11.01.02
General Mills, Minneapolis, MN, received a U.S. patent (No. 6,468,568) for a mineral or vitamin fortification ingredient, which does not negatively affect palatability and appearance of foods. The ingredient is obtained by encapsulation of the mineral or vitamin in a grindable, glassy matrix composition. The glassy matrix composition includes an oligosaccharide, such as fructofuranose materials, which not only form a glassy matrix, but also beneficially increase fiber content of the food. At least one edible oil is included in the encapsulating composition to prevent substantial adverse interaction between the mineral or vitamin encapsulant and the glass-forming oligosaccharide matrix material, and to achieve controlled release of the encapsulant from the glassy matrix.