WO2023143688A1

WO2023143688A1 - A method for producing a pouch product comprising a pouch and a pouch composition

Info

Publication number: WO2023143688A1
Application number: PCT/DK2023/050018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter BOJE
Original assignee: Mac Baren Tobacco Company A/S
Priority date: 2022-01-28
Filing date: 2023-01-27
Publication date: 2023-08-03
Also published as: DK202270037A1

Abstract

A method for producing a pouch product comprising a pouch and a pouch composition, said pouch composition comprising at least one water insoluble fibre, at least one active ingredient, at least one texturizing agent, at least one sugar alcohol in a total amount of 0- 20 wt%, one or more intense sweeteners in a total amount of 0 - 8wt%, water in a total amount of 8 --- 50 wt%, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a dry mix of: at least one of said at least one water insoluble fibre, at least one of said at least one sugar alcohol, at least one of said at least one texturizing agent. Providing a liquid phase comprising 0 - 90% of the total amount of water. Adding the at least one active ingredient to the dry mix and/or the liquid phase. Mixing the dry mix and the liquid phase to obtain an intermediate pouch composition. Filling the pouch with the intermediate pouch composition, optionally placing the pouch with the intermediate pouch composition in a container. Adding 100 - 10% of the total amount of water to the pouch with the intermedia pouch composition, thereby obtaining a pouch with a pouch composition.

Description

A method for producing a pouch product comprising a pouch and a pouch com- position

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a method for producing a pouch product comprising a pouch composition in a pouch and said pouch product.

Background of the Invention

Nicotine consumption by smoking has traditionally been the main method of nicotine delivery. However, due to the many health related problems, smoking as a method of nicotine delivery is being challenged by several alternative systems for nicotine deliv- ery.

One range of products developed as smoking alternatives are oral delivery products in the form of pouch products containing pouch compositions containing nicotine, also known as snus. These pouch products may vary in type and composition depending on e.g. market of sale and local preferences or regulations.

Most snus/pouch products contain relatively many ingredients and due to the increased interest in the products, product specialization and optimization is of great interest.

The pouch product is used by placing the pouch in the mouth, preferably between gum and upper lip, where it is left for a desired amount of time delivering nicotine. Nicotine is absorbed by the mucous in the mouth.

Object of the Invention

In a first object of the invention, a pouch product and a method of providing said pouch product are provided which in use enable optimize transferal of an active ingredient via the mucous membrane. In a second object of the invention, a method of providing a pouch product is provided which enables pouch product with optimized surface features.

Description of the Invention

These and other advantages are achieved by a method for producing a pouch product comprising a pouch and a pouch composition, said pouch composition comprising at least one water insoluble fibre, at least one active ingredient, at least one texturizing agent, at least one sugar alcohol in a total amount of 0- 20 wt%, one or more intense sweeteners in a total amount of 0 - 8wt%, water in a total amount of 8 - 50 wt%, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) Providing a dry mix of: i. said at least one water insoluble fibre ii. said at least one sugar alcohol iii. said at least one texturizing agent b) Providing a liquid phase comprising 10 90% of the total amount of water c) Adding the at least one active ingredient, sugar alcohol and intense sweet- ener to the dry mix and/or the liquid phase d) Mixing the dry mix and the liquid phase to obtain an intermediate pouch composition e) Filling the pouch with the intermediate pouch composition f) Optionally, placing the pouch with the intermediate pouch composition in a container g) Adding 100 - 10% of the total amount of water to the pouch with the in- termediate pouch composition, thereby obtaining a pouch product contain- ing a pouch composition.

When a part of the total amount of water is provided to the pouch with the intermediate pouch composition e.g. in the container, several advantages are achieved. The split in the water addition allows an optimized process where an amount of water is added in the liquid phase optimized to ensure a steady and reliable automated production process. If the pouch composition is too moist or too dry during production of the pouch, product various issues may arise. For example, the packaging process of the pouch composition into pouches may fail in the case of a too moist pouch product. I.e. in the present 0 - 90% of the total water content is provided in b) and mixed with the dry mix in d).

For example, from or up to 0.1 , 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 90 % water is provided in step b). Water up total water content of 100% may then be added in g), i.e if 10% water is provided in b) 90% can be added in g).

Furthermore, a too dry or too moist pouch composition may result in a product that the consumer does not desire due to too little or too much water.

In some embodiments, 10 - 90% of the water is provided in step b) and mixed with dry mix in step d). In some embodiments 10 - 90% of the water is added in step g).

A pouch with the intermediate pouch composition may be provided according to the present application in which case said pouch with the intermediate pouch composition may in a separate later step be treated with water to obtain a pouch with the pouch composition according to the present invention. The pouch with the intermediate pouch composition is provided by steps a) - e).

One or more pH adjusting agent, one or more anti caking agent, one or more preserva- tive and/or one or more salt (such as sodiumchloride and/or ammoniumchloride) may be added in step a).

If flavour, an active ingredient in form of nicotine, preservative, colour, and/or an addi- tional active ingredient is added with the water in step g) it is possible to provide the pouch product with specific features, such as surface specific features which may be different from e.g. the features of other parts of the pouch product.

Said surface specific features may be found in a surface region extending from an outer surface of the pouch product at least comprising the pouch. The surface region may e.g. be 0.1, 0,2, 0.3 0,5, 0,7 1, 1.5 or 2 mm thick. The surface specific features may in some embodiments be found in a gradient (for example high to lower concentration) from the outer surface. Specific features may for example be surface specific preservation, surface specific col- our, surface specific taste and/or aroma, surface specific nicotine and/or other active ingredient concentration.

If for example a preservative is added together with water in step g), it may be ensured that the surface of the pouch and/or surface region may have a sufficient content of one or more preservatives. This may be advantageous as in some situations, water addition alone may result in that preservative in the intermediate pouch composition is washed out of or diluted in the surface region thereby leaving the pouch product accessible to e.g. mold, bacteria and/or fungus.

In some embodiments, the flavour, nicotine, preservative, colour, and/or an additional active ingredient added in step g) is different from flavour, preservative, colour and/or active ingredient added in any of the steps a) and/or b) whereby it is possible to design and provide a pouch product with unique surface properties.

Unless otherwise indicated, wt% refers to the weight percentage of all ingredients in the pouch composition with full water content (i.e. after the last water addition step) but without pouch.

Nicotine may be added to the liquid phase and/or in step b) and/or g) as dissolved in a nicotine solvent such as Propane- 1,2, 3-triol, Propane- 1,2-diol and/or Butan-l,3-diol as these nicotine solvents may provide sweetness as well as may help balance moisture. The solvents Propane-1, 2, 3-triol, Propane- 1,2-diol and/or Butan- 1,3 -diol are all known solvents for use in dilution of flavors and other strong ingredients. They are in general tasteless and have a little sweetness from the OH groups. They are fully mixable with water in the range 0 to 100 % but also mixable with other things like nicotine and many flavors.

VG, glycerin is defined as Propane-1, 2, 3-triol, PG is defined as Propane- 1,2-diol.

Snus, snuff is defined as none water soluble botanical fibers in a none water soluble saliva permeable bag with ingredients such as nicotine, flavors, pH regulating agents, anticaking agents, preservatives, texturizing agents and sugar alcohols- In various embodiments, the insoluble fibre is one or more botanical fibers for example fibers from wheat, oat, buckwheat, potatoes, bamboo, cellulose, apple, cacao, beets, sugar beets, wood, seaweed, barley, rye, com, tomato and any combination hereof. De- pending on the capability to contain moisture and oily liquids, the one or more fibers may be chosen to provide the right water content ranging from very' dry products to very' moist products. Furthermore, the fibers in their capacity of being a water insoluble in- gredient may continue to provide volume to the pouch product during use as they are not dissolved and released by saliva. The majority of the other ingredients present maybe water soluble, whereby they may be dissolved by saliva and released from the pouch composition through the pouch and provide taste, aroma and/or effect of the active in- gredient to the user.

In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more water insoluble fibers may be fibers that can contain from 150 to 1000 wt% of water and are approved for usage in food and/or pharma. Such as or up to 200%, 250%, 300%, 350%, 400%, 450%, 500%, 550%, 600%, 650%, 700%, 750%, 800%, 850%, 900%, 950%, 1000%, 200 - 800%, 200 - 600% wt% water.

In some embodiments, the fibers are selected to have a length of 10 - 300 μm, such as 20 - 200 μm, such as 25 - 100 μm , such as 30 - 75μm , such as 25 - 50μm .

A high content of fibers may provide a product with a dry feel to the user. A dry product may for some users have an undesirable feel and may also result in a reduced impact of the active ingredient as the saliva, used to transfer ingredients through the mucous mem- brane may be absorbed by the fibers. However, texturizing agents may be provided in an amount to balance the dryness of the fibers and provide a desired feeling of moisture and softness to the product.

In some embodiments, the pouch composition may comprise one or more texturizing agents, for example one or more of agar, guar gum, alginate salts and/or arabica gum which may act as a gelling agent when absorbing water or other liquids. In some em- bodiments, the texturizing agent is present in an amount of 0.1 - 5 wt%, e.g. in an amount of or up to 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5 wt%. By choosing an optimized combination of nicotine solvent, fibers and water together with a texturizing agent a pouch composition is achieved which has a texture with a desired sensation of moisture and firmness for the user.

The active ingredient may be chosen to provide a desired effect to the pouch product and pouch composition. Preferably nicotine may be present to provide a nicotine deliv- ery product whereby an alternative to products providing nicotine by smoking is achieved.

The at least one active ingredient may be present in a concentration of 0.01 20% de- pending on type and intended effect.

Other active ingredients may be added alternatively or in combination with nicotine.

Active ingredients may be one or more of nicotine, caffeine, cannabinoid such as CBD, CBT and other oils extracted from hemp or cannabis, melatonin, vitamin A., vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, antioxidants, minerals, salt, pre-biotics, pro-biotics, pain killers or antihistamines, Viagra, products for teeth and gum health such as anti- caries agents, acid buffering agents, tooth whiteners, desensitizers, saliva enhancers, herbals such as chamomile, tea such as green tea, thyme, oregano, ginger, turmeric, mint, appetite suppressors, cough suppressors, eucalyptus, relaxing agents, energizing agents, caffeine, ginseng, taurine and/or breath fresheners.

Nicotine may advantageously be provided in a concentration of 0.1 - 5 wt% equivalent to free bae nicotine, depending on the desired strength of the resulting nicotine pouch composition and pouch product in order to achieve a desired nicotine delivery to the user. Preferably, the amount of nicotine in the pouch composition is up to or between any of 0.2, 0.5 1, 1.5, 1.6, 2, 2,5, 3, 3,5, 4, 4,5 5 wt%, such as 0.2 - 4 wt%, 0.3 - 3.5% wt%, 0, 4 - 3 wt%.

The nicotine may be provided in the form of free base nicotine, synthetic nicotine, nic- otine salt and/or as nicotine bound to a resin. Nicotine may be provided in a nicotine solvent. Free base nicotine refers to (S)-3-(l-Methyl-2-pyrroli-dinyl)pyridine, (-)-l -Methyl -2' (3-pyridyl)pyrrolidine CAS number 54-11 -5

The wording synthetic nicotine may refer to (S)-3-(l-Methyl-2-pyrroli-dinyl)pyridine derived from a chemical synthesis or a mixture of (S)-3-(l -Methyl -2-pyrroli-dinyl)pyr- idine and (R)-3-(l-Methyl-2-pyrroli-dinyl)pyridine derived from a chemical synthesis. Also referred to as R,S-nicotine. CAS Number 6912-85-2.

The wording nicotine bound to a resin may refer to a plastic resin such as, but not limited to, Amberlite IRP64, Purolite C115HMR or Doshion P551 mixed with free base nico- tine.

The wording free nicotine salt may refer to any salt that is obtained from free base nicotine. Such salts could be (but not limited to): nicotine hydrochloride, nicotine dihy- drochloride, nicotine monotartrate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine bitartrate dihydrate, nic- otine sulphate, nicotine zinc chloride monohydrate and nicotine salicylate, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, nicotine is provided in more than one form. A combination of nicotine may be advantageous in case of polarcrilex (NICOTINE POLACRILEX 20% NP CAS No. 96055-45-7) and free base nicotine, such combinations may for example be 30 % polarcrilex and 70 % free base nicotine. The polarcrilex gives a long slow release of nicotine where the free base gives a quick release for immediate nicotine craving. A combination of nicotine salt and freebase nicotine can also be used to give another experience of how the nicotine is delivered through the oral mucosa.

In some embodiments, a second active ingredient taken from the group comprising nic- otine, cannabinoids such as CBD, melatonin, turmeric, chamomile, and similar active ingredients that relax your body is also present. By choosing a combination of active ingredients special targeted and/or synergistic effects may be achieved.

For example, nicotine may advantageously be provided together with active ingredients for teeth and gum health, vitamin supplements, calming effects, oral hygiene, appetite regulating and similar. In some embodiments, nicotine may advantageously be provided together with active ingredients for providing an increased feeling of energy such as caffeine and/or canna- binoid such as CBD, CBT and other oils extracted from hemp or cannabis, melatonin, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, antioxidants, minerals, salt, pre- biotics, pro-biotics, pain killers or antihistamines, Viagra, products for teeth and gum health such as anti-caries agents, acid buffering agents, tooth whiteners, desensitizers, saliva enhancers, herbals such as chamomile, tea such as green tea, thyme, oregano, ginger, turmeric, mint, appetite suppressors, cough suppressors, eucalyptus, relaxing agents, energizing agents, caffeine, ginseng, taurine and/or breath fresheners.

In some embodiments, the concentration of the at last one first active ingredient is 0,01 - 5 wt% and/or wherein concentration of the second active ingredient is 0, 1 - 5 wt% and/or wherein the ration between the first active ingredient and the second active in- gredient is 0,1 - 1

The one or more sugar alcohol may be one or more of sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, hy- drogenated starch hydrolyzates, maltitol, isomalt, erythritol, lactitol, polydextrose alone or in combination. These sugarless sweeteners may be provided to add sweetness to the pouch composition, but may also be included as a humectant.

For example, a first of the one or more sugar alcohols may be present in an amount of 0 - 12 wt% such as or up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8., 9, 10, 1 1 or 12 wt% and optionally a second and/or third sugar alcohol may be present in an amount of 0 -12 wt% such as or up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8., 9, 10, 11 or 12 wt% .

In some embodiments, the pouch composition may comprise one or more intense sweet- eners in combination with or as an alternative to the one or more sugar alcohol. The intense sweeteners may e g. be Acesulphame potassium (950), Advantame (969), Ali- tame (956), Aspartame (951), Aspartame-acesulphame salt (962), Cyclamate (952), Monk fruit extract Neotame (961), Saccharin (954), Steviol glycosides (960), Sucralose (955) and/or Thaumatin (957).

In some cases, a combination of two or more sugar alcohols may be used in the pouch composition. For example, xylitol and sorbitol may be used together in order to achieve a combination of nice cooling effect from xylitol and good humectant effect from sor- bitol as well as a specific amount of sweetness may be provided to the pouch composi- tion.

The ratio between a first sugar alcohol and a second sugar alcohol may for example be 1 : 1 - 1 : 100, such as 1 :50, such as 1 :25 whereby an optimum of e.g. sweetness, cooling or humectance from one is combined with added density from another.

The sugar alcohols may be added to e.g. act as humectants, to help control density, to help deliver nicotine to the oral mucosa and to have an improved oral hygiene.

By balancing fibers, texturizing agents and sugar alcohols, it is possible to control at least feel and moisture of pouch composition and pouch product. The combination of fibers that can bind a lot of water may result in a dry product. Therefor a texturizing agent may be added to give a nice smooth water full feeling. Together with humectants in the form of sugar alcohols, glycerine and similar they keep the water content high and a nice moist piece of snuff is always available, also in hot and dry areas.

In some embodiments, salt in form of sodiumchloride, ammoniumchloride, and/or pota- siumchloride is added in an amount of 0,05 - 18 wt%, such as or up to 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 wt% in order to salt can help the nicotine experience and enhance both flavors and experience of the nicotine as well as help create saliva which is good for the nicotine delivery.

In some embodiments, tobacco is present in an amount of 0 - 5 wt%, such as up to 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0,5%. A product with a combination of an active ingredient, such as nic- otine, with tobacco may provide a product with a reduced amount of tobacco still having a desired nicotine content. This combination may be advantageous in that the user still gets the tobacco taste, but a much lower amount of the none-healthy ingredients in to- bacco beside nicotine.

Tobacco may also in some embodiments be added in combination with other active ingredients mentioned herein. Tobacco may be in the form tobacco rustica or tobacco nicotiana and/or a mixture of them. Depending on mixture, it can be very strong with a nicotine content up to 17 % from tobacco rustica or a milder version mixed with none-tobacco products and/or to- bacco nicotiana products. Tobacco may for example be provided as whole or in partic- ulate form with a size between 0.1 - 6 mm, such as or up to 0.2, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3,

3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.55mm.

In various embodiments, the pouch composition comprises one or more preservatives, one or more pH regulating agents, and/or one or more flavours.

A flavor may in some embodiments provide aroma and/or taste. The flavour may be any of but not limited to: coconut, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, grape fruit, orange, lime, menthol, hemp, liquorice, caramel aroma, honey aroma, peanut, walnut, cashew, hazel- nut, almonds, pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, tropical fruits, cherries, cinnamon, pep- permint, wintergreen, spearmint, eucalyptus, and mint, fruit essence such as from apple, pear, peach, strawberry, apricot, raspberry, cherry, pineapple, lemongrass, lime, jala- penos, chili (capsaicin), citrus, tobacco flavorvarimixer and/or plum essence. Also, or alternatively included may be essential oils including peppermint, spearmint, menthol, eucalyptus, clove oil, bay oil, anise, thyme, cedar leaf oil, nutmeg, and oils of the fruits mentioned above.

The one or more flavours may each be present in an amount of 0 15 wt% such as 2

12 wt% such as or up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 wt%. Adding up to a total amount of 0 - 15 wt%

Preservatives may be selected as one or more of sorbic acid, sodium sorbate, potassium sorbate, calcium sorbate, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, calcium benzoate, propionic acid, sodium propionate, potassium propionate, calcium propionate. Depending on pre- servative content of the product possibly together with the desired storage conditions complete protection against fungus and other microbiogical growth may be achieved. pH regulating agents may be selected as one or more of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potas- sium bicarbonate, ferrous carbonate. Depending on the nicotine type and other ingredients with acidic / caustic properties. E.g. sodiumcarbonate to elevate pH to more than 8 if polarcrilex or nicotinesalts are used. Sodiumbicarbonate to elevate pH to be- tween 8 and 9 when free base nicotine is used, because of its caustic properties. pH Control is important. If pH is too low there will be a poor nicotine delivery through the oral mucosa, and if it is too high the oral mucosa will be damaged by long term use.

Preferably, the preservative is present in an amount of 0,01 - 2 wt%, such as or up to 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.2, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 2 wt%, the pH regulating agent is present in an amount of 0,2 - 4 wt%, and/or the flavour is present in an amount of 2 - 12 w%.

Water may be any of e.g. tap water, ionexchanged water, reversed osmosis and/or dis- tilled water.

The pouch composition may further comprise one or more solvents, such as flavour solvents and/or nicotine, such as

1520

Further flavour solvents may comprise ethanol in combination with water in a 0,5 to 80 w%. The pouch composition may also comprise one or more flavour solvents such as Pro- pane-1, 2, 3-triol, Propane- 1,2-diol and/or Butan-l,3-diol.

The nicotine solvents may also provide sweetness as well as may help balance moisture by acting as humectants. Also, the flavor solvents can be used to adjust the transporta- tion time of nicotine to the oral mucosa. This adjustment can be done by using the fact the free base nicotine has higher affinity towards none-polar solvents than polar sol- vents. If a part of the pouch, such as the center or surface region, contains more solvent that is less polar than water, this part will automatically have a higher percentage of nicotine, especially when the pouch is worked in the mouth.

The present application also relates to a pouch product comprising a pouch and a pouch composition as described herein.

The pouch may in some embodiments be at least partly from a water permeable mem- brane e.g. a non-woven fabric or paper.

In some embodiments, the pouch comprises at least one chamber for containing the pouch composition.

When filled, the at least one chamber may have a length of 2 50 mm, such as 10 40mm, such as or up to 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 mm.

When filled, the at least one chamber may have a width of 5 20 mm, such as or up to 7 - 15mm, such as or up to 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20mm.

When filled, the at least one chamber may have a thickness of 2 12 mm, such as or up to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 mm.

The pouch product may be manufactured as follows. The pouch composition may be provided by a process in which all dry matter is weighted off and added together to a dry mix. Similarly, all liquid matter may be added together and preferably mixed to obtain a liquid mix. The liquid mix may hereafter be added to the dry mix by spraying during mixing. After ail liquid has been added to the dry mix stirring may be continued until a pouch composition with an even distribution of ingredients is obtained. The pouch composition may be added to storage bags, preferably under inert conditions for storage until further process steps. Alternatively, the pouch composition may directly be used in following process step. The pouch composition may then be filled into pouches with at least one chamber for the pouch composition where after the pouch is cl osed. If desired, further water may be sprayed unto the pouch with pouch material .

Each pouch with pouch composition (intermediate pouch composition) may e.g. weigh 0,425 g before a final water addition step and 0,525 g after water addition.

The water content in the pouch composition in pouch product may thus be higher than in the intermediate pouch composition before being filled into the pouch as the inter- mediate pouch composition comprises an intermediate water content and the final water content is achieved in a final hydration step (water addition step).

The present also relates to a pouch product provided by the method described herein.

Said pouch composition comprising at least one water insoluble fibre, at least one active ingredient, at least one texturizing agent, at least one sugar alcohol in a total amount of 0--- 20 wt%, one or more intense sweeteners in a total amount of 0 - 8wt%, water in a total amount of 8 - 50 wt%,

The pouch composition may also comprise any of the other ingredients described herein such as preservatives, flavours and/or pH adjusting agents in amounts described above.

Detailed Description of the Invention via examples

In table I, compositions Fl - F7 are shown. The compositions are intended to illustrate different embodiments of the present invention and are not to be constmed as limiting to the invention. Compositions Fl - F7 are either the finished pouch composition in- tended to be filled in to pouches without a water addition step or pouch compositions in a pouch to which a final amount of water has been added, i.e. pouch composition with full water content. Fl : Composition F 1 is based on wheat fibres and free base nicotine. Texturizing agent is Arabica Gum. It is a sweet product for maximum delivery of flavor and nicotine.

F2: Composition F2 is based on MCC (micro crystalline cellulose) fibers and nicotine based on freebase nicotine mixed with an ion exchange resin. Texturizing agent is Ara- bica Gum. It is a sweet product for maximum delivery' of flavor and a slow release of nicotine. The slow release of nicotine provides a better lifetime for the product because the nicotine does not evaporate, and it gives an overall better nicotine uptake because the nicotine is slowly going to the oral mucosa. This also helps less nicotine to enter the stomach with can create stomach problems for users.

F3: Composition F3 is based on sea wheat fibers and free base nicotine in VG. The 20 nicotine in VG makes nicotine safer to handle and it does not so easy get oxidated by air because it is diluted. Texturizing gent is Guar Gum. Guar Gum is a bit more jelly like than Arabica Gum and creates a smooth feeling outside the pouch when used orally. It is a sweet product for maximum delivery of flavor and nicotine.

F4: Composition F4 is based on bamboo fibers and free nicotine salt. Texturizing is Sodium Alginate in combination with a free nicotine salt. Free nicotine salts are more acidic than free base nicotine, therefor sodium carbonate is added ad pH adjusting agent. Free nicotine salts generally enter the body more through the throat than the upper oral mucosa. This is a different feeling that some users prefer when using snuff.

F5: Composition F5 is based on wheat fibers and free base nicotine. Texturizing agent is Agar that is known not be especially white. It is a salty product that together with ammoniumchloride provides maximum nicotine delivery.

F6: Composition F6 is based on wheat fibers and free base nicotine. Texturizing agent is Guar Gum that is known to provide a moist feeling outside on the snuff. It is a salty product that together with ammoniumchloride provides maximum nicotine delivery.

F7: Composition F7 is based on wheat fibers and free base nicotine. Tobacco is added to give a tobacco flavor and because some countries insist on tobacco in the snuff. Tex- turing agent is Guar Gum that is known to provide a moist feeling outside on the snuff. It is a salty product that together with ammoniumchloride provides maximum nicotine delivery.

In table II and III a salty (table II) and a sweet composition (table III) are shown. The compositions are intended to illustrate different embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting to the invention. The compositions in II and III are pouch compositions with a low water content i.e. intermediate pouch composition intended to be submitted to a hydration step preferably after the pouch composition has been added to a pouch.

Description of the Drawing

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary cross section of a pouch product according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows alternative pouch product shapes

Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. 1 shows a schematic pouch product 1 according to the present invention. The pouch product having am outer surface 2, a surface region 3 and a center region 4. The pouch product comprises a chamber 5 containing a pouch composition and a pouch seal 6 closing the pouch at each end. Lpc is the length of the pouch chamber and Lps is the length of the pouch seal.

Surface specific features may be found in the surface region extending from the outer surface. The surface region may be 0.1 0.2, 0.5, 1 , 2 mm thick. The surface specific features may in some embodiments be found in a gradient (for example high to lower concentration) from the outer surface. Fig. 2 shows different exemplary' cross sections of pouch products according to the pre- sent invention.

Claims

1. A method for producing a pouch product comprising a pouch and a pouch composi- tion, said pouch composition comprising at least one water insoluble fibre, at least one active ingredient, at least one texturizing agent, at least one sugar alcohol in a total amount of 0- 20 wt%, one or more intense sweeteners in a total amount of 0 - 8wt%, water in a total amount of 8 - 50 wt%, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) providing a dry mix of: iv. at least one of said at least one water insoluble fibre

V. at least one of said at least one sugar alcohol in a total amount of 0- 20

VI. at least one of said at least one texturizing agent b) Providing a liquid phase comprising 0 90% of the total amount of water c) Adding the at least one active ingredient to the dry mix and/or the liquid phase d) Mixing the dry mix and the liquid phase to obtain an intermediate pouch composition e) Filling the pouch with the intermediate pouch composition f) Optionally Placing the pouch with the intermediate pouch composition in a container g) Adding 100 - 10% of the total amount of water to the pouch with the in- termedia pouch composition thereby obtaining a pouch with a pouch com- position.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein 10 90% of the total amount of water is provided in b) and 90 -10% of the total amount of water is added in g).

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one of the active in- gredients is nicotine and the concentration of nicotine in the pouch composition is 0.1 - 5 wt%.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims wherein at least one anti caking agent, at least one preservative, least one pH adjusting agent and/or at least one salt (sodiumchloride, ammoniumchloride and similar) is added in step a).

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein flavour, nicotine, pre- servative, colour, and/or an additional active ingredient is added with the water in step g-

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flavour, nicotine, preservative, colour, and/or an additional active ingredient added in step g is different from flavour, preservative, colour and/or active ingredient added in any of the steps a) and/or b).

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insoluble fibre is one or more the botanical fibers or example fibers from wheat, oat, buckwheat, potatoes, bamboo, cellulose, apple, cacao, beets, sugar beets, wood, seaweed, barley, rye, corn, tomato and any combination hereof

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more in- tense sweetener such as sucralose is present in an amount of 0 -- 2.5 wt%, sugar alcohols in the form of xylitol present in an amount of 0-12 erytrol 0 - 12 present in an amount of sorbitol 0 - 12 wt% and/or isomalt present in an amount of 0 - 12 wt%.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the active ingredient is at least one of free base nicotine, nicotine salt, R,S Nicotine, poiarcrilex, CBD, tau- rine, caffeine, melatonine.

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch composi tion comprises tobacco in an amount of 0 - 12 wt%.

11. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch composi- tion comprises a texturing agent, a preservative, a pH regulating agent, and/or a flavour.

12. A pouch comprising a pouch containing an intermediate pouch composition accord ing to claim 1 --- 11.

13. Product comprising a pouch and a pouch composition, wherein the pouch product is produced by the method according to any of claims 1 — 11.