Elastomer encapsulation of flavors and sweeteners, long lasting flavored chewing gum compositions based thereon and process of preparation

A method of preparing a chewing gum composition having sustained flavor and sweetener release comprising

• (a) preparing a substantially hydrophobic flavor and sweetener delivery system in the absence of emulsifiers comprising the steps of:
• (i) admixing a masticated elastomer with an elastomer solvent and a wax system at a temperature of about 77.degree. C. to about 88.degree. C. to obtain a homgenous mixture;
• (ii) adding to this mixture a flavoring agent and an excipient and mixing these additives to obtain a homogenous mixture;
• and
• (iii) optionally adding to this homgenous pliable mixture spherical particles having microporous channels and continuing to mix to enable the sweetening agent to be sorbed into the spherical particles;
• and
• (b) adding the resultant delivery system to a mixture of gum base and remaining chewing gum ingredients;
• (c) forming the resultant mixture into suitable chewing gum shapes.

A method of preparing a chewing gum composition having sustained flavor and a sweetener release comprising

• (a) preparing a substantially hydrophobic delivery system containing no emulsifiers comprising the steps of:
• (i) admixing an elastomer with an elastomer solvent and a wax system at a temperature of about 77.degree. C. to about 88.degree. C. to obtain a homogeneous mixture;
• (ii) adding to this mixture another mixture comprising an excipient and sweetener;
• and
• (iii) mixing in spherical particles having a flavoring agent sorbed therein;
• (b) adding the resultant delivery system to a homogenous mixture of a gum base and remaining chewing gum ingredients;
• and
• (c) forming the resultant mixture into suitable chewing gum shapes.

A substantially hydrophobic matrix for encapsulating flavor and sweetening agents prepared in the absence of added emulsifiers for use in chewing gum compositions to prolong the sweetness and flavor of said gum comprising:

• at least one elastomer having substantially no added resins in an amount of from about 3% to about 40%;
• at least one elastomer solvent in an amount of from about 8% to about 14%;
• at least one wax system in an amount of from about 5% to about 24%;
• and
• an excipient selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, polyhydric alcohols, and mixtures thereof in an amount of from about 5% to about 60%, said matrix formed in the absence of emulsifiers.