JP7657150B2 - Method for producing small piece jelly composition, small piece jelly composition, and method for making small piece jelly composition non-spherical - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing a small piece jelly composition, a small piece jelly composition, and a method for making the shape of a small piece jelly composition non-spherical.

Jelly pieces are sometimes added to beverages and the like for the purpose of imparting a desired appearance and/or texture. Methods for forming jelly pieces into a desired shape (e.g., a shape resembling a citrus fruit capsule) are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for producing a non-uniform granular composition that is obtained by dropping a fluid raw material containing one or more selected from sodium alginate, low-methoxyl pectin, and gellan gum into a stirred soluble calcium salt solution, as a method for producing jelly pieces resembling a citrus fruit capsule.

JP 2002-191295 A

The method disclosed in Patent Document 1 involves mixing 1.0 to 5.0 parts by weight of soluble calcium salt per 100 parts by weight of the soluble calcium salt solution, and further using a thickening agent (xanthan gum, locust bean gum, etc.) to relatively increase the viscosity of the soluble calcium salt solution, thereby preparing a pseudo-salt composition (heterogeneous granular composition). However, with this method, not only is the viscosity of the fluid raw material high, but the viscosity of the soluble calcium salt solution is also high, which poses problems when applying it to an actual manufacturing process, such as equipment limitations and increased energy requirements.

The present invention aims to provide a method for producing a non-spherical small piece jelly composition that is suitable for application in practical manufacturing processes.

The present invention relates to a method for producing a small piece jelly composition, comprising the step of adding one of a first solution containing calcium and a second solution containing alginic acid or a salt thereof to the other solution to form a small piece jelly composition, wherein the other solution is flowing, the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.15 w/w% or less, and the shape of the small piece jelly composition is non-spherical.

The manufacturing method according to the present invention can form a non-spherical small-piece jelly composition by contacting the first solution with the second solution by setting the calcium concentration of the first solution within a predetermined range. The manufacturing method according to the present invention can be advantageously applied to an actual manufacturing process because the calcium concentration of the first solution is relatively low and there is no need to increase the viscosity of the first solution.

In the above manufacturing method, it is preferable that the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.035 w/w% or more and 0.091 w/w% or less. This makes it easier to form a non-spherical small piece jelly composition. In addition, it is possible to efficiently obtain a small piece jelly composition in the shape of a citrus pod.

In the above manufacturing method, it is preferable that the concentration of alginic acid or its salt in the second solution is 0.8 w/w% or more and 1.3 w/w% or less in terms of the total amount of alginic acid and its salt. This makes it easier to form a non-spherical small piece jelly composition. In addition, it is possible to efficiently obtain a small piece jelly composition in the shape of a citrus pod.

In one embodiment, the above manufacturing method may be such that the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.079 w/w% or more and 0.085 w/w% or less, and the concentration of alginic acid or a salt thereof in the second solution is 0.5 w/w% or more and 0.8 w/w% or less in terms of the total amount of alginic acid and its salt. By having the calcium concentration of the first solution and the concentration of alginic acid or a salt thereof in the second solution within this range, it becomes easier to form a non-spherical small piece jelly composition.

The step of forming the small-piece jelly composition may be a step of dropping one of the solutions into the other solution to form the small-piece jelly composition. By dropping either the first solution or the second solution into contact with each other, it becomes easier to control the size (e.g., volume, major axis, minor axis, etc.) and shape (e.g., citrus fruit capsule shape, etc.) of the small-piece jelly composition.

When the first and second solutions are brought into contact by dropping, the amount of one of the solutions dropped may be in the range of 0.01 ^mm3 /drop to 0.1 ^mm3 /drop, inclusive. When the amount of drop is within this range, a non-spherical small piece jelly composition similar to citrus fruit capsules can be more easily formed.

The flow rate of the other solution may be in the range of 5 cm/sec to 100 cm/sec. When the flow rate is in this range, a non-spherical small piece jelly composition similar to citrus fruit capsules can be more easily formed.

In the above manufacturing method, the other solution may be the first solution. By flowing the first solution, the method becomes more suitable for application to an actual manufacturing process.

The first solution only needs to contain calcium and does not need to have a high viscosity, so the viscosity of the first solution may be in the range of 1.0 mPa·s or more and 100 mPa·s or less, for example.

In the above manufacturing method, the shape of the small piece jelly composition formed may be in the shape of a citrus gizzard.

It is preferable that the second solution further contains dextrin. By including dextrin in the second solution, the resulting small piece jelly composition exhibits a more preferable texture. In other words, the artificial texture (artificial popping sensation) caused by alginic acid or its salt is reduced, and a smoother texture can be felt.

The second solution may further contain fruit juice. By including fruit juice in the second solution, the resulting small piece jelly composition can contain components derived from fruit juice (e.g., water-insoluble components such as colorants). For example, by including a colorant derived from fruit juice in the small piece jelly composition, the small piece jelly composition can be colored without using an (artificial) coloring agent.

The present invention also relates to a small piece jelly composition obtained by the manufacturing method of the present invention.

The present invention further relates to food and beverage products containing the small piece jelly composition obtained by the manufacturing method of the present invention.

The present invention also relates to a method for forming a small piece jelly composition into a non-spherical shape, comprising the steps of adding one of a first solution containing calcium and a second solution containing alginic acid or a salt thereof to the other solution to form a small piece jelly composition, the other solution being flowing, and the calcium concentration of the first solution being 0.15 w/w% or less.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for producing a non-spherical small piece jelly composition suitable for application in an actual manufacturing process.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a production system for a small piece jelly composition. 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 1 (calcium concentration: 0.033 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 0.8 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 1 (calcium concentration: 0.035 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 0.8 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 1 (calcium concentration: 0.040 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 0.8 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 1 (calcium concentration: 0.047 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 0.8 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 1 (calcium concentration: 0.049 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 0.8 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 1 (calcium concentration: 0.053 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 0.8 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 1 (calcium concentration: 0.054 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 0.8 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 1 (calcium concentration: 0.070 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 0.8 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 1 (calcium concentration: 0.087 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 0.8 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 1 (calcium concentration: 0.091 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 0.8 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 3 (calcium concentration: 0.079 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 0.5 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 3 (calcium concentration: 0.085 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 0.5 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 4 (calcium concentration: 0.035 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 1.3 w/w%). 1 is a photograph of the small piece jelly composition produced in Test Example 4 (calcium concentration: 0.090 w/w%, alginic acid or its salt concentration: 1.3 w/w%).

The following describes in detail the form for implementing the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[Method of producing small piece jelly composition]
The manufacturing method of the small piece jelly composition according to this embodiment includes a step of adding one of a first solution containing calcium and a second solution containing alginic acid or a salt thereof to the other solution to form a small piece jelly composition (hereinafter also referred to as the "formation step").

(First Solution)
The first solution contains calcium. The calcium may be contained in the first solution as calcium ions. The calcium source is not particularly limited as long as it is acceptable as a food, and examples of the calcium source include calcium lactate, calcium carbonate, calcium acetate, calcium chloride, and calcium phosphate. The first solution can be prepared, for example, by dissolving the calcium source described above in water.

The first solution has a calcium concentration of 0.15 w/w% (1500 ppm) or less. When the calcium concentration is in this range, a non-spherical small piece jelly composition can be formed by contact with the second solution. The lower limit of the calcium concentration may be, for example, 0.030 w/w% or more, or 0.035 w/w% or more, since the small piece jelly composition formed has excellent shape stability (ease of retaining its shape).

From the viewpoint of making it easier to form a non-spherical small piece jelly composition, the calcium concentration of the first solution may be from 0.035 w/w% to 0.12 w/w%, from 0.035 w/w% to 0.1 w/w%, from 0.035 w/w% to 0.095 w/w%, from 0.035 w/w% to 0.091 w/w%, from 0.035 w/w% to 0.085 w/w%, from 0.035 w/w% to 0.08 w/w%, preferably from 0.035 w/w% to 0.07 w/w%, more preferably from 0.035 w/w% to 0.06 w/w%, and even more preferably from 0.035 w/w% to 0.055 w/w%. In addition, when the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.035 w/w% or more and 0.091 w/w% or less, a jelly composition of citrus fruit jar-shaped small pieces can be efficiently obtained. Furthermore, in one embodiment, when the concentration of alginic acid or its salt in the second solution is 0.5 w/w% or more and 0.8 w/w% or less, the calcium concentration of the first solution is more preferably 0.079 w/w% or more and 0.085 w/w% or less. By having the calcium concentration of the first solution and the concentration of alginic acid or its salt in the second solution in this range, it becomes easier to form a non-spherical small piece jelly composition.

The first solution may contain other ingredients that are acceptable for food, provided that the effects of the present invention are not impaired. Examples of other ingredients that can be used include sugars, thickening polysaccharides, sweeteners, flavorings, acidulants, colorants, pH adjusters, antioxidants, seasonings, vitamins, minerals, and stabilizers. These ingredients may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The viscosity of the first solution may be, for example, 1.0 mPa·s or more and 2800 mPa·s or less, 1.0 mPa·s or more and 2000 mPa·s or less, 1.0 mPa·s or more and 1500 mPa·s or less, 1.0 mPa·s or more and 1000 mPa·s or less, 1.0 mPa·s or more and 500 mPa·s or less, 1.0 mPa·s or more and 100 mPa·s or less, 1.0 mPa·s or more and 80 mPa·s or less, 1.0 mPa·s or more and 30 mPa·s or less, or 1.0 mPa·s or more and 20 mPa·s or less. In this specification, viscosity refers to a value at 20°C, and can be measured, for example, using a Brookfield viscometer (TVB10M, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) with a TM11 rotor at a rotation speed of 30 rpm for 3 minutes at 20°C.

The pH of the first solution is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of making it easier to form the small piece jelly composition, it may be, for example, 3.0 or more and 8.0 or less, or 5.0 or more and 7.0 or less. It is also possible to adjust the pH of the first solution by adding an acidulant such as citric acid, but in this case, the citric acid may react with the calcium in the first solution, causing the precipitation of calcium salts, which is not preferable. Therefore, it is preferable that the pH of the first solution is adjusted only by the above-mentioned calcium salt.

(Second Solution)
The second solution contains alginic acid or a salt thereof. There are no particular limitations on the alginic acid or the salt thereof as long as it is acceptable for use as a food. Examples of the salt of alginic acid include sodium salt, potassium salt, and ammonium salt. The second solution may contain one type of alginic acid or a salt thereof alone, or may contain two or more types in combination.

The concentration of alginic acid or its salt in the second solution may be, for example, 0.4 w/w% or more and 1.5 w/w% or less, 0.4 w/w% or more and 1.4 w/w% or less, 0.5 w/w% or more and 1.3 w/w% or less, 0.6 w/w% or more and 1.3 w/w% or less, 0.7 w/w% or more and 1.3 w/w% or less, or 0.8 w/w% or more and 1.3 w/w% or less, in terms of the total amount of alginic acid and its salt. The concentration of alginic acid or its salt in the second solution may be, for example, 0.5 w/w% to 1.2 w/w%, 0.5 w/w% to 1.0 w/w%, 0.5 w/w% to 0.9 w/w%, or 0.5 w/w% to 0.8 w/w%. The concentration of alginic acid or its salt in the second solution may be, for example, 0.6 w/w% to 1.0 w/w% in terms of the total amount of alginic acid and its salt.

The second solution may contain other ingredients (additives) acceptable for food, provided that the effect of the present invention is not impaired. Examples of other ingredients that can be used include fruit juice (e.g., citrus juice such as lemon and mandarin orange), sugars, dextrin, dietary fiber, thickeners (e.g., agar, xanthan gum), sweeteners, flavorings, acidulants, colorants, pH adjusters, antioxidants, seasonings, vitamins, minerals, and stabilizers. These ingredients may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

It is preferable that the second solution further contains dextrin. By including dextrin, the resulting small piece jelly composition exhibits a more preferable texture. In other words, the artificial texture (artificial popping sensation) caused by alginic acid or its salt is reduced, and a smoother texture can be felt.

When the second solution contains dextrin, the dextrin content may be, for example, 0.4 w/w% or more and 2.0 w/w% or less, 0.6 w/w% or more and 1.5 w/w% or less, or 0.8 w/w% or more and 1.2 w/w% or less.

It is preferable that the second solution further contains fruit juice. By including fruit juice, the obtained small piece jelly composition can contain components derived from fruit juice (e.g., water-insoluble components such as colorants). For example, by including a colorant derived from fruit juice in the small piece jelly composition, color can be imparted to the small piece jelly composition even without the use of (artificial) coloring agents. Examples of fruit juice include citrus juice such as lemon, mandarin orange, grapefruit, yuzu, and orange, grape juice, and berry juice.

When the second solution contains fruit juice, the fruit juice content may be, for example, 10 w/w% or more and 100 w/w% or less, 12 w/w% or more and 60 w/w% or less, or 15 w/w% or more and 40 w/w% or less.

The viscosity of the second solution may be, for example, 10 mPa·s or more and 900 mPa·s or less, 20 mPa·s or more and 600 mPa·s or less, or 40 mPa·s or more and 300 mPa·s or less.

The pH of the second solution is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of making it easier to form the small piece jelly composition, it may be, for example, 2.5 or more and 8.0 or less, or 3.0 or more and 5.0 or less.

The second solution can be prepared by dissolving alginic acid or a salt thereof and, if necessary, other ingredients in water.

(Forming process)
In the forming step, one of the first solution and the second solution is added to the other solution to form the small piece jelly composition. The forming step may be one in which the first solution (one solution) is added to the second solution (the other solution) or one in which the second solution (one solution) is added to the first solution (the other solution).

In the formation process, it is preferable that the other solution is the first solution (a solution containing calcium). By making the solution to be flowed the first solution, it becomes more suitable for application to an actual manufacturing process. Below, the formation process will be described in detail using the example in which the other solution is the first solution, but it can also be carried out in the same way when the other solution is the second solution (i.e., in the following description, the first solution and the second solution can be read as interchangeable).

In the formation process, the second solution is added to the flowing first solution, and the two solutions come into contact, causing a cross-linking reaction between alginic acid or a salt thereof and calcium, thereby forming a non-spherical small piece jelly composition. There are no particular limitations on the manner of flow, and for example, the first solution may flow by moving through a flow path, or the first solution may flow by stirring, etc.

The flow rate of the first solution may be, for example, 5 cm/sec to 1000 cm/sec, 5 cm/sec to 900 cm/sec, 5 cm/sec to 800 cm/sec, 5 cm/sec to 700 cm/sec, 5 cm/sec to 600 cm/sec, 5 cm/sec to 500 cm/sec, 5 cm/sec to 400 cm/sec, 5 cm/sec to 300 cm/sec, 5 cm/sec to 200 cm/sec, or 5 cm/sec to 100 cm/sec. When the flow rate is within this range, a non-spherical small piece jelly composition similar to citrus fruit sacs can be more easily formed. The flow rate may be, for example, 20 cm/sec to 90 cm/sec, or 30 cm/sec to 80 cm/sec. The flow rate here may be the flow rate of the first solution in the portion where the second solution is added.

In the forming step, the second solution may be added continuously to the flowing first solution, or the second solution may be added discontinuously (e.g., by dripping) to the flowing first solution. From the viewpoint of making it easier to control the size (e.g., volume, major axis, minor axis, etc.) and shape (e.g., citrus fruit pod shape, etc.) of the small piece jelly composition, it is preferable to drip the second solution into the flowing first solution in the forming step.

When dripping, the dripping amount of the second solution may be, for example, 0.01 ^mm3 /drop or more and 0.1 ^mm3 /drop or less. When the dripping amount is within this range, a non-spherical small piece jelly composition similar to citrus fruit capsules can be more easily formed. The dripping amount may be, for example, 0.02 ^mm3 /drop or more and 0.07 ^mm3 /drop or less, or 0.03 ^mm3 /drop or more and 0.06 ^mm3 /drop or less.

When dripping, the dripping speed of the second solution may be, for example, 30 drops/min to 600 drops/min per drip nozzle of the dripping device 10 (described later). When the dripping speed is within this range, a non-spherical small piece jelly composition similar to citrus fruit capsules can be more easily formed. The dripping speed may be, for example, 30 drops/min to 500 drops/min, or 35 drops/min to 490 drops/min per drip nozzle of the dripping device 10 (described later).

The temperatures of the first solution and the second solution in the formation process are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 20°C or higher and 70°C or lower, 25°C or higher and 70°C or lower, 25°C or higher and 50°C or lower, or 25°C or higher and 35°C or lower. The temperatures of the first solution and the second solution may be the same or different.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a manufacturing system for a small piece jelly composition. The manufacturing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a storage tank 50 for a first solution 52 containing calcium, a small piece jelly formation path 20 connected to the storage tank 50 via a flow path (e.g., piping such as a pipe) 72, and a dripping device 10 connected to a storage tank 40 for a second solution 41 containing alginic acid or a salt thereof via a flow path 71 and dripping the second solution 41 into the small piece jelly formation path 20. The small piece jelly formation path 20 is a place where a reaction for forming the small piece jelly composition 90 is carried out, and is, for example, a half-open flow path. In this embodiment, the dripping device 10 has one dripping nozzle for dripping the second solution 41, but the dripping device 10 may have multiple dripping nozzles.

The manufacturing system 100 may include a pump 30 provided in the flow path 71 for pumping the second solution 41, and a pump 32 provided in the flow path 72 for pumping the first solution 52.

In the manufacturing system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the first solution 52 is sent out from the storage tank 50 and then transferred to the small piece jelly formation path 20 through the flow path 72. In the small piece jelly formation path 20, the first solution 52 reacts with the second solution 41 dripped from the dripping device 10 to form a small piece jelly composition 90. The first solution 52 then flows down into the storage tank 50 together with the formed small piece jelly composition 90. A mesh section (e.g., a mesh having a smaller pore size than the small piece jelly composition) 51 is provided at the top of the storage tank 50 to collect the small piece jelly composition 90. The first solution and the small piece jelly composition 90 are separated in the mesh section 51.

In the manufacturing system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the first solution 52 circulates through the storage tank 50, the flow path 72, and the small-piece jelly formation path 20. The flow path 72 may be provided with a collection section 61 for the first solution 52 connected to a calcium ion sensor 60 via a flow path 73. The calcium ion sensor 60 monitors the calcium concentration of the first solution 52, and when necessary (for example, when the calcium concentration of the first solution 52 falls below a predetermined value due to the formation of the small-piece jelly composition), the calcium concentration of the first solution 52 is adjusted by opening and closing the pump 31 via the control circuit 82 to send calcium-concentrated solution 81 from the storage tank 80 through the flow path 74 to the flow path 72.

(Small Piece Jelly Composition)
The small piece jelly composition according to the present invention is obtained by the above-mentioned production method.

The shape of the small piece jelly composition may be non-spherical, for example, in the shape of a citrus fruit capsule or in the shape of a teardrop. The shape of the small piece jelly composition can be controlled by appropriately setting the conditions of the formation process, as described above.

The size of the small piece jelly composition can be appropriately set depending on the application. For example, the volume of the small piece jelly composition may be 0.01 ^mm3 or more and 0.1 ^mm3 or less. For example, the major axis of the small piece jelly composition may be 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less, or 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less. For example, the minor axis of the small piece jelly composition may be 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less, or 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

The small-piece jelly composition of the present invention can be used by being incorporated into food and beverages. Examples of food and beverages include beverages such as water, soft drinks, tea drinks, fruit juice drinks, milk drinks, alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and sports drinks, as well as confectioneries such as yogurt.

Food and beverage products containing the small piece jelly composition of the present invention can be obtained, for example, by a manufacturing method including a step of obtaining a small piece jelly composition by the manufacturing method of the present invention, and a step of blending the obtained small piece jelly composition (blending step). The blending step can be carried out at any timing depending on the type of food and beverage product, etc. For example, after producing a food and beverage product, the small piece jelly composition may be blended to obtain a final product, or the small piece jelly composition may be blended into the raw materials of the food and beverage product to produce the food and beverage product to obtain a final product.

(Method of Making the Shape of Small Piece Jelly Composition Non-Spherical)
The present invention can also be understood as a method for making the shape of a small piece jelly composition non-spherical. That is, the method for making the shape of a small piece jelly composition non-spherical according to this embodiment includes a step of adding one of a first solution containing calcium and a second solution containing alginic acid or a salt thereof to the other solution to form a small piece jelly composition (forming step). As an embodiment of the method for making the shape of a small piece jelly composition non-spherical according to this embodiment, the embodiment described in the manufacturing method of the small piece jelly composition can be exemplified.

The present invention will be specifically described below based on examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these.

[Test Example 1: Production of non-spherical small piece jelly composition (1)]
As a first solution (a solution containing calcium), calcium lactate was dissolved in water to obtain a number of calcium lactate solutions having different calcium concentrations.

As the second solution (a solution containing alginic acid or its salt), 8 g of sodium alginate (I-3, manufactured by Kimika Co., Ltd.), 33 g of concentrated mandarin juice (frozen concentrated Unshu mandarin juice, Bx60), and 10 g of dextrin were dissolved in 949 g of water to obtain a sodium alginate solution.

Next, a small piece jelly composition was produced using a production system similar to the production system 100 shown in Figure 1. The details of the production conditions were as follows.
First solution: temperature 25° C., viscosity 1.0 mPa·s, pH 6.8
Second solution: temperature 25° C., viscosity 108 mPa·s, pH 4.2
Flow rate of the first solution: 36.7 cm/sec
Drop amount and drop rate of the second solution: 0.016 mm ³ /drop, 485 drops/min

Figures 2 to 11 are photographs showing the appearance of the obtained small piece jelly composition. Figure 2 is a photograph in which the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.033 w/w%, Figure 3 is a photograph in which the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.035 w/w%, Figure 4 is a photograph in which the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.040 w/w%, Figure 5 is a photograph in which the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.047 w/w%, Figure 6 is a photograph in which the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.049 w/w%, Figure 7 is a photograph in which the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.053 w/w%, Figure 8 is a photograph in which the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.054 w/w%, Figure 9 is a photograph in which the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.070 w/w%, Figure 10 is a photograph in which the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.087 w/w%, and Figure 11 is a photograph in which the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.091 w/w%.

As shown in Figures 2 to 11, a non-spherical small piece jelly composition could be obtained at a calcium concentration of 0.15 w/w% (1500 ppm) or less. In addition, by setting the calcium concentration to 0.035 w/w% (Figure 3), the shape stability (ease of retaining shape) of the formed small piece jelly composition was excellent. Furthermore, by setting the calcium concentration to 0.035 w/w% or more and 0.091 w/w% or less (Figures 3 to 11), a small piece jelly composition in the shape of a citrus fruit capsule could be efficiently obtained. Note that when the calcium concentration exceeded 0.15 w/w% (1500 ppm), the shape of the resulting small piece jelly composition became spherical, and no non-spherical pieces were obtained (not shown).

[Test Example 2: Production of non-spherical small piece jelly composition (2)]
The change in texture caused by combining alginic acid or its salt with various additives was examined.

As the first solution (solution containing calcium), calcium lactate was dissolved in water to prepare a 1 w/w% calcium lactate solution.

As the second solution (a solution containing alginic acid or a salt thereof), a solution was obtained by dissolving sodium alginate (I-3, manufactured by Kimika Co., Ltd.) and various additives in water according to the composition shown in Table 1. The additives used were dextrin, xanthan gum, and agar.

The second solution was dropped into the first solution (amount dropped: 0.016 ^mm3 /drop) to obtain a small-piece jelly composition. A trained panel ate the obtained small-piece jelly composition and evaluated the texture. The evaluation results of the texture (free comments) are also shown in Table 1.

By including dextrin in the second solution, the resulting small-piece jelly composition exhibits a more favorable texture. Specifically, the artificial texture (artificial popping sensation) caused by alginic acid or its salts is reduced, and smoothness is improved.

[Test Example 3: Production of non-spherical small piece jelly composition (3)]
As a first solution (a solution containing calcium), calcium lactate was dissolved in water to obtain a number of calcium lactate solutions having different calcium concentrations.

As the second solution (a solution containing alginic acid or a salt thereof), 5 g of sodium alginate (I-3, manufactured by Kimika Co., Ltd.), 33 g of concentrated mandarin juice (frozen concentrated Unshu mandarin juice, Bx60), and 10 g of dextrin (Pine Index #2, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) were dissolved in 952 g of water to obtain a sodium alginate solution (temperature 20°C, viscosity 36.7 mPa·s).

Next, a small piece jelly composition was produced under the same production conditions as in Test Example 1 using a production system similar to the production system 100 shown in Figure 1.

Figures 12 and 13 are photographs showing the appearance of the obtained small piece jelly composition. Figure 12 is a photograph when the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.079 w/w%, and Figure 13 is a photograph when the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.085 w/w%. Note that in Figures 12 and 13, the size of the squares in the background of the small piece jelly composition is 1 mm x 1 mm.

As shown in Figures 12 and 13, even when the concentration of alginic acid or its salt was 0.5 w/w%, a non-spherical small piece jelly composition could be obtained with a calcium concentration of 0.15 w/w% (1,500 ppm) or less.

[Test Example 4: Production of non-spherical small piece jelly composition (4)]
As a first solution (a solution containing calcium), calcium lactate was dissolved in water to obtain a number of calcium lactate solutions having different calcium concentrations.

As the second solution (a solution containing alginic acid or a salt thereof), 13 g of sodium alginate (I-3, manufactured by Kimika Co., Ltd.), 33 g of concentrated mandarin juice (frozen concentrated Unshu mandarin juice, Bx60), and 10 g of dextrin (Pine Index #2, manufactured by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) were dissolved in 944 g of water to obtain a sodium alginate solution (temperature 20°C, viscosity 2,790 mPa·s).

Next, a small piece jelly composition was produced using a production system similar to the production system 100 shown in Figure 1. The details of the production conditions were as follows.
Second solution: temperature 25° C., viscosity 2800 mPa·s, pH 4.38
Flow rate of the first solution: 233 cm/sec to 639 cm/sec
Amount and rate of dripping of the second solution: 0.012 to 0.013 g/drop, 186 drops/min

Figures 14 and 15 are photographs showing the appearance of the obtained small piece jelly composition. Figure 14 is a photograph when the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.035 w/w%, and Figure 15 is a photograph when the calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.090 w/w%. Note that in Figures 14 and 15, the size of the squares in the background of the small piece jelly composition is 1 mm x 1 mm.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, even when the concentration of alginic acid or its salt was 1.3 w/w%, a non-spherical small piece jelly composition could be obtained with a calcium concentration of 0.15 w/w% (1,500 ppm) or less.

10...Dropping device, 20...Small piece jelly formation path, 40, 50...Storage tank, 41...Second solution, 52...First solution, 71, 72...Flow path, 100...Manufacturing system.

Claims (10)

1. A method for producing a small piece jelly composition, comprising:
adding one of a first solution containing calcium and a second solution containing alginic acid or a salt thereof to the other solution to form a small piece jelly composition;
The other solution is flowing,
The calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.047 w/w% or more and 0.091 w/w% or less,
The concentration of alginic acid or a salt thereof in the second solution is 0.8 w/w% or more and 1.3 w/w% or less in terms of the total amount of alginic acid and its salt;
The viscosity of the first solution is 1.0 mPa·s or more and 20 mPa·s or less,
The method for producing the small piece jelly composition, wherein the shape of the small piece jelly composition is non-spherical. 1. A method for producing a small piece jelly composition, comprising:
adding one of a first solution containing calcium and a second solution containing alginic acid or a salt thereof to the other solution to form a small piece jelly composition;
The other solution is flowing,
The calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.079 w/w% or more and 0.085 w/w% or less, and the concentration of alginic acid or a salt thereof of the second solution is 0.5 w/w% or more and 0.8 w/w% or less in terms of the total amount of alginic acid and its salt,
The viscosity of the first solution is 1.0 mPa·s or more and 20 mPa·s or less,
The method for producing the small piece jelly composition, wherein the shape of the small piece jelly composition is non-spherical. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of forming the small-piece jelly composition is a step of dropping one of the solutions into the other solution to form the small-piece jelly composition. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the amount of the one solution dropped is equal to or greater than 0.01 mm ³ /drop and equal to or less than 0.1 mm ³ /drop. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flow rate of the other solution is 5 cm/sec or more and 100 cm/sec or less. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the other solution is the first solution. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the small piece jelly composition has a shape similar to that of a citrus fruit capsule. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the second solution further comprises dextrin. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the second solution further comprises fruit juice. 1. A method for making a non-spherical shape of a small piece jelly composition, comprising:
adding one of a first solution containing calcium and a second solution containing alginic acid or a salt thereof to the other solution to form a small piece jelly composition;
The other solution is flowing,
The calcium concentration of the first solution is 0.047 w/w% or more and 0.091 w/w% or less,
The concentration of alginic acid or a salt thereof in the second solution is 0.8 w/w% or more and 1.3 w/w% or less in terms of the total amount of alginic acid and its salt;
The method of claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the first solution is 1.0 mPa·s or more and 20 mPa·s or less .

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