Patent Publication Number: US-2021169787-A1

Title: Oral composition and method of manufacture

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to flavored products intended for human use. The products are configured for oral use and deliver substances such as flavors and/or active ingredients during use. Such products may include tobacco or a product derived from tobacco, or may be tobacco-free alternatives. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Tobacco may be enjoyed in a so-called “smokeless” form. Particularly popular smokeless tobacco products are employed by inserting some form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the mouth of the user. Conventional formats for such smokeless tobacco products include moist snuff, snus, and chewing tobacco, which are typically formed almost entirely of particulate, granular, or shredded tobacco, and which are either portioned by the user or presented to the user in individual portions, such as in single-use pouches or sachets. Other traditional forms of smokeless products include compressed or agglomerated forms, such as plugs, tablets, or pellets. Alternative product formats, such as tobacco-containing gums and mixtures of tobacco with other plant materials, are also known. See for example, the types of smokeless tobacco formulations, ingredients, and processing methodologies set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 1,376,586 to Schwartz; U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,756 to Pittman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,993 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,269 to Story et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,599 to Tibbetts; U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,907 to Townsend; U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,352 to Sprinkle, III et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,839 to Williams; U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,654 to Williams; U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,040 to Atchley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,601 to Atchley et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,694,686 to Atchley et al.; US Pat. Pub. Nos. 2004/0020503 to Williams; 2005/0115580 to Quinter et al.; 2006/0191548 to Strickland et al.; 2007/0062549 to Holton, Jr. et al.; 2007/0186941 to Holton, Jr. et al.; 2007/0186942 to Strickland et al.; 2008/0029110 to Dube et al.; 2008/0029116 to Robinson et al.; 2008/0173317 to Robinson et al.; 2008/0209586 to Neilsen et al.; 2009/0065013 to Essen et al.; and 2010/0282267 to Atchley, as well as WO2004/095959 to Arnarp et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Smokeless tobacco product configurations that combine tobacco material with various binders and fillers have been proposed more recently, with example product formats including lozenges, pastilles, gels, extruded forms, and the like. See, for example, the types of products described in US Patent App. Pub. Nos. 2008/0196730 to Engstrom et al.; 2008/0305216 to Crawford et al.; 2009/0293889 to Kumar et al.; 2010/0291245 to Gao et al; 2011/0139164 to Mua et al.; 2012/0037175 to Cantrell et al.; 2012/0055494 to Hunt et al.; 2012/0138073 to Cantrell et al.; 2012/0138074 to Cantrell et al.; 2013/0074855 to Holton, Jr.; 2013/0074856 to Holton, Jr.; 2013/0152953 to Mua et al.; 2013/0274296 to Jackson et al.; 2015/0068545 to Moldoveanu et al.; 2015/0101627 to Marshall et al.; and 2015/0230515 to Lampe et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     All-white snus portions are growing in popularity, and offer a discrete and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional snus. Such modern “white” pouched products may include a bleached tobacco or may be tobacco-free. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure generally provides oral products and processes for preparing such oral products. The products are intended to impart a taste when used orally, and typically also deliver active ingredients to the consumer, such as nicotine. Such products may also impart desirable organoleptic properties when inserted into the oral cavity of a user of these products. 
     Accordingly, in one aspect, the disclosure provides oral products comprising an active ingredient in an amount of about 2 percent or less by weight based on the total weight of the product, a sugar alcohol, and a gum, the product being in the form of a pastille. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is present in an amount of about 1 weight percent or less. In some embodiments, the sugar alcohol may comprise sorbitol. In some embodiments, the sugar alcohol may be selected from the group consisting of erythritol, arabitol, ribitol, isomalt, maltitol, dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, sorbitol, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the gum may be gum arabic. In some embodiments, the gum may be selected from the group consisting of gum arabic, xanthan gum, guar gum, ghatti gum, gum tragacanth, karaya gum, locust bean gum, gellan gum, and combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a nicotine component, botanicals, nutraceuticals, stimulants, amino acids, vitamins, cannabinoids, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the oral product may further comprise a tobacco material. In some embodiments, the oral product is substantially free of a tobacco material. In some embodiments, oral products of the present disclosure may further comprise an additive selected from the group consisting of flavorants, sweeteners, additional binders, emulsifiers, disintegration aids, humectants, salts, and mixtures thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the pastille product may have an outer coating coated thereon. In some embodiments, the oral product may further comprise a buffering agent and/or a pH adjuster in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH of the oral product to be in the range of about 5.0 to about 7.0. In some embodiments, the buffering agent and/or the pH adjuster is citric acid. In some embodiments, the water content of the oral product is in the range of about 5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent based on the total weight of the oral product. In some embodiments, the oral product may comprise an active ingredient in an amount of less than about 2 percent by weight, at least about 30 weight percent of sugar alcohol, at least about 40 weight percent of a at least one gum, at least about 2 weight percent of at least one humectant, at least about 0.05 weight percent of at least one sweetener, and at least about 0.1 weight percent of at least one flavoring agent, based on the total weight of the composition. 
     In some embodiments the present disclosure provides oral products comprising an active ingredient in an amount of 2 weight percent or less, a sugar substitute in an amount of at least about 80 weight percent; and a sugar alcohol syrup, the oral product being in the form of a lozenge. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be present in an amount of 1 weight percent or less. In some embodiments, the sugar substitute is a non-hygroscopic sugar alcohol capable of forming a glassy matrix. In some embodiments, the sugar substitute may be isomalt. In some embodiments, the sugar substitute may be present in an amount of at least about 85 weight percent. In some embodiments, the sugar substitute may be present in an amount of at least about 90 weight percent. In some embodiments, the sugar substitute may be present in an amount of at least about 95 weight percent. In some embodiments, the sugar alcohol syrup is maltitol syrup. 
     In some embodiments, oral products according to the present disclosure may further comprise an additive selected from the group consisting of flavorants, sweeteners, additional filler components, emulsifiers, disintegration aids, humectants, salts, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, oral products as described herein may further comprise a buffering agent and/or a pH adjuster in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH of the oral product to be in the range of about 5.0 to about 7.0. In some embodiments, the buffering agent and/or the pH adjuster may be citric acid. In some embodiments, the water content of the oral product is in the range of about 0.1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent based on the total weight of the oral product. 
     In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be selected from the group consisting of a nicotine component, botanicals, nutraceuticals, stimulants, amino acids, vitamins, cannabinoids, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the oral product may further comprise a tobacco material. In some embodiments, the tobacco material is in the form of an ultrafiltered tobacco extract. In some embodiments, the oral product may be substantially free of a tobacco material. In some embodiments, oral products of the present disclosure may comprise an active ingredient in an amount of 2 weight percent or less, a sugar substitute in an amount of at least about 80 weight percent, at least about 80 weight percent of the sugar substitute, at least about 2 weight percent of at least one humectant, at least about 0.1 weight percent of the sugar alcohol syrup, at least about 0.1 weight percent of at least one flavoring agent, and at least about 0.05 weight percent of at least one sweetener, based on the total weight of the composition. 
     The disclosure includes, without limitations, the following embodiments. 
     Embodiment 1: An oral product, the oral product comprising an active ingredient in an amount of about 10 percent or less by weight based on the total weight of the product, a sugar alcohol, and a gum, the product being in the form of a pastille. 
     Embodiment 2: The oral product of embodiment 1, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a nicotine component, botanicals, nutraceuticals, stimulants, amino acids, vitamins, cannabinoids, and combinations thereof. 
     Embodiment 3: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 2, wherein the active ingredient comprises a nicotine component in an amount of about 1 weight percent or less. 
     Embodiment 4: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 3, further comprising a tobacco material. 
     Embodiment 5: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the oral product is substantially free of a tobacco material. 
     Embodiment 6: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the sugar alcohol is selected from the group consisting of erythritol, arabitol, ribitol, isomalt, maltitol, dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, sorbitol, and combinations thereof. 
     Embodiment 7: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the sugar alcohol comprises sorbitol. 
     Embodiment 8: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the gum is selected from the group consisting of gum arabic, xanthan gum, guar gum, ghatti gum, gum tragacanth, karaya gum, locust bean gum, gellan gum, and combinations thereof. 
     Embodiment 9: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the gum is gum arabic. 
     Embodiment 10: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 9, further comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of flavorants, sweeteners, additional binders, emulsifiers, disintegration aids, humectants, salts, and mixtures thereof. 
     Embodiment 11: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the oral pastille product has an outer coating coated thereon. 
     Embodiment 12: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 11, further comprising a buffering agent and/or a pH adjuster in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH of the oral product to be in the range of about 5.0 to about 7.0. 
     Embodiment 13: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the buffering agent and/or the pH adjuster is citric acid. 
     Embodiment 14: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the water content of the oral product is in the range of about 5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent based on the total weight of the oral product. 
     Embodiment 15: The oral product of any of embodiments 1 to 14, comprising: at least about 30 weight percent of sugar alcohol, based on the total weight of the composition; at least about 40 weight percent of a at least one gum; at least about 2 weight percent of at least one humectant; at least about 0.05 weight percent of at least one sweetener; and at least about 0.1 weight percent of at least one flavoring agent. 
     Embodiment 16: An oral product configured for oral use, the oral product comprising an active ingredient in an amount of 10 weight percent or less, a sugar substitute in an amount of at least about 80 weight percent; and a sugar alcohol syrup, the oral product being in the form of a lozenge. 
     Embodiment 17: The oral product of embodiment 16, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a nicotine component, botanicals, nutraceuticals, stimulants, amino acids, vitamins, cannabinoids, and combinations thereof. 
     Embodiment 18: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 17, wherein the active ingredient comprises a nicotine component in an amount of about 1 weight percent or less. 
     Embodiment 19: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 18, further comprising a tobacco material. 
     Embodiment 20: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 19, wherein the tobacco material is in the form of an ultrafiltered tobacco extract. 
     Embodiment 21: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the oral product is substantially free of a tobacco material. 
     Embodiment 22: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 21, wherein the sugar substitute is a non-hygroscopic sugar alcohol capable of forming a glassy matrix. 
     Embodiment 23: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 22, wherein the sugar substitute is isomalt. 
     Embodiment 24: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 23, wherein the sugar substitute is present in an amount of at least about 85 weight percent. 
     Embodiment 25: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 24, wherein the sugar substitute is present in an amount of at least about 90 weight percent. 
     Embodiment 26: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 25, wherein the sugar substitute is present in an amount of at least about 95 weight percent. 
     Embodiment 27: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 26, wherein the sugar alcohol syrup is maltitol syrup. 
     Embodiment 28: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 27, further comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of flavorants, sweeteners, additional filler components, emulsifiers, disintegration aids, humectants, salts, and mixtures thereof. 
     Embodiment 29: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 28, further comprising a buffering agent and/or a pH adjuster in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH of the oral product to be in the range of about 5.0 to about 7.0. 
     Embodiment 30: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 29, wherein the buffering agent and/or the pH adjuster is citric acid. 
     Embodiment 31: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 30, wherein the water content of the oral product is in the range of about 0.1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent based on the total weight of the oral product. 
     Embodiment 32: The oral product of any of embodiments 16 to 31, comprising at least about 80 weight percent of the sugar substitute; at least about 2 weight percent of at least one humectant; at least about 0.1 weight percent of the sugar alcohol syrup; at least about 0.1 weight percent of at least one flavoring agent; and at least about 0.05 weight percent of at least one sweetener. 
     Embodiment 33: Use of an active ingredient in an oral product, wherein the active ingredient is present in an amount of 10 percent or less by weight based on the total weight of the product. 
     Embodiment 34: Use of an active ingredient in the oral product of embodiment 33, wherein the oral product is substantially free of a tobacco material. 
     Embodiment 35: Use of an active ingredient in the oral product of any of embodiments 33 to 34, wherein the oral product is in the form of a pastille or in the form of a lozenge. 
     Embodiment 36: Use of a nicotine component in an oral product, wherein the nicotine component is present in an amount of 1 percent or less by weight based on the total weight of the product. 
     Embodiment 37: Use of a nicotine component in the oral product of embodiment 36, wherein the oral product is substantially free of a tobacco material. 
     Embodiment 38: Use of a nicotine component in the oral product of any of embodiments 36 to 37, wherein the oral product is in the form of a pastille or in the form of a lozenge. 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-noted embodiments as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined in a specific embodiment description herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, should be viewed as intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to example embodiments thereof. These example embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Reference to “dry weight percent” or “dry weight basis” refers to weight on the basis of dry ingredients (i.e., all ingredients except water). Reference to “wet weight” refers to the weight of the mixture including water. Unless otherwise indicated, reference to “weight percent” of a mixture reflects the total wet weight of the mixture (i.e., including water). 
     The disclosure provides products configured for oral use and processes for preparing such oral products. Oral products as described herein may generally include a mixture of ingredients in the form of a composition. For example, in some embodiments, the compositions provided herein may include one or more active ingredients (e.g., a tobacco material and/or nicotine) and one or more additives (e.g., a filler, a binder component, a flavorant, etc.) that combine to form a product configured for oral use. 
     Oral products as described herein may be provided in various different forms and with various combinations of ingredients. Particularly, in preferred embodiments, products of the present disclosure may be provided in one of two forms, for example, in the form of a pastille-type product or a lozenge-type product. The pastille- and lozenge-type products according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured for oral use and advantageously can provide different characteristics and properties upon insertion into the oral cavity of a user of that product. Certain products can exhibit, for example, one or more of the following characteristics: crispy, granular, chewy, syrupy, pasty, fluffy, smooth, and/or creamy. In certain embodiments, the desired textural property can be selected from the group consisting of adhesiveness, cohesiveness, density, dryness, fracturability, graininess, gumminess, hardness, heaviness, moisture absorption, moisture release, mouthcoating, roughness, slipperiness, smoothness, viscosity, wetness, and combinations thereof. 
     The term “configured for oral use” as used herein means that the product is provided in a form such that during use, saliva in the mouth of the user causes one or more of the components of the product (e.g., flavoring agents and/or nicotine) to pass into the mouth of the user. In one embodiment, the product is adapted to deliver components to a user through mucous membranes in the user&#39;s mouth and, in addition, said component is an active ingredient (including, but not limited to, for example, nicotine) that can be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth when the product is used. In some embodiments, the product may be adapted to deliver flavor components to a user in addition to the active ingredient. 
     The products comprising the compositions of the present disclosure may be dissolvable. As used herein, the terms “dissolve,” “dissolving,” and “dissolvable” refer to compositions having aqueous-soluble components that interact with moisture in the oral cavity and enter into solution, thereby causing gradual consumption of the product. According to one aspect, the dissolvable product is capable of lasting in the user&#39;s mouth for a given period of time until it completely dissolves. Dissolution rates can vary over a wide range, from about 1 minute or less to about 60 minutes. For example, fast release mixtures typically dissolve and/or release the active substance in about 2 minutes or less, often about 1 minute or less (e.g., about 50 seconds or less, about 40 seconds or less, about 30 seconds or less, or about 20 seconds or less). Dissolution can occur by any means, such as melting, mechanical disruption (e.g., chewing), enzymatic or other chemical degradation, or by disruption of the interaction between the components of the mixture. In some embodiments, the product can be meltable as discussed, for example, in US Patent App. Pub. No. 2012/0037175 to Cantrell et al. In other embodiments, the products do not dissolve during the product&#39;s residence in the user&#39;s mouth. 
     In some embodiments, the products disclosed herein may be in the form of a dissolvable and lightly chewable pastille product for oral use. As used herein, the term “pastille” refers to a dissolvable oral product made by solidifying a liquid or gel composition, such as a composition that includes a gelling or binding agent, so that the final product is a hardened solid gel. In certain embodiments, the pastille products of the disclosure are characterized by sufficient cohesiveness to withstand light chewing action in the oral cavity without rapidly disintegrating. The pastille products of the disclosure typically do not exhibit a highly deformable chewing quality as found in conventional chewing gum. See, for example, the smokeless tobacco pastilles, pastille formulations, pastille configurations, pastille characteristics and techniques for formulating or manufacturing pastilles set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 9,204,667 to Cantrell et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 9,775,376 to Cantrell et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 10,357,054 to Marshall et al.; which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Alternatively, in some embodiments, the products disclosed herein may be in the form of a dissolvable lozenge product configured for oral use. Example lozenge-type products of the invention have the form of a lozenge, tablet, microtab, or other tablet-type product. See, for example, the types of nicotine-containing lozenges, lozenge formulations, lozenge formats and configurations, lozenge characteristics and techniques for formulating or manufacturing lozenges set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,773 to Shaw; U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,605 to Acharya; U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,574 to Dam; U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,761 to Santus; U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,959 to Andersson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,760 to Wilhelmsen; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,779; US Pat. Pub. Nos. 2001/0016593 to Wilhelmsen; 2004/0101543 to Liu et al.; 2006/0120974 to Mcneight; 2008/0020050 to Chau et al.; 2009/0081291 to Gin et al.; and 2010/0004294 to Axelsson et al.; which are incorporated herein by reference. Such lozenge-type products, in some embodiments, may exhibit translucence or transparency. The desired transparency or translucency of the product can be quantified by any known method. For example, optical methods such as turbidimetry (or nephelometry) and colorimetry may be used to quantify the cloudiness (light scattering) and the color (light absorption), respectively, of the products. Translucency can also be confirmed by visual inspection by simply holding the product up to a light source and determining if light travels through the material or product in a diffuse manner. 
     Oral products of the present disclosure may be provided in the specific physical forms noted above (e.g., such as in the form of a pastille or a lozenge) by altering the water content, for example, the water content of the products may be provided within a specified range so as to dictate the final form of the product. The water content of the products described herein, prior to use by a consumer of the product, may vary within such ranges according to the desired properties and characteristics, in addition to dictating the final form of the product. For example, pastille-type products typically possess a water content in the range of about 5 to about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the moisture content of a pastille product, as present within a single unit of product prior to insertion into the mouth of the user, is within the range of about 5 to about 25 weight percent, often about 8 to about 20 weight percent, more often about 10 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the product unit. In some embodiments, the moisture content of a pastille product may be at least about 5 weight percent, at least about 10 weight percent, at least about 15 weight percent, or at least about 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the product. 
     Alternatively, lozenge-type products typically possess a water content in the range of about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the moisture content of a lozenge product, as present within a single unit of product prior to insertion into the mouth of the user, is less than about 5 weight percent, less than about 3 weight percent, less than about 2 weight percent, or less than about 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the product unit. In some embodiments, the moisture content of a lozenge product as described herein may be within the range of about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent, about 0.5 to about 3 weight percent, or about 1 to about 2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the product. 
     As noted above, the pastille- and lozenge-type products of the present disclosure may incorporate various different additives in addition to an active ingredient and may be prepared according to a variety of different methods commonly known in the art for preparing pastille- and lozenge-type products. Example compositions, products, and methods of preparing such products will be detailed herein below. 
     Pastille Products 
     Pastille products of the present disclosure typically include a composition comprising at least one active ingredient in an amount of less than about 10 weight percent (e.g., a nicotine compound), a gum, and a sugar alcohol as a filler component. Any active ingredient (e.g., a tobacco material and/or an active ingredient) as discussed herein below is meant to be suitable for use as an active ingredient in the pastille compositions according to the present disclosure. Such active ingredients may be added as a singular active ingredient, or in combinations with one or more other active ingredients. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be provided in liquid form or in a dry powder or particulate form. As noted above, the active ingredient typically is present in an amount from about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, such as, e.g., from about from about 0.1 weight percent, about 0.5 weight percent, about 1 weight percent, about 1.5 weight percent, about 2 weight percent, about 2.5 weight percent, about 3 weight percent, about 3.5 weight percent, about 4 weight percent, or about 4.5 weight percent, to about 5.5 weight percent, about 6 weight percent, about 6.5 weight percent, about 7 weight percent, about 7.5 weight percent, about 8 weight percent, about 8.5 weight percent, about 9 weight percent, about 9.5 weight percent, or about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be present in an amount of less than about 10 weight percent, less than about 9 weight percent, less than about 8 weight percent, less than about 7 weight percent, less than about 6 weight percent, less than about 5 weight percent, less than about 4 weight percent, less than about 3 weight percent, less than about 2 weight percent, or less than about 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. 
     A gum (or combination of two or more gums) may be employed in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes and physical integrity to the pastille products. In some embodiments, the gum may function as a binder component in the oral product. A representative amount of gum may make up at least about 5 percent or at least about 10 percent of the total weight of the pastille composition. In certain embodiments, the gum(s) of the composition will be present in an amount of at least about 30 weight percent, at least about 35 weight percent, at least about 40 weight percent, at least about 45 weight percent, or at least about 50 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the total amount of gum within the pastille product will not exceed about 55 percent of the total weight of the composition. Often, the amount of gum within a desirable composition will not exceed about 65 percent, and frequently will not exceed about 60 percent, of the total weight of the composition. 
     In certain embodiments, the gum includes a natural gum. Particularly, natural gums (e.g., such as gum arabic) may be incorporated into the pastille products as a softener. Advantageously, use of a natural gum as a softener provides the desired textural qualities necessary for forming pastille compositions, particularly those described herein. Particularly, it should be noted that increasing the amount of a natural gum (e.g., gum arabic) while, subsequently, decreasing the amount of sugar alcohol can advantageously increase softness in the resulting pastille product. As used herein, a natural gum refers to polysaccharide materials of natural origin that are useful as softening agents. Representative natural gums derived from plants, which are typically water soluble to some degree, include xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, ghatti gum, gum tragacanth, karaya gum, locust bean gum, gellan gum, and combinations thereof. Preferably, gum arabic may be used as an example natural gum which provides the above noted softening characteristics when incorporated into the pastille compositions of the present disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the gum can optionally include a tobacco-derived material in the form of a binder, which can be combined with one or more additional binder components. For example, in one particular embodiment, the gum component comprises gum arabic in combination with a tobacco-derived binder as described herein. In such embodiments, the amount of tobacco-derived binder within the composition is at least about 0.5 percent or at least about 1 percent or at least about 1.5 percent, on a weight basis of the composition. An example weight range is about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent, more often about 1 to about 5 weight percent. 
     As noted above, pastille products of the present disclosure may comprise at least one sugar alcohol in the form of a filler component. Sugar alcohols are particularly advantageous as filler components in the pastilles of the disclosure because such materials contribute some sweetness and do not disrupt the desired chewable characteristics of the final product. Sugar alcohols are polyols derived from monosaccharides or disaccharides that have a partially or fully hydrogenated form. Example sugar alcohols have between about 4 and about 20 carbon atoms and include erythritol, arabitol, ribitol, isomalt, maltitol, dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, sorbitol, and combinations thereof (e.g., hydrogenated starch hydrolysates). In some embodiments, isomalt may be incorporated as the sole filler component. A sugar alcohol is typically added to compositions of the disclosure in the form of an aqueous solution or suspension, such as a solution or suspension with a solids content of about 50 to about 90 weight percent. Combinations of a sugar alcohol with a further filler component can also be used. A filler component often fulfills multiple functions, such as enhancing certain organoleptic properties such as texture and mouthfeel, enhancing cohesiveness or compressibility of the product, and the like. When present, a representative amount of filler, whether an organic and/or inorganic filler, may make up at least about 10 percent, at least about 20 percent, or at least about 25 percent, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the amount of filler within the composition will not exceed about 50 percent, and frequently will not exceed about 40 percent, of the total weight of the composition. A typical filler range is about 15 weight percent to about 50 weight percent, about 25 weight percent to about 45 weight percent, or about 30 weight percent to about 40 weight percent. 
     Lozenge Products 
     Lozenge products of the present disclosure typically include composition comprising at least one active ingredient in an amount of less than about 2 weight percent (e.g., a nicotine compound), a sugar substitute in an amount of at least about 80 weight percent, and a sugar alcohol syrup. Any active ingredient (e.g., a tobacco material and/or an active ingredient) as discussed herein below is meant to be suitable for use as an active ingredient in the lozenge compositions provided herein. Such active ingredients may be added as a singular active ingredient, or in combinations with one or more other active ingredients. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be provided in liquid form or in a dry powder or particulate form. As noted above, the active ingredient typically is present in an amount from about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, such as, e.g., from about 0.1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, such as, e.g., from about from about 0.1 weight percent, about 0.5 weight percent, about 1 weight percent, about 1.5 weight percent, about 2 weight percent, about 2.5 weight percent, about 3 weight percent, about 3.5 weight percent, about 4 weight percent, or about 4.5 weight percent, to about 5.5 weight percent, about 6 weight percent, about 6.5 weight percent, about 7 weight percent, about 7.5 weight percent, about 8 weight percent, about 8.5 weight percent, about 9 weight percent, about 9.5 weight percent, or about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be present in an amount of less than about 10 weight percent, less than about 9 weight percent, less than about 8 weight percent, less than about 7 weight percent, less than about 6 weight percent, less than about 5 weight percent, less than about 4 weight percent, less than about 3 weight percent, less than about 2 weight percent, or less than about 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. 
     In some embodiments, the lozenge product comprises a sugar substitute. The sugar substitute is typically provided in pure, solid form (e.g., granular or powdered form). In certain embodiments, the sugar substitute is dry, comprising a very low water content. For example, the sugar substitute can comprise less than about 5% water by weight, less than about 3% water by weight, less than about 2% water by weight, or less than about 1% water by weight. 
     The sugar substitute can be any sugarless material (i.e., sucrose-free material) and can be natural or synthetically produced. The sugar substitute used in the products described herein can be nutritive or non-nutritive. For example, the sugar substitute is commonly a sugar alcohol. Sugar alcohols that may be useful according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribotol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, iditol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, polyglycitol, and mixtures thereof. For example, in certain embodiments, the sugar alcohol is selected from the group consisting of erythritol, sorbitol, and isomalt. The amount of sugar substitute in the lozenge compositions can vary, but is typically at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, or at least about 90%, or at least about 95% by weight of the composition. 
     In certain embodiments, the sugar substitute is capable of forming a glassy matrix. The formation of a glassy matrix is commonly characterized by a translucent/transparent appearance. Typically, the sugar substitute is substantially non-hygroscopic. Non-hygroscopic materials typically do not absorb, adsorb, and/or retain a significant quantity of moisture from the air. For example, in some embodiments, the sugar substitute exhibits a weight gain of water of less than about 50% upon exposure to conditions of 25° C., 80% relative humidity for two weeks. Typically, the sugar substitute exhibits a weight gain of less than about 30%, less than about 20%, less than about 10%, less than about 5%, less than about 2%, or less than about 1% upon exposure to conditions of 25° C., 80% relative humidity for two weeks. Non-hygroscopic materials can provide the benefit of reducing the tendency of the lozenge product to tackify upon exposure to humidity. 
     In certain embodiments, the sugar substitute comprises one or more sugar alcohols. For example, in one embodiment, the sugar substitute is isomalt. Isomalt is a disaccharide that is typically made by enzymatic rearrangement of sucrose into isomaltulose, followed by hydrogenation to give an equimolar composition of 6-O-α-D-glucopyranosido-D-sorbitol (1,6-GPS) and 1-O-α-D-glucopyranosido-D-mannitol-dihydrate (1,1-GPM-dihydrate). 
     In some embodiments, the lozenge products of the present disclosure may comprise a syrup, e.g., a sugar syrup or a sugar alcohol syrup. “Sugar alcohol syrup” as used herein is intended to refer to a thick solution of sugar alcohol in water, e.g., having greater than about 40% solids, preferably having greater than about 50% solids, greater than about 60% solids, greater than about 70% solids, or greater than about 80% solids. Typically, the solid content of the sugar alcohol syrup primarily comprises the named sugar alcohol (i.e., maltitol syrup typically comprises greater than about 80%, greater than about 85%, or greater than about 90% by weight maltitol on a dry basis). Sugar alcohol syrups are generally prepared by heating a solution of the sugar alcohol in water and cooling the mixture to give a viscous composition. The resulting syrup is typically characterized by a relatively high concentration of sugar alcohol and relatively high stability (i.e., the sugar alcohol typically does not crystallize from solution, e.g., at room temperature). 
     The syrup, e.g., sugar alcohol syrup, desirably is capable of affecting the re-crystallization of a melted sugar substitute. One example sugar alcohol syrup that is particularly useful according to the present disclosure is maltitol syrup. Other sugar alcohol syrups can be used, including, but not limited to, corn syrup, golden syrup, molasses, xylitol, mannitol, glycerol, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, ribitol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, iditol, isomalt, lactitol, and polyglycitol syrups. Such sugar alcohol syrups can be prepared or can be obtained from commercial sources. For example, maltitol syrups are commercially available from such suppliers as Corn Products Specialty Ingredients. Although sugar alcohol syrups may be preferred, sugar syrups can, in certain embodiments, be used in place of or in combination with the sugar alcohol syrup. For example, in some embodiments, corn syrup, golden syrup, and/or molasses can be used. 
     The amount of sugar alcohol syrup added to the lozenge composition mixture is typically that amount required to slow recrystallization of the sugar substitute in melted form. It should be noted that it may be possible to vary the amount of sugar alcohol syrup depending on the composition of the remaining ingredients to ensure that the recrystallization is sufficiently slow to provide a material with the desired characteristics (e.g., a desired level of translucency/transparency). Accordingly, the amount of sugar alcohol syrup can vary, but typically ranges from about 0.1% to about 2%, often from about 0.5% to about 1.5%, and more often about 1% by weight of the smokeless tobacco product mixture. In certain embodiments, the amount of sugar alcohol syrup is higher, for example, up to about 2% by weight of the mixture, up to about 5% by weight of the mixture, up to about 10% by weight of the mixture, or up to about 20% by weight of the mixture 
     Active Ingredient 
     In some embodiments, the active ingredient may comprise a single active ingredient or a plurality of active ingredients. Non-limiting examples of active ingredients that may be included within the present compositions and/or products can include a nicotine component, melatonin, botanical ingredients (e.g., lavender, peppermint, chamomile, basil, rosemary, ginger, cannabis, ginseng, maca, hemp, eucalyptus, rooibos, fennel, citrus, cloves, and tisanes), stimulants (e.g., caffeine and guarana), amino acids (e.g., taurine, theanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan) and/or pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and medicinal ingredients (e.g., vitamins, such as B6, B12, and C, and/or cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)). The particular percentages and choice of ingredients can vary depending upon the desired flavor, texture, and other characteristics. Example active ingredients would include any ingredient known to impact one or more biological functions within the body, such as ingredients that furnish pharmacological activity or other direct effect in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or which affect the structure or any function of the body of humans or other animals (e.g., provide a stimulating action on the central nervous system, have an energizing effect, an antipyretic or analgesic action, or an otherwise useful effect on the body). 
     In certain embodiments, a nicotine component may be included in the mixture as the active ingredient. By “nicotine component” is meant any suitable form of nicotine (e.g., free base or salt) for providing oral absorption of at least a portion of the nicotine present. Typically, the nicotine component is selected from the group consisting of nicotine free base and a nicotine salt. 
     In some embodiments, nicotine is in its free base form, which easily can be adsorbed in for example, a microcrystalline cellulose material to form a microcrystalline cellulose-nicotine carrier complex. See, for example, the discussion of nicotine in free base form in US Pat. Pub. No. 2004/0191322 to Hansson, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nicotine can be employed in the form of a salt. Salts of nicotine can be provided using the types of ingredients and techniques set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 2,033,909 to Cox et al. and Perfetti,  Beitrage Tabakforschung Int.,  12: 43-54 (1983), which are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, salts of nicotine are available from sources such as Pfaltz and Bauer, Inc. and K&amp;K Laboratories, Division of ICN Biochemicals, Inc. Typically, the nicotine component is selected from the group consisting of nicotine free base, a nicotine salt such as hydrochloride, dihydrochloride, monotartrate, bitartrate, sulfate, salicylate, and nicotine zinc chloride. In some embodiments, the nicotine component or a portion thereof is a nicotine salt with at least a portion of one or more organic acids as described herein below. 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nicotine can be in the form of a resin complex of nicotine, where nicotine is bound in an ion-exchange resin, such as nicotine polacrilex, which is nicotine bound to, for example, a polymethacrilic acid, such as Amberlite IRP64, Purolite C115HMR, or Doshion P551. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,901,248 to Lichtneckert et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Another example is a nicotine-polyacrylic carbomer complex, such as with Carbopol 974P. In some embodiments, nicotine may be present in the form of a nicotine polyacrylic complex. 
     Typically, the nicotine component (calculated as the free base) when present, is in a concentration of at least about 0.001% by weight of the mixture, such as in a range from about 0.001% to about 10%. In some embodiments, the nicotine component is present in a concentration from about 0.1% w/w to about 10% by weight, such as, e.g., from about from about 0.1% w/w, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5% about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9%, to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10% by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the mixture. In some embodiments, the nicotine component is present in a concentration from about 0.1% w/w to about 3% by weight, such as, e.g., from about from about 0.1% w/w to about 2.5%, from about 0.1% to about 2.0%, from about 0.1% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the mixture. 
     Advantageously, in some embodiments, the compositions and products of the present disclosure (irrespective of their physical form, e.g., a pastille-type product or a lozenge-type product) may provide the active ingredient(s) contained therein (e.g., nicotine) in relatively low amounts when compared to traditional smokeless tobacco products commonly known in the art. It should be noted that embodiments particularly including nicotine in relatively low amounts advantageously provides compositions and products having a more desirable delivery profile of active nicotine and improved organoleptic properties when those products are inserted into the oral cavity of a user of those products. For example, oral products of the present disclosure may exhibit improved flavor characteristics, improved appearance (e.g., translucency or transparency), and improved mouthfeel when compared to traditional smokeless tobacco products having higher amounts of nicotine or tobacco materials incorporated therein. Such improvements are achieved by providing oral products with lower amounts of active ingredients therein. For example, the compositions and products as described herein may comprise an active ingredient in the form of a nicotine component in an amount of less than about 2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oral product may comprise a nicotine component in an amount of less than about 2 weight percent, less than about 1.75 weight percent, less than about 1.5 weight percent, less than about 1.25 weight percent, less than about 1.0 weight percent, less than about 0.75 weight percent, less than about 0.50 weight percent, or less than about 0.25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. 
     Tobacco Material 
     In some embodiments, oral products according to the present disclosure may further comprise a tobacco material. The tobacco material can vary in species, type, and form. Generally, the tobacco material is obtained from for a harvested plant of the  Nicotiana  species. Example  Nicotiana  species include  N. tabacum, N. rustica, N. alata, N. arentsii, N. excelsior, N. forgetiana, N. glauca, N. glutinosa, N. gossei, N. kawakamii, N. knightiana, N. langsdorffi, N. otophora, N. setchelli, N. sylvestris, N. tomentosa, N. tomentosiformis, N. undulata, N.  x  sanderae, N. africana, N. amplexicaulis, N. benavidesii, N. bonariensis, N. debneyi, N. longiflora, N. maritina, N. megalosiphon, N. occidentalis, N. paniculata, N. plumbaginifolia, N. raimondii, N. rosulata, N. simulans, N. stocktonii, N. suaveolens, N. umbratica, N. velutina, N. wigandioides, N. acaulis, N. acuminata, N. attenuata, N. benthamiana, N. cavicola, N. clevelandii, N. cordifolia, N. corymbosa, N. fragrans, N. goodspeedii, N. linearis, N. miersii, N. nudicaulis, N. obtusifolia, N. occidentalis  subsp.  Hersperis, N. pauciflora, N. petunioides, N. quadrivalvis, N. repanda, N. rotundifolia, N. solanifolia , and  N. spegazzinii . Various representative other types of plants from the  Nicotiana  species are set forth in Goodspeed,  The Genus Nicotiana , (Chonica Botanica) (1954); U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,577 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,066 to Lawson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,798,153 to Lawrence, Jr. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,186,360 to Marshall et al.; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Descriptions of various types of tobaccos, growing practices and harvesting practices are set forth in  Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology , Davis et al. (Eds.) (1999), which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       Nicotiana  species from which suitable tobacco materials can be obtained can be derived using genetic-modification or crossbreeding techniques (e.g., tobacco plants can be genetically engineered or crossbred to increase or decrease production of components, characteristics or attributes). See, for example, the types of genetic modifications of plants set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,093 to Fitzmaurice et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,295 to Wahab et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,624 to Fitzmaurice et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,119 to Weigl; U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,832 to Dominguez et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,173,170 to Liu et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,208,659 to Colliver et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,230,160 to Benning et al.; US Patent Appl. Pub. No. 2006/0236434 to Conkling et al.; and PCT WO2008/103935 to Nielsen et al. See, also, the types of tobaccos that are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,577 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,832 to Dominguez et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The  Nicotiana  species can, in some embodiments, be selected for the content of various compounds that are present therein. For example, plants can be selected on the basis that those plants produce relatively high quantities of one or more of the compounds desired to be isolated therefrom. In certain embodiments, plants of the  Nicotiana  species (e.g.,  Galpao commun  tobacco) are specifically grown for their abundance of leaf surface compounds. Tobacco plants can be grown in greenhouses, growth chambers, or outdoors in fields, or grown hydroponically. 
     Various parts or portions of the plant of the  Nicotiana  species can be included within the compositions as disclosed herein. For example, virtually all of the plant (e.g., the whole plant) can be harvested, and employed as such. Alternatively, various parts or pieces of the plant can be harvested or separated for further use after harvest. For example, the flower, leaves, stem, stalk, roots, seeds, and various combinations thereof, can be isolated for further use or treatment. In some embodiments, the tobacco material comprises tobacco leaf (lamina). The compositions disclosed herein can include processed tobacco parts or pieces, cured and aged tobacco in essentially natural lamina and/or stem form, a tobacco extract, extracted tobacco pulp (e.g., using water as a solvent), or a mixture of the foregoing (e.g., a mixture that combines extracted tobacco pulp with granulated cured and aged natural tobacco lamina). 
     In certain embodiments, the tobacco material comprises solid tobacco material selected from the group consisting of lamina and stems. The tobacco that is used for the mixture most preferably includes tobacco lamina, or a tobacco lamina and stem mixture (of which at least a portion is smoke-treated). Portions of the tobaccos within the mixture may have processed forms, such as processed tobacco stems (e.g., cut-rolled stems, cut-rolled-expanded stems or cut-puffed stems), or volume expanded tobacco (e.g., puffed tobacco, such as dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET)). See, for example, the tobacco expansion processes set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,073 to de la Burde et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,403 to Guy et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,032 to Poindexter, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,556,047 to Poindexter, et al., all of which are incorporated by reference. In addition, the d mixture optionally may incorporate tobacco that has been fermented. See, also, the types of tobacco processing techniques set forth in PCT WO2005/063060 to Atchley et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The tobacco material is typically used in a form that can be described as particulate (i.e., shredded, ground, granulated, or powder form). The manner by which the tobacco material is provided in a finely divided or powder type of form may vary. Preferably, plant parts or pieces are comminuted, ground or pulverized into a particulate form using equipment and techniques for grinding, milling, or the like. Most preferably, the plant material is relatively dry in form during grinding or milling, using equipment such as hammer mills, cutter heads, air control mills, or the like. For example, tobacco parts or pieces may be ground or milled when the moisture content thereof is less than about 15 weight percent or less than about 5 weight percent. Most preferably, the tobacco material is employed in the form of parts or pieces that have an average particle size between 1.4 millimeters and 250 microns. In some instances, the tobacco particles may be sized to pass through a screen mesh to obtain the particle size range required. If desired, air classification equipment may be used to ensure that small sized tobacco particles of the desired sizes, or range of sizes, may be collected. If desired, differently sized pieces of granulated tobacco may be mixed together. 
     The manner by which the tobacco is provided in a finely divided or powder type of form may vary. Preferably, tobacco parts or pieces are comminuted, ground or pulverized into a powder type of form using equipment and techniques for grinding, milling, or the like. Most preferably, the tobacco is relatively dry in form during grinding or milling, using equipment such as hammer mills, cutter heads, air control mills, or the like. For example, tobacco parts or pieces may be ground or milled when the moisture content thereof is less than about 15 weight percent to less than about 5 weight percent. For example, the tobacco plant or portion thereof can be separated into individual parts or pieces (e.g., the leaves can be removed from the stems, and/or the stems and leaves can be removed from the stalk). The harvested plant or individual parts or pieces can be further subdivided into parts or pieces (e.g., the leaves can be shredded, cut, comminuted, pulverized, milled or ground into pieces or parts that can be characterized as filler-type pieces, granules, particulates or fine powders). The plant, or parts thereof, can be subjected to external forces or pressure (e.g., by being pressed or subjected to roll treatment). When carrying out such processing conditions, the plant or portion thereof can have a moisture content that approximates its natural moisture content (e.g., its moisture content immediately upon harvest), a moisture content achieved by adding moisture to the plant or portion thereof, or a moisture content that results from the drying of the plant or portion thereof. For example, powdered, pulverized, ground or milled pieces of plants or portions thereof can have moisture contents of less than about 25 weight percent, often less than about 20 weight percent, and frequently less than about 15 weight percent. 
     For the preparation of oral products, it is typical for a harvested plant of the  Nicotiana  species to be subjected to a curing process. The tobacco materials incorporated within the compositions for inclusion within products as disclosed herein are those that have been appropriately cured and/or aged. Descriptions of various types of curing processes for various types of tobaccos are set forth in  Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology , Davis et al. (Eds.) (1999). Examples of techniques and conditions for curing flue-cured tobacco are set forth in Nestor et al.,  Beitrage Tabakforsch. Int.,  20, 467-475 (2003) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,974 to Peele, which are incorporated herein by reference. Representative techniques and conditions for air curing tobacco are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,650,892 to Groves et al.; Roton et al.,  Beitrage Tabakforsch. Int.,  21, 305-320 (2005) and Staaf et al.,  Beitrage Tabakforsch. Int.,  21, 321-330 (2005), which are incorporated herein by reference. Certain types of tobaccos can be subjected to alternative types of curing processes, such as fire curing or sun curing. 
     In certain embodiments, tobacco materials that can be employed include flue-cured or Virginia (e.g., K326), burley, sun-cured (e.g., Indian Kurnool and Oriental tobaccos, including Katerini, Prelip, Komotini, Xanthi and Yambol tobaccos), Maryland, dark, dark-fired, dark air cured (e.g., Madole, Passanda, Cubano, Jatin and Bezuki tobaccos), light air cured (e.g., North Wisconsin and Galpao tobaccos), Indian air cured, Red Russian and  Rustica  tobaccos, as well as various other rare or specialty tobaccos and various blends of any of the foregoing tobaccos. 
     The tobacco material may also have a so-called “blended” form. For example, the tobacco material may include a mixture of parts or pieces of flue-cured, burley (e.g., Malawi burley tobacco) and Oriental tobaccos (e.g., as tobacco composed of, or derived from, tobacco lamina, or a mixture of tobacco lamina and tobacco stem). For example, a representative blend may incorporate about 30 to about 70 parts burley tobacco (e.g., lamina, or lamina and stem), and about 30 to about 70 parts flue cured tobacco (e.g., stem, lamina, or lamina and stem) on a weight basis. Other example tobacco blends incorporate about 75 parts flue-cured tobacco, about 15 parts burley tobacco, and about 10 parts Oriental tobacco; or about 65 parts flue-cured tobacco, about 25 parts burley tobacco, and about 10 parts Oriental tobacco; or about 65 parts flue-cured tobacco, about 10 parts burley tobacco, and about 25 parts Oriental tobacco; on a weight basis. Other example tobacco blends incorporate about 20 to about 30 parts Oriental tobacco and about 70 to about 80 parts flue-cured tobacco on a weight basis. 
     Tobacco materials used in the present disclosure can be subjected to, for example, fermentation, bleaching, and the like. If desired, the tobacco materials can be, for example, irradiated, pasteurized, or otherwise subjected to controlled heat treatment. Such treatment processes are detailed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,362 to Mua et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, tobacco materials can be treated with water and an additive capable of inhibiting reaction of asparagine to form acrylamide upon heating of the tobacco material (e.g., an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, cysteine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, compositions incorporating di- and trivalent cations, asparaginase, certain non-reducing saccharides, certain reducing agents, phenolic compounds, certain compounds having at least one free thiol group or functionality, oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, natural plant extracts (e.g., rosemary extract), and combinations thereof. See, for example, the types of treatment processes described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,434,496, 8,944,072, and 8,991,403 to Chen et al., which are all incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, this type of treatment is useful where the original tobacco material is subjected to heat in the processes previously described. 
     At least a portion of the tobacco material employed in the tobacco composition or product can have the form of an extract. In some embodiments, all of the tobacco material employed in the tobacco composition or product may be in the form of an extract, e.g., such as a tobacco-derived nicotine extract. Tobacco extracts can be obtained by extracting tobacco using a solvent having an aqueous character such as distilled water or tap water. As such, aqueous tobacco extracts can be provided by extracting tobacco with water, such that water insoluble pulp material is separated from the aqueous solvent and the water soluble and dispersible tobacco components dissolved and dispersed therein. The tobacco extract can be employed in a variety of forms. For example, the aqueous tobacco extract can be isolated in an essentially solvent free form, such as can be obtained as a result of the use of a spray drying or freeze drying process, or other similar types of processing steps. Alternatively, the aqueous tobacco extract can be employed in a liquid form, and as such, the content of tobacco solubles within the liquid solvent can be controlled by selection of the amount of solvent employed for extraction, concentration of the liquid tobacco extract by removal of solvent, addition of solvent to dilute the liquid tobacco extract, or the like. Example techniques for extracting components of tobacco are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,895 to Fiore; U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,677 to Osborne, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,847 to Reid; U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,147 to Wildman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,346 to Brummer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,059 to Brummer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,682 to Muller; U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,428 to Keritsis; U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,016 to Soga et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,716,911 to Poulose et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,889 to Niven, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,618 to Bernasek et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,484 to Clapp et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,771 to Fagg et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,286 to Roberts et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,593 to Fagg et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,540 to Grubbs et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,669 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,775 to Fagg; U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,319 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,862 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,757 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,414 to Fagg; U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,415 to Munoz et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,819 to Fagg; U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,494 to Kramer; U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,354 to Smith et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,008 to Fagg; U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,999 to Smith; U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,694 to Raymond et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,050 to Gonzalez-Parra et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,879 to Teague; U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,022 to Newton; U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,325 to Clapp et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,169 to Brinkley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,584 to Lauterbach; U.S. Pat. No. 6,284,875 to Turpen et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,859 to Kierulff et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,767 to Mua et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,970 to Berit et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,906,172 to Bratcher et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,034,128 to Turpen et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,211 to Bratcher et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,782 to Thompson, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     According to the present disclosure, the  Nicotiana  plant or portion thereof (as described herein above) is typically subjected to processing intended to provide improved clarity of the tobacco material. In certain embodiments, the tobacco material used in the products of the invention is in the form of an extract, such as an aqueous extract of a tobacco material. Improved clarity of a tobacco extract can be obtained, for example, by removing high molecular weight components from the tobacco extract. In certain embodiments, high molecular weight components that are beneficially removed according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, high molecular weight Maillard browning polymers, proteins, polysaccharides, certain pigments, and bacteria. Various methods can be used for this purpose, including size exclusion chromatography, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and combinations thereof. Ideally, the tobacco extract may undergo an ultrafiltration process in order to provide an ultrafiltered tobacco extract. Example filters, methods and processes for ultrafiltration of tobacco materials are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 9,084,439 to Holton Jr. and U.S. Pat. No. 9,901,113 to Holton Jr.; the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference. According to the present disclosure, the ultrafiltration process is designed to achieve a tobacco extract having a decreased level of suspended solids, and thus an increased level of clarity. For example, depending on the molecular weight cutoff of the filters, the ultrafiltered extract may comprise only compounds with molecular weights below about 50,000, below about 25,000, below about 10,000 Da, below about 7,500 Da, below about 5,000 Da, below about 2,500 Da, or below about 1,000 Da. The ultrafiltered extract typically comprises primarily sugars, nicotine, and amino acids. 
     The ultrafiltered extract exhibits a level of improvement in clarity over the non-ultrafiltered extract. Clarity of the extract, and oral products incorporating such extracts according to the present disclosure, is typically defined in terms of translucency. As used herein, “translucent” or “translucency” refers to materials allowing some level of light to travel therethrough diffusely. In certain embodiments, certain materials of the invention (e.g., certain tobacco extracts or final smokeless tobacco products made therefrom) can have such a high degree of clarity that the material can be classified as “transparent” or exhibiting “transparency,” which is defined as a material allowing light to pass freely through without significant diffusion. The clarity of the ultrafiltered extract is such that there is some level of translucency as opposed to opacity (which refers to materials that are impenetrable by light). 
     The improvement in clarity of the ultrafiltered extract over the non-ultrafiltered extract can be quantified by any known method. For example, optical methods such as turbidimetry (or nephelometry) and colorimetry may be used to quantify the cloudiness (light scattering) and the color (light absorption), respectively, of the ultrafiltered extract or products made therefrom. Translucency can also be confirmed by visual inspection by simply holding the material (e.g., extract) or product up to a light source and determining if light travels through the material or product in a diffuse manner. 
     In certain embodiments, the ultrafiltered extract is analyzed by contacting the extract with light and measuring the percent of light that has not been absorbed and/or dispersed by the extract. The measurement can be done, for example, using a standard spectrophotometer at a given wavelength. The spectrophotometer is typically calibrated with deionized water, which is assigned a transparency value of 100%. Acceptable levels of translucency/transparency at a given wavelength in the ultrafiltered extract can vary. Typically, the ultrafiltered extract has a translucency of greater than about 5%, greater than about 10%, greater than about 15%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 25%, greater than about 30%, greater than about 40%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 60%, greater than about 60%, greater than about 70%, greater than about 80%, or greater than about 90%. Typically, the ultrafiltered extract will not be colorless, and will have some discernible brown/black coloring. Following ultrafiltration, the extract can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer or the extract can be freeze dried or spray dried prior to use in the products of the invention. In certain embodiments, it is provided in syrup form. 
     Although in some embodiments, the tobacco extract is used directly, it may be desirable to heat treat the extract. This thermal treatment can be conducted before the ultrafiltration, after the ultrafiltration, or both before and after the ultrafiltration. For example, a tobacco material can be thermally processed by mixing the tobacco material, water, and an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, di- and trivalent cations, asparaginase, saccharides, phenolic compounds, reducing agents, compounds having a free thiol group, oxidizing agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), oxidation catalysts, plant extracts, and combinations thereof, to form a moist tobacco mixture; and heating the moist tobacco mixture at a temperature of at least about 60° C. to form a heat-treated tobacco mixture. In one embodiment, the treated tobacco extract is heat treated in the presence of water, NaOH, and an additive (e.g., lysine) at about 88° C. for about 60 minutes. Such heat treatment can help prevent acrylamide production resulting from reaction of asparagine with reducing sugars in tobacco materials and can provide some degree of pasteurization. See, for example, US Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0300463 to Chen et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments wherein a heat-treated tobacco extract is used in a smokeless tobacco product of the present invention, the product can be characterized by very low acrylamide content. For example, in some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product is characterized by an acrylamide content of less than about 500 ppb (ng/g), less than about 400 ppb, less than about 300 ppb, less than about 200 ppb, or less than about 100 ppb. 
     Accordingly, “treated tobacco extract” as used herein refers to a tobacco extract that has been treated in some way to remove high molecular weight components and thereby improve clarity (e.g., an ultrafiltered extract). The “treated tobacco extract” may or may not be heat-treated as described herein. 
     It should be noted that inclusion of a tobacco material into the compositions and products described herein is meant to be optional and is not required. In some embodiments, oral products as described herein can generally be characterized as being tobacco free-alternatives. For example, in some embodiments, oral products of the present disclosure may be said to be completely free or substantially free of tobacco material (other than purified nicotine as an active ingredient). Oral products that are referred to as “completely free of” or “substantially free of” a tobacco material herein are meant to refer to oral products that can be characterized as having less than about 1.0% by weight, less than about 0.5% by weight, less than about 0.1% by weight of tobacco material, or 0% by weight of tobacco material. 
     Buffering Agent and/or pH Adjuster 
     In some embodiments, the products of the present disclosure may further comprise one or more buffering agents and/or pH adjusters (i.e., acids or bases). In such embodiments, the one or more buffering agents and/or pH adjusters are added to the mixture to ensure that the final oral product has a pH within a desirable range. Example pH ranges for oral products as described herein are generally from about 5 to about 7. In such embodiments, the amount of buffering agent and/or pH adjuster added to the product mixture is simply that amount required to bring the formulation to or keep the formulation at the desired pH. The amount of buffering agent and/or pH adjuster added to any given formulation can be readily calculated by one skilled in the art based on the desired pH and may comprise, for example, about 0.5% to about 1% by weight of the mixture. In some embodiments, the quantity of pH adjuster present may vary based on the acidity and basicity of other components which may be present in the composition (e.g., nicotine, salts, buffers, and the like). Accordingly, the buffering agent and/or pH adjuster is provided in a quantity sufficient to provide a pH of the composition of from about 5.0 to about 7.0, for example, from about 5.0, about 5.5, or about 6.0, to about 6.5, or about 7.0. In some embodiments, the organic acid is provided in a quantity sufficient to provide a pH of the composition of from about 5.5 to about 6.5, for example, from about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, or about 6.0, to about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, or about 6.5. 
     It should be noted that the pH level of the oral products may be varied to alter certain characteristics of the product, for example, the release profile of the active ingredient contained within the product. For example, in some embodiments, an amount of buffering agent (e.g., such as a citric acid) may be incorporated into the product so as to alter the overall pH of that product to be between about 5.0 and 7.0, as noted above. Preferably, in some embodiments, the pH may be adjusted to a pH of approximately 5.5. Advantageously, it was discovered that adding citric acid to adjust the pH of the products described herein to a pH of around 5.5 generally reduced the nicotine loss in those products when compared to products having higher pH values, such as those commonly employed in traditional smokeless tobacco products (e.g., in the range of about 7 to about 11, or preferably about 8 to about 10). In some embodiments, the citric acid may be used as a processing aid which is added to the composition or product to reduce nicotine loss during the production thereof. The use of citric acid in the products disclosed herein is not meant to be limiting and it should be noted that any buffering agent and/or pH adjuster may be suitable for altering the pH of the overall product. Such buffering agents and/or pH adjusters may be added singularly, or in the form of a combination of one or more compounds. 
     Additionally, various food-grade buffering agents are known and can be used to adjust the pH of the products as described herein. Suitable buffering agents may include those selected from the group consisting of acetates, glycinates, phosphates, glycerophosphates, citrates such as citrates of alkaline metals, carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, and borates, and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, the buffering agent is an amino acid, as taught for example, in US Pat. Pub. No. 2008/0286341 to Andersson et al. and PCT Appl. No. WO2008/040371 to Andersson et al., which are both incorporated herein by reference. As noted therein, various amino acids and salts thereof are useful for this purpose, including, but not limited to, arginine, asparagine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, serine, threonine, valine, cysteic acid, N-glycylglycine, and ornithine. In certain embodiments, N-glycylglycine or L-lysine is added as a buffering agent. In some embodiments, an amino acid buffering agent is used in combination with another amino acid buffering agent and/or in combination with one or more non-amino acid buffering agents. In certain embodiments, the optional pH adjusting agent is a base (e.g., NaOH). In certain embodiments, L-lysine and NaOH are added to the compositions of the present invention. 
     Further Additives 
     In addition to the components provided in the lozenge and pastille compositions as noted above, such compositions may further comprise one or more additives. For example, lozenge and pastille compositions according to the present disclosure may further comprise one or more of a flavoring agent, one or more sweeteners, one or more additional binders, emulsifiers, disintegration aids, humectants, salts, and mixtures thereof. 
     As used herein, a “flavorant” or “flavoring agent” is any flavorful or aromatic substance capable of altering the sensory characteristics associated with the oral products of the present disclosure. Example sensory characteristics that can be modified by the flavorant include, taste, mouthfeel, moistness, coolness/heat, and/or fragrance/aroma. Non-limiting examples of flavoring agents that may be included within the present compositions and/or products can include vanilla, coffee, chocolate/cocoa, cream, mint, spearmint, menthol, peppermint, wintergreen, eucalyptus, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, jasmine, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, strawberry, trigeminal sensates, terpenes, and any combinations thereof. See also, Leffingwell et al., Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (1972), which is incorporated herein by reference. Flavoring agents may comprise components such as terpenes, terpenoids, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and the like. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent is a trigeminal sensate. As used herein, “trigeminal sensate” refers to a flavoring agent which has an effect on the trigeminal nerve, producing sensations including heating, cooling, tingling, and the like. Non-limiting examples of trigeminal sensate flavoring agents include capsaicin, citric acid, menthol, Sichuan buttons, erythritol, and cubebol. Flavorings also may include components that are considered moistening, cooling or smoothening agents, such as eucalyptus. These flavors may be provided neat (i.e., alone) or in a composite, and may be employed as concentrates or flavor packages (e.g., spearmint and menthol, orange and cinnamon; lime, pineapple, and the like). Representative types of components also are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White et al.; US Pat. App. Pub. No. 2005/0244521 to Strickland et al.; and PCT Application Pub. No. WO 05/041699 to Quinter et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some instances, the flavoring agent may be provided in a spray-dried form or a liquid form. 
     The flavoring agent generally comprises at least one volatile flavor component. As used herein, “volatile” refers to a chemical substance that forms a vapor readily at ambient temperatures (i.e., a chemical substance that has a high vapor pressure at a given temperature relative to a nonvolatile substance). Typically, a volatile flavor component has a molecular weight below about 400 Da, and often include at least one carbon-carbon double bond, carbon-oxygen double bond, or both. In one embodiment, the at least one volatile flavor component comprises one or more alcohols, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, terpenes, terpenoids, or a combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of aldehydes include vanillin, ethyl vanillin, p-anisaldehyde, hexanal, furfural, isovaleraldehyde, cuminaldehyde, benzaldehyde, and citronellal. Non-limiting examples of ketones include 1-hydroxy-2-propanone and 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopentenone-1-one. Non-limiting examples of esters include allyl hexanoate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl acetate, and 3-methylbutyl acetate. Non-limiting examples of terpenes include sabinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-farnesene, nerolidol, thujone, myrcene, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, linalool, and eucalyptol. In one embodiment, the at least one volatile flavor component comprises one or more of ethyl vanillin, cinnamaldehyde, sabinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-farnesene, or citral. In one embodiment, the at least one volatile flavor component comprises ethyl vanillin. Flavorants are typically present in an amount of about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent, often about 1 to about 6 weight percent, and most often about 2 to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. 
     Sweeteners can be used in natural or artificial form or as a combination of artificial and natural sweeteners. Examples of natural sweeteners include fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose, stevia, honey, and the like. Examples of artificial sweeteners include sucralose, isomaltulose, maltodextrin, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, neotame and the like. In one embodiment, sucrose and sucralose are primary sweetener ingredients. When present, a representative amount of sweetener, whether an artificial sweetener and/or natural sugar, may make up at least about 0.2 percent or at least about 5 percent, of the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the amount of sweetener within the composition will not exceed about 40 percent, often will not exceed about 35 percent, and frequently will not exceed about 30 percent, of the total weight of the composition. Sucrose can be particularly advantageous in certain embodiments as an ingredient as it is believed to contribute to the chewing resistance or “bounce” of the final product. In addition, while granulated sucrose provides far less sweetening effect as compared to sucralose, the presence of sucrose can be advantageous as an additional filler component. When these two sweeteners are present together, the sucralose is typically present in an amount of at least about 0.25 weight percent, often at least about 0.5 weight percent, and most often at least about 1.0 weight percent (e.g., about 0.25 to about 2.0 weight percent), and the sucrose is typically present in an amount of at least about 2.0 weight percent, often at least about 3.0 weight percent, and most often at least about 4.0 weight percent (e.g., about 1.0 to about 6.0 weight percent). 
     A salt (e.g., sodium chloride, flour salt) may be employed in amounts sufficient to provide desired sensory attributes to the products of the present disclosure. Non-limiting examples of suitable salts include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, flour salt, and the like. When present, a representative amount of salt is at least about 0.5 weight percent or at least about 1.0 weight percent or at least about 1.5 weight percent, but will typically may make up less than about 5 percent of the total weight of the composition (e.g., about 0.5 to about 4 weight percent). 
     A humectant (e.g., glycerin) may be employed in amounts sufficient to provide desired moisture attributes to the oral products described herein. Further, in some instances, the humectant may impart desirable flow characteristics to the smokeless tobacco composition for depositing in a starch mold. When present, a representative amount of humectant is at least about 0.5 weight percent or at least about 1.0 weight percent or at least about 1.5 weight percent, but will typically make up less than about 5 percent of the total weight of the composition (e.g., about 0.5 to about 4 weight percent). 
     An additional binder (or combination of binders) may be employed in certain embodiments, in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes and physical integrity to the mixture. Typical binders can be organic or inorganic, or a combination thereof. Representative binders include povidone, sodium alginate, starch-based binders, pectin, carrageenan, pullulan, zein, and the like, and combinations thereof. A binder may be employed in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes and physical integrity to the composition. The amount of binder utilized in the composition can vary, but is typically up to about 30 weight percent, and certain embodiments are characterized by a binder content of at least about 0.1% by weight, such as about 1 to about 30% by weight, or about 5 to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. 
     In some embodiments, the lozenge and/or pastille products described herein may include one or more colorants. A colorant may be employed in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes to the composition or product. Examples of colorants include various dyes and pigments, such as caramel coloring and titanium dioxide. The amount of colorant utilized in the compositions or products can vary, but when present is typically up to about 3 weight percent, such as from about 0.1%, about 0.5%, or about 1%, to about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. 
     Various other substances can be added to the compositions of the present invention. For example, excipients such as fillers or carriers for active ingredients (e.g., calcium polycarbophil, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, cornstarch, silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate, lactose, and starches including potato starch, maize starch, etc.), thickeners, film formers and binders (e.g., hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, acacia, sodium alginate, xanthan gum and gelatin), antiadherents (e.g., talc), glidants (e.g., colloidal silica), humectants (e.g., glycerin), preservatives and antioxidants (e.g., sodium benzoate and ascorbyl palmitate), surfactants (e.g., polysorbate 80), dyes or pigments (e.g., titanium dioxide or D&amp;C Yellow No. 10), and lubricants or processing aids (e.g., calcium stearate or magnesium stearate) are added to the compositions in certain embodiments. Examples of even further types of additives that may be used in the present compositions and products include thickening or gelling agents (e.g., fish gelatin), emulsifiers, oral care additives (e.g., thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, and zinc), preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate and the like), disintegration aids, or combinations thereof. See, for example, those representative components, combination of components, relative amounts of those components, and manners and methods for employing those components, set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 9,237,769 to Mua et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,861,728 to Holton, Jr. et al., US Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0291245 to Gao et al., and US Pat. App. Pub. No. 2007/0062549 to Holton, Jr. et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Typical inclusion ranges for such additional additives can vary depending on the nature and function of the additive and the intended effect on the final mixture, with an example range of up to about 10% by weight, based on total weight of the mixture (e.g., about 0.1 to about 5% by weight). 
     The aforementioned types of additives can be employed together (e.g., as additive formulations) or separately (e.g., individual additive components can be added at different stages involved in the preparation of the final oral product). The relative amounts of the various components within the oral products may vary, and typically are selected so as to provide the desired sensory and performance characteristics to the oral product. Furthermore, the aforementioned types of additives may be encapsulated as provided in the final product or composition. Example encapsulated additives are described, for example, in WO 2010/132444 A2 to Atchley, which has been previously incorporated by reference herein. 
     The manner by which the various components of the lozenge and pastille compositions referenced above are combined may vary. The various components of those compositions may be contacted, combined, or mixed together in conical-type blenders, mixing drums, ribbon blenders, or the like, such as a Hobart mixer. As such, the overall mixture of various components with the active ingredient may be relatively uniform in nature. See also, for example, the types of methodologies set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,148,325 to Solomon et al.; 6,510,855 to Korte et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,654 to Williams, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Methods of Manufacturing Pastille Products 
     Representative pastille compositions and products may incorporate about 10 weight percent or less of an active ingredient, about 0.01 to about 2 percent artificial sweetener, about 1 to about 5 percent humectant, about 1 to about 5 percent natural sweetener, about 30 to about 40 percent sugar alcohol filler, about 40 to about 50 percent gum, one or more flavorants in an amount of up to about 5 percent, and salt in an amount up to about 3 percent, based on the total weight of the product. The particular percentages and choice of ingredients will vary depending upon the desired flavor, texture, and other characteristics. 
     The manners and methods used to formulate and manufacture a pastille product as described herein above can vary. For example, the compositions forming the pastille products are prepared such that the mixture thereof may be used in a starch molding process for forming the pastille product. Example pastille production processes are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,440 to Ridgway et al and U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,524 to Bolder et al., which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     In one embodiment, the process comprises providing an aqueous mixture for mixing with dry ingredients. In some instances, the aqueous mixture may be formed by hydrating a gum with water and/or a sugar alcohol solution or suspension, and then admixing the hydrated binder with a sweetener and/or other liquid or dissolvable additives, such as, for example, a syrup, using a high shear mixer or a Hobart mixing bowl with a whipping attachment. In other instances, the aqueous mixture may be formed by adding water to a sugar alcohol solution and then dispersing a binder material (e.g., a water soluble gum) into the water and sugar alcohol solution mixture using a high shear mixer or a Hobart mixing bowl with a whipping attachment. A sweetener or other liquid or dissolvable additives may then be admixed with the water, sugar alcohol solution, and gum binder material. In any event, the aqueous mixture typically has a moisture content of at least about 30 percent by weight water, based on the total weight of the mixture (e.g., in the form of a slurry). 
     The aqueous mixture is mixed with an active ingredient (e.g., a tobacco material or a nicotine compound) and any other dry additives in a Hobart mixing bowl to form a mixture in slurry form. When present, the binder may be mixed with the aqueous mixture and the active ingredient to form a pastille composition. The pastille composition may then be heated to an elevated temperature for a period of time, for example, heated to between about 40° C. to about 80° C., and typically heated to about 60° C., for a period of about 1 to about 3 minutes. The heating step can be characterized as heating at a temperature of at least about 40° C. or at least about 50° C. The pastille composition typically has a moisture content of at least about 40 percent by weight water, based on the total weight of the composition. 
     According to some aspects, the pastille composition, in the form of a slurry, may be put through a deaerating step or process prior to being received in a mold or being subjected to other processing steps, so as to reduce or eliminate air bubbles present in the slurry mixture. Air bubbles entrapped within the slurry may affect the final weight of the pastille product, which could lead to a lack of weight uniformity between units of the final product. As such, any deaerating methods and systems may be employed for removing such air bubbles from the slurry material. For example, the slurry may be placed under reduced pressure (i.e., below atmospheric pressure) to pull the air bubbles out of the slurry mixture. In some instances, a vacuum deaerating process may be employed in which the slurry mixture is placed in a vacuum deaerator for deaerating the slurry mixture using pressure reduction. In some instances, the slurry mixture may be under vacuum for about 1 to about 10 minutes, and typically for about 3 to about 5 minutes. The deaerating step may be observed and adjusted accordingly in order to controllably remove the gaseous components from the slurry mixture. 
     The viscosity of the heated and deaerated slurry mixture may be measured using, for example, a Brookfield viscometer HA Series, SC4 water jacket, 27/13R sample chamber and a No. 27 spindle. The pastille composition may have a viscosity of about 5.7 Pascal-seconds (Pa·s) to about 6.2 Pa·s when heated to a temperature of about 38° C., about 4.9 Pa·s to about 5.4 Pa·s when heated to a temperature of about 43° C., and about 4.2 Pa·s to about 4.7 Pa·s when heated to a temperature of about 50° C. In some instances, extra water may be added to the pastille composition so as to provide a desired viscosity thereof. 
     Once the desired viscosity is achieved, the heated pastille composition may then be deposited into a mold, such as, for example, a starch mold. While the process as further described herein is directed to forming a pastille product using a starch mold, it is noted that other types of molds may be used in the process, such as, for example, starchless molds, plastic tray molds, metallic tray molds, neoprene tray molds, etc. 
     In instances involving the use of starch molds, the starch molds may be pre-dried to remove moisture content from the starch mold itself. That is, prior to receiving the slurry or viscous pastille composition, the starch mold may be subjected to an elevated temperature to drive out moisture in the starch mold. For example, in some instances, the starch mold may initially have a moisture content of about 10-15 weight percent. Such levels of moisture could potentially have an effect on the uniformity of the resultant product. In this regard, certain moisture levels in the starch mold could potentially have a wrinkling or pruning effect on the product such that the final product has a shriveled or otherwise wrinkled appearance. As such, the starch mold may be dried at an elevated temperature to reduce the moisture content of the starch mold to between about 4 and about 10 weight percent, and preferably between about 6 and about 8 weight percent, based on the total weight of the starch mold. By taking such steps, the product may, in some instances, be more uniformly consistent in appearance. Furthermore, the starch mold may be heated to an elevated temperature prior to receiving the pastille composition such that the starch mold itself is at an elevated temperature when receiving the pastille composition. 
     The pastille composition remains in the starch mold at an elevated temperature such as, for example, at between about 40° C. to about 80° C. (e.g., at least about 40° C. or at least about 50° C.), and typically at about 60° C. The pastille composition may be held at the elevated temperature for a predetermined duration of time such as, for example, about 15-25 hours, so as to allow the pastille composition to cure and solidify into pastille form, while driving the moisture content of the pastille composition to a desired final moisture level. As noted above, in some embodiments, the desired final moisture level of the pastille product may be within the range of about 5 to about 25 weight percent, or about 8 to about 20 weight percent, or about 10 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total weight of the product unit. In this regard, curing generally refers to the solidification process in which moisture loss occurs, the viscosity of the composition is raised, and chemical and physical changes begin to occur (e.g., crystallization, cross-linking, gelling, film forming, etc.). The pastille composition is allowed to cool and thereafter removed from the starch mold. In some instances, the pastille composition may be allowed to cool at refrigerated or below ambient temperatures. An air blower/shaker device can be used to remove starch remnants from the pastille composition after being removed from the starch mold. 
     The pastille composition is then allowed to post-cure for a time and at a temperature suitable to allow the composition to become equilibrated to a desired moisture, shape and form. The time and temperature can vary without departing from the invention and depend in part on the desired final characteristics of the product. In one embodiment, the post-cure is conducted at ambient temperature for at least about 20 hours after being removed from the mold. The resultant pastille product may be provided in individual pieces weighing between about 0.5 grams to about 5 grams, although aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to such weights. 
     The curing times and temperatures of the pastille composition can be varied as desired. In this regard, such variables may affect the final visual appearance of the pastille product. For example, extended curing times and/or low curing temperatures may affect the final outer configuration or contours of the pastille product. That is, the rate of drying and/or curing of the product can affect the final properties of the product. In some instances, for example, lowering the curing temperature and extending the curing time may cause the pastille product to have a relatively smooth outer surface. In contrast, curing at higher temperatures for shorter period of times can lead to a roughened or wrinkled appearance in the product. 
     According to other aspects of the present disclosure, rather than using molds to prepare the pastille product, an extrusion process may be employed in which the final pastille product is extruded. In some instances, the pastille composition in slurry form may be formed into a sheet and allowed to dry to a moisture content, for example, of about 15 percent to about 25 percent by weight water to form a tacky or otherwise pasty material, which is in a form capable of physical handling. The material may then be chopped or otherwise cut into smaller pieces using, for example, a mixer. The chopped material may then be extruded through an extrusion device to any shape/size desired, including shapes that may be difficult or impossible to achieve with a mold. In some instances, the extruded product may then be dried to achieve a desired moisture content. A similar type process is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,617 to Smylie et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further, the pastille composition may be subjected to a co-extrusion process with another composition. 
     Shapes such as, for example, rods and cubes can be formed by first extruding the material through a die having the desired cross-section (e.g., round or square) and then optionally cutting the extruded material into desired lengths. Techniques and equipment for extruding tobacco materials are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,098,492 to Wursburg; U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,000 to Tamol et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,018 to Graves et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,620 to Keritsis et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,744 to Luke et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,453 to White et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,670 to White et al.; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Example extrusion equipment suitable for use include food or gum extruders, or industrial pasta extruders such as Model TP 200/300 available from Emiliomiti, LLC of Italy. In some instances, a single machine may be capable of achieving multiple steps of the processes described herein, such as, for example, kneader systems available from Buss AG. 
     The pastille product can be provided in any suitable predetermined shape or form, and most preferably is provided in the form having a general shape of a pill, pellet, tablet, coin, bead, ovoid, obloid, cube, or the like. The mouthfeel of the smokeless tobacco product preferably has a slightly chewable and dissolvable quality with a mild resilience or “bounce” upon chewing that gradually leads to greater malleability during use. According to one aspect, the pastille product is preferably capable of lasting in the user&#39;s mouth for about 10-15 minutes until it completely dissolves. Preferably, the products do not, to any substantial degree, leave any residue in the mouth of the user thereof, and do not impart a slick, waxy, or slimy sensation to the mouth of the user. 
     According to some embodiments, the pastille composition may be coated with a coating substance after being removed from the starch mold and prior to drying. For example, a glazing or anti-sticking coating substance, such as, for example, CAPOL 410 (available from Centerchem, Inc.), may be applied to the pastille composition to provide free-flowing properties. Outer coatings can also help to improve storage stability of the pastille products of the present disclosure as well as improve the packaging process by reducing friability and dusting. Devices for providing outer coating layers to the products of the present disclosure include pan coaters and spray coaters, and particularly include the coating devices available as CompuLab 24, CompuLab 36, Accela-Cota 48 and Accela-Cota 60 from Thomas Engineering. 
     An example outer coating comprises a film-forming polymer, such as a cellulosic polymer, an optional plasticizer, and optional flavorants, colorants, salts, sweeteners or other additives of the types set forth herein. The coating compositions are usually aqueous in nature and can be applied using any pellet or tablet coating technique known in the art, such as pan coating. Example film-forming polymers include cellulosic polymers such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose, and carboxy methylcellulose. Example plasticizers include aqueous solutions or emulsions of glyceryl monostearate and triethyl citrate. 
     In one embodiment, the coating composition comprises up to about 75 weight percent of a film-forming polymer solution (e.g., about 40 to about 70 weight percent based on total weight of the coating formulation), up to about 5 weight percent of a plasticizer (e.g., about 0.5 to about 2 weight percent), up to about 5 weight percent of a sweetener (e.g., about 0.5 to about 2 weight percent), up to about 10 weight percent of one or more colorants (e.g., about 1 to about 5 weight percent), up to about 5 weight percent of one or more flavorants (e.g., about 0.5 to about 3 weight percent), up to about 2 weight percent of a salt such as NaCl (e.g., about 0.1 to about 1 weight percent), and the balance water. Example coating compositions and methods of application are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/876,785 to Hunt et al.; filed Sep. 7, 2010, and which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Although the foregoing description focuses on compositions that are uniform throughout each product unit, products can also be formed with multiple different formulations having different properties in the same product unit. For example, two different compositions can be deposited in a single mold to produce a layered product. Still further, two different compositions could be co-extruded to form a product with different characteristics across its cross-section. Such a process could be used to provide a product with two different compositions featuring different dissolution rates such that a first portion of the product dissolves at a first rate (e.g., a faster rate) and a second portion dissolves at a second, slower rate. 
     Products of the present disclosure may be packaged and stored in any suitable packaging. See, for example, the various types of containers for smokeless types of products that are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,039 to Henson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,110 to Kutsch et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,584,843 to Kutsch et al.; D592,956 to Thiellier and D594,154 to Patel et al.; US Pat. Pub. Nos. 2008/0173317 to Robinson et al.; 2009/0014343 to Clark et al.; 2009/0014450 to Bjorkholm; 2009/0250360 to Bellamah et al.; 2009/0266837 to Gelardi et al.; 2009/0223989 to Gelardi; 2009/0230003 to Thiellier; 2010/0084424 to Gelardi; and 2010/0133140 to Bailey et al; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/342,212, filed Aug. 20, 2009, to Bailey et al.; U.S. Ser. No. 12/425,180, filed Apr. 16, 2009, to Bailey et al.; U.S. Ser. No. 12/685,819, filed Jan. 12, 2010, to Bailey et al.; and U.S. Ser. No. 12/814,015, filed Jun. 11, 2010, to Gelardi et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Methods of Manufacturing Lozenge Products 
     Representative lozenge compositions and products may incorporate about 10 weight percent or less of an active ingredient, about 0.01 to about 2 percent artificial sweetener, about 1 to about 5 percent humectant, about 1 to about 5 percent natural sweetener, at least about 80 percent of a sugar substitute, about 0.1 to about 10 percent of a sugar alcohol syrup, one or more flavorants in an amount of up to about 5 percent, and salt in an amount up to about 3 percent, based on the total weight of the product. The particular percentages and choice of ingredients will vary depending upon the desired flavor, texture, and other characteristics. 
     The manners and methods used to formulate and manufacture a lozenge product as described herein above can vary. For example, the compositions can be prepared via any method commonly used for the preparation of hard boiled confections. Example methods for the preparation of hard confections can be found, for example, in LFRA Ingredients Handbook, Sweeteners, Janet M. Dalzell, Ed., Leatherhead Food RA (December 1996), pp. 21-44, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Typically, a first mixture of ingredients is prepared. The composition of the first mixture of ingredients can vary; however, it typically comprises a sugar substitute and may contain various additional substances (e.g., the sugar alcohol syrup, NaCl, preservatives, further sweeteners, water, and/or flavorings). In certain embodiments, it comprises the sugar substitute, salt, and vanillin. In other embodiments, the first mixture comprises the sugar substitute and the sugar alcohol syrup. Typically, the first mixture of ingredients does not contain the active ingredient; although, it some embodiments, the active ingredient may be incorporated into the first mixture of ingredients. 
     The first mixture of ingredients is heated until it melts; subsequently, the mixture is heated to or past the hard crack stage. In confectionary making, the hard crack stage is defined as the temperature at which threads of the heated mixture (obtained by pulling a sample of cooled syrup between the thumb and forefinger) are brittle or as the temperature at which trying to mold the syrup results in cracking. According to the present method, the temperature at which the hard crack stage is achieved can vary, depending on the specific makeup of the product mixture but generally is between about 145° C. and about 170° C. Typically, the mixture is not heated above about 171° C., which is the temperature at which caramelization begins to occur. In the processes of the present disclosure, the mixture is typically heated to the hard crack stage temperature or above and then allowed to cool. The heating can be conducted at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum. Typically, the method of the present invention is conducted at atmospheric pressure. 
     In one example embodiment, the first mixture of ingredients comprises a high percentage of isomalt and the mixture is heated to about 143° C. Once all components are dissolved, the temperature is raised past the hard crack stage (e.g., to about 166° C.). The mixture is heated to this temperature and then removed from the heat to allow the mixture to cool. 
     In certain embodiments, the active ingredients and, optionally, additional components (e.g., additional sweeteners, fillers, flavorants, and water) as described above are separately combined in a second mixture. The second mixture is added to the first mixture of ingredients, typically after the first mixture of ingredients has been removed from the heat. The addition of the second mixture may, in some embodiments, occur only after the heated first mixture of ingredients has cooled to a predetermined temperature (e.g., in certain embodiments, to about 132° C.). In certain embodiments, one or more flavorants are added to the second mixture immediately prior to adding the mixture to the first, heated mixture of ingredients. Certain flavorants are volatile and are thus preferably added after the mixture has cooled somewhat. 
     The combined mixture is then formed into the desired shape. In certain embodiments, the mixture is poured directly into molds, formed (e.g., rolled or pressed) into the desired shape, or extruded. If desired, the mixture can be extruded or injection molded. In certain embodiments, the mixture is formed or extruded into a mold of desired shape in an enclosed system, which may require decreased temperature and which may limit evaporation of certain mixture components. For example, such a system may limit the evaporation of volatile components including, but not limited to, flavorants. Other methods of producing lozenges are also intended to be encompassed herein. 
     Typical conditions associated with manufacture of food grade lozenge products such as described herein include control of heat and temperature (i.e., the degree of heat to which the various ingredients are exposed during manufacture and the temperature of the manufacturing environment), moisture content (e.g., the degree of moisture present within individual ingredients and within the final composition), humidity within the manufacturing environment, atmospheric control (e.g., nitrogen atmosphere), airflow experienced by the various ingredients during the manufacturing process, and other similar types of factors. Additionally, various process steps involved in product manufacture can involve selection of certain solvents and processing aids, use of heat and radiation, refrigeration and cryogenic conditions, ingredient mixing rates, and the like. The manufacturing conditions also can be controlled due to selection of the form of various ingredients (e.g., solid, liquid, or gas), particle size or crystalline nature of ingredients of solid form, concentration of ingredients in liquid form, or the like. Ingredients can be processed into the desired composition by techniques such as extrusion, compression, spraying, and the like. 
     In certain embodiments, the lozenge product may be transparent or translucent. As used herein, “translucent” or “translucency” refers to materials allowing some level of light to travel therethrough diffusely. In certain embodiments, lozenge products of the present disclosure can have such a high degree of clarity that the material can be classified as “transparent” or exhibiting “transparency,” which is defined as a material allowing light to pass freely through without significant diffusion. The clarity of the lozenge product is such that there is some level of translucency as opposed to opacity (which refers to materials that are impenetrable by light). Transparency/translucency can be determined by any means commonly used in the art; however, it is commonly measured by spectrophotometric light transmission over a range of wavelengths (e.g., from about 400-700 nm). Alternatively, optical methods such as turbidimetry (or nephelometry) and colorimetry may be used to quantify the cloudiness (light scattering) and the color (light absorption), respectively, of the lozenge products provided herein. Translucency can also be confirmed by visual inspection by simply holding the material (e.g., extract) or product up to a light source and determining if light travels through the product in a diffuse manner. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.