Solid Molasses Composition

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a solid molasses product having a low water content. The solid molasses product retains the physical and palatable properties of untreated/hydrated molasses while having a prolonged shelf-life. It can be advantageously used to sweeten beverages (such as hot beverages) and in the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions, confectionery as well as animal feed.

1 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A solid molasses product consisting essentially of a molasses and having a moisture content equal to or less than about 0.5% (w/w). 
     
     
         34 . The solid molasses product of  claim 33 , wherein the moisture content is equal to or less than about 0.3% (w/w). 
     
     
         35 . The solid molasses of  claim 33 , wherein the moisture content is equal to or less than about 0.1% (w/w). 
     
     
         36 . The solid molasses product of  claim 33 , wherein the molasses is a sugar cane molasses. 
     
     
         37 . The solid molasses product of  claim 36 , wherein the sugar cane molasses is a light or fancy molasses. 
     
     
         38 . The solid molasses product of  claim 37 , produced by a process comprising submitting the light or fancy molasses to a vacuum of at least 28 inHg while applying a raise in temperature of the light or fancy molasses to at most 80° C. and for a period of time of at least 70 minutes so as to obtain a dehydrated molasses product. 
     
     
         39 . The solid molasses product of  claim 36 , wherein the sugar cane molasses is a medium molasses. 
     
     
         40 . The solid molasses product of  claim 39 , produced by a process comprising submitting the medium molasses to a vacuum of at least 28 inHg while applying a raise in temperature of the medium molasses to at most 75° C. and for a period of time of at least 70 minutes so as to obtain a dehydrated molasses product. 
     
     
         41 . The solid molasses product of  claim 36 , wherein the sugar cane molasses is a black strap molasses. 
     
     
         42 . The solid molasses product of  claim 41 , produced by a process comprising submitting the black strap molasses to a vacuum of at least 28 inHg while applying a raise in temperature of the black strap molasses to at most 70° C. and for a period of time of at least 65 minutes so as to obtain a dehydrated molasses product. 
     
     
         43 . The solid molasses product of  claim 33 , being in a granular form. 
     
     
         44 . The solid molasses product of  claim 33 , being in a powder form. 
     
     
         45 . A molasses composition comprising the solid molasses product of  claim 33 , and at least one additive and having a moisture content equal to or less than about 0.5% (w/w). 
     
     
         46 . The molasses composition of  claim 45 , wherein the additive is a flavor. 
     
     
         47 . The molasses composition of  claim 45 , wherein the additive is a preservative. 
     
     
         48 . The molasses composition of  claim 47 , wherein the preservative is an anti-sticking agent or a stabilizer. 
     
     
         49 . The molasses composition of  claim 47 , wherein the preservative is a sugar alcohol.