A new dissolving chewing gum product and methods to make the new chewing gum are described. A first method includes: creating a base for the dissolving chewing gum by heating, cooking, and mixing a liquid, a chew/texture component, and a texture maintenance component; adding additional components to the base; cooling the base to incorporate sensitive components; and forming individual pieces from the base. A second method occurs without a cooking step and includes: creating a base for the dissolving chewing gum by mixing a chew/texture component/texture maintenance component, adding additional components to the base, forming individual pieces of the dissolving chewing gum from the base, covering the individual pieces of the dissolving chewing gum with a coating, and adding a polish and/or a wax to the individual pieces of the dissolving chewing gum.

A chewing gum component for use in a chewing gum composition is provided including a component body and a plurality of regions of at least one active ingredient encapsulated within an encapsulating material. The plurality of regions is disposed within said component body. Less than 15% of an average active concentration in said component body is in contact with an exterior surface of said component body.

A chewing gum component for use in a chewing gum composition is provided including a component body and a plurality of regions of at least one active ingredient encapsulated within an encapsulating material. The plurality of regions is disposed within said component body. Less than 15% of an average active concentration in said component body is in contact with an exterior surface of said component body.

A chewing gum sheet is formed without substantial use of a powdered non-stick agent by extruding a slab having a tacky surface of heated chewing gum composition onto a moving conveyor; cooling the slab on the conveyor sufficiently to cool the surface of the slab; and passing the slab from the conveyor through at least one cooled roller to form a chewing gum sheet with predetermined dimensions.

A chewing gum sheet is formed without substantial use of a powdered non-stick agent by extruding a slab having a tacky surface of heated chewing gum composition onto a moving conveyor; cooling the slab on the conveyor sufficiently to cool the surface of the slab; and passing the slab from the conveyor through at least one cooled roller to form a chewing gum sheet with predetermined dimensions.

A method for preparing a first component of a comestible composition is provided including forming an extrudate of the first component. The extrudate is cooled to a first temperature. The extruder is further cooled to a second temperature. The first temperature is greater than the second temperature.

A method for preparing a first component of a comestible composition is provided including forming an extrudate of the first component. The extrudate is cooled to a first temperature. The extruder is further cooled to a second temperature. The first temperature is greater than the second temperature.

Opacifying compositions comprising low-dye lakes as opacifiers are provided. The compositions provide desired whiteness and opacity and also provide a precoat or whiteness/opacity to any layer including the colorant layer to enhance coatings containing colorants. The opacifying compositions can be used in a confectionery, food, pet food, soft or hard panned coating, or edible ink.

A method of treating pieces of plant material to make them microbiologically stable for inclusion in chewing gums and other confections is disclosed. More specifically, the plant material is exposed to infrared radiation in specific dosage ranges to stabilize the ingredient and preserve flavor and appearance of the material. The present invention relates to chewing gums and confections having inclusions of pieces of plant material such as pieces of mint leaves or dried fruit, wherein the plant material is stabilized against microbial growth by treatment with infrared radiation.

A method of treating pieces of plant material to make them microbiologically stable for inclusion in chewing gums and other confections is disclosed. More specifically, the plant material is exposed to infrared radiation in specific dosage ranges to stabilize the ingredient and preserve flavor and appearance of the material. The present invention relates to chewing gums and confections having inclusions of pieces of plant material such as pieces of mint leaves or dried fruit, wherein the plant material is stabilized against microbial growth by treatment with infrared radiation.