Solid compositions containing hydrocolloids and processes for preparing the same

A solid mixture comprising:

• (a) a solid carrier selected from the group consisting of zeolites, waterglasses, and sucrose, (b) a surfactant component comprising an alkyl oligoglycoside of the general formula R1O-[G]p, wherein R1 represents an alkyl and/or alkenyl group having from 4 to 22 carbon atoms, G represents a sugar unit having 5 or 6 carbon atoms and p represents a number of from 1 to 10, (c) a component which is liquid at room temperature, and (d) a hydrocolloid selected from the group consisting of gelatin, alginates, pectins, modified starch, carrageenans, agar, xanthan, galactomannans, and gum arabic;
• wherein the solid carrier is present in an amount of from 5 to 75% by weight, wherein the surfactant component is present in an amount of from 10 to 55% by weight, wherein the component which is liquid at room temperature and the hydrocolloid are present in a combined amount of from 5 to 50% by weight, and wherein the component which is liquid at room temperature and the hydrocolloid are present in a ratio by weight of from 3:1 to 1:1.

A process for producing solid mixtures, said process comprising:

• (i) preparing an aqueous emulsion comprising (a) a solid carrier, (b) a surfactant component, (c) a component which is liquid at room temperature, and (d) a hydrocolloid;
• and (ii) drying the aqueous emulsion at an elevated temperature.