日: 2026年2月7日

Five Key Factors in Producing High-Quality Expanded Snacks

The production of high-quality expanded snacks, from puffs and curls to direct-expanded shapes, is a precise science that balances ingredient selection, processing parameters, snack extruder machine and stringent quality control. Moving beyond simple volume expansion to achieve superior texture, flavor, and nutritional value requires mastery of several interconnected factors. Here are the five key pillars for manufacturing premium expanded snacks. 1. Ingredient Selection and Formulation The foundation of any great snack lies in its raw materials. The primary ingredient is typically a starch source—corn, rice, wheat, potato, or tapioca—each imparting unique characteristics to flavor, color, and expansion. Rice, for instance, offers a clean taste and white color, while corn provides […]

Unpacking the Processing Technology Behind Corn Sticks (Puffed Corn Snacks)

1. Introduction Corn sticks—also known as puffed corn sticks or extruded corn snacks—look simple, but their airy texture, crisp bite, and uniform shape are the result of tightly controlled processing. This article “reveals” the typical industrial process used to manufacture corn sticks, explaining what happens at each step and why small parameter changes can dramatically affect expansion, crunch, and density. 2. Raw Materials and Formulation Most corn sticks start with a cereal base plus minor ingredients that control flavor, structure, and processing behavior. Key quality targets are consistent particle size, low contamination, and stable initial moisture to keep the extruder running smoothly. 3. Typical Process Flow (Industrial Line) A common […]

Cleaning of a Twin-Screw Extruder (Twin-Screw Expansion Extruder)

1. Introduction Cleaning a twin-screw extrusion system is essential for food safety, product quality, allergen control, and reliable operation. Because extrusion combines heat, pressure, and shear, residues can bake onto screw elements, barrel liners, the die face, and the cutter area. A good cleaning program includes routine in-process cleaning, planned shutdown cleaning, and periodic deep cleaning with inspection and maintenance. 2. When Cleaning Is Required Cleaning frequency depends on formulation, run length, and hygiene standards. Typical triggers include: 3. Safety and Preparations (Critical) Before any cleaning activity, follow plant safety rules. 4. In-Process Cleaning (Purge Cleaning) Purge cleaning is the most common method and is done without disassembly. Purge cleaning […]

Operation of a Twin-Screw Extruder for Expanded Products

1. Introduction A twin-screw extrusion cooking system (often called a twin-screw extruder for puffed or expanded foods) is used to continuously mix, cook, and shape formulations such as cereal snacks, breakfast cereals, and texturized ingredients. Successful operation depends on controlling feed rate, moisture, screw speed, temperature profile, and die conditions to achieve stable flow, target expansion, and consistent texture. 2. Pre-Start Preparation Before starting the machine, operators typically confirm that the extruder and auxiliary systems are ready. Good preparation reduces the risk of start-up surges, plugging, excessive torque, and unstable expansion. 3. Start-Up Procedure Start-up is usually performed gradually to warm the system and establish a stable material flow. 4. […]

Main Components of a Twin-Screw Extruder

1. Introduction A twin-screw extruder is a continuous processing machine widely used in food, feed, and biomaterial industries for mixing, cooking, conveying, texturizing, and shaping materials under controlled heat and shear. Compared with single-screw systems, twin-screw extruders provide stronger mixing capability, better process stability, and higher flexibility in handling diverse formulations. Understanding the major components of a twin-screw extruder is essential for equipment selection, operation, maintenance, and product quality control. 2. Feeding System (Raw Material Inlet Section) The feeding system delivers ingredients into the extruder at a stable and controllable rate. A well-designed feeding section prevents bridging, improves flowability, and ensures consistent residence time and product uniformity. 3. Screw Elements […]

Processing Technology of Instant Rice (Quick-Cooking Rice)

1. Introduction Instant rice (also called quick-cooking rice) is a convenience food designed to shorten preparation time while maintaining acceptable texture, flavor, and nutritional value. Unlike raw milled rice that requires full cooking, instant rice is typically pre-cooked (fully or partially), stabilized, and then dehydrated so it can be rehydrated quickly with hot water or brief heating. Its processing technology focuses on controlling starch gelatinization, moisture migration, and structural integrity to achieve fast reconstitution without excessive stickiness or hardness. 2. Raw Materials and Quality Requirements The quality of instant rice is strongly influenced by the properties of the raw rice. 3. Typical Processing Flow A representative instant rice production line […]

How Fortified Rice Is Made

Fortified rice is designed to look, cook, and taste like regular rice while providing extra vitamins and minerals that help improve nutrition. It is commonly used in school meal programs, food aid, and everyday diets in places where people may not get enough micronutrients from other foods. The process of making fortified rice depends on the technology used, but the goal is always the same: add stable nutrients in a way that survives storage, washing, and cooking as well as possible. 1) Choosing the nutrient blend Manufacturers first decide which micronutrients to add, based on local nutrition needs and regulations. Common fortificants include: Because some nutrients can react with moisture, […]