WO2018008715A1 - Gel-form food composition and food using same - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a homogeneous gel-form food composition that has a high oil/fat content and that is suitable for eating. [Solution] A gel-form food composition containing (A) 50-88 mass% of an oil/fat, (B) 11-49 mass% of water, (C) 0.05-5 mass% of an emulsifier, and (D) 0.15-0.5 mass% of a gelling agent, wherein the (D) gelling agent contains (d1) a xanthan gum and (d2) a locust bean gum, and the total amount of component (d1) and component (d2) contained in component (D) is 70 mass% or higher.

Description

Gel-like food composition and food using the same

The present invention relates to a gel food composition and a food using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gel food composition having a high fat content that enables sufficient energy supplementation with a small amount of intake and a food using the same.

”Older people and patients after illness may not be able to eat a sufficient amount of nutrition because they are unable to eat a normal meal, resulting in malnutrition. Undernutrition can result in decreased motor function, delayed disease recovery, and complications. Among them, undernutrition is frequently observed in kidney disease patients, particularly dialysis patients, and diet therapy is usually performed to delay the progression of the disease and maintain good physical condition. In general, intake of protein and salt increases waste products and places a burden on the kidney. Therefore, for example, dietary therapy for kidney disease is performed by refraining from protein and salt and taking sufficient energy. In such a diet, it is efficient to increase the content of fats and oils in food in order to secure sufficient energy with a small amount of intake. In view of such demands, various energy supplement foods with high fat content that can be ingested with a small amount of nutrients have been developed.

中 Medium-chain fatty acid triglycerides (MCT) are known as fats and oils that can be used in energy-supplemented foods. Medium chain fatty acids are digested and absorbed faster than common vegetable oils, and are rapidly metabolized in the liver to produce energy, so they are used as an energy supply source for undernourished patients.

It is also important that the energy supplement food is in a form that is easy to eat. Although it is easy to ingest when it is in a fluid state, it is difficult to stably disperse fats and oils, and the fat content is also limited. If it is solid, it is possible to increase the content of fats and oils, but it is inferior in ease of eating. It is preferable that it is gel-like because it is easy to eat and can contain a certain amount of oil and fat content.

Gelatin foods are conventionally produced with a lot of gelatin. However, since gelatin is an animal protein, it has many problems such as allergies. Moreover, in order to obtain a gelling / thickening effect with gelatin, it is necessary to add about several to 10% in the food, and there is a problem of a decrease in product value due to unpleasantness (odour) due to a large amount of addition. was there.

Attempts have also been made to use gelling agents composed of polysaccharides instead of conventional gelatin (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4). However, even in these documents, it is still necessary to add about 0.7 to several percent of a gelling agent.

Moreover, in the conventional gelling agent, when it is set as the composition which contains fats and oils, such as MCT, by high content (for example, 50 mass% or more, Furthermore 75 mass% or more), it is easy to produce separation of fats and oils at the time of gelatinization. The flavor and texture may be impaired, and it is difficult to obtain a homogeneous gel.

JP 2016-21889 A JP 2011-182785 A International Publication WO2006 / 019140 JP 2014-14292 A

Despite recent developments, there is still a need for a homogeneous gel food composition containing a high content of fats and oils.

As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by using a predetermined gelling agent, and the present invention has been completed based on this finding. It was. That is, the present invention is as follows.

[1] The following ingredients:
(A) Oils and fats 50 to 88% by mass;
(B) Water 11-49 mass%;
(C) emulsifier 0.05-5% by mass; and (D) gelling agent 0.15-0.5% by mass;
A gel food composition comprising
The (D) gelling agent contains (d1) xanthan gum and (d2) locust bean gum, and the total content of the (d1) component and the (d2) component in the (D) component is The composition which is 70 mass% or more.
[2] The composition according to [1], wherein the component (D) further contains (d3) guar gum.
[3] The composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the component (A) includes a medium-chain fatty acid triglyceride.
[4] The composition according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the component (A) is contained in an emulsified state.
[5] The component (C) includes polyglycerin fatty acid ester, glycerin fatty acid ester, organic acid monoglyceride, propylene glycol fatty acid ester, polyglycerin condensed ricinoleic acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, lecithin, and enzymatically degraded lecithin. The composition according to any one of the above [1] to [4], comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of:
[6] The above [1] to [1], further comprising at least one selected from a nutritional supplement, a sweetener, a flavor, a fragrance, an antioxidant, a preservative, a colorant, an emulsification aid, and a pH adjuster. [5] The composition according to any one of [5].
[7] The composition according to any one of the above [1] to [6] for use in energy supply, wherein the calorie is 450 kcal / 100 g or more.
[8] The content of the component (B) and the component (D) is represented by the following formula:
0.7 ≦ d / b × 100 ≦ 2.5
(In the above formula, b represents the content (% by mass) of component (B) in 100% by mass of the composition, and d represents the content (% by mass) of component (D) in 100% by mass of the composition). Represents.)
The composition according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein
[9] The composition according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising (e1) an organic acid.
[10] A food comprising the composition according to any one of [1] to [9].
[11] The food according to [10] above, which is used for supplying energy to a kidney disease patient or a patient in an undernutrition state.
[12] An energy replenishing method comprising ingesting a food containing the composition according to any one of [1] to [9].

According to the present invention, a high-calorie, homogeneous gel food composition containing a high proportion of fats and oils and a food containing the same are provided.

No. 1 prepared using a gelling agent containing xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and guar gum. It is a figure which shows the photograph of the jelly composition of 3 (Example). No. 1 prepared using a gelling agent containing carrageenan, locust bean gum, and calcium lactate. It is a figure which shows the photograph of the jelly composition of 6 (comparative example).

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. The scope of the present invention is not limited to these explanations, and other than the following examples, the scope of the present invention can be appropriately changed and implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

<Gel food composition>
The gel food composition according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following components:
(A) Oils and fats 50 to 88% by mass;
(B) Water 11-49 mass%;
(C) emulsifier 0.05-5% by mass; and (D) gelling agent 0.15-0.5% by mass;
including.

(A) Oils and fats The gel food composition contains 50 to 88% by mass of oils and fats based on the total mass of the gel food composition. If the content of fats and oils is less than 50% by mass, the total calories of the food composition will be low, the amount of intake required for energy supplementation will increase, and the meal will be burdened. When it exceeds 88 mass%, an emulsified state will become unstable and there exists a possibility that separation of fats and oils may arise. The fat content is preferably 70 to 88% by mass, more preferably 75 to 88% by mass. In such a case, the total calories of the food composition increase, and a further energy supplementation effect can be obtained with a small amount of intake.

Fats and oils are not particularly limited, and vegetable oils and animal fats can be used. For example, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, sesame oil, sesame salad oil, perilla oil, linseed oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, grape seed oil, macadamia nut oil, hazelnut oil, pumpkin seed oil, walnut oil, coconut oil , Including tea seed oil, sesame oil, borage oil, olive oil, rice oil, rice bran oil, wheat germ oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, medium chain fatty acid triglyceride, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), etc. Fish oil, mixed fats and oils thereof, fractionated fats and oils, transesterified fats and oils and the like can be mentioned.

Among these, it is preferable that medium chain fatty acid triglyceride (hereinafter also referred to as “MCT”) is included. MCT is decomposed into medium-chain fatty acids which are water-soluble and easily absorbed by small intestine-absorbing cells, and quickly decomposed in the liver via the portal vein system to become an energy source. Therefore, a large amount and rapid energy replenishment are possible by including MCT.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of MCT to fat (100% by mass) constituting the gel food composition is preferably 50 to 100% by mass, more preferably 70 to 100% by mass.
As used herein, “medium chain fatty acid” means a fatty acid having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. As the medium chain fatty acid, fatty acids having 8 to 10 carbon atoms such as n-octanoic acid (caprylic acid) and n-decanoic acid (capric acid) are preferable from the viewpoint of energy efficiency and flavor. The fatty acids constituting MCT may be one kind or a plurality may be mixed.

MCT can be obtained by an esterification reaction using a medium chain fatty acid having 6 to 12 carbon atoms derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil and glycerin as raw materials. The conditions for the esterification reaction are not particularly limited, and the reaction may be performed under pressure without a catalyst and without a solvent, or may be performed using a catalyst or a solvent. The MCT may be a medium chain fatty acid triglyceride in which all of the constituent fatty acids are medium chain fatty acids, or may be a transesterified oil with an oil other than the above-exemplified medium chain fatty acid triglyceride (for example, the above-described oil). . The method of transesterification is not particularly limited, and may be performed by a commonly performed method such as a chemical transesterification reaction using sodium methoxide as a catalyst or an enzymatic transesterification reaction using a lipase preparation as a catalyst.
Examples of a method for confirming and quantifying the constituent fatty acids of MCT include, for example, a method in which the constituent fatty acids of MCT are methyl esterified and quantitatively analyzed by gas chromatography.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the gel food composition contains MCT and fish oil containing at least one of DHA or EPA as fats and oils. Polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA and EPA are known to lower blood cholesterol and prevent thrombotic diseases. By containing these, foods with enhanced nutritional value can be prepared. Usually, DHA or EPA can be present in the form of neutral lipids (eg, triglycerides) in fish oil.

The gel food composition preferably contains fats and oils in a dispersed state, and more preferably contains fats and oils in an emulsified state. Thereby, the flavor and physical property by fats and oils can be provided uniformly to the gel food composition.
The state in which the oil and fat is emulsified is a state in which the oil is dispersed as fine particles in the aqueous dispersion medium (O / W (oil-in-water) type emulsification), or water in the oil-based dispersion medium. It means a state in which fine particles are dispersed. The gel food composition of the present invention is an O / W (oil-in-water) emulsion, and such a gel food composition can be obtained by the method described later.

(B) Water The gel food composition contains 11 to 49% by mass of water based on the total mass of the gel food composition. If the water content is less than 11% by mass, an O / W (oil-in-water) stable emulsion of fats and oils may not be obtained, and if the water content exceeds 49% by mass, it is contained. The amount of oil and fat to be reduced is low, and the amount of heat per unit mass of the gel food composition is insufficient. The water content is preferably 11 to 40% by mass, more preferably 12 to 30% by mass, and still more preferably 13 to 25% by mass.

(C) Emulsifier An emulsifier is used to emulsify and disperse fats and oils in water in the O / W type (oil-in-water type). The emulsifier is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of emulsifying O / W type (oil-in-water type) of fats and oils, and can be appropriately selected and used in the food field. For example, as an emulsifier, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, glycerin fatty acid ester, organic acid monoglyceride, propylene glycol fatty acid ester, polyglycerin condensed ricinoleic acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, phospholipid (lecithin), enzymatically decomposed lecithin, etc. Is mentioned. Of these, polyglycerin fatty acid esters and organic acid monoglycerides are preferred. Polyglycerin fatty acid ester is particularly preferable. These emulsifiers can be used alone or in combination.

Examples of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester include polyglycerol having an average degree of polymerization of 2 or more, preferably 5 to 15, more preferably 5 to 10 and a fatty acid having 8 to 18 carbon atoms such as caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic. Mention may be made of esters with acids, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid or linoleic acid. Preferred examples of the polyglycerol fatty acid ester include decaglycerol monooleate, pentaglycerol monostearate, decaglycerol monostearate, decaglycerol monopalmitate, decaglycerol monomyristate, decaglycerol monolaurate Etc. Polyglycerol fatty acid esters can be used alone or in combination.
Examples of the organic acid monoglyceride include citric acid monoglyceride, acetic acid monoglyceride, diacetyltartaric acid monoglyceride, succinic acid monoglyceride, and lactic acid monoglyceride.

The content of the emulsifier is 0.05 to 5% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass, and more preferably 0.3 to 1% by mass. By using the above-mentioned emulsifier, the fats and oils are homogeneously and stably emulsified in an O / W type (oil-in-water type) and stably held, and the oxidation of the fats and oils can be suppressed.

(D) Gelling agent The gelling agent contains (d1) xanthan gum and (d2) locust bean gum. Such a gelling agent has an excellent thickening effect, and even a composition containing a high proportion of fats and oils can be gelled with a small amount of use, and a homogeneous gel-like material suitable for feeding can be obtained. . The gelling agent may further contain (d3) guar gum in that a higher thickening effect is obtained with a small addition amount, and the emulsion is stabilized and a homogeneous gelled product is obtained. That is, the gelling agent of one embodiment contains (d1) xanthan gum, (d2) locust bean gum, and (d3) guar gum.

The gelling agent may contain other polysaccharides in addition to the components (d1) to (d3) as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. However, in order to express a high thickening effect at a low addition amount, the gelling agent contains only the component (d1) and the component (d2) or the components (d1) to (d3) as thickening polysaccharides. It is preferable that it contains, ie, does not contain any thickening polysaccharide other than the components (d1) to (d3).

(D1) Xanthan gum is a water-soluble natural polysaccharide obtained by microbial fermentation of saccharides. A main chain in which D-glucose is bonded to β-1,4 and anhydroglucose of this main chain are combined with D-mannose, D- It is a substance having a structure in which side chains composed of glucuronic acid are bonded. A molecular weight of about 2 million to 50 million is known, but any molecular weight can be used in the present invention. Xanthan gum has a high viscosity, and particularly shows a high viscosity in a low concentration range as compared with other polysaccharides.

(D2) Locust bean gum is a water-soluble polysaccharide obtained by separating and crushing the endosperm of the seeds of the carob tree (scientific name Celatonia siliqua Linne) inhabiting the Mediterranean coastal region. The main chain is mannose and the side chain Is composed of galactose. Galactose and mannose are randomly present in a ratio of about 1: 4. Locust bean gum having a molecular weight of about 300,000 is known, but any molecular weight can be used in the present invention. An elastic gel can be formed by using locust bean gum in combination with xanthan gum.

(D3) Gua gum is a mucus substance contained in the endosperm part of the seed of leguminous plant gua (scientific name Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), the main chain is composed of mannose and the side chain is composed of galactose. Galactose and mannose are present in a ratio of about 1: 2. Guam gum is known to have a molecular weight of about 200,000 to 300,000, but decomposed low molecular weight products are also commercially available. Any molecular weight can be used in the present invention. When guar gum is used in combination with xanthan gum, the viscosity increases synergistically and a high thickening effect can be obtained. Guar gum contributes to stabilization of an O / W type (oil-in-water type) emulsion. When the gelling agent contains a certain amount of guar gum, a stable emulsion of fats and oils can be obtained, and a homogeneous gel can be obtained.

The total content of the component (d1) and the component (d2) in the component (D) is preferably 70% by mass or more, more preferably 75% by mass or more, and 80% by mass or more. Particularly preferred. In such a case, a high thickening effect can be obtained with a small addition amount, and a homogeneous gel can be obtained. The upper limit of the total content of the component (d1) and the component (d2) in the component (D) is not particularly limited, and is 100% by mass.

Further, the content of the component (d1) is preferably not less than the content of the component (d2), from the viewpoint of obtaining a higher thickening effect with a small addition amount. More preferably, in order to obtain a gel-like product having a gel strength that is homogeneous and easy to eat, the blending ratio of the component (d1) in the total (100% by mass) of the component (d1) and the component (d2) is 51 to The range is 80% by mass.

(D) When the gelling agent contains (d3) guar gum, the mass ratio of (d1) xanthan gum and (d2) locust bean gum to (d3) guar gum is in the range of 95: 5 to 70:30. It is preferably in the range of 95: 5 to 75:25, more preferably in the range of 95: 5 to 80:20. Within such a range, the thickening effect is excellent, which is preferable in terms of emulsion stability and gel homogeneity.

The gel food composition contains 0.15 to 0.5% by mass of the gelling agent based on the total mass of the gel food composition. The content of the gelling agent is preferably 0.2 to 0.4% by mass.
In general, the thickening effect on low viscosity substances depends on the amount of gelling agent added. Conventional gelling agents containing gelatin or polysaccharide as an active ingredient had to be blended in an amount of 3 to 10% by mass or more in order to give high viscosity or to promote gelation. In a product in which a large amount of gelling agent is blended, it is impossible to avoid the unpleasant sensation caused by the off-flavor and off-flavor derived from polysaccharides, and there is a problem. In addition, since the blending amount of other components (for example, fats and oils and additives) is limited as the blending amount of the gelling agent is large, in the product in which a large amount of the gelling agent is blended in this manner, It was difficult to obtain a high blend (for example, 50% by mass or more, 65% by mass or more, 70% by mass or more, 75% by mass or more). Since the gelling agent of the present invention can impart an excellent thickening effect with a small addition amount and can proceed with gelation, the above-described problems can be solved.

It is preferable that content of a component (B) and a component (D) satisfy | fills following formula (1). (B) By setting the ratio of (D) gelling agent to water within a specific range, a high content of fats and oils can be stabilized with a small amount of water, and a gel-like product suitable for uniform and coherent feeding Can be obtained.
0.7 ≦ d / b × 100 ≦ 2.5 (1)
In said formula (1), b represents content (mass%) of (B) component in 100 mass% of compositions, and d is content (mass of (D) component in 100 mass% of compositions. %).
More preferably, the following formula (1) ′ is satisfied.
0.7 ≦ d / b × 100 ≦ 2.0 (1) ′

As the gelling agent, in addition to the above components (d1) to (d3), dextrin, oligosaccharide, sugar, glucose, etc. may be added for the purpose of improving dispersibility, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. May be contained.

The method for producing the gelling agent containing the component (d1), the component (d2), and the component (d3) as necessary is not particularly limited. For example, in the gelling agent, the component (d1) and the component (d2) may be mixed in advance, and then the component (d3) may be mixed as necessary, or the components (d1) to (d3) The components (d1) and the (d3) component may be mixed in advance, and then the (d2) component may be mixed, or the (d2) component And the component (d3) may be mixed in advance, and then the component (d1) may be mixed.

(E) Other components The gel-like food composition of the present invention has various nutritional supplements, sugars, sweeteners, and flavors for the purpose of flavor adjustment and / or nutrition enhancement within the range not impairing the effects of the present invention. , Fragrances, antioxidants, preservatives, colorants, emulsifying aids, pH adjusters, organic acids, buffering agents, fruit juice, dairy products (yogurt, milk, fresh cream, skim milk powder, fermented milk, whey, etc.), Additives such as eggs (including egg yolk and egg white) may also be included. These are not particularly limited as long as they are usually used in the food field, and can be used in appropriate combinations.
As nutritional supplement components, amino acids, fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, minerals (including trace essential elements such as calcium, iron, zinc, copper) and the like can be used.
Examples of the sweetener include sugars such as butter sugar, sucrose and glucose fructose liquid sugar, and artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame (registered trademark), acesulfame K (registered trademark), and sucralose (registered trademark).
As the flavor (flavor), various natural and artificial flavors used in the food field can be appropriately used. As a fragrance | flavor, the various natural and artificial fragrance | flavor used in the foodstuff field | area can be used suitably.
Examples of the antioxidant include tocopherol, tocopherol acetate, propyl gallate, ascorbate stearate, glycine, sodium ascorbate, and sodium erythorbate.
Examples of the preservative include sodium citrate, methyl paraoxybenzoate, propyl paraoxybenzoate and the like.
Examples of the emulsification aid include concentrated glycerin and macrogol.
Examples of the pH adjuster include citric acid, acetic acid, phosphoric acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide and the like. The addition amount of the pH adjuster is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the effects of the present invention. For example, it is 0.2 to 1% by mass based on the total mass (100% by mass) of the gel food composition. is there.
Examples of the organic acid include acetic acid, citric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, and lactic acid.
Moreover, you may include taste components, such as cocoa powder, coconut powder, green tea powder, vegetable puree, fruit puree.

The gel food composition of one embodiment further includes (e1) an organic acid in addition to the components (A) to (D). The content of the organic acid is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. For example, the content is 1 to 3% by mass (preferably 1%) based on the total mass (100% by mass) of the gel food composition. It is preferable to contain 2% by mass) of an organic acid. Among these, it is preferable to contain acetic acid as the organic acid. The organic acid may be previously mixed with the component (B) water and added to the composition in the form of an aqueous solution. In one embodiment, based on the total mass (100% by mass) of the gel food composition, the content of the fat of component (A) is 50 to 88% by mass, and (e1) the content of organic acid is 1 It can be up to 3% by weight. In one embodiment, based on the total mass (100% by mass) of the gel food composition, the content of the fat of component (A) is 70 to 88% by mass, and (e1) the content of organic acid is 1 It can be ˜2% by weight.

The gel food composition of the present invention is a homogeneous gel and is suitable for feeding. In the present specification, “homogeneous gel” refers to a state in which a homogeneous emulsion of oil and water is gelled, and “heterogeneous gel” refers to an emulsion of water and a part of oil. Is a state where the remaining oil component is separated, or only water is gelled and the oil component is separated.

The gel food composition preferably has a calorie (calorie) of 450 kcal / 100 g or more, and more preferably 500 kcal / 100 g or more. It is more preferable that the calorie is 600 kcal / 100 g or more from the viewpoint of obtaining sufficient nutrition with a small amount of meal. Although the upper limit of calories is not particularly defined, it is preferably 850 kcal / 100 g or less, more preferably 800 kcal / 100 g or less from the viewpoint of ease of eating. Calories are measured according to the modified atwater method described in the third column of the first table of the nutrition labeling standards.

When the gel food composition of the present invention is used for energy supplementation, in particular, to feed a patient with kidney disease, the protein content is, for example, 10% by mass or less based on the total mass of the gel food composition, Is preferably 3% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, and particularly preferably substantially free of protein. Furthermore, in the gel food composition for kidney disease patients, the potassium content is also preferably small, preferably 20 mg / 100 g or less, preferably 10 mg / 100 g or less, based on the total mass of the gel food composition. More preferably, it is most preferable that potassium is not substantially contained. As described above, by suppressing the protein content and / or potassium content to a low level, it is possible to obtain a food suitable for patients with kidney disease. The protein content can be measured by a nitrogen quantitative conversion method, and the potassium content can be measured by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry.

<Manufacturing method>
The gel food composition of the present invention can be produced, for example, by mixing each component constituting the composition. The order of addition of each component and the addition method are not particularly limited.
For example, it can be produced by a method including the following step 1 and step 2, and step 3 as necessary.
Step 1: (A) Oils and fats, (B) Water, (C) Emulsifier, and (E) Other ingredients are mixed as necessary to prepare an O / W emulsion.
Step 2: Mixing the gelling agent (D) with the O / W emulsion.
Optional step 3: (A) Fats and oils are further mixed in the mixed solution.
Preferred embodiments of the components (A) to (E) are the same as those described in the above <Gel food composition>.

In the production method of the present embodiment, by using the above-mentioned gelling agent, a high content of fats and oils can be stabilized with a small amount of water, whereby a homogeneous gel-like product can be obtained.

Hereinafter, each process will be described. The addition amount (parts by mass) of each component (A) to (D) is based on the final mass (100 parts by mass) of the gel food composition, and each component (A) to (D) and If necessary, a gel food composition (100 parts by mass) containing the component (E) is obtained.

(Process 1)
First, (A) fats and oils, (B) water, and (C) an emulsifier are mixed to prepare an O / W type emulsion. The order of adding components (A) to (C) is not particularly limited. Preferably, from the viewpoint of solubility, (B) an emulsifier is added and dissolved in water in advance, and the resulting solution is stirred at 10 to 40 ° C. using a stirring or mixing means at a rotational speed of about 500 to 1,000 rpm. It is preferable to add (A) fats and oils while stirring. Also, the mixing method is not particularly limited as long as a homogeneous O / W emulsion can be obtained. For example, the mixture is emulsified by stirring at 10 to 40 ° C. (preferably 15 to 30 ° C.) with stirring or mixing at a rotational speed of about 500 to 1,000 rpm for about 5 to 60 minutes. The timing of adding the optional component (E) is not particularly limited.

(A) The amount of fats and oils added may be the total amount of fats and oils (for example, 50 to 88 parts by weight) to be included in the gel food composition in Step 1. Alternatively, in Step 1, a part (for example, 10 to 50 parts by mass) of fats and oils to be included in the gel food composition may be added, and in Step 3, the remaining fats and oils may be further mixed.

(B) The addition amount of water and (C) emulsifier is determined according to the content of fats and oils, and may be an amount that provides a stable O / W emulsion. Specifically, the amount of (B) water added is 11 to 49 parts by mass, preferably 11 to 40 parts by mass, more preferably 12 to 30 parts by mass, and still more preferably 13 to 25 parts by mass. (C) The amount of the emulsifier added is 0.05 to 5 parts by mass, preferably 0.1 to 3 parts by mass, more preferably 0.3 to 1 part by mass.

(Process 2)
Next, the gelling agent (D) is mixed with the O / W emulsion obtained in Step 1. O / W type emulsification of fats and oils can be further stabilized by adding a gelling agent.
The addition amount of the gelling agent may be an amount that provides a homogeneous gel. Specifically, the amount is 0.15 to 0.5 parts by mass. When the amount exceeds 0.5 parts by mass, the amount of other components (for example, fats and additives) is limited, and it becomes difficult to contain the amount of fats and oils in a high proportion; It is not preferable. If it is less than 0.15 parts by mass, gelation may be insufficient. The addition amount of the gelling agent is preferably 0.15 to 0.5 parts by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 0.4 parts by mass from the viewpoint of ensuring stable gelation and workability.
In a preferred embodiment, the relationship between (B) water and (D) the gelling agent satisfies the relationship of the above formula (1) (more preferably, the formula (1) ′). (B) By making the ratio of (D) gelling agent with respect to water into a specific range, a high content of fats and oils can be stabilized with a small amount of water, and a homogeneous gel can be obtained.

O / W type emulsion can be stabilized by mixing after adding a gelling agent. The mixing method is not particularly limited, but for example, stirring is performed at 10 to 40 ° C. (preferably 15 to 30 ° C.) at a rotation speed of about 500 to 1,000 rpm using a stirring or mixing means for about 5 to 60 minutes. Stabilize the emulsification. It is preferable to mix so as not to cause foaming.

(Process 3)
Step 3 is an optional step. As mentioned above, you may further mix the remainder of the said (A) fats and oils to the liquid mixture obtained at the said process 2. FIG.
What is necessary is just to determine the addition amount of the said additional (A) fats and oils according to desired fats and oils content. Specifically, the amount is 10 to 75 parts by mass, preferably 20 to 70 parts by mass, and more preferably 30 to 60 parts by mass. In this way, additional fats and oils are mixed with the stable O / W emulsion obtained in the above step 2 to obtain a stable gel-like composition in which a high content of fats and oils is uniformly dispersed. it can. It is preferable that the addition of the additional fats and oils is gradually added while stirring the O / W emulsion in order to maintain the stability of the emulsified state. Stirring is preferably carried out so as not to cause foaming. For example, using a whisk or stirring or mixing means, the stirring is performed gradually (at a low speed) under mild conditions for about 5 to 30 minutes.

Subsequently, the mixed solution obtained in the above step 2 or step 3 is gelled. The method of gelation is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of homogenizing the mixed liquid obtained above while heating at a temperature equal to or higher than the gelation start temperature, and then cooling as necessary.
The heating temperature is a high temperature equal to or higher than the gelation start temperature, for example, 85 ° C or higher, preferably 95 ° C or higher. The upper limit is not particularly limited, but is usually 100 ° C. or lower in order to prevent the emulsified state from collapsing due to high temperature. The heating time is, for example, 1 to 60 minutes. The cooling temperature in the case of cooling is not particularly limited, and is preferably room temperature, preferably 10 ° C. or less. Although the viscosity decreases by heating, it gels by cooling. In particular, when heated to 85 ° C. or higher and cooled again to 10 ° C. or lower, a composition with a further improved degree of gelation can be obtained.

In order to prevent oxidation of fats and oils, at least one of the above steps 1 to 3 may be performed, for example, in a nitrogen atmosphere.
According to the said method, it becomes possible to obtain the uniform gel-like composition containing fats and oils with a small amount of gelling agents.

The gel food composition may be subjected to pH adjustment treatment and / or heat sterilization treatment to prevent deterioration of quality such as texture and physical properties. Such a gel food composition can be suitably used as a room temperature storage food composition.
The pH of the gel food composition is, for example, 4.5-8. When the pH is in the above range, even after the medium chain fatty acid content is high, discomfort after eating can be suppressed.

<Food>
The gel food composition of the present invention is in a state of gelation from a solid state to a semi-solid state (jelly shape, jam shape). In this specification, gel is a three-dimensional structure (a state where polymer chains form a three-dimensional network structure and water is immobilized (immobilized)) together with viscosity like jelly and jam. It has physical properties that have poor fluidity.
The gel food composition of the present invention can be consumed as it is as a gel food. The gel-like food composition of the present invention is gel-like (jelly-like, jam-like) and can be eaten comfortably despite a high fat content. Examples of gel foods preferably include jelly foods, jelly drinks, gummi, bavalore, pudding, mousse, jam, nutrients, and liquid foods.

Further, the food may be a food containing the gel food composition of the present invention. For example, the above gel food composition is mixed with other food ingredients, yogurt, coffee, tea, green tea, cocoa, juice, juice, soy milk, raw milk, processed milk, lactic acid bacteria beverage, calcium enriched beverage, dietary fiber-containing beverage Beverages such as coffee whitener, whipping cream, custard cream, soft cream, and other dairy products, bread, soup, stew, sauce, sauce, dressing, kneaded peppers, knead wasabi and other liquid dishes, seasonings, fruits Processed pulp products such as sauces and fruit preparations, liquid foods, gel foods such as jelly and pudding, liquid or paste supplements, and liquid or paste pet foods.

Since the gel food composition of the present invention or a food containing the same contains oils and fats in a high ratio, the amount of heat per unit mass is large, and sufficient energy can be replenished with a small amount of food intake. Therefore, the gel-like food composition of the present invention or a food containing the same can be used for energy supplementation, recovery from undernutrition, and nutrition enhancement of patients with kidney disease or undernutrition. In addition, when using for the energy supply of a renal disease patient, it is preferable to set it as the form which contains a protein and / or potassium a little, or does not contain substantially.
In addition, the viscosity and shape of a gel food composition or food containing the same (for example, by adjusting the plate shape or stick shape, which can be easily swallowed by passing through the pharynx, can be used for energy replenishment for people with difficulty swallowing. Good.
The gel food composition of the present invention or a food containing the same can be used for feeding healthy mammals including humans. The food composition or food of the present invention is suitably used to provide an energy source in situations requiring large amounts and rapid energy supplementation. The gel food composition of the embodiment or a food containing the same may be a functional food.

One embodiment relates to a method for replenishing energy in a subject in need, the method comprising ingesting a food containing the gel food composition. As used herein, the term “subject” refers to an animal. For example, the food product of the embodiments can be fed to a mammal. Examples of mammals (subjects) to be fed include humans, domestic animals such as cattle, horses, sheep and goats, pets such as dogs and cats, and laboratory animals such as mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits. But are not limited to these animals. In one embodiment, the subject can be a healthy mammal, including a human. In one embodiment, the subject can be a healthy human. In one embodiment, the subject may be a kidney disease patient or a patient who is undernourished.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Unless otherwise specified, “part” represents “part by mass” based on the mass standard. “Room temperature” in the following Examples and Production Examples usually indicates about 10 to 30 ° C.

[Materials used]
<Component (A): Oil and fat>
MCT: Medium chain fatty acid triglyceride (constituent fatty acid: caprylic acid, capric acid), trade name: Nissin MCT Oil (Nisshin Oilio Group Co., Ltd., energy per gram is 9 kcal)
DHA / EPA: Fish oil mixture containing 38% by mass of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and 8% by mass of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) <Component (B): Water>
Water: tap water <component (C): emulsifier>
Emulsifier 1 (C1): polyglycerol fatty acid ester (monostearic acid decaglycerol preparation), trade name: Sunsoft Q-18SW (manufactured by Taiyo Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Emulsifier 2 (C2): polyglycerol fatty acid ester (pentaglycerol monostearate), trade name: Sunsoft A-181E (manufactured by Taiyo Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Emulsifier 3 (C3): polyglycerol fatty acid ester (pentaglycerol monooleate), trade name: Sunsoft A-171E (manufactured by Taiyo Chemical Co., Ltd.)

<Manufacture of jelly composition>
The jelly compositions of the examples and comparative examples were prepared by either method A or method B below.
(Method A: One-stage method)
At room temperature, water and an emulsifier shown in Table 1 were put into a plastic container and dissolved. While stirring this at room temperature using a stirrer (manufactured by Shinto Kagaku Co., Ltd., Three-One Motor), the fats and oils (A1) shown in Table 1 were added and stirred at 1,000 rpm for five minutes using a Three-One motor. An O / W emulsion was obtained.
To this, a gelling agent prepared by mixing each component in advance with the formulation shown in Table 1 at room temperature was added and stirred at 1,000 rpm for 10 minutes using a three-one motor. After addition of the entire amount, the mixture was heated at 85 ° C. to 100 ° C. for 3 minutes and then cooled to 10 ° C. or less to complete the jelly composition.
(Method B: Two-stage method)
At room temperature, water and an emulsifier shown in Table 1 were put into a plastic container and dissolved. While stirring this at room temperature using a stirrer (manufactured by Shinto Kagaku Co., Ltd., Three-One Motor), the fats and oils (A1) shown in Table 1 were added and stirred at 1,000 rpm for five minutes using a Three-One motor. An O / W emulsion was obtained.
To this, a gelling agent prepared by mixing each component in advance with the formulation shown in Table 1 at room temperature was added and stirred at 1,000 rpm for 10 minutes using a three-one motor.
Thereafter, at room temperature, MCT alone or oil and fat (A2) prepared by mixing MCT and DHA / EPA in advance with the formulation shown in Table 1 was gradually added to the obtained mixed liquid while stirring with a drug vessel. After addition of the entire amount, the mixture was heated at 85 ° C. to 100 ° C. for 3 minutes and then cooled to 10 ° C. or less to complete the jelly composition.

<Evaluation of jelly composition>
Gel formation (stability), emulsification degree, and gelation degree were evaluated for the jelly compositions of Examples and Comparative Examples.

1. Gel formation (stability)
The state of the gel was visually confirmed during and after the production of the jelly composition, and evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.
<Evaluation criteria>
○: A homogeneous gel was formed.
X: Components were separated during production, and a homogeneous gel was not formed.

2. Emulsification degree The emulsification degree was visually confirmed during and after the production of the jelly composition, and evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria.
<Evaluation criteria>
4: Emulsified 3: Oil droplets are visible 2: Oil droplets are large and translucent 1: Separated and not mixed at all

3. Gelation degree The gel degree was visually confirmed during and after the production of the jelly composition, and evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. In Table 1, “-” indicates that the evaluation was not performed because the evaluation of the degree of emulsification was 1.
<Evaluation criteria>
○: When it is taken out from a plastic container, it is solidified without fluidity. Δ: When it is taken out from a plastic container, it is not fluid but slightly spread. ×: It is not hardened and has fluidity.

Table 1 shows the composition and manufacturing method of the jelly composition and the evaluation results together in Table 1. In Table 1, the numerical values of components (A), (B), (C), (D), and (e1) represent parts by mass based on the total (100 parts by mass) of the jelly composition.

Also, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 (Example) and The photograph of the jelly composition obtained by 6 (comparative example) is shown. No. 1 shown in FIG. In the jelly composition of Example 3 (Example), it is confirmed that the entire jelly is composed of a gel composed of a homogeneous emulsion of oil and moisture. On the other hand, no. In the jelly composition of No. 6 (Comparative Example), an oil separation layer (transparent part in the photograph) is present at the top, and moisture and a part of the oil are gelled, and the remaining oil is separated. That is confirmed.

From the above Table 1 and FIGS. 1 and 2, when a predetermined amount of gelling agent containing xanthan gum, locust bean gum and, if necessary, guar gum is used as the gelling agent (Example), It is confirmed that a jelly having a high content and a homogeneous gel was obtained.
The jelly can be produced in either case where all of the fats and oils are added all at once (Method A: one-stage method) or when the fats and oils are added separately (Method B: two-stage method). It was.

In the examples, when the relationship between the water content (b) and the gelling agent content (d) satisfies the relationship of formula (1): 0.7 ≦ d / b × 100 ≦ 2.5 (No 1 to 4, 13, 15 to 17, 20 to 23), gels that were homogeneous and coherent and were particularly suitable for feeding were obtained. On the other hand, when the above relational expression (1) was not satisfied (No. 5, No. 12), the gel shape slightly expanded although there was no practical problem.

On the other hand, when the types of components of the gelling agent are different (No. 6 (comparative example), No. 18 (comparative example)); when the addition amount of the gelling agent is small (No. 7 (comparative example)), 8 (comparative example)): When the amount of gelling agent added is large (No. 9 (comparative example), No. 10 (comparative example)) The sum of the components (d1) and (d2) in the gelling agent In the case where the content ratio was less than 70% by mass in the gelling agent (No. 14 (comparative example), No. 19 (comparative example)), a homogeneous gel could not be obtained.
Moreover, when content of fats and oils exceeded 88 mass% (No. 11), the homogeneous gel was not able to be obtained.

It is useful as a gel food composition for replenishing energy that can be ingested with a small amount of nutrients.

Claims (11)

1. The following ingredients:
   (A) Oils and fats 50 to 88% by mass;
   (B) Water 11-49 mass%;
   (C) emulsifier 0.05-5% by mass; and (D) gelling agent 0.15-0.5% by mass;
   A gel food composition comprising
   The (D) gelling agent contains (d1) xanthan gum and (d2) locust bean gum, and the total content of the (d1) component and the (d2) component in the (D) component is The composition which is 70 mass% or more.
2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the component (D) further contains (d3) guar gum.
3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the component (A) contains a medium-chain fatty acid triglyceride.
4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the component (A) is contained in an emulsified state.
5. The component (C) is a group consisting of polyglycerin fatty acid ester, glycerin fatty acid ester, organic acid monoglyceride, propylene glycol fatty acid ester, polyglycerin condensed ricinoleic acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, lecithin, and enzymatically decomposed lecithin. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of:
6. Furthermore, the composition further comprises at least one selected from nutritional supplements, sweeteners, flavors, fragrances, antioxidants, preservatives, colorants, emulsification aids, and pH adjusters. The composition according to item.
7. 7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is used for energy supply, wherein the calorie is 450 kcal / 100 g or more.
8. The content of the component (B) and the component (D) is represented by the following formula (1):
   0.7 ≦ d / b × 100 ≦ 2.5 (1)
   (In the above formula, b represents the content (% by mass) of component (B) in 100% by mass of the composition, and d represents the content (% by mass) of component (D) in 100% by mass of the composition). Represents.)
   The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which satisfies:
9. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising (e1) an organic acid.
10. A food comprising the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
11. The food according to claim 10, for use in supplementing energy for kidney disease patients or undernutrition patients.

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