Abstract:
To improve the temporal stability of multi-layered chewing gum. By adjusting the amount of a gelatinizing agent, especially gelatin, in an edible material, especially in a soft candy (1.5 to 6% by weight in the edible material and 1.5 to 10% by weight based on a gum base), it is possible to suppress moisture absorption and deterioration of flavor, prevent negative effects on the properties of chewing gum such as melting, and secure production suitability.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a multi-layered confectionery product and a method for producing the same. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    Multi-layered food products can provide unique properties, particularly when the food contains a different composition in each layer. Various studies have been conducted on the multi-layered food products and methods for producing the same (Patent Literatures 1 to 4). 
         [0003]    However, preparation of the multi-layered foods from a composition including various materials poses unique challenges including processing considerations, stability considerations, and consumer acceptance. Moreover, there is a need for new confectionery compositions which provide the desirable advantage of initial burst of flavor in combination with a long lasting flavor profile. Furthermore, there is also a need for new confectionery and chewing gum compositions which provide the desirable advantage of new textural features such as matching or mismatching texture. Moreover, the produced chewing gum has problems of adherence to packing paper due to moisture absorption properties, deterioration of flavor, and the like. Furthermore, it is necessary to secure production suitability in the production of the multi-layered food products. 
         [0004]    The multi-layered food products of the conventional arts including Patent Literatures 1 to 4 have not yet solved all the problems described above. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2011-519563 
     PTL 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2011-519564 
     PTL 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2011-519565 
     PTL 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2011-519566 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0005]    Conventionally, products having an edible material sandwiched between chewing gums have been sold not only in Japan but also overseas; however, when the products are stored for a period of time, moisture absorption occurs even before the expiration date, which leads to problems that the product adheres to the packing paper, have deteriorated flavor, and the like. When the chewing gum or the edible material adhere to the packing paper, it is difficult to take out the product wrapped in the packing paper, and then, the work of peeling off the product from the packing paper is required. Moreover, in the case of stronger adherence, the product can not be peeled off from the packing paper well and a part of the packing paper comes off to adhere strongly to the chewing gum or the edible material, and the product then reaches an inedible state. Furthermore, since stains resulting from colors used in the chewing gum or the edible material adhere to the packing paper, the appearance of the product becomes worse. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0006]    The present invention relates to multi-layered confectionery which has less moisture absorption and less deteriorated flavor, has no negative effects on the properties of chewing gum such as melting, and can secure production suitability by adjusting the amount of a gelatinizing agent, especially gelatin, in an edible material, especially in a soft candy (1.5 to 6% by weight in the edible material and 1.5 to 10% by weight based on a gum base). 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0007]    It is possible to suppress moisture absorption and deterioration of flavor in the multi-layered confectionery, prevent negative effects on the properties of chewing gum such as melting, and secure production suitability. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating a production flow of multi-layered chewing gum according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0009]    The present invention relates to multi-layered confectionery having an edible material sandwiched between gums. 
         [0010]    Moreover, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the edible material is one or more selected from the group consisting of a soft candy, a jelly, and a fruit paste. 
         [0011]    Moreover, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the edible material is a soft candy. 
         [0012]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the soft candy comprises a gelatinizing agent. 
         [0013]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the gelatinizing agent is one or more selected from the group consisting of gelatin, gum arabic, pectin, agar, and carrageenan. 
         [0014]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the gelatinizing agent is gelatin. 
         [0015]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, comprising 1.5 to 6% by weight of gelatin. 
         [0016]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, comprising 2 to 4% by weight of gelatin. 
         [0017]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, which comprises 1.5 to 6% by weight of gelatin and in which the amount of gelatin is 1 to 15% by weight based on a gum base. 
         [0018]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, which comprises 2 to 4% by weight of gelatin and in which the amount of gelatin is 1.5 to 10% by weight based on the gum base. 
         [0019]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the edible material comprises 5 to 30% of moisture. 
         [0020]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the edible material comprises 60 to 95% by weight of polyol. 
         [0021]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the polyol is one or more selected from the group consisting of a crystalline sugar alcohol and a non-crystalline sugar alcohol. 
         [0022]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the crystalline sugar alcohol is one or more selected from the group consisting of xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and lactitol. 
         [0023]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the crystalline sugar alcohol is xylitol. 
         [0024]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the non-crystalline sugar alcohol is one or more selected from the group consisting of maltitol syrup and reduced starch syrup. 
         [0025]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the non-crystalline sugar alcohol is reduced starch syrup. 
         [0026]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the crystalline sugar alcohol is one or more selected from the group consisting of xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and lactitol and the non-crystalline sugar alcohol is one or more selected from the group consisting of maltitol syrup and reduced starch syrup. 
         [0027]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, wherein the crystalline sugar alcohol is xylitol and the non-crystalline sugar alcohol is reduced starch syrup. 
         [0028]    Furthermore, the present invention relates to the multi-layered confectionery described above, comprising 30 to 70% by weight of the crystalline sugar alcohol and comprising 30 to 70% by weight of the non-crystalline sugar alcohol. 
         [0029]    As the gum used in the present invention, generally used one can be used. A compounded composition can include a gum base, a carbohydrate, and a flavor. Examples of the carbohydrate that can be used include saccharides such as sugar, sucrose, glucose, fructose, trehalose, and palatinose; sugar alcohols such as xylitol, maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol, lactitol, and reduced palatinose; starch syrup, reduced starch syrup, and maltitol syrup. Moreover, acidulants such as citric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, and tartaric acid; high intensity sweeteners such as aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, neotame, and stevia; polysaccharides such as oligosaccharides; softeners such as glycerin; natural colors; artificial colors; and functional materials such as plant extracts can be arbitrarily used as needed. The gum can be produced according to an ordinary method. 
         [0030]    Examples of the edible material used in the present invention include candies, gummies, jellies, fillings, creams, spreads, flour pastes, jams, bean pastes, chocolates, cheeses, curries, and fruits. Especially, preferred examples thereof include soft candies, jellies, and fruit pastes. 
         [0031]    Preferred examples of the gelatinizing agent used in the edible material in the present invention include gelatin, gum arabic, pectin, agar, and carrageenan. Moreover, it is desirable that the gelatinizing agent used in the edible material in the present invention is used in an amount of 1.5 to 6% by weight in the edible material and in an amount of 1 to 15% by weight based on the gum base present in the gum combined with the edible material. Furthermore, it is more desirable that the gelatinizing agent used in the edible material in the present invention is used in an amount of 2 to 4% by weight in the edible material and in an amount of 1.5 to 10% by weight based on the gum base present in the gum combined with the edible material. 
         [0032]    Preferred examples of the polyol used in the edible material in the present invention include crystalline sugar alcohols such as xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and lactitol; and non-crystalline sugar alcohols such as maltitol syrup and reduced starch syrup. Moreover, it is desirable that the polyol used in the edible material in the present invention is used in an amount of 60 to 95% by weight in the edible material. Furthermore, it is desirable that the crystalline sugar alcohol is used in an amount of 30 to 70% by weight in the edible material and the non-crystalline sugar alcohol is used in an amount of 30 to 70% by weight in the edible material. 
         [0033]    Hereinafter, the three-layered confectionery according to the present invention will be further described with Examples, but it should be construed that the present invention is in no way limited to those Examples. 
       EXAMPLES 
     Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 
       [0034]    Three-layered confectionery comprising gum portions and a soft candy portion having compositions shown in Tables 1 and 2 respectively and, as a whole, composed by the portions having the weights shown in Table 3 was produced. 
         [0035]    That is, all the gum portions serving as an upper layer and a lower layer had the same composition as shown in Table 1. The soft candy portions serving as an intermediate layer had varying gelatin amounts: 1.00 (Comparative Example 1), 1.50 (Example 1), 2.00 (Example 2), 4.00 (Example 3), 6.00 (Example 4), and 8.00 (Comparative Example 2) % by weight, as shown in Table 2. 
         [0036]    The three-layered gum was produced according to the production flow shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0037]    As for the gum portion, raw materials were mixed to form chewing gum having a constant thickness, according to an ordinary method of producing chewing gum. 
         [0038]    As for the soft candy portion, raw materials were dissolved and concentrated, and xylitol fondant was then put therein to be mixed, and cooling was performed, to form a soft candy having a constant thickness, according to an ordinary method of producing a soft candy. 
         [0039]    The chewing gum having a constant thickness and the soft candy having a constant thickness were arranged so that the chewing gum was placed as the upper layer and the lower layer, and the soft candy was placed as the intermediate layer, and then, rolling and cooling were carried out. After that, cutting was carried out to form three-layered confectionery having a prescribed shape. 
         [0040]    The sizes of the gum portion and the soft candy portion after forming were adjusted to 12 mm in the short side and 43 mm in the long side. The thickness of the gum portion was adjusted to 1.2 mm for both of the upper layer and the lower layer, and the thickness of the soft candy portion was adjusted to 1.0 mm. 
         [0041]    The three-layered confectionery after forming was packed using silver paper prepared by bonding aluminum and paper. The size of the used silver paper was about three times as large as that of the three-layered confectionery in the short side and was about one and a half as large as that of the three-layered confectionery in the long side. 
         [0042]    Packing of the three-layered confectionery was performed by placing the three-layered confectionery on the silver paper so that the long side of the confectionery was directed in the longitudinal direction, folding the silver paper protruding from the long sides in right and left direction along the long sides, and then, folding the silver paper protruding from the short sides in top and bottom direction along the short sides. 
         [0043]    Moreover, as reference, three-layered confectionery marketed by another company, which was re-packed by silver paper by the same process as that of the produced three-layered confectionery, was prepared. 
         [0044]    For confirming the quality stability of the three-layered confectionery before the expiration date, specifically, for confirming presence or absence of adherence of the three-layered confectionery to the silver paper, presence or absence of melting of the gum, and presence or absence of deterioration of flavor before the expiration date, an accelerated aging test was performed. The three-layered confectionery packed in the silver paper was left for 18 hours at an accelerated aging condition of a high temperature and a high humidity. 
         [0045]    For each of the three-layered confectionery after accelerated aging, presence or absence of adherence to the silver paper was evaluated. Moreover, for each of the three-layered confectionery after mastication, trained three expert panelists evaluated whether melting was observed in the mouth and whether deterioration of flavor was observed. Furthermore, whether formation can be easily carried out in the production of the three-layered confectionery without impairing the physical properties of the three-layered confectionery was evaluated. It is noted that the term “melting” here means a state in which gum does not come together and is softened to an un-masticatable state, and breaks to pieces. 
         [0046]    Furthermore, the formability in the production of the three-layered confectionery was evaluated in terms of whether the soft candy portion once extended to a prescribed thickness in the rolling step in  FIG. 1  could not proceed on to the forming step (cutting step) because the extended portion went back to a thickness close to the thickness before rolling due to the stretching properties (rebound resilience) of the soft candy portion. 
         [0047]    The properties of the obtained three-layered confectionery were evaluated based on the following evaluation basis. 
       Adherence to Silver Paper 
       [0048]    AA: No adherence is observed.
 
A: Though adherence is slightly observed and stains resulting from the color are observed, the confectionery can be peeled off from the silver paper.
 
B: Though adherence is slightly strongly observed and a number of stains resulting from the color are observed, the confectionery can be peeled off from the silver paper.
 
C: The confectionery can not be peeled off from the silver paper.
 
       Melting of Gum 
       [0049]    AA: No melting is observed.
 
A: Slightly softened but no melting is observed.
 
B: Considerably softened but no melting is observed.
 
C: Melting is observed depending on the panelists.
 
       Flavor 
       [0050]    AA: No problem
 
A: Deterioration of flavor is slightly observed.
 
B: Deterioration of flavor is observed to a certain degree.
 
C: Off-taste/off-flavor is strong.
 
       Formability 
       [0051]    A: No problem
 
B: Expansion or contraction is observed and forming is difficult.
 
C: Expansion or contraction is largely observed and forming can not be carried out.
 
         [0052]    The obtained results are shown in Table 5. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Gum portion composition (The same composition is employed for all of the upper layers and the 
               
               
                 lower layers in Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Raw material name 
                 Blended ratio % 
                 Explanation of raw material 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Maltitol 
                 44.00 
                   
               
               
                 Gum base 
                 35.00 
                   
               
               
                 Erythritol 
                 6.00 
                   
               
               
                 Mannitol 
                 7.00 
                   
               
               
                 Sweetener 
                 1.00 
                 Aspartame • acesulfame potassium 
               
               
                 Softener 
                 1.00 
                 Gum arabic solution 
               
               
                 Flavor 
                 5.00 
                   
               
               
                 Moisture 
                 0.90 
                   
               
               
                 Color 
                 0.10 
                   
               
               
                 Total 
                 100.00 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0053]    The blended ratios (%) are all represented by % by weight. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Soft candy portion (intermediate layer) composition 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Blended ratio % 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Comparative 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Comparative 
                 Explanation of raw 
               
               
                 Raw material name 
                 Example 1 
                 Example 1 
                 Example 2 
                 Example 3 
                 Example 4 
                 Example 2 
                 material 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Xylitol 
                 29.70 
                 29.50 
                 29.30 
                 28.40 
                 27.50 
                 26.70 
                   
               
               
                 Reduced starch 
                 50.10 
                 49.80 
                 49.50 
                 48.30 
                 47.10 
                 45.90 
               
               
                 syrup 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Plant protein 
                 0.80 
                   
               
               
                 Gum arabic 
                 4.00 
               
               
                 Palm hardened oil 
                 2.00 
               
               
                 Extremely 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 hardened oil 
               
               
                 Emulsifier 
                 0.12 
                 Lecithin and sorbitol fatty 
               
               
                   
                   
                 acid ester 
               
               
                 Antioxidizing 
                 0.01 
               
               
                 agent 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Gelatin 
                 1.00 
                 1.50 
                 2.00 
                 4.00 
                 6.00 
                 8.00 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Xylitol fondant * 
                 15.00 
                 One prepared by 
               
               
                   
                   
                 concentrating xylitol and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 reduced starch syrup and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 performing cooling to re- 
               
               
                   
                   
                 crystallize xylitol 
               
               
                 Color 
                 0.80 
               
               
                 Flavor 
                 4.00 
               
               
                 Final amount of 
                 100.00 
               
               
                 moisture 6.0% * 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 * It is indicated that the final amount is 100.00% by weight after the raw materials were mixed and concentrated to evaporate moisture in the Table. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0054]    The blended ratios (%) are all represented by % by weight. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Configuration of three-layered 
               
               
                 chewing gum 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Weight 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Gum portion 
                 1.5 g 
               
               
                   
                 Soft candy portion 
                 0.6 g 
               
               
                   
                 Total 
                 2.1 g 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 *Composition of xylitol fondant 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Raw material name 
                 Blended ratio % 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Xylitol 
                 70.85 
               
               
                   
                 Reduced starch syrup 
                 33.57 
               
               
                   
                 Final amount of moisture 
                 100.00 
               
               
                   
                 6.0% * 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 The blended ratios (%) are all represented by % by weight. *It is indicated that the final amount is 100.00% by weight after the raw materials were mixed and concentrated to evaporate moisture in the Table. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Evaluation result of three-layered chewing gum after accelerated aging when the amount of 
               
               
                 gelatin in the soft candy portion is varied 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Amount of gelatin in soft 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 candy portion (% by 
                 Adherence to 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 weight) 
                 silver paper 
                 Melting of gum 
                 Flavor  
                 Formability 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Comparative 
                 1.00 
                 C 
                 AA 
                 AA 
                 A 
               
               
                 Example 1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Example 1 
                 1.50 
                 B 
                 AA 
                 AA 
                 A 
               
               
                 Example 2 
                 2.00 
                 A 
                 AA 
                 AA 
                 A 
               
               
                 Example 3 
                 4.00 
                 AA 
                 A 
                 A 
                 A 
               
               
                 Example 4 
                 6.00 
                 AA 
                 B 
                 A 
                 B 
               
               
                 Comparative 
                 8.00 
                 AA 
                 C 
                 B 
                 C 
               
               
                 Example 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Product 
                 None 
                 C 
                 B 
                 C 
                 None 
               
               
                 marketed by 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 another company 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0055]    The results described above indicated that the produced three-layered confectionery had the following properties. 
         [0056]    The three-layered confectionery of Comparative Example 1 has a considerably soft texture at the beginning of mastication, but flavor comes satisfactorily. However, adherence of the three-layered confectionery to the silver paper is strong and can not be peeled off satisfactorily. 
         [0057]    The three-layered confectionery of Example 1 has a soft texture at the beginning of mastication, which is harder and firmer than that of Comparative Example 1, and flavor comes satisfactorily. 
         [0058]    The three-layered confectionery of Example 2 has a just satisfactory texture (hardness) at the beginning of mastication and flavor comes satisfactorily. A decline in the hardness of the gum is barely observed after some time passes from the beginning of mastication and saliva and the gum are mixed sufficiently (after an intermediate time). 
         [0059]    The three-layered confectionery of Example 3 has a just satisfactory texture (hardness) at the beginning of mastication and flavor comes satisfactorily, but a decline in the hardness of the gum is slightly observed after an intermediate time. 
         [0060]    The three-layered confectionery of Example 4 has a hard texture at the beginning of mastication and flavor spreads weakly at the beginning. A decline in the hardness of the gum is observed after an intermediate time and gelatin odor is observed. 
         [0061]    The three-layered confectionery of Comparative Example 2 has a harder texture than that of Example 4 at the beginning of mastication and flavor spreads poorly at the beginning. A decline in the hardness of the gum is significantly observed after an intermediate time and the gum is melted. Gelatin odor is too strong. Moreover, the extension and contraction of the soft candy portion is too large at the time of rolling and formation can not be satisfactorily carried out. 
         [0062]    The three-layered confectionery marketed by another company has a soft texture at the beginning of mastication, stickiness and moisture absorption are considerably observed, and considerably deteriorated odor of flavor is observed. The results described above revealed that, when the amount of gelatin was adjusted to 1.5 to 6% by weight, preferably 2 to 4% by weight in the soft candy portion in the three-layered confectionery, no adherent or slight adherent to the silver paper was observed even after the confectionery was stored for a period of time before the expiration date. Moreover, it was also revealed that the three-layered confectionery described above had no melting of the gum and little deterioration of flavor. Furthermore, it was also revealed that the three-layered confectionery described above had little extension or contraction in the soft candy portion in the production and had satisfactory formability. Accordingly, it has been revealed that three-layered confectionery which has excellent quality that has never been before can be produced. 
         [0063]    This application claims the priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-070010, filed on Mar. 26, 2012, and the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as a part of the present application.