Process for the preparation of a sweetener based on aspartame, which is in a dry form similar to that of a lump of sugar

A process for preparing a low calorie sweetener which is in solid form, said process comprising:

• (a) preparing a mixture comprising by weight:
• about 0.1 to about 2.0% of aspartame:
• about 1 to about 5% of a texture modifying agent of low calorific value selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated isomaltulose, maltitol, and xylitol;
• about 9 to about 40% of at least one texture modifying agent having high gelling power selected from the group consisting of maltodextrin, hydrogenated dextrose, and modified starch;
• and
• optionally, about 10 to about 40% of mannitol;
• and about 60% to about 70% of water
• by:
• first dispersing the aspartame in the water with a mixing means which applies a shearing force sufficient to produce a dispersion of the aspartame in the water;
• and then
• (2) successively mixing into the dispersion of aspartame in water, the texture modifying agent of low calorific value, the texture modifying agent having high gelling power, and, optionally, the mannitol;
• and
• (b) lyophilizing the resulting mixture into a stable solid form;
• and
• optionally converting the lyophilized product into shaped lumps using a cutting means.