| abstract |
Embodiments herein related to multi-component packaged food products which have been thermally processed to achieve commercial sterility in a package, including at least a first component and a second component in contact with (e.g., immersed in) the first component, wherein said first component is comprised of a substantially water-based, liquid, pasty or gelled food such as sauce, gel, gravy, jus or the like, and wherein the second component consists of one or more relatively hard, manufactured pieces that substantially retain their initial shape and hard or crunchy textural functionality for at least an expected shelf-life of the product whilst exposed to the moisture content of the first component. |