A dispensing apparatus is provided suitable for dispensing at least first and
second
components in desired ratios especially for multi-component packaged food products.
The apparatus comprises a hopper having an outlet at its lower end and a first
auger having a hollow shaft disposed within the hopper having component conveying
flights and a drive means for rotating the auger. A first component is conveyed
by the auger flights and dispensed at an outlet while a second component is conveyed
though a hollow shaft of the auger. The apparatus can include a second rotationally
driven auger that is positioned within the hollow shaft of the first auger having
conveying flights. The second component can be conveyed via the second auger within
the hollow shaft. The second auger's shaft also can be hollow whereby a third component
can be conveyed through the second hollow shaft of the second auger. Also provided
are methods for dispensing measured quantities of multiple components for providing
blends of components characterized by highly uniform amounts of each component
in each quantity of the blend. The components dispensed can be blended and packaged
in a single container such as a film pouch or separately in a multi-compartment pouch.
