Method of manufacturing a chewing gum base

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a chewing gum blend is disclosed wherein a high fat and oil gum base is cold blended with either a non-tack gum base or a conventional low fat gum base at temperatures between about 60°F and 180°F.

Description: The present invention is directed to a novel method of manufacturing a chewing gum and chewing gum base which involves cold blending chewing gum base having a high fat and oil content (hereinafter "HFO" gum base). Chewing gums having a HFO base manifest non-tack properties. See , for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,984,574. However, the texture, stability and flavor of chewing gums incorporating HFO gum base is somewhat less desirable than chewing gums incorporating conventional low fat gum base. Clearly, if a method of manufacturing a chewing gum were developed wherein the chewing gum exhibited the non-tack properties of chewing gums having HFO base, as well as the texture, stability and flavor characterized by gums incorporating conventional low fat bases, it would experience great commercial success. It has been discovered that cold blending HFO gum base according to the method of the present invention results in a gum base blend which imparts improved texture, stability and flavor to chewing gum. In one embodiment of the present invention, HFO gum base is cold blended with conventional low fat gum base to yield a gum base blend which imparts to chewing gum improved texture, stability and flavor. In another embodiment of the present invention, HFO gum base is cold-blended with non-tack gum base which, when used in chewing gum, results in a chewing gum having improved texture, stability and flavor, as well as non-tack properties. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, HFO gum base and conventional low fat gum base are mixed at a temperature of from 16°C (60°F) to 82°C (180°F). In another embodiment of the present invention, HFO gum base and non-tack gum base are mixed at a temperature of from 16°C (60°F) to 82°C (180°F). In another embodiment of the present invention, chewing gum ingredients are mixed with cold blended HFO gum base and conventional low fat gum base to yield a chewing gum with improved texture, stability, flavor. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, chewing gum ingredients are mixed with cold blended HFO gum base and non-tack gum base to yield a chewing gum having non-tack properties, and having improved texture, stability and flavor. In general, a chewing gum comprises a water soluble bulk portion, a water insoluble chewable gum base portion, and, typically, water insoluble flavors. The water soluble bulk portion dissipates with a portion of the flavor over a period of time during chewing. The chewable gum base portion is retained in the mouth throughout the chew. The present invention is primarily directed to the chewable gum base portion of the chewing gum. In accordance with the present invention, a method of manufacturing a superior gum base which imparts to chewing gum improved texture, stability and flavor has been discovered. In one embodiment of the present invention, HFO gum base is cold blended with conventional low fat gum base. By cold blended it is meant that HFO gum base and conventional low fat gum base are mixed at specific temperatures. In particular, the gum bases are mixed at a temperature of from 16°C (60°F) to 82°C (180°F) at 1.013 bar (one atmosphere) of pressure. Without being restricted thereto, it is theorized that fat and oil in the HFO gum base experiences heat degradation at temperatures substantially above the aforesaid range and, thus, the resulting gum base blend, when used in chewing gum, imparts to the gum a shortened shelf-life as well as a rancid taste. Conversely, when exposed to temperatures substantially below the aforementioned range, the HFO gum base is for all practical purposes not soft enough for mixing with conventional low fat gum base. Preferably, HFO gum base and conventional low fat gum base are mixed at a temperature of from 27°C (80°F) to 77°C (170°F). Most preferably, the HFO and conventional gum bases are mixed at a temperature of from 49°C (120°F) to 71°C (160°F). As contemplated by the present invention, HFO gum base is defined to be a gum base having from 20% to 50% by weight fat and/or oil. A HFO gum base generally comprises filler in an amount from 5% to 30% and preferably from 10% to 20% by weight of the HFO base; low molecular weight polyvinyl/acetate (i.e. molecular weight of 8,000 to 60,000) from 10% to 40% by weight of the HFO base; elastomers in an amount from 20% to 40% by weight of the HFO base; fat and/or oil from 20% to 50% by weight of the HFO base; and emulsifiers from 1% to 10% by weight of the HFO base. Examples of the fillers contemplated by the present invention include calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, talc and tricalcium phosphate, as well as mixtures thereof. Elastomers contemplated for use in the HFO gum base include synthetic gums or synthetic elastomers. Illustrative synthetic elastomers are butadiene-styrene copolymers, polyisobutylene, and isobutylene-isoprene copolymer. Preferably, polyisobutylene, isobutylene-isoprene copolymer, or mixtures thereof are employed. Most preferably, the HFO gum base utilizes a mixture of isobutylene-isoprene copolymer and polyisobutylene wherein the ratio of isobutylene-isoprene copolymer to polyisobutylene is from 3:1 to 1:3 by weight. Examples of fats and oils contemplated for use in the HFO gum base include hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil and hydrogenated soybean oil or mixtures thereof. Examples of emulsifiers contemplated for use in the HFO gum base include glyceryl monostearate, lecithin, fatty acid monoglycerides, diglycerides and triglycerides, as well as mixtures thereof. Glyceryl monostearate is a particularly preferred emulsifier for use in the HFO base. Optionally, the HFO gum base may contain antioxidant. Suitable antioxidants include butylhydroxide anisole (BHA) and butylhydroxide toluene (BHT). The preferred HFO gum base contemplated for use in the present invention comprises an antioxidant such as BHA from 0.01% to 0.1% by weight, and most preferably from 0.02% to 0.05% by weight of the HFO gum base; hydrogenated cottonseed oil in an amount from 5% to 20%, and most preferably from 10% to 15% by weight of the HFO gum base; hydrogenated vegetable oil in an amount from 5% to 20%, and most preferably from 6% to 15% by weight of the HFO gum base; hydrogenated soybean oil in an amount from 5% to 20%, and most preferably from 10% to 15% by weight of the HFO gum base; glycerol monostearate in an amount from 0.1% to 10%, and most preferably from 1% to 5% by weight of the HFO gum base; low molecular weight polyvinyl acetate in an amount from 10% to 40%, and most preferably from 20% to 30% by weight of the HFO gum base; calcium carbonate in an amount from 5% to 30%, and most preferably from 10% to 20% by weight of the HFO gum base; polyisobutylene in an amount from 5% to 30%, and most preferably from 10% to 30% by weight of the HFO gum base; and isoprene-isobutylene copolymer in an amount from 5% to 30%, and most preferably from 5% to 15% by weight of the HFO gum base. In one embodiment of the present invention any and all conventional low fat gum bases known by those skilled in the art are contemplated for cold blending with HFO base. Conventional low fat gum bases typically comprise elastomers, resins, fats and oils, waxes, softeners, and inorganic fillers. Elastomers may include polyisobutylene, isobutylene-isoprene copolymer, and styrene butadiene rubber, as well as natural latexes such as chicle and natural gums. Elastomers generally comprise from 15% to 50% by weight of the conventional low fat gum base. Preferably, elastomers are employed in an amount from 20% to 40% by weight of the conventional lowfat base. Resins may include polyvinylacetate, terpene resins, and elastomer solvents such as ester gums and rosin esters. Resins and elastomer solvents generally comprise from 10% to 50% by weight of the conventional low fat gum base. Fats and oils may also be included in the conventional low fat gum base, including tallow, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and cocoa butter. Conventional low fat gum bases generally comprise from 1% to 15% by weight fats and oils. Waxes may include candellila, paraffin, microcrystalline, and natural waxes such as beeswax and carnauba. Waxes contemplated for use in conventional low fat gum base include both those with high melting points of about 70°C or greater and low melting points of 30°C to 70°C. Waxes generally comprise from 1% to 15% by weight of the conventional low fat gum base. Conventional low fat gum bases may also include filler components examples of which include calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, talc or dicalcium phosphate. Fillers generally comprise from 5% to 50% by weight of the conventional low fat gum base. Conventional low fat gum bases typically also contain softeners, including glycerol monostearate and glycerol triacetate. Further, conventional low fat gum base may optionally contain ingredients such as antioxidants, colors, and emulsifiers. Examples of those antioxidants include BHA and BHT. Emulsifiers include glycerol monostearate, lecithin, fatty acid monoglycerides, diglycerides and triglycerides. In another embodiment of the present invention, HFO gum base is cold blended with a non-tack gum base. Any and all non-tack chewing gum bases known by those skilled in the art are contemplated for cold blending with HFO gum base. Non-tack gum bases typically comprise waxes such as paraffin and microcrystalline; terpene resins; oils such as hydrogenated cottonseed, hydrogenated soybean oil, and hydrogenated vegetable oil; glycerol monostearate; low molecular weight polyvinyl acetate; inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, talc and dicalcium phosphate; lecithin; polyisobutylene; and isoprene-isobutylene copolymer. Preferably, the non-tack gum base contemplated for use in the present invention comprises a high and a low melting wax. By high melting wax it is meant a wax with a melting point of about 70°C or greater. Examples of high melting waxes include candelilla wax, paraffin wax, carnauba wax and microcrystalline wax. By low melting point wax it is meant a wax with a melting point of about 50°C or less. A preferred low melting wax for use in the present invention is a low melting paraffin wax (m.p. about 46°C) available from Boler Petroleum Co. under the name "1397 wax". The preferred non-tack gum base contemplated for use in the present invention comprises microcrystalline wax having a melting point of about 82°C in an amount from 1% to 20%, and most preferably from 4% to 15% by weight of the non-tack base; terpene resin having a melting point of about 85°C in an amount of up to about 40%, and most preferably from 15% to 30% by weight of the non-tack base; paraffin wax having a melting point of about 46°C in an amount of up to about 4%, and most preferably from 1% to 2% by weight of the non-tack base; hydrogenated cottonseed, hydrogenated soybean, and/or hydrogenated vegetable oil in an amount from 1% to 15%, and most preferably from 2% to 10% by weight of the non-tack base; glycerol monostearate in an amount from 0.1% to 10%, and most preferably from 3% to 7% by weight of the non-tack base; low molecular weight polyvinyl acetate in an amount up to about 40% by weight, and most preferably between 20% and 30% by weight of the non-tack base; inorganic filler in an amount from 0.5% to 50%, and most preferably from 10% to 15% by weight of the non-tack base; lecithin in an amount up to about 5%, and most preferably between 1% and 2% by weight of the non-tack base; polyisobutylene in an amount up to about 20% and most preferably between 2% and 15% by weight of the non-tack base; and isoprene-isobutylene copolymer in an amount up to about 20%, and most preferably from 2% to 15% by weight of the non-tack base. In addition to base, chewing gum further comprises other ingredients. A chewing gum contains a water-soluble bulk portion. The water-soluble bulk portion may comprise softeners, sweeteners, flavoring agents and combinations thereof. Softeners are added to the chewing gum in order to optimize the chewability and mouth feel of the gum. Softeners, also known in the art as plasticizers or plasticizing agents, generally comprise from 0.5% to 15.0% by weight of the chewing gum. Softeners contemplated by the present invention include glycerin, lecithin, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, aqueous sweetener solutions such as those containing sorbitol, hydrogenated starch hydrosylates, corn syrup, and combinations thereof may be used as softeners and binding agents in gum. The method of the present invention is contemplated for use in the manufacture of either sugar-containing or sugarless gum formulations. Examples of sugar sweeteners include saccharide containing components commonly known in the chewing gum art which comprise sucrose, dextrose, maltose, dextrin, dried invert sugar, fructose, levulose, galactose and corn syrup solids, alone or in any combination. Examples of sugarless sweeteners include components with sweetening characteristics, but which are devoid of the commonly known sugars and comprise sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, hydrogenated starch hydrosylates and maltitol, alone or in any combination. Additionally, high potency sweeteners may be utilized in sugar-containing, as well as sugarless gum formulations. A flavoring agent may be present in the chewing gum in an amount from 0.1% to 10% by weight, and preferably from 0.5% to 3% by weight of the chewing gum. Examples of flavoring agents comprise essential oils, synthetic oils, or mixtures thereof including oils derived from plants and fruits such as citrus oils, fruit essences, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, clove oil, oil of wintergreen and anise. Artificial flavoring components may also be used in chewing gums. Those skilled in the art will recognize that natural and artificial flavoring agents may be combined in any reasonably acceptable blend. All such flavors and flavor blends are contemplated by the present invention. Optional ingredients such as colors, emulsifiers and pharmaceutical agents may be added to the chewing gum as well. According to one embodiment of the present invention, HFO gum base and conventional low fat gum base will be cold blended in such amounts so that the resulting gum base blend comprises from 2% to 50% by weight HFO gum base. Preferably, the resulting chewing gum base blend will comprise from 5% to 40% by weight HFO gum base. Most preferably, the resulting gum base blend will comprise from 10% to 30% by weight HFO gum base. In another embodiment of the present invention, HFO gum base and non-tack gum base are cold blended in such amounts so that the resulting gum base blend comprises from 2% to 50% by weight HFO gum base. Preferably, the resulting chewing gum base blend will comprise from 5% to 40% by weight HFO gum base. Most preferably, the resulting chewing gum base blend will comprise from 10% to 30% by weight HFO gum base. The HFO gum base and either the non-tack or conventional low fat gum base, depending on the base one desires to use, may be blended according to any method known by those skilled in the art, provided the blending occurs at temperatures from 27°C (80°F) to 77°C (170°F). In the preferred embodiment, however, either non-tack or conventional low fat gum base having a temperature of 93-121°C (200-250°F) is added to a running mixer. The HFO base, maintained at room temperature (21-32°C) (70-90°F) is then mixed with the molten non-tack or conventional low fat base causing the temperature of the resulting base blend to drop to 60-71°C (140-160°F) within two minutes. The base blend comprising HFO base and either non-tack base or conventional low fat base is subject to continued mixing for a period of from 2 to 10 minutes. Colors, emulsifiers, glycerin, and a portion of the bulking agent is then added to the base blend. Further portions of the bulking agent are added, and flavor added with the final portion. This mixing procedure takes 7 to 17 minutes, but may take longer as those skilled in the art will recognize. The invention is illustrated by the following examples. EXAMPLES Example 1 A chewing gum having the formulation provided below was prepared by presoftening both the HFO base and the non-tack base at about 140°F. Upon presoftening, the two bases were blended in a lab scale mixer for about 2 minutes at a temperature of about 60°C (140°F). Whereupon, the remaining chewing gum ingredients were added and mixed for a period of about 11 minutes. The resulting chewing gum had good quality texture and clean flavor. Another chewing gum having the formulation provided above can be prepared by presoftening both the HFO base and the non-tack base at about 121°C (250°F). Upon presoftening, the two bases can then be blended in a lab scale mixer for about 2 minutes at a temperature of about 121°C (250°F). Whereupon the remaining chewing gum ingredients can be added and mixed for a period of about 11 minutes. The resulting chewing gum will manifest a strong rancid, oily off-taste, which is likely attributable to the heat degradation of the HFO base. Example 2 Chewing gum A having the formulation provided below was prepared. The non-tack base and HFO base formulations as used in Example I were used in this Example as well. The non-tack gum base was added to the mixer in molten form -- i.e. at a temperature of about 116°C (240°F). The HFO gum base, having a temperature of about 20°C (68°F) was then added to the mixer along with calcium carbonate. The temperature of the resulting base blend quickly equilibrated to a temperature of about 71°C (160°F). The blend of HFO base, non-tack gum base, and calcium carbonate was then mixed for about 2.5 minutes. The syrup, glycerin and first portions of sugar and dextrose monohydrate were then added to the base blend. With the addition of the second and final portion of the sugar, the flavor was added. The batch mix time was about 9 minutes. Chewing gum B was prepared by presoftening both the HFO base and the non-tack base at about 116°C (240°F). Upon presoftening, the two bases were mixed in a pilot plant scale mixer for about 1 minute at a temperature of about 116°C (240°F). Calcium carbonate was then added and mixed for about 2 minutes. The syrup, glycerin and first portions of sugar and dextrose monohydrate were then added to the base blend. With the final portion of the sugar, flavor was added. The batch mix time was about 9 minutes. Sensory evaluation comparing chewing gums A and B showed that gum A had clean, fresh, mint flavor whereas chewing gum B had a strong rancid, oily aftertaste, likely attributable to the heat degradation of the HFO base. Example 3 A chewing gum having the formulation provided below was prepared: The HFO base used in this Example had the same formulation as in Examples 2 and 3, however, the batch used in this Example was older than in the previous examples. In fact, the HFO base used in this Example had started to manifest signs of deterioration. The non-tack base having a temperature of about 116°C (240°F) was added to the mixer. The HFO base and calcium carbonate having a temperature of about 20°C (68°F) were then added to the mixer; the resulting blend was mixed for 2 to 5 minutes at a temperature of about 71°C (160°F). The syrup, glycerin and first portions of the sugar and dextrose monohydrate were added. With the second and final addition of the sugar and dextrose monohydrate, the flavor was added. The batch mix time was about 9 minutes. The resulting chewing gum had good texture and clean, non-rancid flavor. Thus, even an aged batch of HFO base beginning to manifest signs of deterioration can be used to yield an organoleptic acceptable chewing gum when the gum is made according to the method of the present invention.

Claims: A method of manufacturing a chewing gum base blend comprising the following steps: providing conventional low fat gum base comprising elastomer; resins; wax; filler; and from 1% to 15% by weight of a component selected from fat, oil, and mixtures thereof; providing gum base having a high fat and oil content comprising filler; low molecular weight polyvinyl acetate; elastomer; emulsifier and from 20% to 50% by weight of a component selected from fat, oil and mixtures thereof; and mixing conventional low fat gum base and gum base having a high fat and oil content at a temperature of from 16°C to 82°C (60°F to 180°F), and in such amounts so that the resulting chewing gum base blend comprises from 2% to 50% by weight gum base having a high fat and oil content. A method of manufacturing a chewing gum base blend comprising the following steps: providing non-tack gum base comprising high melting wax; terpene resin; low melting wax; oil; low molecular weight polyvinyl acetate; inorganic filler; lecithin; polyisobutylene; and isoprene-isobutylene copolymer; providing gum base having a high fat and oil content comprising filler; low molecular weight polyvinyl acetate; elastomer; emulsifier; and from 20% to 50% by weight of a component selected from fat, oil and mixtures thereof; and mixing non-tack gum base and gum base having a high fat and oil content at a temperature of from 16°C to 82°C (60°F to 180°F), and in such amounts so that the resulting chewing gum base blend comprises from 2% to 50% by weight gum base having a high fat and oil content. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the elastomer of the gum base having a high fat and oil content comprises a mixture of isobutylene-isoprene copolymer and polyisobutylene wherein the ratio of isobutylene-isoprene copolymer to polyisobutylene is from 3:1 to 1:3 by weight. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the chewing gum base blend comprises from 5% to 40% by weight gum base having a high fat and oil content. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the chewing gum base blend comprises from 10% to 30% by weight gum base having a high fat and oil content. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the mixing is carried out at a temperature of from 27°C to 77°C (80°F to 170°F). A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the mixing is carried out at a temperature of from 49°C to 71°C (120°F to 160°F). A method of manufacturing a chewing gum comprising the following steps: providing conventional low fat gum base comprising elastomer; resins; wax; filler; and from 1% to 15% by weight of a component selected from the group consisting of fat, oil and mixtures thereof; providing gum base having a high fat and oil content comprising filler; low molecular weight polyvinyl acetate; elastomer; emulsifier; and from 20% to 50% by weight of at least one component selected from fat, oil and mixtures thereof; providing softener, sweetener and flavoring agent; and mixing conventional low fat gum base, gum base having a high fat and oil content, softener, sweetener and flavoring agent at a temperature of from 16°C to 82°C (60°F to 180°F) and in such amounts so that the resulting chewing gum comprises from 2% to 50% by weight gum base having a high fat and oil content. A method of manufacturing a chewing gum comprising the following steps: providing non-tack gum base comprising high melting wax; terpene resin; low melting wax; oil; low molecular weight polyvinyl acetate; inorganic filler; lecithin; polyisobutylene; and isoprene-isobutylene copolymer; providing gum base having a high fat and oil content comprising filler; low molecular weight polyvinyl acetate; elastomer; emulsifier; and from 20% to 50% by weight of a component selected from fat, oil and mixtures thereof; providing softener, sweetener, and flavoring agent; and mixing non-tack gum base, gum base having a high fat and oil content, softener, sweetener, and flavoring agent at a temperature of from 16°C to 82°C (60°F to 180°F) and in such amounts so that the resulting chewing gum comprises from 2% to 50% by weight gum base having a high fat and oil content.

Inventors: COPPER CHARLES M, PATEL MANSUKH M, COPPER, CHARLES M., PATEL, MANSUKH M.
Applicants: WRIGLEY W M JUN CO, WM. WRIGLEY JR. COMPANY
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A23G3
IPC codes: A23G4