GEL PRODUCTS AND A PROCESS FOR MAKING THEM

摘要

A proteinaceous product comprises a stable, substantially clear, thermally irreversible gel formed by the reaction product of protein and reducing sugar, preferably containing from 2 to 25 % gel-forming protein by weight. Particles or pieces of edible material may be embedded in the gel, or the gel may be divided into pieces and incorporated as an ingredient in a food product, and the product can be rendered commercially sterile while remaining substantially clear. Such products can be produced by a process which comprises reacting an aqueous dispersion of a protein or proteinaceous material with a reducing sugar or source thereof in the presence of a denaturing agent (e.g. a chaotropic agent), and/or denaturing conditions (e.g. alkaline pH).