| abstract |
High protein expanded products are produced by extrusion with unique blends of ingredients, such as wheat protein isolates, modified wheat starch, salts, gums and moisture. The mixture is extruded in a twin-screw extruder with the temperatures in the range of 50 to 140° C., screw speeds of 250 to 450 rpm and with a back pressure of 350 to 1200 psi for different recipes. A range of expanded wheat crisps and other expanded products with wheat protein contents ranging from 30 to 90% are obtained from this process. The expanded products have good cell structure with varying cell sizes when viewed under a microscope. This process can be used to develop a varied range of products such as, wheat crisps, wheat curls, wheat loops etc. The products may be used in nutritional or health bars and other comestible having a high protein and low carbohydrate content. |