WO2018202577A1

WO2018202577A1 - Process of preparation of a coffee-based beverage

Info

Publication number: WO2018202577A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/060885
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabien RAWYLER; Damien WYTTENBACH; Hugues RACINE; Cédric BEAUSIRE
Original assignee: Nestec S.A.
Priority date: 2017-05-04
Filing date: 2018-04-27
Publication date: 2018-11-08

Abstract

The invention concerns a process of preparation of a hot coffee based beverage from a soluble coffee based beverage powder comprising the steps of : - supplying a drinking container (1), said drinking container comprising a mixing device (23) and a heating device, - introducing a dose of soluble coffee based beverage powder and a dose of diluent in the drinking container, - mixing and heating the mixture of powder and diluent, wherein said process of preparation comprises : - a first step (SI) of dissolution of the dose powder in the dose of diluent to produce the beverage, and - a second step (S2) of heating the resulting beverage, and wherein during the first step (SI) of dissolution, the mixing device is actuated and the heater is switched off, and wherein during the second step (S2) of heating, the heater is actuated and the mixing device is actuated at a speed preventing the frothing of the beverage in preparation.

Description

PROCESS OF PREPARATION OF A COFFEE-BASED BEVERAGE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the preparation of a beverage in a whipping and heating mug.

Background of the invention

It is known to rapidly prepare a beverage by dissolving a soluble beverage powder like instant coffee with hot water in a drinking cup. The soluble beverage is usually dosed from a jar or from a stick and water is heated in a kettle. This preparation is fully convenient and rapid, yet it rarely enables the optimal reconstitution of the beverage.

It has been proposed to improve such a preparation by providing mixing containers. These containers usually consist in a drinking container or mug comprising a stirring device at the bottom of the container and a heater in the floor or sidewalls of the container. The stirring device improves the dissolution of the beverage powder whatever the temperature of the diluent introduced therewith, and eventually enables frothing of the beverage. The heater enables the use of cold water and the use of a kettle to heat water is not needed any longer. These mixing containers provide a more practical way to produce a beverage compared to the tin and spoon method. Yet when a coffee based beverage is prepared with such a mixing container, it has been observed that the flavor of coffee in the final beverage is not as strong as the flavor of the same beverage prepared with the basic tin and spoon method. An object of the invention is to address this drawback of aroma perception when the beverage is prepared in whipping and heating mug.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for preparing a hot beverage from a soluble coffee based beverage powder comprising the steps of :

- supplying a drinking container, said drinking container comprising a mixing device and a heater,

- introducing a dose of soluble coffee based beverage powder and a dose of diluent in the mug,

- mixing and heating the mixture of powder and diluent,

wherein said process of preparation comprises :

. a first step of dissolution of powder in the diluent to produce the beverage, and . a second step of heating the resulting beverage,

and

wherein during the first step of dissolution, the mixing device is actuated and the heater is switched off, and

wherein during the second step of heating, the heater is actuated and the mixing device is actuated at a speed preventing the frothing of the beverage in preparation.

The process is prepared in a drinking container configured for mixing, heating and drinking a beverage prepared therefrom.

Usually, this container comprises :

- a container body, comprising a floor and a sidewall extending upwardly and longitudinally from the floor to an upper edge,

- a mixing device positioned within the container body,

- a heating device,

- a removable lid configured for cooperating with the upper edge of the container body and closing said container. Preferably, this lid closes the container body and is configured for enabling the consumer to drink the beverage flowing in an opening through the lid.

The drinking container is configured to enable a consumer to drink a beverage prepared directly from the drinking container. The drinking container can be a cup, a glass or a mug. Accordingly, the drinking container comprises a container body. The container body comprises a floor and a sidewall extending longitudinally and upwardly from the floor to an upper edge. The container body enables the introduction of beverage ingredients, specifically the powder and the diluent, and the preparation of a beverage by mixing of said ingredients.

Generally the drinking container body presents an internal volume configured for preparing a beverage for one person, that is to say the volume of a mug. The container body can present an internal volume of about 300 ml. Such an internal volume enables the preparation of beverages with a volume of about 200 ml since the liquid is able to swirl in the container body and to raise along the sidewall. Generally the container body is cylindrical.

The drinking container comprises a mixing device positioned within the container body. This mixing device is configured for mixing the beverage ingredients introduced in the container body. This mixing device can be a blade, a whipper, a stirrer, a toroidally-shaped coil or any equivalent device for agitating a beverage. The mixing device is generally positioned on or close to the floor of the container body. Generally the mixing device is configured for rotating around the longitudinal axis of the container body.

The mixing device is generally moved by a motor. The motor is generally a rotating motor comprising a drive shaft cooperating directly or indirectly with the mixing device through the floor of the container body.

According to one mode, the mixing device can be mechanically attached or connectable to the shaft of the motor.

According to another mode, the motor can drive the mixing device through a magnetic drive effect through the floor of the container body.

In the preferred embodiment, the container body is cylindrical and presents an internal diameter of 65 mm and the mixing device is a toroidal-shaped coil presenting an external diameter of 30 mm.

According to the preferred embodiment, the device comprises the motor designed to move the mixing device.

According to a less preferred embodiment, the device can be deprived of motor. In this embodiment, the motor can be comprised in a docking station designed for cooperating with the beverage heating, mixing and drinking container. Once the mixing operation is terminated, the container can be removed from the docking station to travel and drink.

The device comprises a heating device. This heating device heats the beverage ingredients and the resulting beverage hold in the container body.

The heating device can be positioned on the external sides of the container body, for example the heating device can be a heating resistive ring.

The heating device can be positioned at the bottom of the container body, for example the heating device can be a heating stick or a serigraphic heating plate. Usually the device comprises a removable lid configured for cooperating with the upper edge of the container body. The lid is removable in order to enable the introduction of the beverage ingredients and the cleaning of the device. Once the lid cooperates with the upper edge, the lid closes the container body hermetically. Usually the lid and the container upper edge cooperate through screwing means. Yet any other means like raised parts slidably engaging with cooperating slots or cooperating parts engaging by snap fitting can be implemented. The process of preparation of a hot coffee based beverage from a soluble coffee based beverage powder with a drinking container such as described above comprises the steps of : - introducing a dose of soluble coffee based beverage powder and a dose of diluent in the mug, and then

- mixing and heating the mixture of powder and diluent.

The introduced diluent usually presents a cold or ambient temperature.

The process of preparation comprises a first step of dissolution of the powder in the diluent to produce the beverage. During the first step of dissolution, the mixing device is actuated but the heater is switched off. As a result, the soluble powder dissolves under the effect of the turbulence of the diluent essentially.

The first step is implemented in order to get an effective dissolution of the powder, preferably a full dissolution of the powder.

Generally the first step of dissolution remains short. Depending on the type of soluble coffee based beverage powder used, the temperature of the diluent and the ratio of powder versus liquid, it usually lasts less than 30 seconds. When the soluble coffee based beverage powder is a soluble instant coffee powder, this first step can last less than 10 seconds.

Preferably, during the first step of dissolution, the mixing device is actuated at at least 1300 rpm, preferably at at least 1500 rpm. Accordingly an efficient mixing and dissolution is obtained.

Such a speed particularly applies for the preferred embodiment wherein the container body is cylindrical and presents an internal diameter of about 65 mm and the mixing device is a toroidal-shaped coil presenting an external diameter of about 30 mm.

The process of preparation comprises a second step, wherein the beverage resulting from the first step is heated.

During the second step of heating, the heater is actuated and the mixing device is actuated at a speed preventing the frothing of the beverage in preparation that is to say preventing the introduction of air in the beverage.

As a result, the beverage resulting from the dissolution at the first step is simply agitated to enable a homogeneous heating, yet no frothing is implemented.

Generally, during the second step of heating, the mixing device is actuated at at most 1000 rpm, preferably at most 900 rpm, even more preferably at most 700 rpm.

Again such a speed particularly applies for the preferred embodiment wherein the container body is cylindrical and presents an internal diameter of about 65 mm and the mixing device is a toroidal-shaped coil presenting an external diameter of about 30 mm. Preferably, during the second step of heating, the beverage is heated to reach a final beverage temperature of at least 60°C, preferably at least 65°C.

According to one preferred embodiment, the soluble coffee-based beverage powder is instant coffee powder. The instant coffee powder can comprise micronized roast and ground coffee. This type of powder enables the preparation of black coffee.

According to another embodiment, the soluble coffee-based beverage powder can be a mixture of at least instant coffee powder, milk powder and sugar powder. This type of mixture is known as 3-in-1 coffee mixes. Such a mixture can comprise cocoa powder too.

The diluent can be water or milk or even milk cream. It is preferably water. In a second aspect, there is provided a container for mixing, storing and drinking a beverage, said container comprising :

- a mixing device positioned within the container body, and

- a heating device,

- a control process unit configured to control the mixing device and the heater in order to implement the process such as described above.

Preferably, the container body of the drinking container is cylindrical and presents an internal diameter of 65 mm and the mixing device is a toroidal-shaped coil presenting an external diameter of 30 mm.

Generally the container comprises a removable lid configured for cooperating with the upper edge of the container body and closing said container, said lid comprising at least one opening for drinking the beverage.

In the present application the terms "internal", "external", "top", "bottom" and "lateral" are used to describe the relational positioning of features of the invention. These terms should be understood to refer to the device in its normal orientation when used as shown in the figure 1 .

The above aspects of the invention may be combined in any suitable combination. Moreover, various features herein may be combined with one or more of the above aspects to provide combinations other than those specifically illustrated and described. Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the claims, from the detailed description, and annexed drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood in relation to the following figures :

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drinking device used in the process of the present invention,

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container body of the device of Figure 1 ,

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the lid of the device of Figure 1 ,

- Figure 4 is a top view of the container body of Figure 2,

- Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the process for preparing a coffee-based beverage according to the invention,

- Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the process for preparing a coffee-based beverage not according to the invention,

Detailed description of the drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a device 1 according to the invention. The device is configured for preparing a beverage and storing this beverage. The device is configured for being transported in order to enable the consumer to drink on the go while travelling.

The device comprises a container body 2 to store the beverage. Generally this container body is made of an insulated material in order to keep the beverage at the desired temperature. Usually, the device is non disposable.

The device comprises a lid 3 to close the container body 2. This lid closes the device and is configured for enabling the consumer to drink therethrough. Accordingly the lid comprises an opening for drinking. In Figure 1 , this opening is closed by a movable member 41 . As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 the container body 2 presents at its upper edge 221 means 222 for attaching the lid 3 to said edge and the lid 3 comprises corresponding cooperating attaching means 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooperating attaching means are bulges 222 and tracks 34. Yet any other current attaching means can be used like screwing means or snap fitting means.

Figure 2 shows how the container extends upwardly and longitudinally along an axis XX'.

Figure 4 illustrates the inside of the container body. At the bottom, the container body 2 comprises a floor 21. The sidewall 22 extends therefrom upwardly and longitudinally to the upper edge 221 .

As illustrated in Figure 4, the device 1 comprises a mixing device 23 within the container body 2. Preferably, and as illustrated, the mixing device 23 is positioned at or close to the floor 21 of the container body. Generally, the mixing device is rotated around the longitudinal axis XX' of the container body. As a result, during rotation, beverage rotates in the container body and swirls along the sidewall 22 of the container body.

The mixing device can be a whisk, a whipper, a stirrer, a toroidal-shaped coil or any other device known for agitating a beverage. The mixing device can be directly attached to the shaft of a rotating motor extending through the floor 21 of the container body. In the preferred embodiment, the device 1 can comprise magnetic drive means positioned under the floor 21 to impart a drive to the mixing device located in the container body without mechanical connection member intruding through the floor 21. A simple positioning element can raise from the floor to position the mixing element in relation to the magnetic field.

In the preferred illustrated embodiment, le container body is cylindrical and presents a diameter of about 65 mm and the mixing device is a toroidal-shaped coil presenting a diameter of about 30 mm.

Preferably the device 1 comprises a heating device for heating the beverage hold in the container body. This heating device can be positioned under the floor 21 of the container body, yet the heating device can also be positioned in a part of the sidewall 22 of the container body.

The device 1 comprises a process control unit to control the activation of the heating device and the mixing device according to the process of the present invention.

Usually the device comprises a button (not illustrated) to activate the process of preparation of the beverage. Generally, the motor for actuating the mixing device, the heating device, the battery for supplying these devices with energy, the process control unit are positioned under the floor of the container body at the bottom of the device. In an alternative embodiment, some of these features, in particular the motor, can be comprised in a docking station. The device is able to cooperate with this docking station during beverage preparation.

A coffee-based beverage is prepared with this device by introducing a coffee based beverage powder and water at ambient temperature in the container body, closing the lid and actuating the mixing device and the heating device.

Figure 5 illustrates the mixing parameter (plain line) and the heating parameter (dotted line) set during the process of preparation of a coffee-based beverage.

During the preparation, 3 g of instant coffee powder of the trademark Nescafe Classic and 210 ml of water at 21 °C were introduced in the container body of the device.

During a first step S1 , the mixing device was actuated whereas the heating device remained switched off. The mixing device was actuated to reach a high rotation speed of more than 1500 rpm (more than 70 % of the maximal power of the motor) before decreasing to the reduced speed of the following step S2. This first step S1 lasted 10 seconds and it was sufficient to get a full dissolution of coffee powder in water.

Then during the second step S2, heating was switched on at a constant power (representing 100 % of the heater power) in order to reach a final temperature of 65°C at the end of the process. Simultaneously, the mixing device was actuated at a reduced speed of 640 rpm (representing 30 % of the maximal power of the motor). As a result, the beverage was gently agitated and not frothed. The final beverage presented the aspect of a black coffee without froth or bubbles.

Figure 6 illustrates the mixing parameter (plain line) and the heating parameters (dotted line) set during the process of preparation of a coffee-based beverage.

From the beginning to the end of the process, the mixing device was actuated at a high rotation speed of 1500 rpm (more than 70 % of the maximal power of the motor). This mixing lasted 100 seconds. The effect of this mixing was a full dissolution and a frothing of the beverage.

As far as the heating was concerned, it was actuated in the same manner as in the process of Figure 5 : that is 10 seconds after the beginning of the process and switched off few seconds before the end of the process in order to reach a final temperature of 65°C at the end of the process. Visually the final beverage presented a creamy aspect.

The sensorial analyses of the two coffee beverages prepared according to the processes of Figure 5 and 6 were compared : the aroma and the taste of the coffee beverage issued from the process of Figure 5 were more intense than those of the coffee beverage issued from the process of Figure 6. In particular the flavour of the coffee beverage issued from the process of Figure 5 was found more roasty and bitter, it presented more body and was more persistent. Although the invention has been described with reference to the above illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not limited in any way by these illustrated embodiments.

Variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred in this specification.

As used in this specification, the words "comprises", "comprising", and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to".

List of references in the drawings

device 1

container body 2

floor 21

sidewall 22

upper edge 221

bulge 222

mixing device 23

lid 3

movable member 41

Claims

1 . Process of preparation of a hot coffee based beverage from a soluble coffee based beverage powder comprising the steps of :

- supplying a drinking container (1 ), said drinking container comprising a mixing device (23) and a heating device,

- introducing a dose of soluble coffee based beverage powder and a dose of diluent in the drinking container,

- mixing and heating the mixture of powder and diluent,

wherein said process of preparation comprises :

. a first step (S1 ) of dissolution of the dose of powder in the dose of diluent to produce the beverage, and

. a second step (S2) of heating the resulting beverage,

and

wherein during the first step (S1 ) of dissolution, the mixing device is actuated and the heater is switched off, and

wherein during the second step (S2) of heating, the heater is actuated and the mixing device is actuated at a speed preventing the frothing of the beverage in preparation.

2. Process according to Claim 1 , wherein the drinking container comprises :

- a container body (2), comprising a floor (21 ) and a sidewall (22) extending upwardly and longitudinally from the floor to an upper edge (221 ),

- a mixing device (23) positioned within the container body, and

- a heating device.

3. Process according to the precedent claim, wherein the container body of the drinking container is cylindrical and presents a diameter of about 65 mm and the mixing device is a toroidal-shaped coil presenting a diameter of about 30 mm.

4. Process according to any one of the precedent claims, wherein the first step (S1 ) of dissolution lasts less than 30 seconds.

5. Process according to the precedent claim, wherein the soluble coffee based beverage powder is a soluble instant coffee powder and the first step (S1 ) lasts less than 10 seconds.

6. Process according to any one of the precedent claims, wherein, during the first step (S1 ) of dissolution, the mixing device is actuated at at least 1300 rpm, preferably at at least 1500 rpm.

7. Process according to any one of the precedent claims, wherein, during the second step (S2) of heating, the mixing device is actuated at at most 1000 rpm, preferably at most 900 rpm, even more preferably at most 700 rpm.

8. Process according to any one of the precedent claims, wherein, during the second step of heating, the beverage is heated to reach a final beverage temperature of at least 60°C, preferably at least 65°C.

9. Process according to any one of the precedent claims, wherein the soluble coffee-based beverage powder is instant coffee powder.

10. Process according to the precedent claim, wherein the instant coffee powder comprises micronized roast and ground coffee.

1 1 . Process according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the soluble coffee-based beverage powder is a mixture of instant coffee powder, milk powder and sugar powder.

12. A container (1 ) for mixing, storing and drinking a beverage, said container comprising :

- a mixing device (23) positioned within the container body, and

- a heating device,

- a control process unit configured to control the mixing device and the heater in order to implement the process of any one of Claims 1 to 1 1 .

13. A container according to the precedent claim wherein the container body of the drinking container is cylindrical and presents an internal diameter of 65 mm and the mixing device is a toroidal-shaped coil presenting an external diameter of 30 mm.

14. A container according to Claim 12 or 13 wherein said container comprises a removable lid (3) configured for cooperating with the upper edge (221 ) of the container body and closing said container, said lid comprising at least one opening for drinking the beverage.