Food compositions with dough binders and methods related thereto

The present invention provides food compositions useful as ready-to-eat cereals, snacks, and toppings, and processes for making them. Particularly, the present invention provides food compositions with crisp texture, reduced fat, and surprising bowl life when used as a ready-to-eat cereal. The present food compositions are also an improvement over previous toppings or snacks, in that the present compositions comprise fewer "fines" or individual grains. Moreover, since the present compositions comprise a dough binder rather than a sugar binder, nutritional supplementation is possible, such as the addition of fiber. Efficient processes are also provided for making the present food compositions. Superior intermediates and end products are therefore also provided.