for example as a concentrate or batter, which may be more useful for commercial kitchens and the like where it is unlikely to be stored for a long period of time. The stability of such liquid compositions can be further improved if the liquid concentrate or batter is refrigerated or frozen. In another aspect of the invention, for example, a liquid egg replacement composition comprises a composition of the invention as described herein, and an aqueous liquid. While such "wet mixes" are likely to have a shelf life that is shorter than the corresponding "dry mixes", their shelf life can still be a useful period of time, and especially if preservatives or non-thermal preservation methods (e.g., autoclaving) are used or if the wet mix is stored refrigerated or frozen. In some embodiments, a shelf-stable pumpable or pourable liquid concentrate mixture may be formed using a suitable portion (measure) of oil. Such shelf-stable liquid compositions may be useful in, for example, industrial applications.

The composition may alternatively be provided as follows: the components are a mixture of powder and liquid forms. For example, the pH adjuster may be provided in liquid form and packaged separately from the remaining dry components. In such embodiments, the liquid pH adjusting agent may be added to the powder along with a liquid (e.g., water) when the composition is hydrated prior to cooking.

An example of a whole egg recipe that relies on the functional properties of individual fresh eggs is french fries. French fried egg rolls are prepared by: two fresh egg whites are gently whipped in a bowl, the whipped mixture is poured into a soft fire heated pan (skillet) pre-coated with butter and as the egg begins to set, the omelet is carefully rolled up several turns to form a fluffy yellow cylinder that typically is not browned on the pan side and is moist (moist) and tender inside. This recipe can be used as a benchmark for the functional and organoleptic properties of the compositions of the present invention and the resulting simulated egg food products, as the present inventors have found that this is an egg food product that is difficult to mimic. Indeed, the inventors have found that none of the commercially available egg substitutes of their knowledge can produce a fully simulated cooked french egg roll comparable to that produced using the hen egg alone.

In another aspect of the invention, a cooked egg-free simulated egg food product is provided that is made by heating (i.e., cooking) a hydrated inventive composition or an inventive liquid composition. The cooked egg-free food product may, for example, have organoleptic properties similar to those of a omelet, scrambled egg, omelet, steamed egg, omelet or a product comprising cooked egg white or cooked egg yolk.

The composition of the invention can also be used in recipes for making food products such as omelet, poached egg, steamed egg, omelet or scrambled egg, cake, egg tart (e.g. baked egg tart), tart, cookie, custard, omelet, muffin, english pancake, kokuai, spread, bread, pudding, salad, soup, sauce, tart, stuffing, sausage, donut, pie and the like.

The relative proportions and forms of the whey protein, soy material, and pH adjusting agent in the compositions of the present invention can be varied to form hydrated compositions having cooking functionality similar to that of female avian eggs and cooked food products having sensory properties similar to those made with female avian eggs. Varying the components of the composition and/or their relative proportions in the composition will result in different food products, and thus simulated egg food products having sensory properties similar to those of many types of egg-containing food products can be formed. Guidance regarding components for inclusion in the compositions that are capable of forming certain kinds of egg-free simulated egg food products is provided below. It is within the ability of one skilled in the art, with only routine experimentation, to determine whether a particular composition falls within the scope of the present invention, with perhaps some trial and error, based on the teachings contained therein.

Tests whether a composition comprising whey protein, soy material and a pH modifier falls within the scope of the first aspect of the invention are of course the organoleptic properties (especially taste and mouthfeel) of the resulting food product when compared to its egg-containing counterpart. The french omelet test described herein is one suitable benchmark, for example, for assessing the organoleptic properties of a particular composition. It is within the scope of the present invention if the composition comprising whey protein, soy material and pH adjusting agent, when hydrated and cooked, forms an egg-free simulated french fries having sensory properties similar to those of french fries made using hen eggs. Other methods of cooking food products containing eggs are similarly known.

Each of the components of the composition of the present invention will now be described.

Bean material

The compositions of the present invention include a soy material comprising lipoxygenase inactivated soy flour.

Soybeans, and the legume materials derived therefrom, are high in protein, oil, and other key ingredients, and are free of cholesterol (in fact, they have been shown to reduce cholesterol absorption). Full-fat soy flour has protein and fat contents of about 42% and 21%, respectively, and can be obtained by: the soybeans are dehulled and the cotyledons are exposed to conditions whereby the enzymes contained therein, particularly lipoxygenases, are inactivated such that they cannot deleteriously interact with the other components of the composition (or other food with which the composition is mixed). One such detrimental interaction, for example, results in the development of over-coloured (painty) and grassy off-flavour, which is highly undesirable in food products. By inactivating the lipoxygenase in the bean material, any other potentially harmful enzymes are also inactivated and the digestibility index is increased.

It should also be noted that lipoxygenase negative transgenic soybeans are commercially available. Although not specifically tested by the present inventors in the compositions of the present invention, the present inventors expect that such transgenic soybeans would provide lipoxygenase inactivated soy flour for use in the present invention. Advantageously, such soybeans may require less processing than their natural counterparts.

The treated (i.e., enzyme-inactivated or enzyme-negative) soybeans (e.g., soybean cotyledons, as described below) are ground to a particle size whereby the resulting flour does not impart any "grainy" texture or mouthfeel to the simulated egg food product (e.g., the resulting cooked product). In fact, the resulting soy flour should ideally have a particle size whereby the simulated egg food product has an imperceptible texture.

In the present invention, the soy material comprises (or is) lipoxygenase inactivated soy flour (i.e. enzyme inactivated soy flour). In some embodiments, the soy material may include (or be) enzyme (lipoxygenase) inactivated whole fat soy flour. Among the various available forms of soy material (some of which are described below), high quality whole fat soy flour is preferred for use in the present invention because it contains near-native soy proteins, which are largely undenatured and have a high dispersibility index (extracted proteins often lack a high dispersibility index), allowing for faster hydration at the time of use. Such soy materials may have a low (or bland) soy flavor profile, a natural yellow oil, egg-like flavor, a high degree of functionality with respect to protein quality, protein solubility, emulsifying properties, and antioxidant properties, a relatively high content of all beneficial natural components of whole beans (cotyledons), a relatively low cost, and an egg-like color. The present inventors have found that alternative techniques for processing soybeans (i.e., to make a soybean material of the kind described below) can reduce the content of components other than soy protein and can reduce the solubility of the protein and improve abnormal flavor development.

In some embodiments, the soy material may include enzyme (i.e., lipoxygenase) inactivated whole soy cotyledon powder (e.g., whole lipoxygenase inactivated whole soy cotyledon powder). For example, the following whole soybean cotyledon powder preparations may be obtained: it is only processed to inactivate lipoxygenase and reduce trypsin inhibitor activity, and it retains a high degree of water solubility and dispersibility. Ideally, the soy material used in the compositions of the present invention has not been subjected to typical oil extraction processes such as are performed on soy protein isolates (described below) where the solubility, color and flavor of the protein may be poor. In embodiments of the invention described in further detail herein, it has been found that the whole soybean cotyledon powder formulation imparts a simulated egg yolk appearance, functionality (e.g., emulsification and high antioxidant activity), color, texture, bland flavor, and some desirable nutritional components and taste characteristics.

In some embodiments, the legume material is processed legume material (PSM). Whole soybean flour that has been processed in a controlled manner, as exemplified by the processes and products disclosed in australian patent No.559031 (incorporated herein by reference), has an advantageous bland flavour, high stability, ease of wetting, dispersion and outstanding emulsifying properties. The PSM disclosed in AU559031 lacks any significant heat setting properties, but does set in large amounts (importantly) upon heating, thereby imparting a mouthfeel similar to that of egg yolk to the resulting cooked product. Similarly, the present inventors have found that the PSM disclosed in AU559031, the subject of australian patent application No.2005216574, the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference, is useful as a substitute for egg yolk. In particular, it has been previously found that PSM (and similar bean preparations described in AU 2005216574) approaches the edible quality of egg yolk, is economical, and has a natural low saturated fat content of about 21%. Moreover, PSM has a relatively high nutritional profile, particularly with respect to its essential amino acid profile. In addition, PSM also has a useful carbohydrate content (content), contains some fibers, is readily assimilated upon digestion, but has a low glycemic index, all of which are useful attributes of healthy foods. PSM is also high in lecithin and vitamin E, as well as other micronutrients, making it a desirable food ingredient. The active antioxidants in PSM may also impart stability to the food with which they are mixed (e.g., by stabilizing lipids, fatty acids, and flavors contained therein), resulting in improved shelf life. PSMs also have a very bland taste and are creamy yellow in color, making them easy to incorporate into egg recipes (including egg white mimetics, as described below).

The soy material (including soy protein) in PSM has not yet been exposed to chemical extraction processes used in the manufacture of soy protein isolate or defatted soy flour. The mild and controlled steaming (steaming) process used to make PSM and described in AU559031 inactivates the lipoxygenase of soybeans which otherwise could lead to hyperpigmented and grassy abnormal flavor development, while maintaining a large degree of protein solubility. The flour made from the so processed soybeans can be refined to a specific (very fine) particle size so that substantially immediate hydration is achieved upon mixing with the aqueous liquid, and without imparting a grainy mouthfeel to the resulting simulated egg food product. Furthermore, the PSM powder is a mixture of natural proteins, oils, emulsifiers, antioxidants, fibers and carbohydrates, which may contribute to the quality of the egg-like food product with respect to texture, flavor, setting characteristics and nutrition that is not possible with the use of bean extracts.

Other bland soy materials may also be used in minor amounts in the composition if: such materials will impart beneficial properties to the composition or resulting simulated egg food product (e.g., increase its soy protein content), but do not adversely affect its performance (e.g., by adversely affecting the functionality or organoleptic properties of the composition including the lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour). For example, other forms of soy material that may be used in addition to the lipoxygenase inactivated soy flour may include soy protein isolate (about 90% protein), soy concentrate (about 70% protein), defatted or partially defatted soy flour (with natural oils removed except for about 50% of its protein content), and re-fatted soy flour or concentrate. Routine experimentation, with perhaps some trial and error, will enable one of ordinary skill in the art to determine the contribution of any such added soy material to the organoleptic properties of a simulated egg food product made from the composition, and thus determine whether the composition falls within the scope of the present invention.

PSM powder has a protein content of about 40-43% and a natural oil content of about 20-22%. Other soy materials described above and derived from by-products of the oil extraction process can have a protein content ranging from about 50% to about 90% and can be used in the present invention as described above (i.e., as an adjunct component to the lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour). In some embodiments, the selected blend of soy material and whey protein may result in any selected protein content and, if desired, may approach the protein content of whole eggs on a dry weight basis (about 55%).

The legume material is present in the composition in the following amounts: which results in the formation of a simulated egg food product having organoleptic properties similar to those of the same food product formed using female avian eggs when the composition is hydrated and then cooked. The soy material adds controlled tenderness to the set whey protein and provides a textural mouthfeel, appearance and taste similar to egg yolk. The present inventors have found that too much soy material, which must be accompanied by a reduction in the amount of whey protein, can lead to a loss of the clotting properties, especially for omelettes, and that the resulting food product has a liquid centre and a brittle clot (curl). Similarly, the present inventors have discovered that insufficient soy material can result in an excessively rubbery omelet that lacks the desirable egg-like tender creamy texture. The legume material also aids in stabilizing the food product by reducing syneresis in the hydrated and cooked composition, which may be caused by the fiber and polysaccharide content of the composition and by lecithin in the whole bean flour.

The actual amount of soy material in the composition will depend on factors such as: the nature of the egg food product that the composition is intended to form, the type of soy material, the amount and type of whey protein, and the presence of any other components in the composition and/or food product. The pH of the hydrated composition and cooked (cooked) product will also affect the amount of soy material (and whey protein) required. Routine experimentation, using the teachings contained herein for guidance and testing different amounts of soy material in the composition and evaluating the resulting simulated egg food product, will enable one skilled in the art to make compositions containing appropriate amounts of soy material.

In addition to imparting functional attributes to the resulting food product, the legume material is an economical ingredient that can reduce the overall cost of manufacturing the composition.

Generally, the inventors believe that the composition should comprise about 15% w/w to about 50% w/w of the lipoxygenase-inactivated whole soybean flour. In some embodiments, for example, the composition can include about 18% w/w to about 50% w/w, about 20% w/w to about 40% w/w, about 25% w/w to about 45% w/w, about 30% w/w to about 40% w/w, or about 35% w/w to about 40% w/w of the lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour. In some embodiments, for example, the composition can include about 15% w/w, about 18% w/w, about 20% w/w, about 25% w/w, about 30% w/w, about 35% w/w, about 40% w/w, about 45% w/w, or about 50% w/w of the lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour. It should be noted that the% w/w values referred to herein relate to dry compositions.

If a soy isolate or soy concentrate is used in addition to the lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour (e.g., PSM or other soy flour), it will be present in an amount sufficient to impart the desired amount of soy protein in the final food.

Whey protein

The compositions of the present invention also include whey protein.

As noted above, the female eggs have unique emulsifying, aerating and heat-setting characteristics. Egg white thermally coagulates (i.e., coagulates) at about 60 ℃ and forms a tight gel at about 80 ℃. Most egg products, such as omelettes and scrambled eggs, require a soft, coagulum-like gel to develop their characteristic organoleptic properties. However, soft whey protein gels are typically unstable and exhibit syneresis, whereas firm whey gels are typically undesirably translucent and gelatinous and often much tighter, much drier, and more crispy in taste than in the case of cooked eggs. The present inventors have surprisingly and unexpectedly found that formulations containing whey protein, as well as other essential components of the compositions of the present invention, set upon heating and have sensory properties that are significantly similar to those of soft, clumped, white, coagulated egg white. This heat set quality of the whey protein when in the unique composition of the present invention also imparts a cooking functionality to the composition that is significantly similar to that of a hen egg. In addition, the nutritional profile and relatively bland taste of whey protein reasonably closely matches that of egg white. Indeed, the simulated egg food products made using the composition according to the invention have organoleptic properties closer to those of female poultry eggs than was the case with any other egg substitute food product that the inventors have experienced.

Whey protein may be provided in many forms, the most common of which are whey protein isolate (which contains 90% by weight or more protein and is processed to substantially remove fat, lactose and salts without denaturing the protein to any significant extent), whey protein concentrate (which also contains about 29% -89% by weight protein, along with fat, cholesterol and lactose), hydrolysates (whey protein processed for easier metabolism) and native whey (which is extracted from skimmed milk and is not a by-product of cheese making).

As will be appreciated, whey protein includes a mixture of different proteins depending on the source of the whey protein and the manner in which it has been processed. For example, whey is typically a mixture of beta-lactoglobulin (about 65%), alpha-lactoglobulin (about 25%), bovine serum albumin (about 8%) and immunoglobulins.

Any of these forms of whey protein may be used in the present invention, although Whey Protein Isolate (WPI), preferably comprising undenatured and soluble whey protein, is generally preferred due to its relatively high protein content (which aids in gelation), lower fat content, reduced salt content, and the substantial absence of cholesterol and lactose (sugars). Such whey proteins can be manufactured, for example, by membrane separation processing or by ion exchange methods, and are readily commercially available. WPI also has a bland flavor, white to creamy in color and is typically processed from sweet milk whey that is instantized (e.g., by spray drying) and readily available from milk powder processors.

However, in some embodiments, it may be advantageous to use other forms of whey protein or to combine different forms of whey protein (e.g., with whey protein isolate) if: if the combination imparts advantageous functionality or properties (e.g., if it imparts a different nutritional profile to the composition or cooked simulated egg food product). The use of a non-detrimental amount of whey protein other than isolate may also reduce the overall cost of the composition. For example, a dry powder combination containing whey protein including whey protein isolate (90% protein) and whey protein concentrate (35% or 80% protein) in the following proportions has been found:

(1)1:1.7 WPI (90%): WPC (80%);

(2)1:0.42 WPI (90%): WPC (35%); and

(3)1:0.21:0.21 WPI (90%), (80%), (35%),

resulting in a reasonably good texture and formed simulated omelet. In such omelet, the presence of whey protein concentrate tends to impart a sweeter taste, although this property may be advantageous in certain circumstances (e.g. when a sweeter taste is desired, such as may be the case for, for example, english pancakes). It should be noted that such food products comprising WPC will also comprise lactose which some consumers may not tolerate.

Routine experimentation, using the teachings contained herein for guidance, possibly in the presence of some trial and error, using different forms (and amounts) of whey protein preparations in the composition and evaluating the resulting simulated egg food product, will enable one skilled in the art to prepare compositions containing whey protein or a combination of whey proteins as appropriate for the desired food product.

Whey protein was present in the composition in the following amounts: which allows cooking (i.e., heating) the hydrated composition to produce a simulated egg food product having sensory properties similar to those that would be possessed by a food product if prepared using female eggs. The resulting cooked composition thus closely mimics the properties imparted to a food product by cooked eggs. In effect, the whey eggs set as they are hydrated and then cooked, and the soy material coalesces through the whey proteins during the setting, resulting in the unique simulated egg food products disclosed herein. As used herein, the term "set" should be understood to mean the irreversible change in texture of increasing firmness that occurs when a hydrated composition is heated to a temperature that causes the protein to unravel (unravell) and denature to form a gel or matrix of increasing viscosity. This effect is physically exhibited by increased crush resistance (e.g., tender-bite tightness) and reduced liquid fraction, so no separation of fluid from the final semi-solid to solid cooked (cooked) product. The desired coagulated texture and appearance in cooked egg foods such as omelettes is for example a soft opaque white albumin clot or a softer opaque yellow clot or a combination of these which is easily cut with a fork and does not exhibit syneresis. The set gel should not be too brittle, nor too rubbery or dry-mouth (mouth-drying). They should also not be transparent, liquid or too brittle.

The inventors have found that too much whey protein can result in an excessively compact omelet (for example), which can be undesirably brittle and rubbery. Similarly, the inventors have found that insufficient whey protein can result in a fried egg roll that is too soft, coagulum-like and under-coagulated. The actual amount of whey protein in the composition will depend on factors such as: the composition is intended to form a simulated food product of the nature of the food product, the amount of legume material in the composition, and the presence of any other components. Again, using the teachings contained herein for guidance and using different amounts of whey protein in the compositions, routine experimentation to thereafter evaluate the resulting food products will enable one of skill in the art to make compositions containing appropriate amounts of whey protein for making egg-free food products having the desired organoleptic properties.

However, in general, the inventors believe that the composition (i.e. prior to hydration) should comprise from about 28% w/w to about 70% w/w whey protein. In some embodiments, for example, the composition may comprise whey protein in an amount of about 30% w/w to about 60% w/w, about 35% w/w to about 55% w/w, about 40% w/w to about 50% w/w, or about 35% w/w to about 45% w/w. In some embodiments, for example, the composition may comprise whey protein at about 30% w/w, about 35% w/w, about 40% w/w, about 45% w/w, about 50% w/w, about 55% w/w, about 60% w/w, about 65% w/w, or about 70% w/w.

It should be noted that these proportions are for the composition itself (e.g. the "dry blend"). Prior to cooking, the composition is hydrated with a suitable volume of an aqueous liquid. In some embodiments, for example (such as those described in further detail below), about 25g of the composition can be mixed into about 75g of water, resulting in the% w/w of the component in the hydrated composition being four-fold (one quarter).

It should also be noted that the amounts described above relate to the total protein content in the composition, which may not be the same as the amount of whey protein containing material in the composition (e.g. WPI and WPC are not 100% whey protein).

Compositions comprising whey proteins slightly outside the ranges set forth above may still have utility in the present invention. For example, a composition having 25% WPI and some pectin to compensate for this relatively low amount of whey protein may also provide a satisfactory simulated egg food product. Again, only routine trial and error is used to determine whether such compositions fall within the scope of the present invention, within the ability of those skilled in the art.

pH regulator

The compositions of the present invention also include a pH adjusting agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration. As indicated above, the pH of fresh egg yolk is about 6.4, the pH of egg white is about 7.0-9.0 and whole eggs have a pH of about 7.1-7.9 (which can rise up to about 8.5 during long term storage). Advantageously, the composition (i.e. when in liquid form) mimics this pH, whereby it may help contribute to the sensory properties and desired functionality of the composition when used in applications directed to traditional and existing egg-based recipes.

Furthermore, the thermal coagulation functionality of whey proteins can be influenced by pH, and especially under acidic conditions. It is therefore important to ensure that the pH of the composition is alkalinized so that the whey protein will set upon heating regardless of any other components in the composition or other food ingredients that may be added during cooking.

In some embodiments (e.g., for whole egg-like compositions), the pH-adjusting agent can be effective to alkalize the hydrated composition to a pH of about 7.2-8.5 similar to that of a female avian egg.

It should be noted that after the alkaline thermal coagulation is substantially complete, the product may be acidified to achieve the desired flavor and/or to improve the storage stability of the food product. Thus, depending on the intended simulated food product, the pH modifier may be effective to alkalize the composition only when hydrated or both when hydrated and while cooking.

Any edible pH adjusting agent may be used in the present invention provided that it alkalifies the composition upon hydration and does not adversely affect the set of the composition (particularly the whey protein) or its resulting organoleptic properties. The pH adjusting agent may function to maintain the pH of the composition at a desired (basic) pH, or may function to raise the pH of the composition to a desired (basic) pH.

It is within the ability of those skilled in the art to use the teachings contained herein and merely routine experimentation to determine whether a particular pH adjusting agent will be suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention. It is outside the scope of the present invention if the pH adjusting compound does not alkalize the hydrated composition such that a simulated egg food product having sensory properties similar to those of a cooked egg is formed by hydrating and then cooking the composition. Other factors to be considered in selecting the pH adjusting agent include the solubility of the alkalizing agent, and its degree of fineness and hygroscopic properties. Examples of suitable pH adjusters include acids (in the unlikely case that the hydrated composition has a pH that is too high) and bases commonly found in food products. The pH adjusting agent may be, for example, sodium or potassium phosphate, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, sodium acid pyrophosphate, calcium acid phosphate, potassium hydrogen tartrate, and the like. Specific pH adjusting agents tested by the inventors include potassium bicarbonate (KHCO)₃) Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO)₃) Tripotassium phosphate (TKP), and disodium dihydrogen phosphate (DSP). Alkali metal (alkali) phosphates may also aid in protein solubilization and emulsification of oil and water combinations, and thus their inclusion in the composition may confer additional benefits.

In some embodiments, combinations of such pH adjusting agents may also be used (if this would impart advantageous properties to the composition or cooked product). For example, one pH modifier combination that the inventors have found useful includes a combination of sodium bicarbonate and tripotassium phosphate. Another pH modifier combination that the inventors have found useful includes a combination of sodium bicarbonate, tripotassium phosphate and disodium dihydrogen phosphate. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to use a low sodium pH adjuster combination, as excess sodium may affect coagulation and may not be as nutritionally acceptable.

For example, in a series of experimental experiments conducted by the inventors in which an egg replacement composition comprising 8.4% w/w whole bean flour (PSM), 12.5% w/w WPI, 3.8% w/w oil and 75% w/w water was cooked in the manner described above to produce French friesThe most suitable pH adjusting agent is considered to be NaHCO (i.e. a food product that results in a taste very similar to a omelet produced from a hen egg)₃(0.25%) in combination with TKP (0.075%). The pH adjusting agent adjusts the hydrated composition to a pH of 7.2-8.0. Omission of these pH modifiers in the composition results in an acidic pH of about 6.3-6.6 and the cooked egg-free omelet does not set.

The amount of the pH adjusting agent in the composition is an amount effective to alkalize the hydrated composition to a pH of: at this pH, heating/cooking produces a simulated egg food product having sensory properties similar to those of the same food product but made using the female avian eggs. Routine experimentation and experimentation may be used, guided by the teachings contained herein, to determine the appropriate amount of a particular pH adjusting agent for any given formulation. Typically, however, the composition (i.e., the dry blend) may comprise from about 0.2% w/w to about 1.8% w/w of the pH adjusting agent. In some embodiments, for example, the composition may comprise from about 0.8% w/w to about 1.2% w/w, or from about 1.0% w/w to about 1.2% w/w of the pH adjusting agent. In some embodiments, for example, the composition may comprise about 0.2% w/w, about 0.5% w/w, about 0.8% w/w, about 1.0% w/w, about 1.2% w/w, about 1.5% w/w, or about 1.8% w/w of the pH adjusting agent. Again, it should be noted that these values relate to% w/w in the dry composition. As noted above, in some embodiments the pH adjusting agent may be provided in liquid form and packaged separately from the dry ingredients of the composition. In such embodiments,% w/w may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Oil

The composition of the present invention also optionally comprises an oil, which provides nutritional value to the composition, and which may advantageously contribute to the organoleptic properties of the final egg-shaped food product. The composition comprising oil can, for example, have a mouthfeel, texture, and flavor similar to those of a female avian egg. The oil may also increase lubricity and tenderness. Furthermore, the present inventors have found that the inclusion of an oil in a "dry mix" composition can help to enhance its operability. Oils may also confer beneficial advantages in the manufacture of the dry powder compositions, such as reducing dusting, aiding in the incorporation of other oil soluble ingredients such as vitamins, pigments (colors), and flavors. Some of the added oil may also impart natural oil-soluble pigments (e.g. vitamin pigments) to the food product, which are also very nutritious.

In some embodiments, the composition may further comprise fat for reasons similar to those described in the foregoing. The desired omega 3 or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fatty acids may be introduced into the food product using, for example, animal or fish oils. In some embodiments, the fat may be hydrogenated to improve its operability. In some embodiments, the fat may be used alone (e.g., as a replacement for the oil) or in combination with an oil.

The fat content of the egg yolk of the female birds (26.5%) contributes to the majority of the fat content of the whole eggs (10.1-12%). The fat had a ratio of polyunsaturated/monounsaturated/saturated of 0.34/1.4/1 or 12.4% polyunsaturated, 51.1% monounsaturated and 36.5% saturated fat. The cholesterol content of the egg is about 375mg/100 g. It would be beneficial for a healthy diet if the total lipid, saturated fat content, and cholesterol content could be minimized in the present invention.

Depending on the nutritional requirements of the simulated food product, consumer preferences, or functional requirements in various recipes, oil may be added to the composition as needed to achieve fat levels equal to, greater than, or less than the fat levels of female eggs. The use of higher amounts of oil may also result in a formulation in the form of a slurry, allowing it to be pumped during processing. When diluted with water prior to cooking, the fat content will be similar to that of an egg. The added oil is desirably of plant origin and may include, for example, oil from sunflower seeds, safflower, canola, (oil) rapeseed, rice bran, palm fruit, sesame seeds and cottonseed. Corn oil, peanut oil, olive oil, rice bran oil or soybean oil may also be used. Other derived food oils such as hydrogenated oils and fats may be used. Mixtures of oils with different levels of fatty acid saturation may also be added. The vegetable oil may be fully hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated. Alternatively, the vegetable oil may be one or more vegetable oils or a mixture of fully or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

The oil may be added to the dry ingredients so that the dry premix also includes other fat soluble ingredients typically associated with eggs such as emulsifiers, antioxidants, vitamins (xanthophylls) such as lutein (lutein) and zeaxanthin (zeaxanthin), tocopherols, folic acid, vitamin A, B, D, E, K), flavours and pigments. The added oil may also help to extend the shelf life of the vitamin(s) in the composition.

The level of added oil in the dry premix may be zero to about 45%, although some of this fat content (content) may be derived from the soy material or from other ingredients in the composition. The oil (preferably a vegetable oil) may be present in the range of from about 0 to about 30% w/w, and more preferably from about 10 to about 20% w/w of the (dry) composition. In embodiments where the composition is in the form of a paste or a pumpable composition, the oil may be present in the range of about 30-45% w/w.

The fat content of compositions according to embodiments of the invention when hydrated may average 6.78% total fat, 4.02% of which is polyunsaturated, 1.54% is monounsaturated and 0.91% is saturated fat. The cholesterol content is about 0-0.17mg/100 g. As indicated above, at least some of the fat content of the egg-like food product of the invention is derived from added whole soy flour (e.g. PSM), which is a very healthy vegetable fat and, in the above described embodiments, contributes about 1.75% fat to the final product.

Specific embodiments of the composition for manufacturing a food product in the form of a french omelet will now be described. The results of these experiments are set forth in table 1 (below) and described below.

The properties of food products cooked using french omelet technology with fresh eggs (experiment i), commercially available egg powder (experiment ii), hydrated compositions according to the specific compositions of the invention (experiments iii-viii, x and xi) and compositions falling outside the scope of the invention (experiment ix) are described below in table 1.

In these experiments, the whey proteins listed in the table were mixed with oil (16% w/w, dry composition), a pH adjusting agent comprising sodium bicarbonate (1% w/w, dry composition) and tripotassium phosphate (0.3%, dry composition) and whole soybean flour (PSM, as described above) in an amount to give a total of 100% w/w of dry composition. Then 25g of the powder mixture composition was placed in a small bowl and 75g of water was added, after which the mixture was whipped with a fork for 1 minute. The whipped mixture was poured into a preheated oiled 24cm pan, spread over the bottom of the pan and rolled up into omelet (as described above) as solidification began.

The resulting food products were then evaluated for cooking quality and sensory (sensory) evaluation of sensory quality and rated by a panel of experts as follows: 1. the extent to which the mix solidifies during cooking and the ease with which the mix is rolled up, 2. the ability to retain a rolled shape, 3. the extent (volume) of expansion (puffing), 4. the extent of syneresis during and after cooking, 5. color, 6. flavor, 7. texture, 8. aroma and 9. the ease with which the cooked (cooked) product is swallowed. The members of the expert group (panel) used a nine-point preference rating (Headonic scale) (Carpenter, R.P., Lyon, D.H and Hasdell, T.A.2000.guidelines for Sensory Analysis in Food product development and quality control. Aspen publishing.2 ed.210p. Gaithersburg, Maryland).

TABLE 1

The standard is as follows: 10-like a hen egg omelet; 5-softer than the female egg omelet; 1-unlike female egg omelet

As can be seen from the results set forth in table 1, in the described embodiments of the composition/food product the desired amount of whey protein (preferably WPI in this case) is from about 7.53% w/w to about 11.25% w/w (the omelets of experiments No. iii, iv and v have a cooking score close to that of omelets made from female poultry eggs). The optimal level of total protein from PSM and WPI most closely mimicking that given whole eggs cooked in omelet form is about 12.55-14.6% w/w, and the optimal level is about 14.0% w/w.

In experiment iii the total whey protein concentration in omelet was 7.5% w/w (8.4% w/w WPI with a whey protein content of 90%) and this resulted in a very good omelet product. Increasing this level to 10% w/w (11.25% w/w x 90% protein content in WPI) in experiment iv resulted in improved moisture and stability of omelet. When WPI (90%) was replaced with WPC (80%) at the same whey protein concentration, resulting in a total of 15.9% whey protein (experiment vi), and PSM was reduced by the same weight, good omelet could be formed, albeit dry than in experiment iv (experiment iv was more moist and had excellent textural properties similar to real eggs) and more brittle and had an abnormal metallic taste. At higher whey protein levels from WPI (e.g. 11.6% w/w, experiment v), a firmer texture may be achieved, which may be beneficial if there is a consumer preference for this.

In experiments vii and viii, the total whey protein level was only 7.31% w/w and 6.75% w/w, respectively, and both compositions had poor coagulation properties. The inventors have noted the negative effects when whey protein concentrate is present, which may be caused by relatively high levels of residual salts, lactose and denatured protein in such formulations. Even when the total whey protein concentration was increased to 15.6% w/w as in experiment vi using WPC, there was still an antagonistic effect from WPC due to its dilution of PSM content (1.74% w/w) compared to that of experiment iv (9.43%).

The minimum amount of whey protein that gives clotting function (but slightly poorer organoleptic properties) in the simulated omelet of the example shown is about 6.48% (example xi). The maximum amount of whey protein that gives a satisfactory texture in omelet is about 13.5% (example x). Too much whey protein results in an tougher texture, while too low a level or too much whey protein concentrate results in insufficient coagulation.

The minimum amount of soy material (from PSM) in the simulated egg food products of table 1 was found to be about 5.5% w/w and the maximum amount of soy material content from PSM was found to be about 12.5% w/w. In these compositions, if too little PSM is present, the effect of the greater amount of whey protein results in a too firm and chewy texture and lack of a moist taste, no soft clumping and the product tends to show syneresis. In contrast, too much PSM dilutes the coagulation of whey protein isolate, resulting in loss of coagulation with a more liquid omelet center and a brittle clot. Based on the experiments described above, the optimal amount of soy material content from PSM in a simulated omelette food product was about 9.13% w/w at a WPI protein content of 11.25% w/w.

As will be appreciated, the amount of whey protein that did not result in a simulated egg food product having sensory properties similar to those of experiment i (i.e., french fries cooked using only female eggs), at least within the range of compositions recited in table 1 (i.e., including other recited components), is not an amount of whey protein that falls within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, the amount of soy material of the simulated egg food product that did not result in organoleptic properties similar to the french omelette of example i was not a soy material amount falling within the scope of the present invention.

It can also be seen from table 1 that the presence of Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) in these compositions, even at low levels, can detract from the clotting functionality of whey proteins. The inventors speculate that this may be due to: the increased salt content, which is often present in whey protein concentrates, may in addition be a relatively small amount of undenatured whey protein (due to the process of forming the whey protein concentrate). The use of such forms of whey protein (e.g. to increase the protein content of the composition) therefore requires careful evaluation.

Based on the experiments described above, the inventors have determined the minimum, maximum and preferred amounts and ratios of WPI and PSM in embodiments of the composition for forming french fries. The results of these experiments are summarized in table 2 below. It should be noted that the proportions of these components are set forth above in the liquid form of the composition (i.e., wherein 25g of the dry composition is mixed with 75g of water to form the liquid composition). The ratio of these components in the original dry composition can thus be obtained by multiplying by 4.

Table 2: composition range of cooked omelet

The above-described method of obtaining an egg-like food product (in this particular case french fries) using the composition set out above is generally applicable also to other compositions falling within the scope of the invention and generally to determining whether the particular form and amount of whey protein and the particular form and amount of soy material fall within the scope of the invention. For applications in egg-like food products other than french fries, the ratio and type of whey protein and soy material may be adjusted to make/form the final product in order to simulate whole egg food or provide egg replacers for use in other recipes. In some cases, compositions with extreme ratios of components may be useful. For example, for simulated egg white, the maximum amount of whey protein may be used, and for simulated egg yolk, the maximum amount of bean material (e.g., PSM) may be used.

The inventors have also surprisingly found that the amount of PSM in compositions similar to those shown in table 1 can be adjusted with the amount of WPI in the dry mix composition to allow the formation of simulated cooked hen egg white (when the amount of PSM is relatively low compared to the amount of whey protein) and, conversely, simulated cooked egg yolk (i.e., when the amount of whey protein is relatively low compared to the amount of PSM). For example, using a ratio of about 1 part PSM to 3.7 parts WPI in a hydrated composition may produce simulated tender cooked egg white. Simulated cooked egg yolk was produced with a ratio of about 1 part PSM to 1.1 parts WPI in the hydrated composition.

The present inventors have also found that these results are not obtained using soy material in the form of soy protein isolate, presumably due to damage occurring to the soy protein during its processing. Indeed, it was found that the use of soy protein isolate in place of PSM in experiments similar to those described above resulted in a dark brown colored product and cracked (cracked) when it was cooked, resulted in syneresis, difficulty in forming a good volume omelet and an unusual beany flavour.

Other possible ingredients

The compositions of the present invention may also optionally include additional ingredients, wherein such ingredients are not detrimental to the functional and organoleptic properties described herein and will help improve the compositions and resulting simulated egg food products. Examples of such additional ingredients will now be described.

The composition may also include salts such as sodium chloride or potassium chloride, which have been reported to cause gelation in whey proteins due to the increased ionic strength effect. Sodium chloride can also be used to enhance the taste of the food product, salt is commonly used for foods containing eggs. If present, the sodium chloride should amount to no more than about 0.5% w/w in the (dry) composition. The present inventors have found that excessive sodium chloride levels (e.g., > 1% of the dry composition) can interfere with the texture of the cooked product, resulting in a grainy feel (graininess), spongy texture (spongey), and uneven set that simulates a omelet food product. Therefore, it may be better to add additional sodium chloride for taste after cooking.

The composition may also include sugar, which sweetens the composition and resulting food product, but which may also help impart a cooked color to the food product (as is desirable for, for example, american omelettes and omelettes) due to caramelization of the sugar at the point of contact with the heated surface (although this may already be achievable when the composition includes a lactose-rich whey powder). Sweetening agents may also be present. The sweetener can be a food grade carbohydrate such as corn syrup solids, corn syrup, lactose, dextrin, sucrose, dextrose, fructose, starch, modified starch, fructose, maltodextrin, polydextrose, polyols, combinations thereof, and the like. If present, the sugar or sweetener is present in the composition in an amount effective to sweeten the resulting food product, for example, in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to about 15% by weight and more preferably from about 1% to about 9% by weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the sweetener can be a non-nutritive sweetener such as sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame K (e.g., acesulfame-K), neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, stevia sweeteners, thaumatin, glycyrrhizin, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt, fructooligosaccharide sweeteners, and the like. If present, the non-nutritive sweetener is present in the composition in an amount as low as 0.001% by weight, although an amount of about 0.05% to about 2.5% by weight may be more useful depending on the intensity of the non-nutritive sweetener.

The composition may also include an emulsifier to help homogenize the ingredients of the composition and disperse them more uniformly. Commercially available emulsifiers include lecithin, lysolecithin, phosphatidylcholine-rich fractions of lecithin, polysorbates, mono-and diglycerides, diacetyl-tartaric acid esters of mono-and diglycerides, monosodium phosphate derivatives of mono-and diglycerides, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, esters of acids selected from fumaric, lactic, tartaric and citric acids in combination with fatty acids or fatty alcohols, esters of acids selected from fumaric, lactic, tartaric, citric, acetic and succinic acids in combination with mono-or diglycerides, or combinations thereof, and the like. If present, the emulsifier is present in an amount effective for emulsifying the components of the composition, for example in an amount ranging from about 0.05 to about 5%, for example from about 0.1 to about 1% by weight.

The composition may also include a flavoring. Suitable flavoring agents (flavoring agents) include dextrose; monosodium glutamate; a yeast hydrolysate; spice extracts including, but not limited to, onion, garlic, chili, seaweed, ginger, capsaicin, turmeric, celery, egg and simulated egg essences, pepper, and the like; and salts and the like. Other flavorings that may be desirable for some simulated egg food products include, for example, vanilla (vanilla), cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate, honey, and butter (which are particularly useful in confectionery applications). If present, the flavoring is present in a flavoring effective amount, for example, from about 0.1% to about 10% (w/w), such as from about 0.2% to about 5% (w/w).

The composition may also include a colorant, which may be important for marketing and to aid consumer acceptance of the product. Suitable coloring agents include flavonoids, phenols, carotenoids, xanthophylls, chlorophyll, betalains, FD & C yellow No.5, or any similar FDA-approved pigment such as Dekkee's "egg shade". If included, the coloring agent is present in minor amounts, e.g., from about 0.01% to up to about 5% by weight, e.g., from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, e.g., from about 0.5% to about 1% by weight.

The composition may also include an antioxidant to increase the shelf life of the product and prevent spoilage. Antioxidants known in the art may be used, including tocopherols, ascorbates, vitamin E, sulfites, EDTA, gallates, phenols, and the like. If present, they are present in an antioxidant effective amount, for example, less than about 1% by weight. As mentioned above, soy materials including PSM often include vitamins such as vitamin E, which is a very powerful antioxidant. Such vitamins can become intimately mixed throughout the composition, and especially when it comprises an oil.

The composition may also include a stabilizer (which may function in a manner similar to an emulsifier). The stabilizer may include one or more ingredients that serve to emulsify and stabilize the product. Examples include, but are not limited to, vegetable gums such as xanthan gum, locust bean gum, agar, carrageenan, guar gum, tragacanth gum, each of which may optionally be mixed with dextrose, certified starch, carrageenan, and mono-and di-glycerides. If present, the stabilizer is present in a stabilizing effective amount, for example, in the range of from about 0.1 to about 1.5% by weight of the composition.

The composition may also include vitamins or minerals. The vitamin component may, for example, include vitamin A, B, E and the like. Exemplary minerals include calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, and sodium, among others (these may also be present in their salt form or in the form of organic chelates). If present, the vitamin or mineral component is included in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of the composition.

The composition may also include a preservative to increase the shelf life of the product. In the hydrated liquid form of the present invention, preservatives may be particularly desirable. Any suitable food grade preservative may be used, with specific examples of suitable preservatives including potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, methylparaben, propylparaben, or combinations thereof. If present in the composition, they are in an amount effective for preserving the composition, typically less than about 1% (w/w).

Alternatively, the composition in hydrated liquid form may be stabilized on microorganisms using non-thermal processing methods such as high pressure processing followed by refrigeration.

Additional mineral supplements such as trace amounts of calcium, zinc and other trace elements, and/or additional vitamins (where such may be beneficial) may be added to the compositions of the present invention. Some source of minerals is included in the acidulant and this needs to be taken into account to ensure that their addition to the composition does not adversely affect its functionality or the organoleptic properties of the resulting food product.

The composition may also include shelf-stable probiotics and prebiotic components and/or other nutrient enhancing ingredients. If present, they are present in an effective amount, e.g., less than about 1% (w/w).

In other aspects, the invention relates to methods for making cooked egg-free simulated egg food products. In one aspect, for example, such a method comprises the steps of:

mixing whey protein, a soy material comprising lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour, a pH agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration, and optionally an oil, to produce a dry blend;

mixing the dry blend with a liquid; and

cooking the mixture, thereby producing a cooked egg-free simulated egg food product having sensory properties similar to those of an egg food product if formed using female eggs.

In another aspect, the method may comprise the steps of:

mixing:

about 28 to about 70% w/w whey protein;

about 15% w/w to about 50% w/w lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour;

from about 0.2% w/w to about 1.8% w/w of a pH adjusting agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration; and

optionally an oil, in the form of a mixture of oils,

to produce a dry blend;

mixing the dry blend with a liquid; and

cooking the mixture, thereby producing a cooked egg-free simulated egg food product having sensory properties similar to the sensory properties of an egg food product if formed using female avian eggs.

In still further aspects, the present invention relates to methods for making an uncooked egg-free simulated egg food product (e.g., a mayonnaise or beverage traditionally containing uncooked female avian eggs). Such a method may, for example, comprise the steps of:

mixing whey protein, a soy material comprising lipoxygenase-inactivated soy flour, a pH agent effective to alkalize the composition upon hydration, and optionally an oil, to produce a dry blend; and

mixing the dry blend with a liquid.

The dry ingredients and oil, if present, may be mixed using any suitable technique to produce a powder "dry blend" having a free-flowing crumb blend (admixture). The inventors have found that compositions of embodiments of the invention prepared in this way are surprisingly resistant to oxidation and spoilage, possibly due to the protective effect of the oil (both because it covers the particles in the composition and also because the oil is able to carry antioxidants etc.). In embodiments of the invention that include PSM, the antioxidant included therein may also impart protection to the blended food.

Ideally, the particles in the powder have a small particle size, so that the product has a smooth mouth feel, i.e. no granular sensation is noticeable in the mouth, which is characteristic of egg-based foods such as omelettes, scrambled eggs, egg tarts, and the like. The average particle size of the components of the composition is therefore desirably less than about 100 microns, such as less than about 50 microns, such as less than about 40 microns, such as less than about 30 microns, such as from about 20 to about 30 microns. Although the particle size may exhibit some variation in size in any given batch, the average particle size of the particles in the compositions of the present invention is typically less than about 50 microns, and so on. Particle size can be readily determined using methods well known in the art. When referring to particle size, it means the distance between two points of an imaginary line extending to opposite sides of a particle, which line must pass through the middle of the particle. For example, if the particles are spheres, the average particle size refers to the diameter of the particles.

The component of the composition of the invention that is most likely to have particles that are likely to impart a granular mouthfeel to the resulting simulated egg food product is soy material (at least some of which is provided in the form of soy flour). Thus, in some embodiments, mechanical treatment of the legume material (e.g., PSM) may be performed prior to blending with other components of the composition. Alternatively, the blended composition-oil mixture may be mechanically treated to render its particle size as fine as possible to the following particle sizes: wherein the particles of the composition are both relatively instantly hydratable and also rendered non-reaggregating (i.e., no particle aggregation). Such size reduction typically proceeds to the following extent: the product has a smooth mouthfeel, i.e. no grainy sensation is noticeable in the mouth.

The resulting refined dry product is rapidly reconstituted (recanstitute) upon mixing with an aqueous liquid, such as water, for example, at about room temperature (24 ℃/75 ° F) to form a hydrated composition. The expression "readily hydratable" is used to indicate that upon addition of a specified amount of water at room temperature or 24 ℃ (75 ° F), the blended dry product becomes fully dispersed/dissolved by mixing for about 20-60 seconds.

Once so formed, the composition can be incorporated into any recipe or food that typically contains eggs to completely replace egg components. For example, the compositions of the present invention can be suitably seasoned (season) and cooked to produce omelettes, omelets, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, omelets, steamed eggs, and the like. Alternatively, the compositions of the present invention may be added to foods in which eggs are traditionally utilized, such as baked egg tarts, pour (souring) egg tarts, desserts, etc., or custards, kokume, english pancakes or waffles, baked goods such as muffins, cakes, cookies and yeast-leavened products such as breads, donuts as binders, batters, mayonnaise, salad dressings, hot or cold beverages such as custards, spreads, sauces and nutritional products or supplements and in any other way that humans use normal fresh eggs. When added to food, the hydrated composition of the invention can be used in the same manner as a hen egg; which just replaced the egg. Ideally, the composition is added to the other ingredients in the same amount as natural eggs, and a simulated egg food product is prepared in the same manner as a product comprising natural eggs.

Another beneficial feature of the present invention is that the hydrated composition does not need to be cooked prior to consumption. Since the composition is shelf stable, the ingredients have a very low microbial load and are unable to carry avian related diseases, which is a clear advantage over fresh eggs. For example, for the preparation of mayonnaise products, cooking is not required and the present invention can be used to simulate egg yolk. Another example where a live egg may be desired is an egg milkshake.

Thus, the compositions of the present invention may be used to completely replace female poultry eggs, which may be beneficial for the reasons described above.

Many whole egg recipes involve the separate (individual) cooking characteristics of the yolk or albumen. As indicated above, the inventors have surprisingly found that the present invention allows to show a gradual change of the characteristics of a light to yellow in the prepared food product. For example, the relative proportion of PSM may be increased and the relative proportion of whey protein may be decreased in the composition to obtain a simulated cooked egg yolk texture and composition. The composition can be modified by adding natural pigments such as tocopherols, carotenoids, lutein and other pigments to achieve the actual color and nutrition of natural egg yolk. The simulated egg yolk composition may be blended with an uncolored dry mix composition formulated to have a relatively lower level of PSM and a higher amount of whey protein isolate and may simulate a natural mixture of egg white albumin and yellow when cooked (together or separately).

In another aspect of the whole egg simulation, two premixes according to the invention can be separately (separately) hydrated and shaped in a suitable mold to produce a yellow center surrounded by a white halo, which is subsequently cooked to form a whole egg food. Co-extrusion cookware may also be used to enable a continuous production line and the resulting cooked simulated whole eggs are chilled or frozen for cooking by steaming, blanching or frying as simulated albumen and yolk in a food service.

For example, whole eggs may be simulated using a dry blend composition comprising about 36% w/w PSM and about 45% w/w WPI. In contrast, a composition simulating egg white may include about 18% w/w PSM and about 67% w/w WPI, while a composition simulating egg yolk may include about 40% w/w PSM and about 39% w/w WPI. For a simulated egg food product having a softer yellow, a composition comprising about 50% w/w PSM and about 28% w/w WPI is suitable. Varying the PSM/WPI (and, more generally, soy material/whey protein) ratio in any given composition can result in compositions having cooking characteristics similar to those of hen egg yolk or clear eggs.