WO1989003170A2

WO1989003170A2 - Method of controlling release of acesulfame k in chewing gum and gum produced thereby

Info

Publication number: WO1989003170A2
Application number: PCT/US1988/004400
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert J. Yatka
Original assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
Priority date: 1988-12-09
Filing date: 1988-12-09
Publication date: 1989-04-20
Also published as: WO1989003170A3

Abstract

The present invention is a method for producing a chewing gum with a delayed release Acesulfame K sweetener, as well as the chewing gum so produced. The delayed release Acesulfame K sweetener is obtained by physically modifying Acesulfame K's properties by coating and drying. Acesulfame K sweetener is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated sweetener is then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified Acesulfame K high-intensity sweetener. When incorporated into the chewing gum, these particles are adopted to enhance the shelf stability of the sweetener and/or produce a delayed release when the gum is chewed.

Description

METHOD OF CONTROLLING RELEASE OF
ACESULFAME K IN CHEWING GUM AND
GUM PROD'JCED THEREBY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to methods for producing chewing gum. More particularly the invention relates to producing chewing gum containing high-potency sweeteners which have been treated to control their release and enhance shelf-life stability.

In recent years, efforts have been devoted to controlling release characteristics of various ingredients in chewing gum. Most notably, attempts have been made to delay the release of sweeteners and flavors in various chewing gum formulations to thereby lengthen the satisfactory chewing time of the gum. Delaying the release of sweeteners and flavors can also avoid an undesirable overpowering burst of sweetness or flavor during the initial chewing period. On the other hand, some ingredients have been treated so as to increase their rate of release in chewing gum.

In addition, other efforts have been directed at perfecting the use of high-potency sweeteners within the chewing gum formulation, to thereby increase the shelf-life stability of the ingredients, i.e. the protection against degradation of the high-potency sweetener over time.

One such high-potency sweetener is Acesulfame
K (6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazine-4(3H)-one-2, 2-dioxide potassium salt). This sweetener, which has been approved for use in food products in about 20 different countries, has also been approved for uge in chewing gum by the FDA as a food additive. This highly consumeracceptable, high-potency sweetener gives chewing gum a fast, strong release that is not desirable. Methods of treating the high-potency sweetener to delay the release or sweetness in balance with the chewing gum flavor would therefore be a definite improvement.

Use of Acesulfame K in chewing gum has been disclosed in other patents. German Patent No. 3,120,857 discloses simple addition of Acesulfame K in gum at levels from 0.01% to 5%. This patent includes use of
Acesulfame K in combination with sugar, aspartame, and other low and high-potency sweeteners. Acesulfame K may be added as a powder or in aqueous solution.

U.S. Patent 4,374,122. relates to the use of
Acesulfame K in a sugar containing chewing gum to reduce or prevent caries in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates.

U.S. 4,158,086 discloses sweetener mixtures for use in foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals but not specifically chewing gums. The mixtures are of Acesulfame
K and aspartame, saccharin, sulfamate sweeteners (cyclamate) or dihydrochalcones.

U.K. 2,154,850 discloses beverages sweetened with sucralose and Acesulfame K (among others).

U.K. 2,185,674 discloses combinations of thaumatin and Acesulfame K (among others) to stimulate growth of farm animals.

U.S. Defensive Publication T 104,004 discloses table-top sweeteners comprising Acesulfame K in combination with a large list of taste/texture modifiers including thaumatin, many salts, food acids, sugars, sugar alcohols, amino acids, proteins, polysaccharides, 5' nucleotides, flavoring agents, glycyrrhizin, and gums.

EPO 122,400 discloses combinations of
Acesulfame K with amino acids, tartaric acid, or 5' nucleotides (and optionally many other ingredients) for use in foods including chewing gums.

U.S. 4,536,396 discloses synergistic combinations of alitame and Acesulfame K in foods including chewing gum.

U.S. 4,746,520 discloses sweetener compositions which preferentially include Acesulfame K along with a sugar or sugar alcohol, a food acid and bicarbonate.

Other patents disclose how a sweetener like aspartame can be physically modified to control the release rate in chewing gum.

For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,597,970 to
Sharma et al. teaches a process for producing an agglomerated sweetener wherein the sweetener is dispersed in a hydrophobic matrix consisting essentially of lecithin, a glyceride, and a fatty acid or wax having a melting point between 25 and 1000C. The method disclosed uses a spray-congealing step to form the sweetener-containing matrix into droplets, followed by a fluid-bed second coating on the agglomerated particles.

U.S. Patent Nos. 4,515,769 and 4,386,106, both to Merrit et al., teach a two step process for preparing a delayed release flavorant for chewing gum.

In this process, the flavorant is prepared in an emulsion with a hydrophilic matrix. The emulsion is dried and ground and the particles are then coated with a waterimpermeable substance.

U.S. Patent No. 4,230,687 to Sair et al.

teaches a process for encasing an active ingredient to achieve gradual release of the ingredient in a product
such as chewing gum. The method described involves
adding the ingredient to an encapsulating material in
the form of a viscous paste. High-shear mixing is used
to achieve a homogeneous dispersion of the ingredient
within the matrix, which is subsequently dried and
ground.

U.S. Patent No. 4,139,639 to Bahoshy et al.

teaches a process of "fixing" aspartame by co-drying
(by spray drying or fluid-bed coating) a solution con
taining aspartame and an encapsulating agent, such as
gum arabic, to thereby surround and protect the aspartame in the gum during storage.

U.S. Patent No. 4,384,004 to Cea et al.

teaches a method of encapsulating aspartame with
various solutions of encapsulating agents using various
encapsulation techniques, such as spray drying, in
order to increase the shelf-stability of the aspartame.

U.S. Patent No. 4,634,593 to Stroz et al.

teaches a method for producing controlled release
sweeteners for confections, such as chewing gum. The method taught therein involves the use of an insoluble
fat material which is mix mulled with the sweetener.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention is a method for pro
ducing chewing gum with a modified high-potency sweetener,
specifically Acesulfame K, as well as the chewing gum
so produced. The delayed release high-potency sweetener
is obtained by modifying the sweetener by encapsulation,
partial encapsulation or partial coating, entrapment or
absorption with low water-soluble materials or water
insoluble materials. The procedures for modifying the
sweetener include spray drying, spray chilling, fluid-bed
coating, coacervation, and other agglomerating and standard
encapsulating techniques. The sweetener may also be absorbed onto an inert or water-insoluble material.

The sweetener may be modified in a multiple step process comprising any of the processes or combination of processes noted. The sweetener, Acesulfame K, may also be combined with other sweeteners including, but not limited to, sucrose, dextrose, fructose, maltose, maltodextin, xylose, palatinose, or others that are considered bulk sweeteners, as well as sugar alcohols including but not limited to sorbitol, mannitol, xlitol, maltitol, lactitol, palatinit, and lycasin. The high-potency sweetener Acesulfame K may also be combined with other high-potency sweeteners including, but not limited to, thaumatin, aspartame, sodium saccharin, calcium cyclamate, glycyrrhizin, alitame, sucralose, stevioside and dihydrochalcones.

This sweetener, Acesulfame K, when modified according to the present invention, gives a chewing gum having a controlled-release sweetener. A higher quantity of sweetener san be used without resulting in a high initial sweetness impact, but instead having a delayed sweetness release that is compatible with the delayed flavor release in chewing gum, giving a highly consumer-aceeptable chewing gum product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THg PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Acesulfame K (potassium salt of 6-methyl-l, 2,3-oxathiazine-4(3H)-one-2, 2-dioxide) is a new, highpotency sweetener which is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. The taste properties of Acesulfame K are considered good. At concentrations usually used,
Acesulfame K has a pure and rapidly perceptible sweet taste that does not linger.

Acesulfame K is now approved for use in chewing gum in many foreign countries and recently approved for chewing gum by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a food additive. The manufacturer of Acesulfame K is the Hoechst Celanese Corporation of Somerville, New
Jersey. Acesulfame K is sold under the trade name of "Sunett".

When Acesulfame K is added to chewing gum at a level of about 0.10%-0.30%, the sweetener gives chewing gum a fast, intense sweetness that dissipates quickly, leaving a strong flavor character that is less pleasant. It would be considered a significant improvement to a chewing gum to have the Acesulfame K sweetener release its sweetness as the flavor in the gum is released, thus balancing the overall taste perception.

Tests of Acesulfame K show that the same fast, intense sweetness results from chewing gum whether the Acesulfame
K is added as a fine powder, dissolved in water, in glycerin, propylene glycol, corn syrup, hydrogenated starch hyrolyzate, or any other compatible aqueous solution.

For aqueous solutions, an emulsifier can also be mixed in the solution with the Acesulfame K sweetener and the mixture added to a chewing gum. A flavor can also be added to the sweetener/emulsifier mixture. The emulsion formed can be added to chewing gum. Powdered Acesulfame K may also be mixed into a molten chewing gum base during base manufacture or prior to manufacture of the gum. Acesulfame K may also be mixed with base ingredients during base manufacture.

Usage levels of Acesulfame K in water or aqueous solvent is limited to its solubility in the aqueous solvent. Solubility in water at 200C is approximately 27g/100 ml and increases to 130g/100 ml at 100 C. In most other aqueous solvents like glycerine or propylene glycol, solubility of Acesulfame K is much less. Whether as a powder or as an aqueous liquid, the amount of Acesulfame
K added to chewing gum is about 0.01% to 5%. Preferably the range of Acesulfame K in gum is about 0.05% to about 1.0%, and more preferably about 0.1% to about 0.4%. Most preferably, the level of Acesulfame K in gum is about 0.2%.

As stated previously, Acesulfame K releases very quickly from chewing gum during the early stages of mastication of the gum because of its high solubility in water. Physical modifications of the sweetener by encapsulation with another substrate will slow its release in chewing gum by reducing the solubility or dissolution rate of Acesulfame K. Any standard technique which gives partial or full encapsulation of the Acesulfame K sweetener can be used. These techniques include, but are not limited to, spray drying, spray chilling, fluid-bed coating and coacervation. These encapsulation techniques that give partial encapsulation or full encapsulation can be used individually or in any combination in a single step process or multiple step procese.

Generally, delayed release of sweetener is obtained in multistep processes like spray drying the sweetener and then fluid-bed coating of the resultant powder.

The encapsulation techniques here described are standard coating techniques and generally give varying degrees of coating from partial to full coating, depending on the coating composition used in the process.

Also, the coating compositions may be susceptible to water permeation to various degrees. Generally, compositions that have high organic solubility, good filmforming properties and low water solubility give better delayed release of the sweetener. Such compositions include acrylic polymers and copolymers, carboxyvinyl polymer, polyamides, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and waxes. Although all of these materials are possible for encapsulation of Acesulfame K sweetener, only foodgrade materials should be considered. Two standard food-grade coating materials that are good film formers but not water soluble are shellac and Zein.

Others which are more water soluble, but good film formers, are materials like agar, alginates, a wide range of cellulose derivatives like ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium hydroxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, dextrin, gelatin, and modified starches. These ingredients, which are generally approved for food use, also give a delayed release when used as an encapsulant for Acesulfame K.

Other encapsulants like acacia or maltodextrin can also encapsulate Acesulfame K, but give very little change in the release rate of Acesulfame K in gum.

The amount of coating or encapsulating material on the sweetener Acesulfame K also controls the length of time for its release from chewing gum. Generally, the higher the level of coating and the lower the amount of active Acesulfame K, the slower the release of the sweetener during mastication. The release rate is generally not instantaneous, but gradual over an extended period of time. To obtain the desired sweetness release to blend with a gum's flavor release, the encapsulant should be a minimum of about 20% of the coated sweetener. Preferably, the encapsulant should be a minimum of about 30% of the coated sweetener, and most preferably should be a minimum of about 40% of the coated sweetener. Depending on the coating material, a higher or lower amount of coating material may be needed to give the desired release of sweetener to balance sweetness release with flavor release.

Another method of giving a delayed release of the sweetener, Acesulfame K, is agglomeration of the sweetener with an agglomerating agent which partially coats the sweetener. This method includes the step of mixing the sweetener and agglomerating agent with a small amount of water or solvent. The mixture is prepared in such a way as to have individual wet particles in contact with each other so a partial coating can be applied. After the water or solvent is removed, the mixture is ground and used as a powdered, coated sweetener.

Materials that can be used as the agglomerating agent are the same as those used in encapsulation mentioned previously. However, since the coating is only a partial encapsulation and the Acesulfame K sweetener is very water soluble, some agglomerating agents are more effective in delaying the sweetener release than others.

Some of the better agglomerating agents are the organic polymers like acrylic polymers and copolymers, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, waxes, shellac, and
Zein. Other agglomerating agents are not as effective in giving the sweetener a delayed release as are the polymers, waxes, shellac and Zein, but can be used to give some delayed release. These other agglomerating agents include, but are not limited to, agar, alginates, a wide range of cellulose derivatives like ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, dextrin, gelatin, modified starches, and vegetable gums like guar gum, locust bean gum, and carrageenin.

Even though the agglomerated sweetener is only partially coated, when the quantity of coating is increased compared to the quantity of Acesulfame K sweetener, the release of the sweetener can be delayed for a longer time during mastication. The level of coating used in the agglomerated product is a minimum of about 5%.

Preferably the coating level is a minimum of about 15% and more preferably about 20%. Depending on the ag glomerating agent, a higher or lower amount of agent may be needed to give the desired release of sweetener to balance sweetness releasewith flavor release.

The Acesulfame K sweetener may be coated in a two-step process or multiple step process. The sweetener may be encapsulated with any of the materials as described previously and then the encapsulated sweetener can be agglomerated as described previously to obtain an encapsulated/agglomerated/sweetener product that could be used in chewing gum to give a delayed release of sweetener.

In another embodiment of this invention,
Acesulfame K sweetener may be absorbed onto another component which is porous and become entrapped in the matrix of the porous component. Common materials used for absorbing the sweetener include, but are not limited to, silicas, silicates, pharmasorb clay, spongelike beads or microbeads, amorphous sugars like dried dextrose, sucrose, alditols, amorphous carbonates and hydroxides, including aluminum and calcium lakes, vegetable gums and other spray dried materials.

Depending on the type of absorbant material and how it is prepared, the amount of Acesulfame K sweetener that can be loaded onto the absorbant will vary. Generally materials like polymers or sponglike beads or microbeads, amorphous sugars and alditols and amorphous carbonates and hydroxides absorb about 10% to about 40% of the weight of the absorbant. Other materials like silicas and pharmasorb clays may be able to absorb about 20% to about 80% of the weight of the absorbant.

The general procedure for absorbing the sweetener onto the absorbent is as follows. An absorbent like fumed silica powder can be mixed in a powder blender and an aqueous solution of the Acesulfame K sweetener can be sprayed onto the powder as mixing continues.

The aqueous solution can be about 5% to 30% Acesulfame
K solids, and higher solid levels may be used if temperatures up to 900C are used. Generally water is the solvent, but other solvents like alcohol could also be used if approved for use in food. As the powder mixes, the liquid is sprayed onto the powder. Spraying is stopped before the mix becomes damp. The still flowing powder is removed from the mixer and dried to remove the water or other solvent, and ground to-a specific particle size.

After the Acesulfame K sweetener is absorbed onto an absorbant or fixed onto an absorbant, the fixative/sweetener can be coated by encapsulation.

Either full or partial encapsulation may be used, depending on the coating composition used in the process. Full encapsulation may be obtained by coating with a polymer as in spray drying, spray chilling, fluid-bed coating, coacervation, or any other standard technique. A partial encapsulation or coating can be obtained by agglomeration of the fixative/sweetener mixture using any of the materials discussed above.

The three methods of use to obtain a delayed release of Acesulfame K sweetener are: (1) encapsulation by spray drying, fluid-bed coating, spray chilling and coacervation to give full or partial encapsulation, (2) agglomeration to give partial encapsulation and (3) fixation or entrapment/absorption which also gives partial encapsulation. These three methods, combined in any usable manner which physically isolates the
Acesulfame K sweetener, reduces its dissolvability or slows down the release of sweetener, are included in this invention.

Other methods of treating the Acesulfame K sweetener to physically isolate the sweetener from other chewing gum ingredients may also have some effect on its release rate and stability. The Acesulfame K sweetener may be added to the liquid inside a liquid center gum product. The center fill of a gum product may comprise one or more carbohydrate syrups, glycerin, thickeners, flavors, acidulants, colors, sugars and sugar alcohols in conventional amounts. The ingredients are combined in a conventional manner. The Acesulfame K sweetener is dissolved in the center-fill liquid and the amount of Acesulfame K sweetener added to the center-fill liquid is about 50 ppm to about 4000 ppm by weight of the entire chewing gum formula.

This method of using
Acesulfame K sweetener in chewing gum can allow for a lower usage level of the sweetener, can give the sweetener a smooth release rate, and can reduce or eliminate any possible reaction of the sweetener with gum base, flavor components or other components, yielding improved shelf stability.

Another method of isolating Acesulfame K sweetener from other chewing gum ingredients is to add Acesulfame
K to the dusting compound of a chewing gum. A rolling or dusting compound is applied to the surface of chewing gum as it is formed. This rolling or dusting compound serves to reduce sticking to machinery as it is formed, reduces sticking of the product to machinery as it is wrapped, and sticking to its wrapper after it is wrapped and being stored. The rolling compound comprises Acesulfame
K sweetener in combination with manitol, sorbitol, sucrose, starch, calcium carbonate, talc, other orally acceptable substances or a combination thereof. The rolling compound constitutes from about 0.25% to about 10.0%, but preferably about 1% to about 3% of weight of the chewing gum composition.

The amount of Acesulfame K sweetener added to the rolling compound is about 0.05% to about 20% of the rolling compound or about 5 ppm to about 2000 ppm of the chewing gum composition. This method of using Acesulfame K sweetener in the chewing gum can allow a lower usage level of the sweetener, can give the sweetener a more controlled release rate, and can reduce or eliminate any possible reaction of the sweetener with gum base, flavor components, or other components, yielding improved shelf stability.

Another method of isolating Acesulfame K sweetener is to use it in the coating/panning of a pellet chewing gum. Pellet or ball gum is prepared as conventional chewing gum, but formed into pellets that are pillow shaped or into balls. The pellets/balls can be then sugar coated or panned by conventional panning techniques to make a unique sugar coated pellet gum.

Acesulfame K sweetener is very stable and highly water soluble, and can be easily added to a sugar solution prepared for sugar panning. Acesulfame K can also be added as a powder blended with other powders often used in some types of conventional panning procedures.

Using Acesulfame K sweetener isolates the sweetener from other gum ingredients and modifies its release rate in chewing gum. Levels of use of Acesulfame K may be about 100 ppm to about 5000 ppm in the coating and about 50 ppm to about 2000 ppm of the weight of the chewing gum product. The weight of the coating may be about 20% to about 50% of the weight of the finished gum product.

Conventional panning procedures generally coat with sucrose, but recent advances in panning have allowed the use of other carbohydrate materials to be used in the place of sucrose. Some of these components include, but are not limited to, dextrose, maltose, palatinose, xylitol, lactitol, palatinit and other new additols or a combination thereof. These materials may be blended with panning modifiers including, but not limited to, gum arabic, maltodextrins, corn syrup, gelatin, cellulose type materials like carboxymethyl cellulose, or hydroxymethyl cellulose, starch and modified starches, vegetable gums like alginates, locust bean gum, guar gum, and gum tragacanth, insoluble carbonates like calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate and talc.

Antitack agents may also be added as panning modifiers which allow the use of a variety of carbohydrates and sugar alcohols to be used in the development of new panned or coated gum products. Flavors may also be added with the sugar coating and with the Acesulfame K sweetener to yield unique product characteristics
Another type of pan coating would also isolate the Acesulfame K sweetener from the chewing gum in gredients. This technique is referred to as film coating and is more common in pharmaceuticals than in chewing gum, but procedures are similar. A film like shellac,
Zein, or cellulose-type material is applied onto a pellettype product forming a thin film on the surface of the product. The film is applied by mixing the polymer, a plasticizer and a solvent (pigments are optional) and spraying the mixture onto the pellet surface.

This is done in conventional type panning equipment, or in more advanced side-vended coating pans. When a solvent like alcohol is used, extra precautions are needed to prevent fires and explosions, and specialized equipment must be used.

Some film polymers can use water as the solvent in film coating. Recent advances in polymer research and in film coating technology eliminates the problem associated with the use of solvents in coating. These advances make it possible to apply aqueous films to a pellet or chewing gum product. As Acesulfame K sweetener is highly water soluble, it can be added to this aqueous film solution and applied with the film to the pellet or chewing gum product. The aqueous film or even the alcohol solvent film may also contain a flavor along with the polymer and plasticizer. By adding Acesulfame
K sweetener to the polymer/plasticizer/solvent system either as an emulsion or solution, the sweetener can add sweetness to the flavor and a balanced flavor/sweetness can be obtained. The Acesulfame K sweetener can also be dissolved in the aqueous solvent and coated on the surface with the aqueous film.

This will give a unique sweetness release to a film coated product.

The previously described encapsulated, agglomerated, or absorbed high-potency sweetener may readily be incorporated into a chewing gum composition. The remainder of the chewing gum ingredients are noncritical to the present invention. That is, the coated particles of high-potency sweetener can be incorporated into conventional chewing gum formulations in a conventional manner.

Naturally, the preferred chewing gum formulation is a sugarless chewing gum. However., the high-potency sweeteners may also be used in a sugar chewing gum to intensify and/or extend the sweetness thereof. The coated highpotency sweetener may be used in either regular chewing gum or bubble gum.

In general, a chewing gum composition typically comprises a water-soluble bulk portion, a water-insoluble chewable gum base portion and typically waterinsoluble flavoring agents. The water-soluble portion dissipates with a portion of the flavoring agent over a period of time during chewing. The gum base portion is retained in the mouth throughout the chew.

The insoluble gum base generally comprises elastomers, resins, fats and oils, waxes, softeners and inorganic fillers. Elastomers may include polyisobutylene, isobutylene-isoprene copolymer and styrene butadiene rubber, as well as natural latexes such as chicle.

Resins include polyvinylacetate and terpene resins.

Fats and oils may also be included in the gum base, including tallow, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and cocoa butter. Commonly employed waxes include paraffin, microcrystalline and natural waxes such as beeswax and carnauba. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the insoluble gum base constitutes between about 5 to about 95 percent by weight of the gum. More preferably the insoluble gum base comprises between 10 and 50 percent by weight of the gum and most preferably about 20 to about 35 percent by weight of the gum.

The gum base typically also includes a filler component. The filler component may be calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, talc, dicalcium phosphate or the like The filler may constitute between about 5 and about 60 percent by weight of the gum base. Preferably, the filler comprises about 5 to about 50 percent by weight of the gum base.

Gum bases typically also contain softeners, including glycerol monostearate and glycerol triacetate
Further, gum bases may also contain optional ingredients such as antioxidants, colors, and emulsifiers. The present invention contemplates employing any commercially acceptable gum base.

The water-soluble portion of the chewing gum may further comprise softeners, sweeteners, flavoring agents and combinations thereof. Softeners are added to the chewing gum in order to optimize the chewability and mouth feel of the gum. Softeners, also known in the art as plasticizers or plasticizing agents, generally constitute between about 0.5 to about 15.0 percent by weight of the chewing gum. Softeners contemplated by the present invention include glycerin, lecithin, and combinations thereof. Further, aqueous sweetener solu tions such as those containing sorbitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, corn syrup and combinations thereof may be used as softeners and binding agents in gum.

As mentioned above, the coated high-potency sweeteners of the present invention will most likely be used in sugarless gum formulations. However, formulations containing sugar are also within the scope of the invention. Sugar sweeteners generally include saccharide- containing components commonly known in the chewing gum art which comprise, but are not limited to, sucrose, dextrose, maltose, dextrin, dried invert sugar, fructose, levulose, galactose, corn syrup solids and the like, alone or in any combination.

The coated high-potency sweeteners of the present invention can also be used in combination with other sugarless sweeteners. Generally sugarless sweeteners include components with sweetening characteristics but which are devoid of the commonly known sugars and comprise, but are not limited to, sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, maltitol and the like, alone or in any combination.

Depending on the particular sweetness release profile and shelf-stability needed, the coated highpotency sweeteners of the present invention can also be used in combination with uncoated high-potency sweeteners or with high-potency sweeteners coated with other materials and by other techniques.

A flavoring agent may be present in the chewing gum in an amount within the range of from about 0.1 to -about 10.0 weight percent and preferably from about 0.5 to about 3.0 weight percent of the gum. The flavoring agents may comprise essential oils, synthetic flavors, or mixture thereof including, but not limited to, oils derived from plants and fruits such as citrus oils, fruit essences, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, clove oil, oil of wintergreen, anise, and the like. Artificial flavoring components are also contemplated for use in gums of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that natural and artificial flavoring agents may be combined in any sensorally acceptable blend. All such flavors and flavor blends are contemplated by the present invention.

Optional ingredients such as colors, emulsifiers and pharmaceutical agents may be added to the chewing gum.

In general, chewing gum is manufactured by sequentially adding the various chewing gum ingredients to a commercially available mixer known in the art.

After the ingredients have been thoroughly mixed, the gum masts is discharged from the mixer and shaped into the desired form such as by rolling into sheets and cutting into sticks, extruding into chunks or casting into pellets.

Generally, the ingredients are mixed by first melting the gum base and adding it to the running mixer.

The base may also be melted in the mixer itself. Color or emulsifiers may also be added at this time. A softener such as glycerin may also be added at this time, along with syrup and a portion of the bulking agent. Further portions of the bulking agent may then be added to the mixer. A flavoring agent is typically added with the final portion of the bulking agent. The coated sweetener of the present invention is preferably added after the final portion of bulking agent and flavor have been added.

The entire mixing procedure typically takes from five to fifteen minutes, but longer mixing times may sometimes be required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations of the above described procedure may be followed.

Examples
The following examples of the invention and comparative examples are provided by way of explanation and illustration.

The formulas listed in Table 1 comprise various sugar-free formulas in which Acesulfame K is added to gum after it is dissolved in various aqueous type solvents.

TABLE 1
(wit. %)
Example Example Example Example Example
1 2 3 ¯ 4 5
Sorbitol 49.3 48.6 49.3 49.3 49.3
Manitol 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0
Gum Base 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5
Glycerin 8.5 8.5 4.7 4.7 8.5
Hydrogenated
Starch
Hydrolysates 6.8 6.8 6.8 6.8 3.0
Lecithin 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Peppermint
Flavor 1.45 1.45 1.45 1.45 1.45
Color 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05
Liquid/
Acesulfame K blend 0.2 0.90 4.0 4.0 4.0
In Example 1, Acesulfame K powder was added directly to the gum. In Example 2, a 13.0 g portion of
Acesulfame K was dissolved in 45.5 g water, making a 22.2% solution, and added to gum.

In Example 3 - A 2.5 gram portion of Acesulfame
K was dissolved in 97.5 gram propylene glycol, making a 2.5% solution, and added to gum.

In Example 4 - A 2.5 gram portion of Acesulfame
K was dissolved in 47.5 gram of glycerin, making a 5% solution, and added to gum.

In Example 5 - A 5.0 gram portion of Acesulfame
K was dissolved in hot hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, making a 5% solution, and added to gum.

The 5 examples were evaluated in standard "chew out tests, which consist of several panelists chewing the gum over time and analyzing the resulting bolus for Acesulfame K. The results showed that all 5 examples had the same rate of release of Acesulfame K.

Thus, Acesulfame K releases the same whether added as a powder or dissolved in an aqueous liquid.

In the next examples of a sugar gum formulation,
Acesulfame K can be dissolved in water and emulsifiers can be added to the aqueous solution. Example solutions can be prepared by dissolving 15 grams of Acesulfame K in 70 grams water and adding 15 grams of emulsifiers of various hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values to the solution. The mixtures can then be used in the following formulas.

TABLE 2
(Wt. %)
Example Example Example Example Example Example
6 7 8 9 10 11
Sugar 55 59.2 55.2 55.2 55.2 55.2
Base 19*2 19.2 19.2 19.2 19.2 19.2
Corn Syrup 12.4 12.4 12.4 12.4 12.4 12.4
Glycerine 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4
TABLE 2 CONT'D
(Wt.

%)
Example Example Example Example Example Example
6 7 8 9 10 11
Dextrose
Monohydrate 9.9 9.9 9.9 9.9 9.9 9.9
Peppermint
Flavor 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9
Sweetener/
Emulsifier/
Water
Mixture 1ç0 1.6 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
None HLB=2 HLB=4 HLB=6 HLB=9 ELB=12
Examples 12-16 - The same as the formulations made in Examples 6-11, respectively, except that the flavor is mixed together with the aqueous sweetener solution and emulsified before adding the mixture to the gum batch.

Acesulfame K sweetener can also be blended into various base ingredients. ,A typical base formula is as follows:
Wt. /
Polyvinyl acetate 27
Synthetic rubber 13
Paraffin Wax 13
Fat 3
Glycerol Monostearate 5
Terpene Resin 27
Calcium Carbonate Filler 12 100%
The individual base components can be softened prior to their addition in the base manufacturing process.

To the presoftened base component, Acesulfame K can be added and mixed, and then the presoftened base/sweetener blend can be added to make the finished base. In the following examples, Acesulfame K is mixed first with one of the base ingredients, and the mixed ingredient is then used in making a base. The ingredients blended with Acesulfame K are then used at the levels indicated in the typical base formula above.

Example 17 - The terpen resin used to make the base is 98% polyterpene resin and 2% Acesulfame K.

Example 18 - The polyvinyl acetate used to make the base is 98% low M.W. polyvinyl acetate and 2%
Acesulfame K.

Example 19 - The paraffin wax used to make the base is 96% paraffin wax and 4% Acesulfame K
The Acesulfame K may also be added to an otherwise complete gum base.

Example 20 - 0.5% Acesulfame K is mixed with 99.5% of a gum base have the above listed typical formula. The Acesulfame K is added near the end of the process after all the other ingredients are added.

The samples of finished base made with Acesulfame
K added to different base components can then be evaluated in a sugar-type chewing gum formulated as follows:
TABLE 3
(Wt, % )
(For examples 17, 18, 19, and 20)
Sugar 55.2
Base 19.2
Corn Syrup 13.4
Glycerine 1.4
Dextrose
Monohydrate 9.9
Peppermint
Flavor 0.9 100%
The theoretical level of Acesulfame K sweetener is 0.1% in the finished gum.

Using the following formulation of a sugar-free gum, a variety of encapsulated Acesulfame K samples can be evaluated:
Table 4
(Wt. %)
Sorbitol 49.3
Manitol 8.0
Gum Base 25.5
Glycerin 8.5
Lycasin 6.8
Lecithin 0.2
Peppermint
Flavor 1.45
Color 0.05
Active Acestilfame K 0.20
For spray drying, the solids level of an aqueous or alcoholic solution can be about 10-50%, but preferred levels are indicated in the examples listed.

Example 22 - An 80% shellac, 20% active
Acesulfame K powder mixture is obtained by spray drying an alcohol/shellac/Acesulfame K emulsion at total solids of 25%.

Example 23 - A 50% shellac, 50% active
Acesulfame K powder mixture is obtained by spray drying an appropriate ratio of alcohol/shellac/Acesulfame K emulsion at 25% solids.

Example 24 - A 70% Zein, 30% active Acesulfame
K powder mixture is obtained by spray drying an alcohol/Zein/Acesulfame K emulsion at 30% solids.

Example 25 - A 40% shellac, 60% Active
Acesulfame K powder mixture is obtained by fluid-bed coating Acesulfame K with an alcohol/shellac solution at 20% solids.

Example 26 - A 60% shellac, 40% active
Acesulfame K powder mixture is obtained by fluid-bed coating Acesulfame K with an alcohol/shellac solution of 25% solids.

Example 27 - A 40% Zein, 60% active Acesulfame
K powder mixture is obtained by fluid-bed coating
Acesulfame K with an alcohol/Zein solution of 25% solids.

Example 28 - An 85% wax, 15% active Acesulfame
K powder mixture is obtained by spray chilling a mixture of molten wax and Acesulfame K.

Example 29 - A 70% wax, 30% active Acesulfame
K powder mixture is obtained by spray chilling a mixture of molten wax and Acesulfame K.

Example 30 - A 30% Zein, 70% active Acesulfame
K powder mixture is obtained by spray drying an aqueous mixture of Acesulfame K and Zein dispersed in an aqueous, high pie (pH of 11.6-12.0) media. at 15% solids.

Example 31 - A 30% Zein, 70% active Acesulfame
K powder mixture is obtained by fluid-bed coating Acesulfame
K with a an aqueous, high-ps (pH=11.6-12.0) Zein dispersion of 15% solids.

Example 32 - A 20% Zein, 20% shellac, 60% active Acesulfame K powder mixture is obtained by spray drying an alcohol/shellac/Acesulfame K mixture and then fluid-bed coating the spray dried product for a second coating of alcohol and Zein.

Example 22 to 32 would all give nearly complete encapsulation and would delay the release of Acesulfame
K sweetener when used in sugarless gum formulation in
Table 4. The higher levels of coating would give a longer delayed release of sweetener than the lower levels of coating.

Other polymers that are more water soluble and used in coating would have less of an effect of delaying the release of the Acesulfame K sweetener.

Example 33 - An 80% gelatin, 20% active
Acesulfame K powder mixture is obtained by spray drying a gelatin/Acesulfame K solution at 30% solids.

Example 34 - A 30% hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), 70% Acesulfame K powder mixture is obtained by fluid-bed coating Acesulfame K with an aqueous solution of HPMC at 10% solids.

Example 35 - A 30% carboxymethyl cellulose, 70% active Acesulfame K powder mixture is obtained by fluid bed coating Acesulfame K with an aqueous solution of carboxy methyl cellulose at 10% solids.

Example 36 - A 50% maltodextrin, 50% active
Acesulfame K powder mixture is obtained by spray drying an aqueous solution of Acesulfame K and maltodextrin at 40% solids.

Example 37 - A 40% gum arabic, 60% active
Acesulfame K powder mixture is obtained by fluid-bed coating Acesulfame K with an aqueous solution of gum arabic at 40% solids.

The coated Acesulfame K from Examples 33, 34 and 35, when used in the chewing gum formula in Table 4, would give a delayed release of sweetener. However, this delayed release would not be extended as much as in the previous examples (22-32), but would show some delayed release compared to the use of Acesulfame K added directly to gum. The product coated with maltodextrin and gum arabic in Examples 36 and 37, when used in the gum formula in Table 4, would show no delay in sweetener release in chewing gum compared to Acesulfame
K added directly.

Acesulfame K could also be used in gum as an agglomerated sweetener to give delayed sweetness release. Agglomerated sweeteners can be prepared as in the following examples:
Example 38 - A 15% hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), 85% active Acesulfame K powder mixture is prepared by agglomerating Acesulfame K and HPMC blended together, with water being added, and the resulting product being dried and ground.

Example 39 - A 15% gelatin, 85% active Acesulfame
K powder mixture is made by agglomerating Acesulfame K and gelatin blended together, with water being added, and the resulting product being dried and ground.

Example 40 - A 10% Zein, 90% active Acesulfame
K powder mixture is made by agglomerating Acesulfame K with an alcohol solution containing 25% Zein, and drying and grinding the resulting product.

Example 41 - A 15% shellac, 85% active Acesulfame
K powder mixture is made by agglomerating Acesulfame K with an alcohol solution containing 25% shellac, and drying and grinding the resulting product.

Example 42 - A 20% HPMC, 80% active Acesulfame
K powder mixture is obtained by agglomerating an HPMC and Acesulfame K mixture blended together, with water being added, and the resulting product being dried and ground.

Example 43 - A 20% Zein, 80% active Acesulfame
K powder mixture is obtained by agglomerating Acesulfame
K and Zein dissolved in high-pR water (11.6-12.0) at 15% solids, with the resulting product being dried and ground.

Example 44 - A 20% wax, 80% active Acesulfame
K powder mixture is obtained by agglomerating Acesulfame
K and molten wax, and cooling and grinding the resulting product.

Example 45 - A 15% maltodextrin, 85% active
Acesulfame K powder mixture is obtained by agglomerating a blend of Acesulfame K and maltodextrin, then adding water, drying and grinding.

All of the above mixtures can be added to any of the following types of chewing gum formulas:
TABLE 5
(Wt. %)
Sugar Sugarless Sugarless
With With With Sugarless
Sugar Sorbitol Water Lycasin No Water
Gum Base 19.2 19.2 25.5 25.5 25.5
Sugar 55.2 53.2 -- -- -
Sorbitol -- 2.0 53.6 49.3 52.1
Mannitol -- - 8.0 8.0 12.0
Corn Syrup 13.25 13.25 -- -- -
Lycasin/ -- -- 9 5(a) 6 8(b) -
Sorbitol liquid
Glycerin 1.4 1.4 .

1.5 8.5 8.5
Lecithin -- -- 0.2 0.2 0.2
Dextrose 9.9 9.9 -
Monohydrate
Flavor 0.9 0.9 1.5 1.5 1.5
Level of 0.15 0.15 0.2 0.2 0.2 active
Acesulfame K (a) liquid sorbitol (70% sorbitol, 30% water) (b) hydrogenated starch hydrolyzate syrup
If each of the examples of agglomerated material (38-45) were evaluated in the formulations shown in Table 5, all samples except Example 45 with maltodextrin would give Acesulfame K a delayed release.

Samples using Zein, wax, and shellac would give the slowest release rate, whereas samples with HPMC and gelatin would give the next slowest release. Maltodextrin would give a release similar to the release rate of non-coated Acesulfame K added directly to gum as a powder or liquid.

Partially coated or fully coated Acesulfame K can also be used in sugar type gum formulations containing other sugars, such as in the following formulations A-G:
TABLE 6
(Wt. %)
A B C D E F G
Gum Base 19.2 1902 19.2 19.2 19.2 19.2 19.2
Sugar 59.3 50.3 49.3 49.3 50.3 52.3 52e3
Glycerin 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4
Corn Syrup 19.0 23.0 19.0 19.0 23.0 16.0 16.0
Dextrose -- -- 5.0 -- -- -- -
Lactose Z -- --.

-- 5.0 -- -
Fructose -- -- 5.0 -- -- -- -
Invert Sugar -- -- -- 10.0 -- -- -
Maltose z O -- -- -- 10.0 --
Palatinose =- -- -- -- -- -- 10. O
Corn Syrup -- 500 -- -- -- -- --
Solids
Peppermint 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9
Flavor
Level of 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Active
Acesulfame K
These formulations may also contain sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, maltitol, palatinit, and lycasin or combinations thereof.

Sugarless type gum formulations with partially coated or fully coated Acesulfame K can also be made using various sugar alcohols, such as the following formulations H-O:
TABLE 7
(Wt. %)
H I J K L M N O
Base 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5
Sorbitol 53.8 46.8 41.8 41.8 41.8 41.8 36.8 37.8
Sorbitol 17.0 14.0 6.0 -- 5.0 -- -- 6.Cl(a
Liquid/
Lycasin
Mannitol -- 10.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 .8.0 8.0
Maltitol -- -- -- 5.0 -- -- 5.0 -
Xylitol " -- 15.0 10.0 -- -- 5.0 15.O
Lactitol -- -- -- -- 10.0 -- -- -
Palatinit -- -- -- -- -- 15.0 10.0 -
Glycerin 2.0 2.0 2.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 6.0
Flavor 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5
Active 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Level of
Acesulfame K (a) lycasin,

all others use sorbitol liquid
All of these formulations in Table 6 and Table 7 which use the agglomerated Acesulfame K as described in the examples (38-45) and in the previous encapsulated examples (22-35) would be expected to give a delayed release of sweetness compared to a product made by adding
Acesulfame K directly to gum as a powder or as liquid.

Multiple step agglomeration/encapsulation procedures can also be used in making release-modified sweetners for use in the formulations in Tables 5, 6 and 7. Examples of multiple step treatments are here described:
Example 46 - Acesulfame K is spray dried with maltodextrin at 30% solids to prepare a powder. Thins powder is then agglomerated with a hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) in a ratio of 85/15 powder/EPMC, wetted with water and dried. After grinding the resulting powder will contain about 68% active Acesulfame K, 17% maltodextrin and 15% HPMC.

Example 47 - Acesulfame K is agglomerated with HPMC in a ratio of 85/15 sweetener HPMC. After drying and grinding, the resulting powder is fluid-bed coated with an alcohol shellac solution at about 25% solids to give a final product containing about 60% active Acesulfame K, 10% HPMC, and about 30% shellac.

Example 48 - Acesulfame K is agglomerated with HPMC in a ratio of 85/15 Sweetener/HPMC. After drying and grinding, the resulting powder is agglomerated with a 15% solids7 high-pH, aqueous solution of
Zein to give a final product containing about 60% active
Acesulfame K, 10% HPMC, and 30% Zein.

Example 49 - Acesulfame K is spray dried with a 25% solution of gelatin. The spray dried product is then agglomerated with a 15% solids, high-pH, aqueous solution of Zein. The final product will contain about 50% active Acesulfame K, 20% gelatin, and 30% Zein.

Example 50 - Acesulfame K is agglomerated with molten wax in a ratio of 85/15 sweetener/wax.

When the mixture cools and is ground, it is fluid-bed coated with a 25% Zein - 75% alcohol solution, giving a final product containing 60% active Acesulfame K, 10% wax and 30% Zein.

These examples 46-50, when used in any of the formulations noted in Tables 5, 6, and 7 above, give
Acesulfame K a delayed release and delayed sweetness.

These multiple step procedures can actually give more delayed release then the single step processes. Multiple step processes of more than two steps may give even longer delayed release times, but may generally become less cost effective and less efficient. Preferably spray drying can be the first step with additional steps of fluid-bed coating, spray chilling and agglomeration being part of the latter steps.

For absorption type examples, delayed release of Acesulfame K sweetener is dependent on the type of absorbing material. Most materials like silicas, silicates, cellulose, carbonates, and hydroxides would be expected to give a more delayed release than amorphous sugar and sugar alcohols. Some examples:
Example 51 - A hot 45% solution of Acesulfame
K is sprayed onto a precipitated silica to absorb the sweetener. The mixture is dried and coated with a fumed silica. The final product is about 50% active Acesulfame
K.

Example 52 - A hot 45% solution of Acesulfame
K is sprayed onto a pharmasorb clay to absorb the sweetener.

The mixture is dried and ground and gives a final product of about 80% clay and 20% active Acesulfame K.

Example 53 - A 25% solution of Acesulfame K is sprayed onto a microcrystalline cellulose powder to absorb the sweetener. The mixture is dried and ground and gives a product that is about 70% microcrystalline cellulose and 30% active Acesulfame K.

Example 54 - A 25% solution of Acesulfame K is sprayed onto a high absorption starch to absorb the sweetener. The mixture is dried and ground and gives a product that is about 80% starch and 20% active Acesulfame
K.

Example 55 - A 25% solution of Acesulfame K is sprayed onto a calcium carbonate powder to absorb the sweetener. The mixture is dried and ground and gives a product of about 90% calcium carbonate and 10% active Acesulfame K.

Example 56 - A hot 45% solution of Acesulfame
K is sprayed onto a highly absorptive dextrose material to absorb the sweetener. The mixture is dried and ground and gives a product of about 80% dextrose and 20% active
Acesulfame K.

Example 57 - A hot 45% solution of Acesulfame
K is sprayed onto a sorbitol powder to absorb the material.

The mixture is dried and ground and gives a product of about 90% sorbitol and 10% active Acesulfame K.

The samples prepared in examples 51-57 can be used in gum formulations as noted in Tables 5, 6, and 7. Those preparations which have Acesulfame K absorbed onto a material that is not water soluble are expected to give a delayed release of Acesulfame K sweetener.

Another modification or absorption technique is to dry the Acesulfame K together with a sugar or sugar alcohol, or resolidify the sweetener with sugar or sugar alcohol after both are mixed together in a molten state.

Example 58 - Molten Acesulfame K is added to molten sorbitol in a ratio of 90 parts sorbitol to 10 parts Acesulfame K. The blend is cooled and ground.

Example 59 - Molten Acesulfame K is added to molten dextrose in a ratio of 90 parts dextrose to 10 parts Acesulfame K. The blend is cooled and ground.

Example 60 - 4% Acesulfame K is dissolved in 96% high fructose corn syrup. The mixture is evaporated to a low moisture and ground.

The product of examples 58-60 may be added to the gum formulations shown in Tables 5, 6 and 7.

Many of the examples listed are single step processes. However, more delayed release of the
Acesulfame K sweetener may be obtained by combining the various processes of encapsulation, agglomeration, absorption, and entrappment. Any of the preparations made in Examples 51-60 can be further treated in fluid-bed coating, spray chilling, or coacervation processes to encapsulate the product, and can be agglomerated with various materials and procedures in a variety of multiple step processes.

The Acesulfame K sweetener can also be used with a variety of other high-intensity sweeteners and blended together before encapsulation, agglomeration, absorption, and entrappment. Some examples are:
Example 61 - Acesulfame K and aspartame are blended together in a 1/1 ratio as a powder. This mixture is then be spray chilled with wax in a ratio of 70/30 mixture/wax to obtain a powder containing 35%
Acesulfame K, 35% aspartame, and 30% wax.

Example 62 - Acesulfame K and thaumatin in a 9/1 ratio are dissolved in water with a 30% solution of gelatin and spray dried. This spray dried powder is then agglomerated with a high-pH aqueous 15% Zein solution. The mixture is dried and ground and gives a product containing 45% Acesulfame K, 5% thaumatin, 35% gelatin, and 15% Zein.

Example 63 - Acesulfame K and alitame in a 9/1 ratio are prepared in a hot 40% solution. This solution is sprayed onto a high absorption silica powder.

The mixture is dried, ground and fluid-bed coated with an alcohol/shellac mixture, giving a product that contains 36% Acesulfame K, 4% alitame, 40% silica, and 20 % shellac.

Example 64 - Acesulfame K and sucralose in a 3/1 ratio are blended together as a powder and then agglomerated with water and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC). This blend is dried, ground and agglomerated further with a high-pH, aqueous 15% solution of Zein to obtain a product containing 51% Acesulfame K, 17% sucralose, 12% HPMC and 20% Zein.

Example 65 - Acesulfame K and glycyrrhizin in a 1/1 ratio are blended together as a powder and fluid-bed coated with a solution of 25% shellac in alcohol. The coated product is agglomerated further with water and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) to obtain a product containing 30% Acesulfame K, 30% glycyrrhizin, 25% shellac, and 15% HPMC.

When the blends of Acesulfame K and other high-intensity sweetness of Examples 61-65 are tested in gum formulations such as those noted in Tables 4, 5, 6 and 7, a significant delayed release of the sweetener and sweetness are expected. This delayed release would improve the quality of flavor giving it the impression of a longer lasting flavor. Due to the synergistic effects of the sweetener combinations in Examples 61-65, less total sweetener can be used to give the same sweetness level as the single delayed release
Acesulfame K sweetener.

Claims

We CLAIM:

1. A method for producing chewing gum with Acesulfame K comprising the steps of: a) mixing a quantity of Acesulfame K with a spray drying solvent and an encapsulating material; b) spray drying the mixture in such a way as to encapsulate the Acesulfame K and c) adding a quantity of the spray dried material to a chewing gum formulation to provide an Acesulfame K level in the gum of from O.05% to 1.0%.

2. The method of Claim 1 wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of alcohol and water.

3. The method of Claim 1 wherein the encapsulating material is selected from the group consisting of shellac and Zein.

4. The method in Claim 1 wherein an additional high-potency sweetener selected from the group consisting of aspartame, alitame, other salts of Acesulfame, sucralose, saccharin and its salts, cyclamic acid and its salts, thaumatin, monellin, dihydrochalcone, and combinations thereof is mixed in the spray drying mixture in combination with the Acesulfame R.

5. A chewing gum made according to the method of Claim 1.

6. A method for producing chewing gum with Acesulfame K comprising the steps of: a) fluid-bed coating Acesulfame K with a solution of an encapsulating material and a solvent; b) drying said fluid-bed coated material and c) adding a quantity of the fluid-bed coated material to a chewing gum formulation to provide an Acesulfame K level in the gum formulation of from about 0005% to about 1.0%.

7. The method of Claim 6 wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of alcohol and water.

8. The method of Claim 6 wherein the encapsulating material is selected from the group consisting of shellac and Zein.

9. The method in Claim 6 wherein an additional high-potency sweetener selected from the group consisting of aspartame, alitame, other salts of Acesulfame, sucralose, saccharin and its salts, cyclamic acid and its salts, thaumatin, monellin, dihydrochalcone, and combinations thereof is mixed in the spray drying mixture in combination with the Acesulfame K.

10. A chewing gum made according to the method of Claim 6.