| abstract |
The present invention discloses a method of preparing a food product, the method comprising forming a meat emulsion comprising meat and a firming agent, the firming agent being plasma, whole egg powder, guar gum, pea fiber, pea protein, carboxymethyl cellulose ( one or more of CMC) or modified grain starch; directing the meat emulsion through a die to form a meat imitation product; cooking the imitation meat product with steam; and cutting the meat imitation product into thin slices. The method may include cooling the imitation meat product prior to cutting. The method can include mixing the flakes of the imitation meat product with the gum or gravy to form a blended food composition in which the ratio of flakes to gum or gravy is from about 30:70 to about 30:70. 70:30. The food product may be a pet food product comprising a meat imitation product comprising flakes. The imitation meat product comprises meat (30-90 wt%) and firming agent (6-9 wt%). |