APPLICATION

Mixing cereals and fruits in a granola mix

Granola is a mix of sweet, appealing ingredients coated into syrup to form bite-size chunks or bars.

Updated Oct 29, 2021 - 10 min Read

BASE

Core products

The core products are milled, rolled, cooked, or expanded cereals enhanced with seeds, nuts, and fruit particles.

RECIPE

Ingredients

The core products are mixed and coated with syrup, which will bind them. The syrup is formulated to ensure agglomeration and taste. Nutritional expectations now drive the recipe.

  • beet and cane sugar, molasses
  • oil and fat
  • fibres
  • flavours

Depending on the proportions, the granola mix will retain a soft or crunchy bite after the finishing drying stage.

RECIPE

Ingredients

The core products are mixed and coated with syrup which will bind them. The syrup is formulated to ensure agglomeration and taste. Nutritional expectations now drive the recipe.

  • beet and cane sugar, molasses
  • oil and fat
  • fibers
  • flavours

Depending on the proportions, the granola mix will retain a soft or crunchy bite after the finishing drying stage.

PROCESS

How does it work?

The dry core products are mixed before being blended in syrup. The syrup is prepared separately by mixing, heating, and melting the various ingredients. The syrup is poured on the dry mix and stirred until complete dispersion; it forms a sticky, viscous mass. Depending on the final product definition, it is either formed and cooled or spread and dried.

Step 1.

Dry ingredient mixing.

Step 2.

Syrup addition and mixing.

Step 3.

Drying.

PROCESS

Coating system

The coating system can work batch-wise or continuously. The motion system may rely respectively on an agitator in a vat or a screw system.

PROCESS

Coating system

A continuous system offers a short residence time and ensures a consistent texture. The motion device must intimately stir the dense and dry mix without damaging the particles.

PRODUCT EVALUATION

How do you measure your success?

Key quality features

A sweet taste is not the sole criterium.

Texture

It is either chewy or crunchy.

Stability

Moisture migration or intake does not affect the texture.

Product integrity

Preserved ingredient shapes for chewy granola: no fines or too small particles for a dry.

Key quality parameters

The long and complex process uses multiple parameters.

Temperature

The temperature profile overtime during the mixing, setting, forming, and drying to achieve the proper crispiness or chewiness.

Design and operation

The mixing motion must be thorough without damaging the ingredients.

Dosage

The diversity of ingredients requires a careful dosage.