Pellet systems for preparing beverages

Abstract

Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen beverages are described. The methods and articles generally include first and/or second frozen pellets. Upon mixing the frozen pellets with an appropriate liquid for a sufficient time, a frozen beverage is obtained. Articles of manufacture including frozen pellets, as well as optional objects such as straws, spoons, and mixing containers are disclosed. Methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture for preparing frozen pellets are also described.

1 . An article of manufacture for preparing a frozen beverage comprising:
 a. frozen pellets, said frozen pellets including a milk fluid, a sweetener, a flavoring and a stabilizer mix; and   b. a container containing said pellets, said container having:
 i. a headspace; 
 ii. instructions for adding a liquid to said container and mixing said liquid and pellets; and 
 iii. one or more lines to indicate fill points for said liquid. 
   
     
     
         2 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein said headspace within said container is between 20% and 150% of the volume of the pellets and the liquid when the liquid is added in accordance with said instructions. 
     
     
         3 . The article of  claim 1 , wherein said instructions include instructions for adding liquid to said container and shaking said container, pellets and liquid. 
     
     
         4 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said frozen pellets include first frozen pellets and second frozen pellets, and wherein said second frozen pellets differ in composition from said first frozen pellets. 
     
     
         5 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said frozen pellets include first frozen pellets, second frozen pellets and third frozen pellets, wherein said first, second and third frozen pellets differ in composition from one another, and wherein said third pellets include nutritive health additives that are not contained in said first and second pellets. 
     
     
         6 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said frozen pellets further include at least one of added protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins. 
     
     
         7 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said frozen pellets further include at least one of added buffers, acidulants, foaming agents, anti-foaming agents, cloudifiers, fiber sources, fats, proteins, colorants, and nutritive or health additives. 
     
     
         8 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said frozen pellets further include at least one of added buffers, fats, oils, proteins, colorants, acidulants, foaming agents, anti-foaming agents, cloudifiers, fiber sources, preservatives, antioxidants, masking agents and nutritive additives. 
     
     
         9 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said container is contoured to promote mixing of said liquid and pellets. 
     
     
         10 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said container includes internal projections to promote mixing of said liquid and pellets. 
     
     
         11 . The article of  claim 1  further comprising additional frozen pellets that are non-dairy based. 
     
     
         12 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said frozen beverage is from about 200 ml to about 400 ml. 
     
     
         13 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said frozen pellets are packaged and are inside said container. 
     
     
         14 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said frozen pellets are coated. 
     
     
         15 . An article of manufacture for preparing a frozen beverage comprising:
 a. a container having an inside and an outside;   b. frozen pellets positioned inside said container, said frozen pellets including a milk fluid, a sweetener, a flavoring and a stabilizer mix; and   c. Instructions for adding a liquid to said container for preparing a frozen beverage, said instructions positioned on the outside of said container.   
     
     
         16 . The article of  claim 15  wherein said container has:
 a. a headspace inside said container; and   b. one or more indications of fill points for said liquid.   
     
     
         17 . The article of  claim 15  wherein said frozen pellets include first frozen pellets and second frozen pellets, and wherein said second frozen pellets differ in composition from said first frozen pellets. 
     
     
         18 . An article of manufacture for preparing a frozen beverage comprising:
 a. frozen pellets, said frozen pellets including a milk fluid, a sweetener, a flavoring, a stabilizer mix, and at least one of added protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins; and   b. a container containing said pellets, said container having:
 i. a headspace; 
 ii. instructions for adding a liquid to said container and mixing said liquid and pellets; and 
 iii. one or more indications of fill points for said liquid. 
   
     
     
         19 . The article of  claim 18  wherein said frozen pellets are packaged and are inside said container. 
     
     
         20 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said container is contoured to promote mixing of said liquid and pellets.