| abstract |
A fat substitute is disclosed comprising a Shea nut extract blended with a diluent fat to produce a plasticized Shea nut extract. The plasticized Shea nut extract can be readily substitute for a part or all of the fat content of a prepared food product. The plasticized Shea nut extract maintains the taste and manufacturability of the full fat prepared food product. In addition, the plasticized Shea nut extract reduces the fat content of the prepared food product because the components of Shea nut extract are not fats. In a preferred embodiment the Shea nut extract is blended with sunflower oil to produce the plasticized Shea nut extract. The plasticized Shea nut extract can be utilized in a wide range of fat containing prepared food products including cookies, brownies, popcorn, and ice cream. |