JP2019512219A - Smokeless oral tobacco products and their preparation - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention comprises tobacco material and particulate material, the particulate material having the following properties: i) a median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm as measured by sieve analysis; ii) a bulk less than about 0.6 g / cm 3 And iii) to a smokeless oral tobacco product having a combined content of less than about 7% starch and sugar relative to the weight of the particulate material, wherein the tobacco material comprises tobacco, or a tobacco substitute or substitute . [Selected figure] Figure 1

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[Field]
The present invention relates to smokeless oral tobacco products and methods of making the same.

[background]
Smokeless oral tobacco products include smokeless materials such as smokeless tobacco and are designed to be placed in the user's oral cavity for a limited amount of time. The smokeless oral tobacco product comprises snuff and can provide the snuff in a dry or moist form. The smokeless oral tobacco product may or may not be subdivided.

  In some embodiments, the present invention seeks to provide improved smokeless oral tobacco products and methods of making the same.

[Overview]
According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a smokeless oral tobacco product comprising tobacco material and particulate material other than tobacco, the particulate material having the following properties:
i) mass median particle size of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm measured by sieve analysis;
ii) having a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ ; and iii) a combined content of less than about 7% starch and sugar relative to the weight of the particulate material.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of producing a smokeless oral tobacco product comprising tobacco material and particulate material other than tobacco, the particulate material having the following properties:
i) mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm as determined by sieve analysis;
ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ ; and iii) a combined content of less than about 7% starch and sugar relative to the weight of the particulate material,
The method is:
(A) supplying tobacco material;
(B) processing the tobacco material; and (c) adding particulate material to the tobacco material prior to, in the middle of (b) or after (b) the processing step Including
The tobacco material comprises tobacco, or a tobacco substitute or substitute.

  According to some embodiments described herein, a consumer package comprising a smokeless oral tobacco product according to the first aspect of the invention, or a smokeless oral tobacco product produced by the method according to the second aspect Goods are provided.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of a particulate material other than tobacco to improve the mouthfeel of a smokeless oral tobacco product, said particulate material having the following properties:
i) mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm as determined by sieve analysis;
ii) having a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ ; and iii) a combined content of less than about 7% starch and sugar relative to the weight of the particulate material.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of a particulate material other than tobacco to reduce irritation of the back of the user in use of the smokeless oral tobacco product, said particulate The material has the following properties:
i) mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm as determined by sieve analysis;
ii) having a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ ; and iii) a combined content of less than about 7% starch and sugar relative to the weight of the particulate material.

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of particulate material other than tobacco to maintain the in-use structure of the smokeless oral tobacco product, said particulate material having the following properties:
i) mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm as determined by sieve analysis;
ii) having a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ ; and iii) a combined content of less than about 7% starch and sugar relative to the weight of the particulate material.

Brief Description of the Drawing
Embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 5 is a graph including measured densities for several different materials. The weight of the material was plotted on the y-axis and the weight was measured per cm ³ of product. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary test sieving device for measuring the mass median diameter of particulate material. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary setting for a test sieving device for measuring the mass median diameter of particulate material. It is a graph of the cumulative mass percentage of cork to the size of the mesh of a sieve in the example sieve analysis method of Example 1a for measuring the mass median diameter of cork. It is a graph of the cumulative mass percentage of miscellaneous grain husks to the size of the mesh of a sieve in the exemplary sieve analysis method of Example 1b for measuring the mass median diameter of miscellaneous grain husks. Sample with smokeless oral tobacco product (right), which is a tin can containing 20 g of standard white snus, with a sachet product shown at the top, and a sample containing cork, a tin can containing 10 g of cork snus, with a sachet product shown at the top And FIG.

[Detailed description]
The present invention relates to smokeless oral tobacco products.

  The "particulate material" used in the present invention is a particulate material other than tobacco. Thus, as understood by those skilled in the art, smokeless oral tobacco products comprise tobacco and particulate material as defined herein, wherein the particulate material is other than tobacco.

  "Smokeless tobacco product" is used herein to denote any tobacco product that is not intended for combustion.

  "Smokeless oral tobacco product" is intended to represent any smokeless tobacco product that has been placed in the user's oral cavity for a limited time while designed to have contact between the user's saliva and the product As used herein. The term "smokeless oral tobacco product" as used herein does not include products that heat tobacco.

  The smokeless oral tobacco product may be provided to the user in a portioned or non-portioned manner. The portioned smokeless oral tobacco product can reduce or eliminate the handling of tobacco by the user and can provide significant advantages in terms of better hygiene, convenience and / or ease of use.

  In some embodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco product of the present invention is a subdivided product.

  Smokeless oral tobacco products comprise tobacco material.

  As used herein, "tobacco material" includes materials including tobacco and / or tobacco substitutes or substitutes. In some embodiments, the tobacco material comprises tobacco. In some embodiments, the tobacco material is tobacco. In some embodiments, the tobacco material comprises a tobacco substitute or substitute. In some embodiments, the tobacco material is a tobacco substitute or substitute.

  As used herein, "tobacco" includes any member of the genus Nicotiana, such as leaves, flowers or stems, and any portion thereof, and reconstituted materials thereof. In some embodiments, the tobacco comprises treated tobacco. In some embodiments, the tobacco comprises a derivative, eg, a specific compound found in natural tobacco whether it is an extract or synthesized nicotine, and structural derivatives such as the fibrous portion of the tobacco leaf. The term "tobacco" as used herein includes tobacco extract.

  As used herein, the term "tobacco substitute or substitute" includes tobacco comprising individual chemicals and / or complex chemical constituents that, when properly prepared, physically resemble natural tobacco. Contains alternatives. Alternatively or additionally, the term "tobacco substitute or substitute" as used herein includes materials that deliver nicotine to the user and provide a mouthfeel similar to tobacco.

  If the tobacco comprises plant material, different parts of the defined amount of plant may be used. For example, the amount of stems in the tobacco blend may be 50% or less, 60% or less, or 70% or less of the tobacco weight. In some embodiments, the amount of stems in the tobacco is 5% to 70% of the tobacco weight, such as 10% to 65% of the tobacco weight, such as 15% to 65% of the tobacco weight, such as 20% to the tobacco weight 60%, for example 25% to 55% of the tobacco weight, for example 30% to 50% of the tobacco weight.

  The tobacco used in the present invention may comprise multiple types of tobacco, for example dark air dried tobacco, hot air dried tobacco, burley tobacco, oriental tobacco, maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, dark-fired tobacco And Rustica tobacco, as well as other rare or specialty tobacco.

  In some embodiments, the tobacco is in crushed tobacco and / or particulate form. In some embodiments, the tobacco is not in the form of strands or cut lamina.

  In some embodiments, the tobacco can be dry or moist form snuff tobacco. The "snuff tobacco" is typically dried and milled to have a mass median diameter of 0.01 to 5 mm, for example 0.01 to 3 mm, for example 0.01 to 1.0 mm, as determined by sieve analysis. As used herein to generally describe one class of smokeless tobacco products, including tobacco.

  In some embodiments, the tobacco may be dried snuff. In some embodiments, the moisture content of the tobacco is less than 16% of the total weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, eg, less than 12% of the total weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, eg, less than 10% of the total weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product Eg less than 5% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, eg less than 3% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, eg less than 2% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, eg 1% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product Less than%.

  In some embodiments, some or all of the tobacco is in a wet form. The moist tobacco can be in any form suitable for incorporation into smokeless oral tobacco products. In some embodiments, the moist tobacco comprises moist snuff.

  In some embodiments, the moist snuff comprises Swedish snuff and may also be referred to as snus cigarette or snus. In some embodiments, the damp snuff is a Swedish snuff (snus). Snus is a moist powdered tobacco product derived from the transformation of dried snuff. As used herein, snus is a non-fermenting oral tobacco product, but is somewhat heat treated such as by pasteurization. Snus is typically used by placing snus under the upper lip for an extended period of time.

  In some embodiments, the moisture content of the tobacco is at least 20% of the total weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, eg, at least 25% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, eg, at least 30% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, eg, smokeless oral tobacco At least 35% of the product weight, eg at least 40% of the smokeless oral tobacco product weight, eg at least 45% of the smokeless oral tobacco product weight, eg at least 50% of the smokeless oral tobacco product weight, eg at least 60% of the smokeless oral tobacco product weight It is.

  In embodiments where the smokeless oral tobacco product comprises snus, the snus may comprise a salt and / or other flavourant. Alternatively or additionally, snus may be pasteurized, or may undergo a process similar to pasteurisation, and may optionally be aged to reach the desired pH and / or moisture content of snus . Methods and apparatus suitable for pasteurization and ripening are known to those skilled in the art.

  Alternatively or additionally, the moist snuff may be in the form of a soaked tobacco. In embodiments where the smokeless oral tobacco product comprises a soaking tobacco, the soaking tobacco may be treated by fermentation or may undergo a process similar to fermentation, optionally also via one or more further processes, such as aging. Good. Methods and apparatus suitable for the treatment of soaked tobacco are known to those skilled in the art.

  Alternatively or additionally, the tobacco may be in the form of moist snuff and / or chewing tobacco in the United States.

  The amount of tobacco in the tobacco formulation may vary. In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco in the smokeless oral tobacco product is at least about 5% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 10% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 15%, eg at least about 20% of smokeless oral tobacco product weight, eg at least about 25% of smokeless oral tobacco product weight, eg at least about 30% of smokeless oral tobacco product weight, eg at least about 40% of smokeless oral tobacco product weight For example, at least about 50% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 55% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 60% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.

  In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco in the smokeless oral tobacco product is about 90% or less of the smokeless oral tobacco product weight, about 85% or less of the smokeless oral tobacco product weight, or about 80% or less of the smokeless oral tobacco product weight Or less than about 75% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, or less than about 70% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.

  In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco in the smokeless oral tobacco product is about 20% to 90% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as 20% to 85% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product About 20% to 80% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as about 20% to 70% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as about 20% to 65% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, For example, about 20% to 60% of smokeless oral tobacco product weight, such as about 25% to 60% of smokeless oral tobacco product weight, such as about 30% to 60% of smokeless oral tobacco product weight, such as about smokeless oral tobacco product weight 35% to 60%.

  In some embodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco product can be provided to the user in a portioned manner. In some known aliquoted smokeless oral tobacco products, the tobacco material is enclosed in a sachet. For example, a common way of providing moist snuff is to seal the tobacco material in a permeable sachet.

  The sachet holds the tobacco material in place while at the same time the flavor and substances such as nicotine diffuse through the sachet into the mouth of the user and are absorbed through the user's mucosa.

  In some embodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco product can be provided to the user in an undivided manner. In one embodiment, the smokeless oral tobacco product is loosely filled into a container, such as a can, a scent bag or a tin can.

  In some embodiments, a smokeless oral tobacco product can be provided to the user in a preformed manner, as described, for example, in EP-A-2649889. Such a style typically does not require the use of a sachet to contain the product, but may still be subdivided.

In addition to the tobacco material, the smokeless oral tobacco product comprises particulate material. The particulate material according to the invention has the following properties:
i) mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm as determined by sieve analysis;
ii) having a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ ; and iii) a combined content of less than about 7% starch and sugar relative to the weight of the particulate material.

  As used herein, the term "particulate" means that the average length to width ratio of particles of material is less than 2: 1, such as less than 1.5: 1, such as about 1: 1. Means In some embodiments, particles of particulate material are substantially spherical. In some embodiments, the particulate material is granular.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material is about 0.3 mm to about 2.5 mm, such as about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm, such as about 0.3 mm to about 1.5 mm, such as about 0. It has a mass median diameter of 3 mm to about 1 mm, for example about 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material is about 0.4 mm to about 2.5 mm, such as about 0.4 mm to about 2 mm, such as about 0.4 mm to about 1.5 mm, such as about 0. It has a mass median diameter of 4 mm to about 1 mm, for example about 0.4 to about 0.7 mm.

  As used herein, the term "mass median diameter" means that one half of the total mass of all particles in the sample is contributed by particles smaller than the mass median diameter and all particles in the sample One half of the total mass of the particles is defined as the size contributed by particles larger than the mass median diameter.

  The mass median diameter of the particulate material can be measured by sieve analysis. As those skilled in the art will readily recognize, sieve analysis (otherwise known as a gradation test) is a method used to measure the particle size distribution of particulate material. Typically, sieve analysis involves a nested column of sieves, preferably including a screen in the form of a wire mesh fabric. Pre-weighed samples can be introduced to the top or top sieve in the column, with the top sieve having the largest screen opening or mesh size (ie the largest pore size of the sieve). Each lower sieve in the column has a screen opening or mesh size that is progressively smaller than the upper sieve. Typically at the bottom of the sieve column, at the bottom of the column (with the smallest screen opening or mesh size) or the size of the screen opening of the lowest sieve or particle size smaller than the mesh size There is a portion of the receiver that collects the particles.

  In some embodiments, the sieve column may be placed on or in a mechanical stirrer. A stirrer results in the oscillation of each sieve of the column. The mechanical stirrer may be activated for a pre-defined time to ensure that all particles are collected with the correct sieve. In some embodiments, the sieve column is stirred for 0.5 minutes to 10 minutes, such as 1 minute to 10 minutes, such as 1 minute to 5 minutes, such as approximately 3 minutes.

  Once agitation of the column sieves is complete, weigh the material collected on each sieve. The weight of each sample in each sieve can then be divided by the total weight to obtain the percentage of mass retained in each sieve.

In some embodiments, the mass median diameter of the particulate material can be measured as follows:
Measuring the cumulative mass of the sample of particulate material prior to sieving the sample;
After sieving the sample using the method described above, the percentage of aggregate particulate material held by each sieve is of the formula:
% Retention = (M _Sieve / M _Total ) x 100%
Calculated using: where M _Sieve is the mass of the aggregate material in the sieve and M _Total is the cumulative mass (or total mass) of the entire sample;
The cumulative percentage of aggregate samples held by each sieve is then calculated by adding the total amount of aggregate material held by each previous sieve (ie, each sieve above the associated sieve) . The cumulative percentage of aggregate samples held by each sieve is found as follows by subtracting the relative percentage held by each previous sieve from 100%:
% Cumulative = 100%-Hold on previous screen Next, plot the graph of cumulative mass percentage on the y-axis against the size of the sieve on the x-axis;
Next, the mass median diameter is determined by calculating the value of x when y = 50% (ie, when the cumulative mass percentage is 50%).

  As those skilled in the art will readily recognize, the size of the screen opening or mesh size of each sieve of the column used for sieve analysis is based on the granularity of the sample to be analyzed or the known maximum / minimum particle size. May be selected.

In some embodiments, a sieve column may be used for sieving analysis, wherein the column comprises 2 to 20 sieves, for example 5 to 15 sieves. In some embodiments, a sieve column may be used for sieve analysis, with the column comprising 10 sieves. In some embodiments, the size of the screen openings or mesh of the 10 sieves to determine the mass median diameter of the particulate material may be as follows:

  As used herein, the density of particulate material is defined as the bulk density of the material. As used herein, bulk density is defined as the mass of some particles of particulate material divided by the total volume occupied by the particles. As used herein, the term "bulk density" means bulk density that is untapped or freely sedimented. In other words, bulk density is measured as the density that does not tap (ie, prior to any specified consolidation process that may involve container vibration).

In some embodiments, the particulate material is less than about 0.55 g / cm ^3, such as less than about 0.5 g / cm ^3, such as less than about 0.45 g / cm ^3, such as less than about 0.4 g / cm ^3, e.g. less than about 0.35 g / cm ^3, such as less than about 0.3 g / cm ^3, such as less than about 0.25 g / cm ^3, such as less than about 0.2 g / cm ^3, for example, a bulk of less than about 0.15 g / cm ³ Have a density.

  As used herein, the term "starch" is defined as a carbohydrate comprising at least 200 glucose units linked by glycosidic linkages.

  As used herein, the term "carbohydrate" is defined as a compound selected from the group consisting of monosaccharides (eg glucose and fructose), disaccharides (eg sucrose and maltose), and oligosaccharides. Ru.

In some embodiments, the combined amount of sucrose, fructose, maltose and glucose in the particulate material is less than about 7% by weight of the particulate material. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, a smokeless oral tobacco product is provided comprising tobacco material and particulate material, said particulate material having the following properties:
i) mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm as determined by sieve analysis;
ii) Bulk density less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ ; and iii) less than about 7% combined weight of sucrose, fructose, maltose and glucose relative to the weight of the particulate material.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material has a combined content of less than about 7% starch and sugar based on the weight of the particulate material. In some embodiments, the particulate material is less than about 6% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5.5% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5% by weight of the particulate material, For example, less than about 4.5% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 4% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3.5% by weight of the particulate material, such as by weight of the particulate material Less than about 3%, such as less than about 2.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 2% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 1.5% based on the weight of the particulate material It has a combined content of starch and sugar less than about 1% by weight of the particulate material, eg, less than about 0.5% by weight of the particulate material.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material has a total carbohydrate content of less than about 7% by weight of the particulate material. In some embodiments, the particulate material is less than about 6% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5.5% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5% by weight of the particulate material, For example, less than about 4.5% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 4% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3.5% by weight of the particulate material, such as by weight of the particulate material Less than about 3%, such as less than about 2.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 2% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 1.5% based on the weight of the particulate material It has a total carbohydrate content of less than about 1% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 0.5% by weight of the particulate material.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material has a total starch content of less than about 7% by weight of the particulate material. In some embodiments, the particulate material is less than about 6% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5.5% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5% by weight of the particulate material, For example, less than about 4.5% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 4% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3.5% by weight of the particulate material, such as by weight of the particulate material Less than about 3%, such as less than about 2.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 2% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 1.5% based on the weight of the particulate material It has a total starch content of less than about 1% by weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 0.5% by weight of the particulate material.

In one embodiment, the particulate material has a mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm, a bulk density of less than about 0.4 g / cm ³ , and less than about 7% by weight of the particulate material as determined by sieve analysis It has a combined content of starch and sugar.

In one embodiment, the particulate material has a mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm as measured by sieve analysis, a bulk density of less than about 0.25 g / cm ³ , and about 5% relative to the weight of the particulate material It has a combined content of less starch and sugar.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material is hydrophobic. In some embodiments, the particulate material comprises airgel, hollow particles and hemispheres, foams, fibers, plant-derived materials, wood- or tree-derived materials, animal-derived materials, mineral-derived materials, and mixtures thereof Hydrophobic particulate material selected from the group consisting of

  In some embodiments, the particulate material comprises the group consisting of cereal shells or hulls, materials derived from wood or trees, animal feathers, diatomaceous earth, perlite, foams, hollow particles and hemispheres, aerogels, and mixtures thereof It is the hydrophobic material of choice.

  Cereal husks or hulls may trap seed that will feed the grain and are typically waste products of the food industry. In some embodiments, cereal shells or hulls may be selected from buckwheat hulls, millet hulls, and mixtures thereof. Such shells or hulls of cereals are typically hydrophilic in nature, but may be made hydrophobic by surface treatment for the purposes of the present invention.

  In some embodiments, the animal feathers are selected from chicken feathers, down and mixtures thereof. The outer feathers of animals are typically hydrophobic in their native state. However, although Down is hydrophilic in nature, the use of several treatments to make Down hydrophobic is that it is a major drawback for use in outdoor clothing. Can. Currently, various outdoor companies offer products that have a moisture-treated down. As the brand, there are Rab Hydrophobic Down, The North Fact Pro Down (trademark), Berghaus HydroDown (trademark) and Mountain Hardware Q.2. Shield down (Mountain Hardwear Q. Shield Down) is mentioned.

  Diatomaceous earth (also known as diatomite or kieselgur / kieselguhr) is a naturally occurring soft siliceous sedimentary rock. Diatomaceous earth typically contains about 80% silica and about 20% diatoms, and diatoms are a type of hard shell algae. Although diatomaceous earth is hydrophilic in nature, processing can be used to obtain a hydrophobic grade.

  Perlite is a light material of volcanic origin, mainly comprising aluminum silicate. Pearlite is often found in expanded form after heat treatment. Like diatomaceous earth, perlite is hydrophilic in nature, but treatments can be used to obtain a hydrophobic grade.

  Foam is typically formed by confining pockets of gas into the material. The foam may comprise open cell foam and / or closed cell foam. In some embodiments, the foam is formed from raw materials, such as polymers, silicones, natural gums, nanocelluloses, alginates and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the foam is selected from sodium alginate, polyethylene, polystyrene and low density chewing gum as described in WO 2013/090653. The low density chewing gum can comprise at least 50% of a polymer, and less than 40% of a combination of bulking agents and fillers.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material is a foamed alginate, such as that described in WO 2014/096816. In some embodiments, the foamed alginate is foamed sodium alginate.

  The hollow particles and the hemispheres may be formed of an air-filled polymer to ensure a lighter density than the bulk material. Hollow particles and hemispheres are selected from the group comprising Expancel (AkzoNobel), Dualite® (Henkel), and Sunspheres® (The DOW Chemical Company) sell. A hydrophobic grade of each of these hollow particles and hemispheres can be utilized. Hollow particles and hemispheres may also be formed from sodium alginate particles.

  The airgel may be a dry, low density, porous solid scaffold of gel separated intact from the liquid components of the gel. The airgel may be open-porous and has pores in the range of <1 to 100 nm in diameter. In some embodiments, aerogels can be made from a wide variety of materials including silica, metal oxides, organic polymers, biological polymers (eg, gelatin, pectin and agar).

  In some embodiments, the particulate material is a hydrophobic particulate material derived from wood or trees. For example, in some embodiments, the particulate material is sawdust. Sawdust (otherwise called wood dust) is a by-product of cut, ground, drilled, ground or otherwise milled wood. Sawdust is typically composed of wood particles. In some embodiments, the particulate material is cork. Cork is a major part of the bark tissue harvested primarily from the Quercus cork suber. The cork contains the hydrophobic substance suberin.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material is a hydrophobic particulate material selected from the group consisting of cork, cereal shells, polystyrene, sodium alginate microspheres, foamed alginate, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the particulate material is cork. Cork is a material that has a lower density than tobacco. In some embodiments, the particulate material is cork and the bulk density of the cork is 0.05 to 0.4 g / cm ² , such as 0.05 to 0.3 g / cm ³ , such as 0.05 to 0. 29 g / cm ^3, for example 0.05~0.28g / cm ^3, for example 0.05~0.27g / cm ^3, for example, 0.05~0.26g / cm ^3. In some embodiments, the density of cork is 0.05 to 0.1 g / cm ³ . In some embodiments, the density of cork is 0.17~0.26g / cm ^3.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram containing measured densities for several different materials. The weight of the material was plotted on the y-axis and the weight was measured per cm ³ of product.

  The preferred weight ratio of tobacco material to particulate material in the smokeless oral tobacco product depends on the desired properties of the smokeless oral tobacco product. For example, the weight ratio of tobacco material to particulate material will depend on the desired dryness and density of the smokeless oral tobacco product.

  In some embodiments, the weight ratio of particulate material to tobacco material in the smokeless oral tobacco product is 20: 1 to 1:20, such as 15: 1 to 1:15, such as 10: 1 to 1:10, For example 9: 1 to 1: 9, for example 8: 1 to 1: 8, for example 7: 1 to 1: 7, for example 6: 1 to 1: 6, for example 5: 1 to 1: 5, for example 4: 1 to 1: 4, for example, 3: 1 to 1: 3, for example, 2: 1 to 1: 2.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material is cork. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of cork to tobacco material in the smokeless oral tobacco product is 20: 1 to 1:20, eg 15: 1 to 1:15, eg 10: 1 to 1:10, eg 9: 1 to 1: 9, such as 8: 1 to 1: 8, such as 7: 1 to 1: 7, such as 6: 1 to 1: 6, such as 5: 1 to 1: 5, such as 4: 1 to 1 : 4, for example, 3: 1 to 1: 3, for example, 2: 1 to 1: 2.

  In some embodiments, the weight ratio of particulate material to tobacco material in the smokeless oral tobacco product is 1: 1.5 to 1:10, such as 1: 1.5 to 1: 9, such as 1: 1. 5 to 1: 8, such as 1: 1.5 to 1: 7, such as 1: 1.5 to 1: 6, such as 1: 1.5 to 1: 5, such as 1: 1.5 to 1: 4, For example, 1: 1.5 to 1: 3, for example, 1: 1.5 to 1: 2.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material is cork. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of cork to tobacco material in the smokeless oral tobacco product is 1: 1.5 to 1:10, such as 1: 1.5 to 1: 9, such as 1: 1.5. To 1: 8, eg 1: 1.5 to 1: 7, eg 1: 1.5 to 1: 6, eg 1: 1.5 to 1: 5, eg 1: 1.5 to 1: 4, eg 1: 1.5 to 1: 3, for example, 1: 1.5 to 1: 2.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material is 1-80% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, eg, 2-80% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, eg, 3-80% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product In an amount of, for example, 4-80% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of 5-80% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of 5 to 75% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, For example, an amount of 5 to 70% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as 5 to 65% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as 5 to 60% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, for example In an amount of 5 to 55% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, for example 5 to 45% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, for example 5 to 40% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product In the amount of, for example smokeless oral cavity Tobacco products contained 10 to 40% of the amount of weight.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material is cork. In some embodiments, the cork is 1-80% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, eg, 2-80% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, eg, 3-80% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product In an amount of, for example, 4 to 80% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as 5 to 80% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as 5 to 75% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, for example An amount of 5 to 70% of the weight of the oral tobacco product, for example 5 to 65% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, for example an amount of 5 to 60% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, for example In an amount of 5 to 55%, for example 5 to 50% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, for example 5 to 45% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, for example 5 to 40% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product Amount, for example smokeless oral cavity It contains 10 to 40% of the amount of co-product weight.

  In some embodiments, the particulate material does not interfere with the aroma / odor of the tobacco material. For example, cork is advantageous in that the aroma is neutral, does not interfere with the aroma / odor of the tobacco material and thus does not adversely affect the user's experience.

  An advantage of the present invention is that the amount of tobacco used in the smokeless oral tobacco product according to the invention can be reduced while maintaining the organoleptic properties of the product.

  Although not wishing to be bound, by using in the present invention particulate material having the properties described herein, components from the tobacco material, such as flavors and / or nicotine of smokeless oral tobacco products It is advantageous to be able to increase the release of and enhance the user's experience. By including particulate material having the properties described herein, a lower density smokeless oral tobacco product having a more open structure is provided. This can result in more freedom of movement of the tobacco product and fluid in the mouth, which can in turn result in improved release of the components from the smokeless oral tobacco product.

  We have found that changing the weight ratio of particulate material contained in a smokeless oral tobacco product results in a change in product density and density, which may allow one to adjust the rate of flavor and nicotine extraction I found out that there was something.

  Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to control the amount of tobacco provided to the user without adversely affecting the user's experience. In smokeless oral tobacco products provided in aliquots (optionally in sachets), it is not desirable to reduce the size of the aliquots provided to the user. Because in this way, it is possible that the subdivision is used to use a certain size part under the upper lip of the user, which may adversely affect the user's experience .

  A loose form smokeless oral tobacco product is provided to the user while still maintaining the amount of product that the user can take from the container (ie, the "pin" of the product) in some embodiments It is possible to change the amount of tobacco. Moreover, in the loose form of smokeless oral tobacco products, it may be perceived by the user that the product has a softer, more elastic feel when the user takes the product 'slipper' out of the container, It was unexpectedly found. This provides an improved overall user experience as it may be more comfortable to touch the product when taken in loose form from the container.

  Particulate material having the properties described herein can be used in the present invention to reduce the overall density of the smokeless oral tobacco product as compared to conventional smokeless oral tobacco products that do not contain particulate material. Thus, it has surprisingly been found that the weight of the aliquots of the product can be varied while maintaining the overall size of the aliquots provided to the user. For example, the weight of the product can be reduced without any corresponding reduction in product volume.

  A further advantage of the present invention is the ability to reduce the amount of back irritation perceived by the consumer during use of the product. One problem associated with smokeless oral tobacco products is the sensitization of the back of the user's throat, which occurs during use. This can lead to a sore throat sensation that consumers typically call "drip". The inclusion of the particulate material according to the present invention results in the product being perceived by the consumer as being drier than the standard oral tobacco product not comprising the particulate material, and which of the user of the smokeless oral tobacco product It has surprisingly been found that it also reduces the degree to which the stimuli are perceived behind.

Thus, in one embodiment, the following properties to reduce irritation at the back of the user when using a smokeless oral tobacco product:
i) mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm as determined by sieve analysis;
ii) The use of a particulate material having a combined bulk content of starch and sugar of less than about 7% relative to the weight of the particulate material, and iii) bulk density of less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ ;

In one embodiment, to reduce the harshness of the oral cavity while using a smokeless oral tobacco product, the following properties:
i) mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm as determined by sieve analysis;
ii) The use of a particulate material having a combined bulk content of starch and sugar of less than about 7% relative to the weight of the particulate material, and iii) bulk density of less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ ;

  In addition, it has been found that the smokeless oral tobacco products of the present invention have improved mouthfeel as compared to smokeless oral tobacco products that do not contain particulate material having the properties described herein. While not wishing to be bound, it is believed that the improved mouthfeel results from improved flexibility and improved shape retention when using the product of the present invention.

  Thus, there is no adverse effect on the total volume of the product provided to the user, the texture of the product may be improved and the amount of tobacco in the smokeless oral tobacco product may be changed.

  In this case, the smokeless oral tobacco product may comprise tobacco of high nicotine content. Thus, the overall nicotine content of the smokeless oral tobacco product can be maintained despite the use of less tobacco by weight.

  In some embodiments, the nicotine content of the tobacco material is 0.02% to 7.5% of the weight of the tobacco material. In some embodiments, the nicotine content of the tobacco material is 0.03% to 7.5% of the weight of the tobacco material, eg, 0.04% to 7.5% of the weight of the tobacco material, eg, the weight of the tobacco material 0.05% to 7.5% of, eg, 0.06% to 7.5% of the weight of the tobacco material, eg, 0.07% to 7.5% of the weight of the tobacco material, eg 0 of the weight of the tobacco material .08% to 7.5%, eg 0.09% to 7.5% of the weight of the tobacco material, eg 0.1% to 7.5% of the weight of the tobacco material, eg 0.1 of the weight of the tobacco material % To 7%.

  The smokeless oral tobacco product may further comprise other ingredients. These ingredients may be included, for example, to alter the organoleptic properties of the formulation, and may contribute to consumer perception of sensory perception. The specific ingredients and the amount they are included in the smokeless oral tobacco products of the present invention will vary depending on the desired flavor, feel and other properties.

  For example, the smokeless oral tobacco product may include flavoring agents, preservatives, binders, wetting agents, buffers, disintegrants and / or colorants.

  As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "perfume" can be used to create the desired taste or aroma in products for adult consumers where local regulations permit Means These materials are extracts (eg, licorice, hydrangea, leaves of Japanese white bark magnolia), chamomile, fenugreek, ginger, menthol, peppermint, anise, cinnamon, herbs, burns, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Doramui, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia crust, caraway, cognac, cognac Jasmine, ylang ylang, sage, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any seed of the genus mint), flavor enhancer, bitter taste Putter site blocking agents, sensory receptor site activators or stimulators, carbohydrates and / or carbohydrate substitutes (eg sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), As well as other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. These materials may be imitations, synthetic or natural components, or blends thereof. These materials may be in any suitable form, such as oil, liquid or powder.

  The invention also provides a consumer package comprising the smokeless oral tobacco product described herein. In some embodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco product is not undivided and the consumer package comprises a container, such as a box or can. In some embodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco product is in portions. The subdivided smokeless oral tobacco products may be provided in sachets.

  Thus, in one embodiment, a sachet comprising the smokeless oral tobacco product described herein is provided.

The present invention is a method of producing a smokeless oral tobacco product comprising tobacco material and particulate material, said particulate material having the following properties:
i) mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm as determined by sieve analysis;
ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ ; and iii) a combined content of less than about 7% starch and sugar relative to the weight of the particulate material,
The tobacco material comprises tobacco, or a tobacco substitute or substitute, and the following steps:
(A) supplying tobacco material;
(B) processing the tobacco material;
(C) A method is also provided, comprising the step of adding particulate material to the tobacco material prior to, during, or after (b) processing step.

  A blend of tobacco particles may be mixed with water and typically a salt to produce a snus tobacco formulation. Depending on the residual moisture from the tobacco and the added moisture, up to at least 20%, in some embodiments up to at least 25%, in some embodiments up to about 20-60%, in some embodiments about 25-60 The moisture level of the mixture rises up to%. The salt is one form of perfume; optionally the salt may be excluded and / or another perfume may be added at this stage. The tobacco blend may be mixed with water and / or salt prior to treatment step (b), during treatment step (b), or after treatment step (b). In one embodiment, the tobacco blend is mixed with water and optionally salt prior to treatment step (b).

  In one embodiment, the tobacco formulation is particulate and has a mass median diameter of about 0.01 to 1 mm, eg, a mass median diameter of about 0.1 to 0.5 mm, or about 0.25 to 0, as determined by sieve analysis. Including tobacco particles having a mass median diameter of 4 mm.

  In one embodiment, the particulate tobacco comprises a mixture of tobacco stem particles and tobacco lamina particles. In some embodiments, the particulate tobacco comprises tobacco stem particles in an amount of 5% to 70% of the combined weight of tobacco stem particles and tobacco lamina particles.

  In embodiments where the tobacco comprises granular snus, the granular snus tobacco may be humidified with 20-50% moisture and / or salt may be added. In embodiments where the tobacco comprises granular snus, the granular snus tobacco may be humidified with about 50% moisture and / or may be salted.

  The amount of tobacco in the tobacco formulation may vary. In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco in the tobacco formulation is at least about 25% on a wet weight basis, such as at least about 30% on a wet weight basis, such as at least about 40% on a wet weight basis.

  In some embodiments, the tobacco blend (with optional water and salt) is heat treated for a time long enough and temperature high enough to meet pasteurization requirements. The tobacco blend is typically heat treated for 1 hour to meet the pasteurization requirements. Because tobacco is a natural product, it can be expected that some degree of microbes will be present in the blend. Heat treatment can take any form sufficient to produce a product having an acceptable low level of spoilage microorganisms. The heat treatment can meet the requirements of pasteurisation and thus be in a form that results in the sterilization of the product. Examples include high temperature or low temperature, for example hot air at about 80-140 ° C. for at least about 30 minutes, heat treatment via steam, microwave or other means, or cold pasteurisation. Other examples include irradiation and chemical treatment. One limitation to the heat treatment method chosen is that it is suitable for use in products intended for human oral consumption. Another limitation is that the heat treatment process should not unduly adversely affect the taste, consistency or other sensory properties of the final smokeless oral tobacco product.

  Heat treatment also gives the mixture a touch and color.

  When practicing the present invention using a tobacco substitute or substitute, the heat treatment step includes ensuring that the tobacco substitute or substitute is not contaminated with microorganisms, which step does not cause any other manipulation of the product. It should be apparent to the skilled worker that it may not be necessary.

  After heat treatment, it may be desirable to check and optionally adjust the pH of the blend. A pH of approximately 7 to 12 may be preferred at this stage of the process to achieve the desired properties of certain commercial blends of smokeless oral tobacco products.

  The heat treated blend may optionally be aged. Aging can be carried out by mixing the blend slowly, keeping the blend at a constant temperature, for example around 40-75 ° C, preferably about 50 ° C. Gentle stirring can be continued for about 1 to 24 hours, especially about 3 to 15 hours. Depending on the type of tobacco used and the particular snus product produced, this step reduces the pH and possibly reducing the moisture to about 20-55% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product May be effective.

  Perfumes may be added during the ripening stage. Typically, the perfume added at this stage is in the form of a liquid and is added about 0.1-5% of the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product. Liquid perfume is often sprayed onto the tobacco blend. If a wetting agent is used, it is conventionally added at this stage as well.

  However, in some embodiments, flavorings and other additives (eg, preservatives, binders, wetting agents, buffering agents, disintegrating agents and coloring agents) may be added to the tobacco blend prior to or after pasteurization and / or ripening. May be added to In some embodiments, flavorings and other additives (eg, preservatives, binders, wetting agents, buffers, disintegrants, and colorants) may be added to the tobacco prior to or after the pasteurization and / or ripening stage. It may be added to the blend.

  According to the invention, particulate material may be added to the tobacco material before, during or after heat treatment. In some embodiments, particulate material is added prior to the heat treatment step. In some embodiments, particulate material is added during the heat treatment step. In some embodiments, particulate material is added after the heat treatment step.

  It is preferred to mix the particulate material with the tobacco material prior to heat treatment so that the particulate material is heat treated in the same manner as the tobacco material.

[Example]
Example 1 Measurement of the Mass Medial Diameter of a Sample A sieve analysis method according to the invention is described herein.

Example 1a-Determination of mass median diameter of cork Samples of cork particles are measured according to the method of Haver & Boecker OHG, Partikelanalyse presse, Ennigerloher St. 64, D-59302 Oelde, using a Haver & Boecker sieve from Germany, sieved using a test sieving apparatus (Haver EML 200 digital plus N). This equipment was used to mechanically separate the fraction of cork by particle size.

The test sieving device identified above is shown in FIG. 2 and comprises 10 sieves having the following mesh sizes:

The sieve used a mechanical agitator and was agitated for 3 minutes using the following settings (shown in FIG. 3):
Amplitude setting of 2.4 mm Interval: 5 seconds on, 1 second off sieve balls were not used in the method according to this example.

試料の平均累積質量は４９．７７ｇと計算された。 Three samples of cork particles were tested using the method described above. The following results were obtained for the cork particles analyzed:

The average cumulative mass of the sample was calculated to be 49.77 g.

The cumulative mass percentage of aggregates collected on each sieve was thus calculated as follows:

  A graph plotting mesh size or cumulative mass percentage (y-axis) against each sieve (x-axis) is shown in FIG. The best fit linear line was drawn through several data points.

  The equation for this plot was calculated as y = 0.1526x-36.534. Thus, when y = 50%, the mass median diameter of the cork is calculated to be 567.06 μm (equivalent to 0.567 mm).

Example 1b Measurement of Mass Medial Diameter of Grain Kernels The mass median diameter of a sample of cereal grains was determined using the same method as described in Example 1a.

試料の平均累積質量は５０．１７ｇと計算された。 The results were as follows:

The average cumulative mass of the sample was calculated to be 50.17 g.

メッシュの大きさ（ｘ軸）に対する累積質量百分率（ｙ軸）をプロットしたグラフを、図５に示す。最良適合の一次直線を、いくつかデータポイントを通して引いた。 The cumulative mass percentage of aggregates collected on each sieve was thus calculated as follows:

A graph plotting cumulative mass percentage (y-axis) against mesh size (x-axis) is shown in FIG. The best fit linear line was drawn through several data points.

  The equation for this plot was calculated as y = 0.1371 x-23.841. Thus, when y = 50%, the mass median diameter of the cork is calculated to be 538.59 μm (equivalent to 0.539 mm).

Example 2
3,600 g tobacco and 2,400 g cork (cork granules with a bulk density of 0.055 to 0.060 g / cm ³ ; median mass diameter around 0.55 to 0.65 mm, supplied by Cork Link, Portugal), Snus using a pre-processed material at a weight ratio of 60:40 (tobacco: cork) by adding water, sodium chloride, as well as other ingredients to a horizontal mixer, cylindrical mixer, plow shear mixer I made a batch. Next, the mixture of ingredients was agitated and heat was applied for a sufficiently long time to ensure a safe microbiological condition of the snus. Following heat treatment, the product had a ripening period of several hours at high temperature, with slow and continuous intermittent stirring of the mixer blades in the mixer. Treat the processing by adding flavoring agents, adjusting to pH ̃8.5 by addition of sodium carbonate, and measuring the water content to ensure that the final water content is 45% (w / w) finished.

  The finished cork-containing snus was then transferred to a plastic bag and aged in a cold room for 1 week. Following this, the snus was packed into sachets using a Mertz snus packing machine (Merz Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH, Bahnhofstrasse 25, D- 35423 Lich, Deutschland) and the bulk density was measured. Bulk density was measured using an Engelsmann Jolting Voltameter STAV II. The bulk density was pre-jolt calculated for a given volume of particulate material with a given mass.

  As a final step, the sensory properties of cork-containing snus were evaluated.

Example 3
A batch of snus containing a tobacco: cork weight ratio of 80:20 was prepared and analyzed using the method of Example 2. At this time, 4,000 g tobacco was added to the mixture and 1,000 g cork was added.

Example 4
A batch of snus containing a tobacco: cork weight ratio of 95: 5 was prepared and analyzed using the method of Example 2. At this time, 4,750 g of tobacco was added to the mixture and 250 g of cork was added.

Example 5 (comparative example)
A batch of snus without cork (i.e., a 100: 0 tobacco: cork weight ratio) was prepared and analyzed using the method of Example 2. At this time, 5,000 g of tobacco was added to the mixture and 0 g of cork was added.

Results The smokeless oral tobacco products according to the invention (Examples 2 to 4) were analyzed to determine the total starch and carbohydrate content and the following results were obtained:
Glucose <0.04 g / 100 g
Fructose <0.04 g / 100 g
Sucrose <0.04 g / 100 g
Maltose <0.04 g / 100 g
Whole starch and sugar <1% w / w

Properties of the smokeless oral tobacco products prepared in Examples 2-5 are shown in Table I.

  Note that the level of cork described does not mean the proportion of cork in the final snus product, as the proportion of cork in the final snus product depends on the moisture level and other ingredients. In the case of a white snus mixture containing 40% cork, with a final moisture of 45%, the final weight percentage of cork is about 18-20% w / w. However, in the above examples and Table I, the amount of cork is designated as a percentage of the total tobacco mixture that has been ground and pretreated before any other ingredients are added.

  As shown in Table I, the inclusion of cork in the snus product results in a substantial reduction of the bulk density of the smokeless oral tobacco product and the resulting pouch weight obtained at similar fill values.

  The products of Examples 2 and 5 are shown in FIG. 6 and the product containing 40% w / w cork (Example 2) is shown on the left hand side and the product containing 0% w / w cork (Example 5) Shown on the right hand side.

  In fact, for a product of the same weight, a product containing 40% w / w cork (Example 2) is 51.3% lower in bulk density than a product containing 0% w / w cork (Example 5) Had.

The standard snus product contains 0.9 g of tobacco. 0.9 g of the snus product according to Example 5 with 0% w / w cork has a volume calculated to 1.8 cm ³ . The snus product according to Example 2 with a bulk density of 0.207 g / cm ³ and containing 40% w / w cork, the weight required to fill a volume of 1.8 cm ³ is 0.3726 g. This results in a 58.6% reduction in material weight for the same volume.

  In addition, we have surprisingly found that the sample containing the cork is very soft and flexible. The sample containing 0% w / w cork (Example 5) began to disintegrate and felt flat when tested, while the sample containing cork (Example 2) retained the shape of the sample over time. In addition, the sample containing cork (Example 2) was perceived as dry compared to the sample of Example 5.

  It was also found that the cork had a neutral aroma and taste, and thus did not add a noticeable aroma or taste to the tobacco product.

  The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims or the equivalents of the claims. It should be understood that other embodiments should not be considered limiting, and that other embodiments may be utilized or modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention preferably comprise, in addition to those specifically described herein, the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, means, etc., in any suitable combination. Or it may be essential. In addition, the present disclosure does not presently claim rights, but may include other inventions that may claim rights in the future.

Claims (26)

A tobacco material and a particulate material, said particulate material having the following properties:
i) mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm as determined by sieve analysis;
ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ ; and iii) a combined content of less than about 7% starch and sugar relative to the weight of the particulate material,
A smokeless oral tobacco product, wherein the tobacco material comprises tobacco, or a tobacco substitute or substitute.   The smokeless oral tobacco product of claim 1, wherein the mass median diameter determined by sieve analysis of the particulate material is about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm.   3. The smokeless oral tobacco product of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass median diameter measured by sieve analysis of the particulate material is about 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm. 4. The smokeless oral tobacco product of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bulk density of the particulate material is less than about 0.4 g / cm < ³ >. 5. The smokeless oral tobacco product of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the bulk density of the particulate material is less than about 0.26 g / cm < ³ >.   The smokeless oral tobacco product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the combined content of starch and sugar of the particulate material is less than about 5% by weight of the particulate material.   7. The smokeless oral tobacco product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particulate material is present in an amount of about 1 to about 80% of the weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product.   A hydrophobic material selected from the group consisting of grain shells or hulls, materials derived from wood or trees, animal feathers, diatomaceous earth, perlite, foams, hollow particles and hemispheres, aerogels, and mixtures thereof The smokeless oral tobacco product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is   9. The smokeless oral tobacco according to claim 8, wherein said particulate material is a hydrophobic particulate material selected from the group consisting of cork, sawdust, cereal shells, polystyrene, sodium alginate microspheres, foamed alginate, and mixtures thereof. Product.   10. The smokeless oral tobacco product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the particulate material is cork.   11. The smokeless oral tobacco product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tobacco material is tobacco or comprises tobacco.   12. The smokeless oral tobacco product of claim 11, wherein the tobacco comprises granular tobacco.   13. The smokeless oral tobacco product of claim 11 or 12, wherein the tobacco is snus.   14. The smokeless oral tobacco product of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the tobacco has a mass median diameter of about 0.01 mm to about 1.0 mm as determined by sieve analysis.   15. The smokeless oral tobacco product according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the water content of the tobacco is at least 25% of the total weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.   11. The smokeless oral tobacco product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tobacco material is or comprises a tobacco substitute or substitute.   17. The smokeless oral tobacco product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nicotine content of the tobacco material is about 0.02% to about 7.5% of the weight of the tobacco material.   18. The smokeless oral tobacco product according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an additional ingredient selected from flavoring agents, preservatives, binders, wetting agents, buffers, disintegrants and coloring agents. A method of producing a smokeless oral tobacco product comprising tobacco material and particulate material, said particulate material having the following properties:
i) mass median diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm as determined by sieve analysis;
ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g / cm ³ ; and iii) a combined content of less than about 7% starch and sugar relative to the weight of the particulate material,
The way is:
(A) supplying tobacco material;
(B) treating tobacco material; and (c) prior to said processing step (b), during said processing step (b), or after said processing step (b) Including the step of adding the material,
The method wherein the tobacco material comprises tobacco, or a tobacco substitute or substitute.   20. The method of claim 19, wherein the treating step (b) comprises a heat treatment.   21. A method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein water and salt are added to the tobacco material prior to, in the middle of or after the treatment step (b). .   An additional component selected from flavoring agents, preservatives, binders, wetting agents, buffers, disintegrating aids and coloring agents, prior to said treatment step (b), during said treatment step (b) Or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 21 added to the tobacco material after the treatment step (b).   A consumer package comprising the smokeless oral tobacco product according to any one of the preceding claims.   24. The consumer package of claim 23, wherein the consumer package is a sachet.   Use of the particulate material according to claim 1 for improving the mouthfeel of smokeless oral tobacco products.   Use of a particulate material according to claim 1 to maintain the in-use structure of the smokeless oral tobacco product.

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