Multi-region chewing gum confectionery composition, article, method, and apparatus

A multi-layer chewing gum confection comprising:

• a first, confectionery layer consisting of
• about 76 to about 94% by weight of solid particulates wherein the solid particulates are selected from sugars and sugar alcohols, and
• a liquid phase comprising a mixture of a liquid, and
• about 2 to about 12% by weight of a diffusion controller selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, starch, modified starches, inulin, konjac, chitosan, tragacanth, karaya, ghatti, larch, carageenan, alginate, chemically modified alginate, agar, guar, locust bean, psyllium, tara, gellan, curdlan, pullan, gum arabic, gelatin, and pectin, as well as mixtures thereof, and
• optionally osmotic pressure controller, flavor agents, sensate agents, coloring agents, demulcents, breath freshening agents, dental care agents, pharmaceutical agents, vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, and combinations thereof,
• the moisture content of the first, confectionery layer is less than 2% based on the total weight of the first, confectionery layer,
• wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the first, confectionery layer;
• and wherein the liquid is water and the liquid phase excludes glycerin, and
• a second, chewing gum layer comprising a chewing gum composition,
• wherein the first, confectionery layer is in contact with at least one major face of the second, chewing gum layer.

A multi-layer chewing gum confection comprising:

• a) a first layer comprising a chewing gum composition;
• and
• b) a second layer in contact with one major face of the first layer, the second layer comprising a confectionery composition consisting of a solid phase and a liquid phase, at least a major portion of the solid phase being surrounded by the liquid phase, the solid phase consisting of a plurality of solid particulates selected from sugars and sugar alcohols, wherein the solid particulates are present in an amount of about 76 to about 94% by weight based on the weight of the second layer, and
• the liquid phase comprising a mixture of a liquid and a diffusion controller selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, starch, modified starches, inulin, konjac, chitosan, tragacanth, karaya, ghatti, larch, carageenan, alginate, chemically modified alginate, agar, guar, locust bean, psyllium, tara, gellan, curdlan, pullan, gum arabic, gelatin, and pectin, as well as mixtures thereof,
• wherein the multi-layer chewing gum confection is in the form of a pillow-shaped piece,
• wherein the liquid is water and wherein the liquid phase excludes glycerin, and
• wherein the moisture content of the second layer is less than 2% based on the total weight of the second layer.