| abstract |
A ready-to-eat, shelf-stable tater-tot type snack food made from one or more of the following food products: vegetable (including starches from root vegetables), fruit, meat, bean, or meat analog. The tater tot-type snack food has a crispy outer layer or layers and crunchiness throughout the tater tot-type snack food. The tater tot-type snack food does not require cooking or warming prior to consumption. The tater tot-type snack food has extended shelf stability, especially when packaged in an oxygen free environment. The tater tot-type snack food can be manufactured using either freeze drying or vacuum frying techniques. |