As GEA, we are at the forefront of strengthening snack pellet manufacturing. Our advanced technologies and expertise empower snack pellet producers to craft extruded delights that captivate consumers worldwide. With our machinery, we offer precise control over every aspect of production, from color and shape to expansion rate.
Our snack pellet technologies offer the ability to create a wide selection of snacks, each with different shapes, textures, and raw materials.
2D Pellets
3D Pellets
Square Shapes
Die-Cut Chips
Laminated Potato Chips
Punched Pellets
GEA cutting-edge technologies to unleash the potential of snack pellets production
The production of snack pellet offers a range of advantages that make them a preferred choice in the snack industry. Initially produced in a dried and semi-processed form, these products are convenient for storage and shipment, ensuring ease of handling and a longer shelf life.
During the second phase of production, they undergo expansion, seasoning, and packaging, resulting in a light, crunchy, and enjoyable snack. Their unique expansion capability is attributed to the presence of gelatinized or partially gelatinized starch in their matrix.
As the water entrapped evaporates rapidly above the boiling point, creating internal pressure that leads to increase the volume of the snack pellet. This process boasts several key benefits, including a well-defined shapes compared to directly expanded products, a wider choice possibility of raw materials, and different kind of snack pellets shaping systems.
The extrusion cooking system stands out as the most efficient and commonly used method for producing snack pellets. Whether using forming extruders for shaping or cold extrusion for pre-cooked raw materials, pellet snack production offers versatility and consistency. Overall, the combination of innovative technology and unique properties makes snack pellets a preferred choice for manufacturers and consumers alike.
Extended freshness and healthy-first approach
At GEA we prioritize health-conscious options. Our snack pellet processing lines can be designed to reduce the oil absorption of pellets. In this way, they can be subsequently roasted or baked with hot air, allowing snack pellet manufacturers to meet specific dietary preferences, such as low-sodium, low-carbohydrate, or gluten-free requirements. Moreover, pellets have the remarkable ability to maintain freshness even after prolonged storage, offering an effective method for extending the life of perishable ingredients.
Creativity meets innovation
At GEA, we understand the importance of innovation in meeting the ever-changing demands of the snack industry. That's why our state-of-the-art equipment enables manufacturers to create a diverse range of snacks that excite taste buds and drive consumer engagement. Collaborating with us, snack pellet producers can achieve a multitude of textures, ensuring each snack offers a delightful sensory experience. Whether it's soluble, crunchy, or crispy, our technologies deliver high standard of versatility and quality.
More than a fairy story. GEA develops a new snack format: Cinderella’s Slipper.
Different cutting techniques in snack pellet production
In the snack pellet production process, extrusion plays a crucial role in achieving consistent shapes. Utilizing GEA xTru extruders, manufacturers can precisely control gelatinization, ensuring uniformity throughout. The integrated regulation system facilitates direct thickness adjustments at the head, with rollers maintaining the desired thickness.
GEA's xTru extruders, equipped with specialized dies and inserts, guarantee precision shaping. Notably, cold extrusion products, such as potato-based snacks, are easier to cut due to their malleability, whereas cooking-extruded products require careful handling due to their stretchier nature. GEA's extruders offer both configurability and durability, complemented by cutting systems designed for maximum precision.
Moreover, shapes are meticulously honed in the GEA Dies & Moulds department, ensuring durability and accuracy in every snack project.
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Dies & Moulds
GEA's Dies and Moulds Department studies and develops systems that cover all the shaping process phases in pasta and snack processing lines, including shaping, cutting, cleaning and maintenance of the dies. GEA provides equipment such as extrusion moulds, cutting systems and die washing machines.
GEA xTru Cooker
The single-screw cooking-extruder that can transform any raw materials into high added value products.
GEA xTru Former
The single-screw cooking-extruder that can transform any raw materials into high added value products.
GEA xTru Twin
The twin-screw cooking-extruder with higher cooking capacity and versatility, featuring enhanced process capabilities.
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