In US patent application #20140272009, filed in March 2013 and published in September 2014, PepsiCo says the pop-in-your-mouth candy particulates could be mixed into chewy granola bars, used in layers within the bars, or incorporated into coatings for the bars.
However, “bite-size pieces, orbs, donuts, and other three dimensional geometric shapes are [also] contemplated within the scope of the invention,” says PepsiCo, which makes a wide variety of snack bars under the Quaker brand including Chewy and Big Chewy bars, soft-baked bars, Real Medleys fruit & nut bars, oatmeal squares and Oatmeal To Go bars.
“The present invention relates to a method of making a chewy granola products containing carbonated candy. The present invention utilizes cold formed sheeting of the chewy granola product base that incorporates a carbonated candy particulate mixture either therein or as a coating to the chewy granola product base.”
What is carbonated candy?
Carbonated candy typically consists of tiny sugar crystals containing highly pressurized carbon dioxide, explains PepsiCo, citing fizzy candy Pop Rocks as an example.
It is then typically coated with an oil-based coating to prevent moisture getting in and causing the candy to ‘pop’ prematurely (ie. before consumers eat it), says PepsiCo.
“During consumption (chewing), the coating is broken, exposing the carbonated candy therein. Moisture in the mouth then provides the catalyst to initiate popping and provide the desired carbonated soda feel.”
Carbonated candy accounts for c.3% of product by weight
Various different applications are described in the patent application, including one product where carbonated candy is added to a chocolate layer which is then used to coat some or all of a chewy granola product.
In another application, layers of carbonated candy are incorporated “as interior layers in the chewy granola product”, says the applications.
“Alternatively, a purely exterior layer of optional ingredients including layers containing the coated carbonated candy can be applied to chewy granola products after their further processing into sizes and shapes suitable for commercial sale.”
In one example, the carbonated candy accounts for about 3% of the final product by weight, with the binder (high maltose corn syrup, honey, fructose, canola oil, maltodextrin etc) accounting for 57% and the granola base (nuts, rolled oats, rice crisps, seeds etc) accounting for the remaining 40%, says PepsiCo.
The company declined to comment on when - or whether - new launches using the fizzy candy would appear on shelves.
The US patent application number is #20140272009, filed on March 14, 2013 and published on September 18, 2014. To read it in full, click HERE.