Patent ID: 7201923

Claim:
An encapsulated product comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of: at least one plasticized matrix material comprising a durum ingredient, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticized matrix material is at least about 30% by weight, based upon the weight of the encapsulated product; about 1% by weight to about 85% by weight of an encapsulant, based upon the weight of the matrix material, wherein the encapsulant is at least substantially uniformly distributed in said at least one plasticized matrix material, said encapsulant being at least one component selected from the group consisting of a pharmaceutical component, neutraceutical component, nutritional component, fragrance component, and biologically active component; and a hydrophobic agent for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant, the amount of hydrophobic agent being about 10% to about 70% by weight, based upon the weight of the at least one plasticizable matrix material, wherein said encapsulated product is in substantially non-expanded, particulate form.