Encapsulation matrix

A method of preparing a composite sweetener delivery system, which comprises:

• preparing a hydrophobic encapsulating matrix containing about 0.5% to about 20% fat soluble lecithin, about 65% to about 90% of an edible material having a melting point in the range of about 25.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. selected from the group consisting of (a) a fatty acid having an iodine value of about 1 to about 10, (b) natural waxes, (c) synthetic waxes, and (d) mixtures thereof;
• mixing said matrix;
• melting said encapsulating matrix material at a temperature above about 60.degree. C.;
• adding an anti-foaming agent to said matrix and mixing until a homogeneous mixture is obtained;
• mixing a glyceride into said matrix, followed by adding a sweetening agent to the matrix to encapsulate the sweetening agent;
• and
• spray drying the resulting composition to form a composite sweetener delivery system comprising spray congealed particles having a substantially hydrophobic exterior, the particles which comprise a core of sweetening agent encapsulated in the hydrophobic matrix.