There is provided use of a conversion agent to prepare from a food material a foodstuff comprising at least one functional ingredient, wherein the at least one functional ingredient has been generated from at least one constituent of the food material by the conversion agent.
1. A method for preparing a foodstuff, wherein the foodstuff comprises an emulsifier, and wherein the foodstuff is selected from the group consisting of candy, caramel, chocolate, pudding, gum, frozen products, dairy products, meat products, edible oils, edible fats, oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions, dressings, margarine, shortening, spreads, mayonnaise, dips, cream based sauces, cream based soups, beverages, spice emulsions, and sauces, the method comprising:
(a) contacting at least a portion of a food material containing a fatty acid ester with an enzyme having esterase activity in a carrier comprising glycerol, wherein an emulsifier is generated by the enzyme from the fatty acid ester and the glycerol; and
(b) inactivating or denaturing the enzyme to provide the foodstuff comprising the emulsifier, the fatty acid ester, and the enzyme in an inactive form or a denatured form.