ARS | Publication request: NEW FIBER GELS FOR CALORIE REDUCED SNACK AND BAKERY FOODS

Submitted to: Society of Manufacturing Engineers
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: November 1, 1997
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: New fiber gels, called Z-Trim (Z for its zero caloric value), with pleasing textures and lower calories offer a healthful alternative. Z-Trim represents a new generation of gels which are made from a variety of low-cost products, such as hulls of oats, corn, rice, soybean, and peas, or cereal brans. The hulls or brans are treated in a process which completely disintegrate morphological structures and yields gelled cellular fragments that are purified, dried, and milled to an easy-flowing powder. Upon rehydration, reformed gels can be adjusted for creamy to coarse textures. Large caloric reductions in snack and bakery foods are possible depending upon the amount of fat and carbohydrates replaced. Furthermore, such replacements add a healthful amount of fiber to the diet.