WO2013043989A1

WO2013043989A1 - Edible bar

Info

Publication number: WO2013043989A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/056513
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manoj Bhargava; Jeffrey Grant
Original assignee: Le Bar, Llc
Priority date: 2011-09-22
Filing date: 2012-09-21
Publication date: 2013-03-28

Abstract

An edible bar including a bulking agent, a flavoring agent, and a satiety agent is provided. The bar can be used as a diet aid, meal replacement, and/or energy bar.

Description

EDIBLE BAR

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1 . Field of the Invention

Generally, the present invention relates to the field of edible bars. More specifically, the present invention relates to an edible bar for diet or energy.

2. Description of the Related Art

Food products identified as energy food products, such as energy bars, are gaining in popularity among all consumers. Energy bars are designed to provide a healthful nutritious serving high in protein, vitamins and minerals, in a low fat food product, shaped in a bar or other convenient form. The thought of eating a healthful nutritious energy bar that is shelf stable and packaged in a portable format is appealing to most people, especially individuals who want and/or need a functional benefit from the nutrients offered by such products.

Energy bars generally fall in one of two categories: grain based or chewy. The grain based energy bars are primarily made of a particulate matrix held together by a binder. The chewy variety is typically comprised of ingredients that have been processed into a homogeneous mass. In either case, the matrix or mass is then pressed, extruded or molded to form bar shaped pieces that are dried or solidified. Both deliver high levels of protein, vitamins and minerals, in a low fat bar. Other ingredients and toppings may be added to both the grain based and chewy energy bars.

Also popular are diet bars. These are bars that include ingredients designed to assist the consumer in losing weight. Previously, diet drinks were developed, but such drinks did not take into account any desire on the part of the dieter to chew. While some meal replacement bars for use in conjunction with very low calorie formula diets have been proposed, such bars have to date proved to be relatively unsatisfactory and generally do not meet objectives of supplying protein without an excess of carbohydrate, due to the requirements of the manufacturing technology. Known bars made by a confectionery process have a poor taste and provide a substitute for one or more meals in a very low calorie dietary regimen which is much less palatable than the liquid formula diet itself. The bar must be palatable, and at the same time sufficiently low in calories so that it is compatible with a very low calorie dietary regime. The bars currently available may be sufficiently low in calories, but they do not provide a feeling of satiety to the consumer. Thus, the consumer is inclined to consume additional food in order to create that feeling.

It would therefore be useful to create a bar that can provide energy, provide a feeling of satiety, or be a meal replacement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided an edible bar including a bulking agent, a flavoring agent, and a satiety agent. Also provided is the use of the bar as a diet aid, meal replacement, and/or energy bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Generally, the present invention provides a nutritional bar, diet bar, food supplement bar, or energy bar. The bar is edible and contains at least one component to aid in either nutritional needs, diet needs, or energy needs. The composition may be formulated as a chewable bar or chew, biscuit, cookie or cake. Sugar confectionery, gum or other tablet or cereal composition may also be included.

The bar of the present invention can be a nutritional bar, energy bar, diet bar or food supplement bar, examples of which are well known to those of skill in the art. The bar can include the a variety of components including, but not limited to, Vitamin D, folic acid, Vitamin B6, Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Vitamin K, Biotin (Vitamin H), Vitamin A (Palmitate), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Potassium Iodide, d-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1 ), Molybdenum, Chromium, Selenium, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Lactate, Manganese (as Manganese Sulfate), Magnesium (e.g., as magnesium phosphate) Iron (as Ferric Orthophosphate) and Zinc (as Zinc Oxide), GABA (γ-Aminobutyric acid), fiber compounds, bulking compounds and other components known to those of skill in the art..

The bar of the present invention can also include a bulking agent; a preferred bulking agent is inert polydextrose. Other conventional bulking agents which may be used alone or in combination include maltodextrin, sugar alcohols, corn syrup solids, sugars or starches. The amounts included in the bar can vary depending upon the desired effect. Those of skill in the art can readily determine appropriate amounts based upon information available as of the filing date of the present application.

The bar of the present invention includes one or more flavorants and/or sweeteners. Characteristically, there are a sufficient number of flavorants and/or sweeteners so that unpalatable tasting components will be masked. Examples of such flavorants include, but are not limited to, one or more fruit flavorants, honey almond, coffee, chocolate and combinations thereof. Such fruit flavorants include, but are not limited to lemon lime flavors, orange flavors, berry flavors, high fructose corn syrup, raspberry juice concentrates, berry juice concentrates and the like. More specifically, the flavorants are present in an amount from about 0 g/ml to about 0.008 g/ml. In another refinement of the present invention, the flavorants are present in an amount from about 0.001 g/ml to about 0.008 g/ml. Sucralose is an example of a sweetener that may be used in the present embodiment. More specifically, sucralose is present in an amount from about 0 to about 0.004 g/ml.

The bar of the present invention can include a fiber source examples of which include, but are not limited to, fructose oligosaccharides such as inulin, guar gum, gum arabic, gum acacia, oat fiber, cellulose, glucomannan, propol mannan, derivatives and/or mixtures thereof. The amounts included in the bar can vary depending upon the desired effect. Those of skill in the art can readily determine appropriate amounts based upon information available as of the filing date of the present application.

In an alternative embodiment, the bar includes ingredients to assist the user in eating less. For example, the bar can include an ingredient or combination of ingredients that work synergistically together to provide appetite suppression, satiety, or stress reduction (with less stress an individual is less likely to eat unless feeling hungry), or other ingredients known to those of skill in the art to be helpful in helping the user eat less. Examples of such ingredients can include, but are not limited to, GABA, L-theanine, phosphatidylserine, (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA), glucomannan, and other like ingredients. The amounts included in the bar can vary depending upon the desired effect. Those of skill in the art can readily determine appropriate amounts based upon information available as of the filing date of the present application.

The bar of the present invention can also include other components such as herbal ingredients known to be beneficial to those of skill in the art. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, gingko biloba, guarana, yohimbe, irvingia, green tea, and other herbal similar components. The amounts included in the bar can vary depending upon the desired effect. Those of skill in the art can readily determine appropriate amounts based upon information available as of the filing date of the present application.

The bar of the present invention can also include an edible protein. The edible protein can be any protein known for use in a bar by those of skill in the art. Examples of such proteins include soy protein, rice protein, pea protein, milk protein, whey protein and other edible proteins. The amounts included in the bar can vary depending upon the desired effect. Those of skill in the art can readily determine appropriate amounts based upon information available as of the filing date of the present application.

The bar of the present invention can also include an omega 3 containing component. Examples of components that contain an omega 3 complex can include, but are not limited to, fish oil, chia seed, perilla, flax, flaxseed, lingonberry, camelina, purslane, black raspberry, eggs, algae, hemp, butternuts, Persian walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans. The amounts included in the bar can vary depending upon the desired effect. Those of skill in the art can readily determine appropriate amounts based upon information available as of the filing date of the present application.

The bars of the invention may be coated or enrobed, e.g. with milk chocolate or yogurt flavored coating. Further, the bars of the present invention can be formed in multiple layers. For example, the bar can be formed such that some ingredients are included in a first layer and the remaining ingredients are included in a coating layer. This can be done to prevent interactions between the ingredients or for ease of manufacture. Additionally, the ingredients can be encapsulated or microencapsulated using technology known to those of skill in the art to protect the ingredient while still being edible.

The bar of the present invention can also include an edible energy composition. The energy composition of this embodiment includes a methylated xanthine, a choline derivative, and at least one flavorant in a sufficient amount to render the energy composition palatable. The combination of the methylated xanthine and the choline derivative promotes a more rapid occurrence of the stimulating effects of the choline derivative. Normally, choline derivatives require consumption over several days before the effects of such derivative are observed. Advantageously, the stimulating effects of the present embodiment occur within minutes or hours of consumption. The energy composition may also include vitamins, amino acids, preservatives, and the like. The amounts included in the bar can vary depending upon the desired effect. Those of skill in the art can readily determine appropriate amounts based upon information available as of the filing date of the present application.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an edible energy composition is provided. The energy composition includes water and a combination of at least two stimulants. In a variation of this embodiment, the energy composition includes a methylated xanthine and a choline derivative. Examples of methylated xanthines include but are not limited to caffeine and theobromine. Caffeine is particularly useful in the practice of the present invention. More specifically, the methylated xanthine can be present in an amount from about 0.0005 g/ml to about 0.005 g/ml .

Variations of the present invention also include a choline. A particularly useful choline is citicoline which is a well-known brain enhancer. Brain enhancers are substances that are known to improve an individual's mental acuity. More specifically, the choline derivative can be present in an amount from about 0.00005 g/ml to about 0.0009 g/ml.

In a variation of the present embodiment, the energy composition further includes one or more vitamins. Examples of such vitamins include, but are not limited to B6, B12, niacinamide, niacin, folic acid, and the like. More specifically, vitamins are present in an amount from about 0.0005 g/ml to about 0.008 g/ml. One of skill in the art can alter the amounts of the vitamins present in order to optimize the desired effect without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In another variation of the present embodiment, the energy composition can further include one or more amino acids or amino acid derivatives. Examples of amino acids or derivatives thereof, include, but are not limited to, N-acetyl L-tyrosine, L- phenylalanine, taurine, and combinations thereof. More specifically, amino acids or derivatives thereof are present in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.05 g/ml.

The bar of the present invention can also further include additional components that reduce fatigue. Such additional components include, for example, glucuronolactone. More specifically, glucuronolactone is present in an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.012 g/ml.

The bar can include one or more pH-modifying components as required. More specifically, the pH-modifying components are acidulants. Typically, such pH-modifying components are inorganic acids or edible organic acids such as malic acid and citric acid. The pH-modifying components are present in an amount from about 0.001 to about 0.012 g/ml.

In still another variation of the present invention, the energy composition includes added fiber. Cellulose is an example of a fiber that may be used in the present variation.

In still another variation of the present embodiment, the energy composition further includes one or more enzymes. Examples of such enzymes include, but are not limited to, amylase, protease, lactase, lipase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

In yet another variation of the present invention, the energy composition further comprises a preservative. In a refinement, the preservative is a natural preservative. Examples of useful preservatives include, but are not limited to, benzoic acid and benzoic acid derivatives such as sodium benzoate, calcium benzoate, potassium benzoate, magnesium benzoate, and combinations thereof; and sorbic acid derivatives such as potassium sorbate. More specifically, the preservative is present in an amount from about 0 to about 0.01 g/ml. Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid ("EDTA") may also be included in the present embodiment to improve flavor. More specifically, EDTA is present in an amount from about 0.00002 g/ml to about 0.00009 g/ml. In a specific embodiment, the edible energy composition includes caffeine in an amount from about 0.0037 mg/ml to about 0.0039 mg/ml, citicoline in an amount from about 0.0004 mg/ml to about 0.0006 mg/ml, amino acids or an amino acid derivative in an amount from about 0.01 to about 0.03 mg/ml, vitamins in an amount from about 0.0010 to about 0.0025 mg/ml, glucuronolactone is present in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.007 mg/ml, and at least one flavorant in a sufficient amount to render the energy composition palatable.

Alternatively, the edible energy composition can include caffeine in an amount from about 0.0032 g/ml to about 0.0034 g/ml, citicoline in an amount from about 0.00015 g/ml to about 0.00019 g/ml, amino acids or an amino acid derivative in an amount from about 0.01 to about 0.03 mg/ml, vitamins in an amount from about 0.0010 to about 0.0025 mg/ml, glucuronolactone is present in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.007 mg/ml, and at least one flavorant in a sufficient amount to render the energy composition palatable.

The bars can be manufactured using methods known to those of skill in the art. These include, but are not limited to, injection molding and cutting. After the bars are produced they can be encased in a packaging material. This can include the use of nitrogen or other materials known to those of skill in the food/dietary supplement packaging art to be useful in packaging and preserving a product.

Except in the examples, or where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about" in describing the broadest scope of the invention. Practice within the numerical limits stated is generally preferred. Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary: percent, "parts of," and ratio values are by weight; the description of a group or class of materials as suitable or preferred for a given purpose in connection with the invention implies that mixtures of any two or more of the members of the group or class are equally suitable or preferred; description of constituents in chemical terms refers to the constituents at the time of addition to any combination specified in the description, and does not necessarily preclude chemical interactions among the constituents of a mixture once mixed; the first definition of an acronym or other abbreviation applies to all subsequent uses herein of the same abbreviation and applies mutatis mutandis to normal grammatical variations of the initially defined abbreviation; and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, measurement of a property is determined by the same technique as previously or later referenced for the same property.

It is also to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and/or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular form "a," "an," and "the" comprise plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to a component in the singular is intended to comprise a plurality of components.

Throughout this application, where publications are referenced, the disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . An edible bar comprising:

a bulking agent;

a flavoring agent; and

a satiety agent.

2. The bar according to claim 1 , further including a fiber source.

3. The bar according to claim 2, wherein said fiber source is selected from the group consisting essentially of inulin, guar gum, gum arabic, gum acacia, oat fiber, cellulose, glucomannan, propol mannan, derivatives and/or mixtures thereof

4. The bar according to claim 1 , wherein said bulking agent is selected from the group consisting essentially of polydextrose, maltodextrin, sugar alcohols, corn syrup solids, sugars, and starches.

5. The bar according to claim 1 , wherein said flavoring agent is selected from the group consisting essentially of fruit flavors, honey almond, coffee, chocolate and combinations thereof.

6. The bar according to claim 1 , wherein said satiety agent is selected from the group consisting essentially of GABA, L-theanine, phosphatidylserine, (-)- hydroxycitric acid (HCA), glucomannan, and other like ingredients.

7. The bar according to claim 1 , further including an herbal ingredient.

8. The bar according to claim 7, wherein said herbal ingredient is selected from the group consisting essentially of gingko biloba, guarana, yohimbe, irvingia, green tea, and other herbal similar components.

9. The bar according to claim 1 , further including an edible protein.

10. The bar according to claim 9, wherein said edible protein is selected from the group consisting essentially of soy protein, rice protein, pea protein, milk protein, whey protein and other edible proteins.

1 1 .The bar according to claim 1 , further including an Omega-3 containing product.

12. The bar according to claim 1 1 , wherein said Omega-3 containing product is selected from the group consisting essentially of fish oil, chia seed, perilla, flax, flaxseed, lingonberry, camelina, purslane, black raspberry, eggs, algae, hemp, butternuts, Persian walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans.

13. The bar according to claim 1 , further including vitamins.

14. The bar according to claim 1 , further including an energy composition.

15. The bar according to claim 1 for use as a diet aid.

16. The bar according to claim 1 , for use as a meal replacement.

17. The bar according to claim 1 , for use as an energy bar.