Method for producing chewing gum granules and compressed gum products, and a chewing gum granulating system

A method for producing a final product of chewing gum tablets, the method comprising:

• producing an intermediate product of chewing gum granules for use in compressed chewing gum tablets, wherein the method comprises at least the steps of:
• a) feeding a gum composition including at least gum base into an extruder;
• b) pressurizing the gum composition in the extruder;
• c) extruding the gum composition through a die plate;
• d) cutting the extruded gum composition into the intermediate product of chewing gum granules in a liquid filled chamber, said gum granules including at least gum base in the range of 86 to 99% by Wt. based on the total weight of the granules, wherein the cut gum granules include at least one taste ingredient in an amount of at least 0.1% by Wt. based on the total weight of the granules, and wherein the cut gum granules have an average diameter in a range from 0.3 to 2.1 mm,
• producing the final product of chewing gum tablets by further performing the steps of:
• mixing the extruded granules with one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of flavours, sweeteners, intense sweeteners, colouring agents, fillers, and tabletting aids;
• and
• compressing the mixture to produce the final product of chewing gum tablets having gum base in the range from 28-70% by Wt. based on the total weight of the tablets.