Patent Publication Number: US-2022225659-A1

Title: Smokeless tobacco composition

Description:
The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/GB2020/050599, filed Mar. 11, 2020 which claims priority from GB Patent Application No. 1903291.1 filed Mar. 11, 2019, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a smokeless tobacco composition, and to a process for producing the smokeless tobacco composition. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Tobacco fermentation is generally a process that starts spontaneously soon after the tobacco is harvested. As tobacco fermentation was early on found to enhance certain properties of the tobacco, such as smell and taste, this spontaneous process is frequently consciously stimulated in various industrial processes in the course of tobacco production. 
     However, tobacco fermentation—spontaneous as well as industrially stimulated—also has the effect of generating undesired by-products, such as for instance tobacco-specific nitrosamines, abbreviated TSNA. 
     It would be desirable to be able to provide an improved smokeless tobacco composition. For example, it would be desirable to provide a smokeless tobacco composition that can easily be provided with such desirable properties as is associated with tobacco fermentation, such as enhanced smell and taste, while not being burdened by the undesired side effects of tobacco fermentation. It would also be desirable to provide a smokeless tobacco composition having improved physical properties to enhance the user&#39;s experience. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a smokeless tobacco composition comprising bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. 
     In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a process for the production of a smokeless tobacco composition as defined herein, the process comprising the steps of:
         (a) providing unbleached tobacco material;   (b) bleaching the unbleached tobacco material to form bleached tobacco material; and   (c) recovering the bleached tobacco material such that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.       

     In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a smokeless tobacco composition obtained or obtainable by the process comprising the steps of:
         (a) providing unbleached tobacco material;   (b) bleaching the unbleached tobacco material to form bleached tobacco material; and   (c) recovering the bleached tobacco material such that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.       

     For ease of reference, these and further aspects of the present disclosure are now discussed under appropriate section headings. However, the teachings under each section are not necessarily limited to each particular section. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof 
     It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” modifying the quantity of an ingredient in the tobacco material or tobacco compositions of the disclosure or employed in the methods of the disclosure refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring and liquid handling procedures used for making concentrates or use solutions in the real world; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the tobacco material or tobacco compositions, or to carry out the methods; and the like. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about”, the claims include equivalents to the quantities. 
     In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the term “bleached” refers to an object, such as for instance a tobacco material, such as a tobacco raw material, whose visible color has been reduced by any known method for this purpose, such as by washing with one or more solvents, or treatment with one or more bleaching agents, or any combination thereof. 
     In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the term “fermentable carbohydrates” refers to carbohydrates that can be metabolically broken down in and by the human body. For example, the term “fermentable carbohydrate” may encompass starch, glucose, fructose and sucrose. 
     In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the term “oral” in connection to a product refers to a product which, in normal use, is suited to be placed somewhere in the oral cavity of the user, for example under the lips, in the same way as moist snuff products are generally used. 
     The ranges provided herein provide preferred amounts of each of the components. Each of these ranges may be taken alone or combined with one or more other component ranges to provide a preferred aspect of the disclosure. 
     Composition 
     As described herein, the smokeless tobacco composition comprises bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. 
     In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is a bleached tobacco raw material. 
     In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 50% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 40% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 30% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 20% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 0.5% to about 9% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 1% to about 8% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 2% to about 7% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. 
     In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. 
     In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is as described in WO 2015/150506, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material comprises less than about 4 weight-%, such as less than about 2 weight-%, such as less than about 1 weight-%, of fermentable carbohydrates, calculated on the dry total weight of the bleached tobacco material. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material comprises starch, glucose, fructose and sucrose in a total combined amount of less than about 4 weight-%, such as less than about 2 weight-%, such as less than about 1 weight-% of the bleached tobacco material. 
     In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an ISO brightness that is not less than about 60, such as not less than about 70, such as not less than about 80, as measured according to ISO 2470:1999. 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a smokeless tobacco composition that comprises a bleached tobacco material (such as a bleached tobacco raw material) that is substantially free from undesired substances, as described in WO 2015/150506, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, in some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition comprises: 
     less than about 7.0 mg/kg nitrite; and/or 
     less than about 2.0 mg/kg combined amount of NNN (N-nitrosonornicotine) and NNK ((4-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone); and/or 
     less than about 10.0 μg/kg NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine); and/or 
     less than about 5.0 μg/kg B(a)P (Benzo(a)pyrene); and/or 
     less than about 1.0 mg/kg Cd; and/or 
     less than about 2.0 mg/kg Pb; and/or 
     less than about 0.5 mg/kg As; and/or 
     less than about 3.0 mg/kg Ni; and/or 
     less than about 4.5 mg/kg Cr; 
     calculated on the dry total weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. 
     In one embodiment the smokeless tobacco composition comprises 
     less than about 3.5 mg/kg nitrite; and/or 
     less than about 1.0 mg/kg combined amount of NNN (N-nitrosonornicotine) and NNK ((4-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone); and/or 
     less than about 5.0 μg/kg NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine); and/or 
     less than about 2.5 μg/kg B(a)P (Benzo(a)pyrene); and/or 
     less than about 0.5 mg/kg Cd; and/or 
     less than about 1.0 mg/kg Pb; and/or 
     less than about 0.25 mg/kg As; and/or 
     less than about 1.5 mg/kg Ni; and/or 
     less than about 2.25 mg/kg Cr; 
     calculated on the dry total weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. 
     In one embodiment the smokeless tobacco composition comprises 
     less than about 1.0 mg/kg nitrite; and/or 
     less than about 0.2 mg/kg combined amount of NNN (N-nitrosonornicotine) and NNK ((4-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone); and/or 
     less than about 0.6 μg/kg NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine); and/or 
     less than about 0.6 μg/kg B(a)P (benzo(a)pyrene); and/or 
     less than about 0.1 mg/kg Cd; and/or 
     less than about 0.1 mg/kg Pb; and/or 
     less than about 0.1 mg/kg As; and/or 
     less than about 0.1 mg/kg Ni; and/or 
     less than about 0.1 mg/kg Cr; 
     calculated on the dry total weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. 
     In one embodiment the smokeless tobacco composition comprises a combined amount of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 that does not exceed 0.01 mg/kg, calculated on the dry total weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. 
     In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is particulate. As used herein, the term “particulate” means that the average length to width ratio of particles of the material is less than 2:1, such as less than 1.5:1, such as about 1:1. In some embodiments the particles of the bleached tobacco material are substantially spherical. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is granular. 
     As described herein, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the particle size is measured by sieve analysis. Therefore, in some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. 
     In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm. 
     In some embodiments, at least 60% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 60% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 60% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm. 
     In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm. 
     In some embodiments, at least 80% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 80% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 80% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm. 
     In some embodiments, at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm. 
     In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm. 
     In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm. 
     In some embodiments, approximately 100% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, approximately 100% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, approximately 100% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm. 
     In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight, such as at least 60% by weight, such as at least 70% by weight, such as at least 80% by weight, such as at least 90% by weight, such as at least 95% by weight, such as at least 99% by weight, such as approximately 100% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 9 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 8 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 7 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 6 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. 
     In some embodiments, at least 70% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, at least 70% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, at least 95% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, at least 95% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, at least 99% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, at least 99% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
     The particle size of the bleached tobacco material may be measured by sieve analysis. As the skilled person will readily appreciate, sieve analysis (otherwise known as a gradation test) is a method used to measure the particle size distribution of a particulate material. Typically, sieve analysis involves a nested column of sieves which comprise screens, preferably in the form of wire mesh cloths. A pre-weighed sample may be introduced into the top or upper-most sieve in the column, which has the largest screen openings or mesh size (i.e. the largest pore diameter of the sieve). Each lower sieve in the column has progressively smaller screen openings or mesh sizes than the sieve above. Typically, at the base of the column of sieves is a receiver portion to collect any particles having a particle size smaller than the screen opening size or mesh size of the bottom or lowermost sieve in the column (which has the smallest screen opening or mesh size). 
     In some embodiments, the column of sieves may be placed on or in a mechanical agitator. The agitator causes the vibration of each of the sieves in the column. The mechanical agitator may be activated for a pre-determined period of time in order to ensure that all particles are collected in the correct sieve. In some embodiments, the column of sieves is agitated for a period of time from 0.5 minutes to 10 minutes, such as from 1 minute to 10 minutes, such as from 1 minute to 5 minutes, such as for approximately 3 minutes. 
     Once the agitation of the sieves in the column is complete, the material collected on each sieve is weighed. The weight of each sample on each sieve may then be divided by the total weight in order to obtain a percentage of the mass retained on each sieve. 
     As the skilled person will readily appreciate, the screen opening sizes or mesh sizes for each sieve in the column used for sieve analysis may be selected based on the granularity or known maximum/minimum particle sizes of the sample to be analysed. 
     In some embodiments, a column of sieves may be used for sieve analysis, wherein the column comprises from 2 to 20 sieves, such as from 5 to 15 sieves. In some embodiments, a column of sieves may be used for sieve analysis, wherein the column comprises 10 sieves. 
     In some embodiments, the largest screen opening or mesh sizes of the sieve(s) used for sieve analysis may be about 50 mm, such as about 40 mm, such as about 30 mm, such as about 20 mm, such as about 10 mm, such as about 9 mm, such as about 8 mm, such as about 7 mm, such as about 6 mm, such as about 5 mm, such as about 4 mm. In some embodiments, the largest screen opening or mesh size of the sieve(s) is about 10 mm such that at least about 50% by weight, such as at least about 70% by weight, such as at least 95% by weight, such as approximately 100% by weight of the particles have a particle size of no greater than about 10 mm. 
     In some embodiments, the smallest screen opening or mesh size of the sieve(s) used is about 1 mm, such as about 2 mm. As such, any particles that have a particle size of less than 1 mm, and thus pass through this sieve, may be collected and discarded. These smaller particles or “fines” may be collected and discarded (or used in other products). As such, at least about 50% by weight, such as at least about 70% by weight, such as at least 95% by weight, such as approximately 100% by weight of the particles have a particle size of at least about 1 mm. 
     In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an average particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an average particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an average particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm. 
     It has been surprisingly found by the present inventors that the inclusion of a bleached tobacco material having a particle size as defined herein provides a smokeless tobacco composition which is suitable for use as a chewing tobacco, and which does not discolour the user&#39;s fingers, and—in the case of oral smokeless tobacco products—does not discolour the user&#39;s teeth. Indeed, the composition having such bleached tobacco material may be able to be moulded and formed into shapes by the user&#39;s teeth, whilst also not breaking down and/or disintegrating in the user&#39;s mouth when chewed or masticated. 
     In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition further comprises an alginate composition. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition contains an alginate composition of the kind, and in the way described in WO 2010/114445, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. More specifically, the oral smokeless tobacco composition according to this embodiment contains an alginate composition, distributed in the product and comprising at least water, alginate and an added substance intended to be released from the product when said product is used, said composition containing an alginate matrix that retains at least a major proportion of the added substance so long as the matrix is intact, and the alginate matrix being formed so as to disintegrate and/or dissolve in the chemical and physical environment that exists in a user&#39;s mouth. In some embodiments, the alginate contains an alginate salt of monovalent cations. In some embodiments, the alginate is soluble in cold water. The added substance may be one or more substances belonging to any of the following categories, or combinations thereof: API (active pharmaceutical substances), food additives, natural or synthetic nutrients, flavoring substances, natural medicaments or naturally occurring substances that can have an effect on humans. Examples of such substances are green tea, white tea, caffeine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, bioperin, Q10, selenium, glutathione, liponic acid, folic acid, ginseng, pollen extract, antioxidants, minerals, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, Russian root, and rose root. In some embodiments, the added substance may comprise nicotine, cannabis, a cannabinoid, or mixtures thereof 
     In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition comprises guar gum. In such embodiments, the guar gum may be present in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amount of from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amount of from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amount of from about 2% to about 8% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amount of from about 2.5% to about 7.5% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amount of from about 3% to about 7% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amount of from about 4% to about 6% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. 
     It has been surprisingly found by the present inventors that the inclusion of guar gum in combination with a bleached tobacco material having a particle size as defined herein provides a smokeless tobacco composition which has improved moldability, and thus provides an improved sensorial experience when chewed by the user. As used herein, the term “moldable ” means that the composition can be pushed and formed into different shapes by the user&#39;s hands or teeth, without requiring any additional mechanical means and without cracking and/or crumbling. For example, the composition including guar gum may have a softer, more dough-like texture and thus be easier and more comfortable for the user to chew. The inclusion of guar gum has also been surprisingly found to improve the rate of release of active ingredients (e.g. nicotine and/or flavorings) from the composition by the mechanical pressure of chewing. 
     In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition may further comprise guar gum or an alginate composition. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition may further comprise a combination of guar gum and an alginate composition. The amounts of either or both components may be as defined hereinabove. 
     In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition may be provided in the form of a loose powder. One advantage of the smokeless tobacco composition comprising the bleached tobacco material as defined herein is that it provides for tobacco products that does not discolour the user&#39;s fingers, and—in the case of oral smokeless tobacco products—does not discolour the user&#39;s teeth. 
     In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is nasal snuff, i.e. snuff products suited for nasal administration. Therefore, in some embodiments, there is provided a nasal snuff which comprises bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. 
     In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is an oral smokeless tobacco composition (i.e. one which is suitable for placing into the mouth of the user). Therefore, in some embodiments, there is provided an oral smokeless tobacco composition comprising bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. The oral smokeless tobacco composition may be or comprise, but is not limited to, moist snuff such as snus, chewing tobacco, sucking tobacco (commonly referred to as “lutsch-tabak”), oral dry snuff, or hard snuff. 
     In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition comprises snus. 
     In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition is chewing tobacco. 
     In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition may be a chewing tobacco which further comprises a gum base. The gum base may be chosen among—but is not limited to—commercial chewing gum bases, bubble gum bases, and natural gum base materials. 
     In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition may be a chewing tobacco having the characteristics as defined hereinabove. In some embodiments, there is provided an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition comprising bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the chewing tobacco composition may further comprise guar gum and/or an alginate composition as defined hereinabove. 
     In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral chewing tobacco) may comprise salt (sodium chloride) and/or other flavorants. 
     In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) further comprises one or more additives selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose, flavoring agents, sodium bicarbonate and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) further comprises sodium chloride. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition further comprises flavoring agents. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) further comprises xylitol. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition further comprises sodium bicarbonate. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) further comprises microcrystalline cellulose. 
     The oral smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) may comprise additives chosen among—but not limited to—one or more substances belonging to any of the following categories, or combinations thereof: API (active pharmaceutical substances), food additives, natural or synthetic nutrients, flavoring substances, natural medicaments or naturally occurring substances that can have an effect on humans. Examples of such substances are green tea, white tea, caffeine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, bioperin, Q10, selenium, glutathione, liponic acid, folic acid, ginseng, pollen extract, antioxidants, minerals, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, Russian root, and rose root. 
     In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) comprises an active substance; for example, the composition may comprise nicotine, cannabis, a cannabinoid, or mixtures thereof 
     Cannabinoids are a class of natural or synthetic chemical compounds which act on cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2) in cells that repress neurotransmitter release in the brain. Two of the most important cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabinoids may be naturally occurring (Phytocannabinoids) from plants such as cannabis, (endocannabinoids) from animals, and artificially manufactured (Synthetic cannabinoids). 
     Cannabinoids are cyclic molecules exhibiting particular properties such as the ability to easily cross the blood-brain barrier, weak toxicity, and few side effects. 
     Cannabis species express at least 85 different phytocannabinoids, and are divided into subclasses, including cannabigerols, cannabichromenes, cannabidiols, tetrahydrocannabinols, cannabinols and cannabinodiols, and other cannabinoids. 
     Cannabinoids found in cannabis include, without limitation: cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), Cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabmolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV A). 
     In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) further comprises nicotine in addition to the nicotine naturally present in the bleached tobacco material. 
     The oral smokeless tobacco composition may be provided in baked or compressed form, from which portions may be punched or pressed in portions, such as lozenges or tablets. 
     In some embodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco product can be provided to the user in a portioned format. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is surrounded by a pouch. For example, chewing tobacco may be prepared by sealing the tobacco material in a permeable pouch. 
     A pouch holds the tobacco material in place, while at the same time allowing substances such as flavours and nicotine to diffuse through the pouch and into the mouth of the user for absorption through the user&#39;s mucous membranes. In some embodiments in which the smokeless tobacco composition is a chewing tobacco, the flavours and/or nicotine may be released from the composition upon chewing of the product by the user. 
     In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition can be provided to the user in a non-portioned format. In one embodiment, the smokeless tobacco composition is packaged in loose form in a container, such as a can, sachet or tin. 
     In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition may be provided in loose form or in the form of portion-size sachets. In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition is provided as a loose powder. In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition is provided as a powder that is contained in a pouch. Therefore, in some embodiments, there is provided a pouched oral smokeless tobacco composition comprising bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. 
     In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition is in the form of a powder, either provided as a loose powder or in pouches. The oral smokeless tobacco composition may be particulate (either as loose powder or encased in a pouch). In some embodiments, at least 50% of the particles of oral smokeless tobacco composition have a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the particles of oral smokeless tobacco composition have a particle size of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm. 
     As a further alternative the oral smokeless tobacco composition may have a film-like form. 
     The smokeless tobacco composition may have a pH of about 7-12, such as about 8-12, such as about 8-9. 
     In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition has a water content of from about 5% to about 60%, such as from about 20% to about 60%, such as from about 40 to about 55%, such as from about 45% to about 55%, such as from about 45% to about 50% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition has a water content of from about 40% to about 60% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. 
     Also described herein is a smokeless product, which comprises non-tobacco plant material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the non-tobacco plant material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, but wherein the composition does not comprise tobacco. In other words, described herein is a smokeless non-tobacco product comprising non-tobacco plant material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the non-tobacco plant material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. The non-tobacco plant material may be selected from the group consisting of maize, oat, tomato, barley, rye, sugar beet, buck wheat, potato, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, apple, cocoa, bamboo, citrus, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the non-tobacco plant material is or comprises cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the non-tobacco plant material is or comprises microcrystalline cellulose. In some embodiments, the smokeless non-tobacco product comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the smokeless non-tobacco product comprises guar gum. In some embodiments, the smokeless non-tobacco product comprises an alginate composition. Therefore, in some embodiments, the smokeless non-tobacco product comprises non-tobacco plant material, guar gum and nicotine. The smokeless non-tobacco product may comprise each of the features as described hereinabove, with the exception that said product includes non-tobacco plant material as a replacement for the bleached tobacco material as described herein. 
     Process 
     According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a process for the production of a smokeless tobacco composition comprising the steps of:
         (a) providing unbleached tobacco material;   (b) bleaching the unbleached tobacco material to form bleached tobacco material; and   (c) recovering the bleached tobacco material such that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.       

     In some embodiments, the process is for the production of the smokeless tobacco composition as described hereinabove. 
     In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material is or comprises cut tobacco. In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the unbleached tobacco material has a particle size of at least about 1 mm. In some embodiments, the at least 50% by weight of the unbleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material has the same particle size distribution as the resultant bleached tobacco material, for example as measured by sieve analysis. 
     In some embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises the steps of: 
     (i) treating unbleached tobacco material at an acidic pH with an acid; and 
     (ii) contacting the unbleached tobacco material with a bleaching agent at a temperature range of from about 50° C. to about 95° C. 
     In some embodiments, the amount of bleaching agent used may be any suitable amount to cause bleaching of the tobacco material. In some embodiments, the amount of bleaching agent may be from about 2% to about 15% by weight of the resulting mixture. For example, the total amount of bleaching agent may, for instance, be about 30-250 kg per ton tobacco material (calculated as pure bleaching agent), specifically about 50-200 kg per ton tobacco material. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material is contacted with a bleaching agent for a period of from about 1 hour to about 10 hours, such as from about 2 hours to about 8 hours, such as from about 4 hours to about 6 hours. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material is contacted with a bleaching agent at a temperature range of from about 60° C. to about 90° C., such as from about 70° C. to about 80° C. 
     The bleaching agent may be, but is not limited to, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, enzymes, oxygen, potassium peroxymonosulfate, dimethyldioxirane, peroxy acids, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the bleaching agent is selected from chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, enzymes, or a combination thereof 
     The bleaching agent may also be constituted by, or at least involve the use of ultrasound. 
     In some embodiments, the process further comprises a step of drying the bleached tobacco material. The drying step may be carried out by heating. 
     For example, in some embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises the steps of: 
     (i) treating unbleached tobacco material at an acidic pH and at a temperature range of from about 70° C. to about 180° C. with an aqueous solution of comprising sulfite ion; 
     (ii) defiberating the tobacco material from step (ii); and 
     (iii) treating the defiberated tobacco material from step (ii) with an effective amount of a bleaching agent at a temperature range of from about 60° C. to about 90° C. 
     In some embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises steps as described in WO 2015/150506, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     In some alternative embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises the steps of:
         (i) mechanically deliberating uncooked tobacco material to produce a defiberated tobacco material; and   (ii) treating the defiberated tobacco material from step (i) with at least one bleaching agent to product a bleached tobacco material.       

     In some embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises steps as described in WO 2018/083114, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     In some embodiments, the process further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum. In some embodiments, the process further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with an alginate composition. In some embodiments, the process further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and an alginate composition. 
     In some embodiments, the process further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material (optionally with the guar gum and/or alginate composition) with one or more additives selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose, flavoring agents, sodium bicarbonate, API (active pharmaceutical substances), active substances (such as nicotine, cannabis, cannabinoids or mixtures thereof) food additives, natural or synthetic nutrients, natural medicaments or naturally occurring substances that can have an effect on humans and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the process further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material (optionally with the guar gum and/or alginate composition) with nicotine. 
     In embodiments in which the process comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with an alginate composition and/or guar gum, the process comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives before and/or during and/or after contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or alginate composition. In some embodiments, the process comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives before contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or alginate composition. In some embodiments, the process comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives during contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or alginate composition. In some embodiments, the process comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives after contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or alginate composition. 
     In some embodiments, the process comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, microcrystalline cellulose, and mixtures thereof during the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or alginate composition. In some embodiments, the process comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additives selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, flavoring agents, nicotine, and mixtures thereof after the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or alginate composition. 
     In some embodiments, the process further comprises the step (b-ii) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with water. In some embodiments, the process further comprises the step (b-ii) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with water before and/or during and/or after the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum. In some embodiments, the process comprises the step (b-ii) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with water before the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum. In some embodiments, the process comprises the step (b-ii) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with water during the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum. In some embodiments, the process comprises the step (b-ii) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with water after the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum. 
     In some embodiments, the step (c) comprises sieving the bleached tobacco material such that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. 
     In some embodiments, the steps (a) and (b) of the process comprises the following steps: 
     (i) extracting a tobacco material with an aqueous solution to provide a tobacco solids material and a tobacco extract; 
     (ii) treating the tobacco solids material with a caustic wash to provide a tobacco pulp; 
     (iii) bleaching the tobacco pulp with a solution comprising a strong base, an oxidizing agent, or a combination thereof to provide a bleached tobacco pulp; and 
     (iv) drying the bleached tobacco pulp to provide a bleached tobacco material. 
     In some embodiments, the process further comprises milling the tobacco material before the extraction step such that at least 50% by weight of the milled tobacco material has a particle size of at least about 1 mm. In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the unbleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material has the same particle size distribution as the resultant bleached tobacco material, for example as measured by sieve analysis. 
     In some embodiments, the process further comprises hydrolyzing the tobacco pulp with acid prior to step (ii). The acid may be sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the caustic wash comprises sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or mixtures thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the bleaching step (iii) comprises treatment with a strong base and an oxidizing agent, and wherein the molar ratio of the amount of strong base to the amount of oxidizing agent is from about 1:1 to about 1:100. In some embodiments, the bleaching step (iii) comprises treatment with one or more of peracetic acid, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide. 
     In some embodiments, the steps (a) and (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises steps as described in U.S. Ser. No. 16/227,742, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a smokeless tobacco composition obtained or obtainable by the inventive process. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a smokeless tobacco composition obtained or obtainable by the process described hereinabove, wherein the smokeless tobacco composition comprises bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition comprises bleached tobacco material that comprises less than about 4 weight-% fermentable carbohydrates, calculated on the dry total weight of the bleached tobacco material. 
     In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is as described in any one of the embodiments described above. 
     The disclosure will now be illustrated in closer detail in the following non-limiting examples. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
     A bleached tobacco material was prepared using the following method:
         1. Unbleached tobacco material was cut to have a length and/or width of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm.   2. The tobacco material was defiberated in a mechanical defibrator.   3. The defiberated tobacco material was subjected to acid wash with sulfuric acid under the following conditions:
           Pulp concentration: 5%   Temperature: 50° C.   Time: 60 minutes   pH 2.5   
           4. The tobacco material was then bleached under the following conditions:
           Pulp concentration: 12%   Temperature: 80° C.   Time: 150 minutes   100 kg peroxyacetic acid/ton of tobacco material   pH: 4-6   
           5. The material was then dewatered in centrifuge, and then chelated with EDTA under the following conditions:
           Pulp concentration: 5%   Temperature 70° C.   Time: 60 minutes   pH: 5.5   5 kg EDTA/ton of tobacco material   
           6. A second bleaching stage was then carried out under the following conditions:
           Pulp concentration: 12%   Temperature: 90° C.   Time: 240 minutes   50 kg hydrogen peroxide/ton of tobacco material   pH 10.5-11.5—regulated by means of NaOH   10 kg MgSO 4 /ton of tobacco material   
           7. The composition was then dewatered in centrifuge.   8. Finally, the tobacco material was sieved such that at least 50% of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from 2 mm to 5 mm.       

     Example 2 
     A smokeless tobacco composition is prepared having the following composition: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 % by weight 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Water 
                 54 
               
               
                   
                 Microcrystalline cellulose 
                 36 
               
               
                   
                 Bleached tobacco material of Example 1 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                 Sodium chloride 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 Guar gum 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 Nicotine 
                 0.2 
               
               
                   
                 Sodium alginate 
                 0.8 
               
               
                   
                 Flavoring agent 
                 0.5 
               
               
                   
                 Sodium bicarbonate 
                 0.5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The composition is prepared using the method as described for Example 1, but with the following additional steps:
         9. The bleached tobacco material is mixed with the guar gum, salt, sodium bicarbonate, and microcrystalline cellulose.   10. The alginate composition is prepared by dissolving the alginate in water.   11. The alginate composition is then mixed with the bleached tobacco material and other dry ingredients via spray nozzles under high pressure. The resulting mixture is stirred.   12. Nicotine and flavorings are then added and mixed.       

     It is found that the smokeless tobacco composition could be readily chewed by the user without crumbling or disintegrating in the user&#39;s mouth. The product when chewed has a soft dough-like texture, and is readily moldable/chewable. The product is also found to have a desirable rate of release of the active substances into the user&#39;s oral cavity when placed under mechanical pressure by chewing. 
     The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.