WO2026019999A1

WO2026019999A1 - Chewable composition comprising a supplement and method of forming the same

Info

Publication number: WO2026019999A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/038047
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vidya Raman SRIDHAR; Kruthika SELVAM; Jagan VEERAPPAN; Anantha Narayanan
Original assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
Current assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
Priority date: 2024-07-17
Filing date: 2025-07-17
Publication date: 2026-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2027-01-17

Abstract

A substantially sugar-free composition for forming a chewable supplement is provided. The composition comprises a sweetener, a carrier, a doctoring agent, and a supplement. The composition has no greater than 0.5 parts by weight of sugar (e.g., other than the sweetener) per 100 parts by weight of the composition. A chewable supplement formed from the composition, and a method of forming the same, are also provided. The method includes dissolving the sweetener to give a sweetener solution. The doctoring agent and the sweetener solution are combined to give a doctored sweetener solution and water is evaporated from the doctored sweetener solution to give a super saturated solution, which is combined with a thickener solution to give a precursor solution. Water is evaporated from the precursor solution, and the precursor solution is cooled and dried to give the chewable supplement.

Description

CHEWABLE COMPOSITION COMPRISING A SUPPLEMENT AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Indian Patent Application No. 202411054636 filed on 17 August 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a chewable composition comprising a supplement. A method of forming the chewable composition is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] With an increase in demand for supplements, consumers are looking for alternative formats in place of conventional or traditional powders, syrups, and tablets. Gummies are the most popular alternative format for supplement delivery, but these gummies mostly are made with sugars. These gummies tend to have a combination of sugar and com syrup which account for nearly 80% of the formulation on a dry weight basis. Even though supplements provide benefits to consumers through the fimctional ingredients/actives which are used, the intake of sugar may have undesirable effects for consumers. Many consumers do not want sugars in their gummy supplement since sugars cause dental caries and add calories.

[0004] Reduced sugar gummy supplements have been developed which combine sugars, sugar syrups, and fibers. These gummy supplements are generally effective in reducing the calories per gummy but fail to avoid dental caries because they still contain sugar in various forms.

[0005] No added sugar gummies are also known and broadly marketed. No added sugar gummies generally comprise fibers, and these fibers tend to degrade into simple sugars upon exposure to higher temperatures and lower pH which is especially pronounced with pectin gummies.

[0006] Therefore, there remains an opportunity to provide improved gummies that are both flavorfiil and effective vehicles for supplements (e.g., vitamins), while avoiding the various drawbacks of sugar and fiber containing gummies. There also remains an opportunity to provide improved methods of forming such gummies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A substantially sugar-free composition (“composition”) for forming a chewable supplement is provided. The composition comprises a sweetener, a carrier, a doctoring agent, and a supplement. The composition has no greater than 0.5 parts by weight of sugar (e.g., other than the sweetener) per 100 parts by weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, the composition has no greater than 0.1 parts by weight of sugar (e.g., other than the sweetener) per 100 parts by weight of the composition.

[0008] In particular embodiments, the weight ratio of the sweetener to the doctoring agent is from 60:40 to 95:5, optionally from 70:30 to 90: 10, or optionally from 75:25 to 85: 15. In specific embodiments, the doctoring agent comprises a hydrogenated starch hydrolysate. In some embodiments, the supplement comprises a mineral, a vitamin, or a combination thereof. The supplement may comprise a non-polar supplement, which may comprise algal oil. In certain embodiments, the sweetener comprises a polyol. In many embodiments, the carrier is water. The composition may further comprise a thickener.

[0009] The supplement may be present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the composition. The carrier may be present in an amount of from about 20 to about 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the composition. In specific embodiments, the doctoring agent is present in an amount of from about 30 to about 65 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the composition. The crystalline sweetener may be present in an amount of from about 1 to about 15 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

[0010] In embodiments where the composition comprises a thickener, at least one of the following may also be, or is, true: i) the thickener comprises a pectin; ii) the thickener is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the composition; or iii) both i) and ii).

[0011] A chewable supplement formed from the composition is also provided. The chewable supplement may be further defined as a gummy. In many embodiments, the gummy has a moisture content of from about 15 to about 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the gummy.

[0012] A method of manufacturing the chewable supplement is also provided. The method comprises the step of dissolving the sweetener in water to give a sweetener solution. The doctoring agent and the sweetener solution are combined to give a doctored sweetener solution. Water is evaporated from the doctored sweetener solution to give a super saturated solution. A thickener solution is prepared. The super saturated solution and the thickener solution are combined to give a precursor solution. Water is evaporated from the precursor solution until a target brix is attained. The precursor solution is cooled to give an undried chewable composition precursor. The undried chewable composition precursor is dried to give the chewable supplement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

[0013] A substantially sugar-free composition (“composition”) for forming a chewable supplement is provided herein. The composition comprises a sweetener, a carrier, a doctoring agent, and a supplement. The composition generally has no greater than 0.5 parts by weight of sugar other than the sweetener per 100 parts by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition has no greater than 0.1 parts by weight of sugar other than the sweetener per 100 parts by weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, the composition has no sugar.

[0014] The composition comprises a sweetener. In specific embodiments, the sweetener comprises, consists essentially of, or is a crystalline sweetener. It is to be appreciated that such sweetener, e.g., crystalline sweetener, is different from the “sugar-free” aspect of the composition described above. In various embodiments, the crystalline sweetener is the only component that may be classified as a sweetener for the composition. Optionally, the composition may further comprise a high intensity sweetener or a liquid sweetener as described fiirther below. Such sweeteners may be used in addition to, or in place of, the crystalline sweetener. The crystalline sweetener may be present in the composition in an amount of from about 1 to about 15 part(s) by weight, optionally of from about 2 to about 12 parts by weight, or optionally about 4 to about 10 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

[0015] In some embodiments, the crystalline sweetener comprises a polyol. Examples of suitable polyols include sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, glycerol, polyglycitol, and erythritol. In specific embodiments, the crystalline sweetener comprises, or optionally is, crystalline isomalt. The crystalline sweetener is generally selected in view of several considerations, including temperature stability, pH stability, water solubility, and hygroscopicity. Some polyols (e.g., mannitol, xylitol) crystallize relatively quickly when the concentration of the (crystalline) sweetener exceeds its solubility level. This rapid crystallization may cause appearance of crystals on the surface of a chewable supplement formed from the composition which reduces the clarity of the chewable supplement and gives the chewable supplement a powdery or grainy feel. Other polyols, such as maltitol, are relatively more hygroscopic and absorb an excess of moisture from the environment and cause stickiness in the chewable supplement.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the sweetener comprises or is a liquid sweetener. It is to be appreciated that such liquid sweetener is different from the “sugar-free” aspect of the composition described above. In various embodiments, the liquid sweetener is the only component that may be classified as a sweetener for the composition. Optionally, the composition may further comprise a high intensity sweetener as described further below, or the crystalline sweetener as described above. The liquid sweetener may be present in the composition in an amount of from about 1 to about 15 part(s) by weight, optionally of from about 2 to about 12 parts by weight, or optionally about 4 to about 10 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

[0017] In some embodiments, the liquid sweetener comprises a sugar-free syrup, extract, or solution that is flowable at room temperature. Examples of suitable sugar-free liquid sweeteners include glycerol, sorbitol syrup, maltitol syrup, isomalt syrup, xylitol syrup, erythritol syrup, liquid stevia extract, liquid monk fruit extract, liquid sucralose solution, liquid acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), liquid neotame, and liquid advantame. In specific embodiments, the liquid sweetener comprises, or optionally is, glycerol, sorbitol syrup, or another sweetener in liquid form, such as stevia or sucralose. The liquid sweetener is generally selected in view of several considerations, including sweetness intensity, viscosity, solubility, pH stability, water activity, and compatibility with other components of the composition.

[0018] Certain liquid sweeteners, such as glycerol or sorbitol syrup, contribute bulk and humectant properties, which can help maintain moisture and improve the texture and mouthfeel of the chewable supplement. Other liquid sweeteners, including liquid stevia, monk fruit extract, and sucralose solution, are relatively high in sweetness intensity and may be used at lower concentrations to achieve the desired level of sweetness without contributing significant bulk. The use of such sugar-free liquid sweeteners may enhance the palatability, appearance, and physical stability of the chewable supplement and may reduce undesirable attributes such as stickiness, grittiness, or crystallization sometimes associated with crystalline sweeteners.

[0019] The composition comprises a carrier. The carrier may be present in an amount of from about 20 to about 50 parts by weight, optionally of from about 25 to about 45 parts by weight, or optionally of from about 30 to about 40 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises, or optionally is, water. Nonlimiting examples of the carrier include water, glycerin, sorbitol, maltitol, propylene glycol, com syrup, fruit juice concentrates, and combinations thereof. The carrier is chemically distinct from the other ingredients, including at least the doctoring agent, the sweetener, the thickener, and the supplement.

[0020] The composition comprises a doctoring agent. The doctoring agent may be present in an amount of from about 30 to about 65 parts by weight, optionally of from about 40 to about 60 parts by weight, or optionally of from about 45 to about 55 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the composition. The doctoring agent may be inulin, dextrins, or polydextrose. The doctoring agent should or must be pH and heat stable. The doctoring agent may also be in syrup form.

[0021] In some embodiments, the doctoring agent comprises, or optionally is, a hydrogenated starch hydrolysate. In particular embodiments, the doctoring agent comprises, or optionally is, maltitol syrup. The doctoring agent is generally, but need not necessarily be, a sugar alcohol. The amount of doctoring agent is generally selected in view of the impacts of the amount of doctoring agent on the stability of the composition. Too high of an amount of the doctoring agent will generally pick up an excess of ambient moisture and cause stickiness in any chewable supplement formed by the composition.

[0022] Non-limiting examples of suitable doctoring agents include gelatin, pectin, com syrup, glucose syrup, maltitol syrup, sorbitol syrup, maltodextrin, polydextrose, isomalt, erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, fructose, sucrose, dextrose, trehalose, inulin, cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, maltitol, lactitol, dextrin, starches (e.g., com, potato, tapioca, rice), modified food starch, polyols, polyethylene glycol, and combinations thereof. The sweetener and the doctoring agent are required to be chemically distinct.

[0023] The composition comprises a supplement. The supplement may be present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 parts by weight, optionally of from about 0.5 to about 5 parts by weight, or optionally of from about 1 to about 3 part(s) by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

[0024] The supplement may comprise a mineral, a vitamin, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the supplement comprises a non-polar supplement. The non-polar supplement may comprise algal oil. In particular embodiments, the supplement comprises a botanical extract. Non-limiting examples of suitable supplements include Vitamin A (Retinol), Vitamin Bl (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin B9 (Folate), Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Selenium, Chromium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Iodine, Omega-3 fatty acids (EP A, DHA), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQlO), Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Glucosamine, Chondroitin sulfate, MSM (Methylsulfonyhnethane), Collagen peptides, L-Arginine, L-Carnitine, L-Glutamine, Probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium strains), Digestive enzymes (Amylase, Protease, Lipase), Melatonin, green tea extract, ginkgo biloba extract, echinacea extract, turmeric extract (curcumin), ginseng extract, garlic extract, milk thistle extract, cranberry extract, saw palmetto extract, valerian root extract, St. John’s wort extract, rhodiola rosea extract, ashwagandha extract, bilberry extract, grape seed extract, elderberry extract, black cohosh extract, feverfew extract, astragalus extract, hawthorn berry extract, licorice root extract, passionflower extract, chamomile extract, olive leaf extract, peppermint extract, lemon balm extract, cat’s claw extract, kava extract, maca root extract, reishi mushroom extract, cordyceps extract, chaga mushroom extract, shiitake mushroom extract, maitake mushroom extract, astragalus extract, fenugreek extract, hops extract, artichoke extract, dandelion extract, nettle extract, senna extract, ribulus extract, devil’s claw extract, fenugreek extract, ribulus terrestris extract, catuaba extract, damiana extract, guarana extract, maca root extract, muira puama extract, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the composition comprises multiple, i.e., two or more, supplements.

[0025] The composition has a ratio of the sweetener to the doctoring agent. The weight ratio of the sweetener to the doctoring agent may be from 50:50 to 97.5:2.5, optionally of from 60:40 to 95:5, optionally of from 70:30 to 90:10, or optionally of from 75:25 to 85:15. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the weight ratio of the sweetener to the doctoring agent is an important factor in determining the stability of chewable supplements formed from the composition. Amounts of doctoring agent above the upper limits of the claimed ranges will generally lead to chewable supplements that develop an undesirable degree of stickiness during storage. This stickiness may cause the chewable supplement to stick to surfaces or other chewable supplements in undesirable ways. Conversely, if the amount of sweetener relative to the doctoring agent is too high the sweetener may become supersaturated within a chewable supplement formed from the composition. This super saturation may cause the sweetener to crystallize out of the chewable composition and create an undesirable powdery outer layer on the chewable supplement formed from the composition.

[0026] The weight ratio of the sweetener to the doctoring agent is generally selected partially in view of the supplement in the composition. For certain minerals (e.g., iron, zinc, etc.) and certain vitamins (e.g., vitamin C), the weight ratio of the sweetener will be from 70:30 to 90:10, optionally from 75:25 to 85:15, or optionally from 80:20. In embodiments where the composition comprises a supplement comprising a non-polar supplement, the weight ratio of the sweetener to the doctoring agent will generally be from 80:20 to 95 :5, optionally from 85:15 to 95:5, or optionally 90:10.

[0027] In some embodiments, the composition farther comprises a thickener. The composition may i) comprise a thickener that comprises a pectin; ii) comprise a thickener that is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight, optionally of from about 0.5 to about 3 parts by weight, or optionally of from about 1 to about 2 part(s) by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the composition; or iii) both i) and ii).

[0028] In specific embodiments, the thickener comprises, or optionally is, pectin. Non-limiting examples of suitable thickeners include gelatin, pectin, agar-agar, carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, arabic gum, konjac gum (glucomannan), cellulose gum (carboxymethyl cellulose), methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, acacia gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, tara gum, sodium alginate, gellan gum, tragacanth gum, carrageenan, chitosan, com starch, tapioca starch, potato starch, rice starch, and combinations thereof. In embodiments where the composition comprises a thickener, the thickener is chemically distinct from the sweetener and the doctoring agent.

[0029] In some embodiments, the composition farther comprises a high intensity sweetener. The high intensity sweetener may be present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.0001 to about 5 parts by weight, optionally of from about 0.001 to about 2 parts by weight, or optionally of from about 0.01 to about 1 part(s) by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

[0030] Non-limiting examples of suitable high intensity sweeteners include sucrose (table sugar), glucose (dextrose), fructose, high-fructose com syrup (HFCS), honey, maple syrup, molasses, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, date sugar, coconut sugar, barley malt syrup, blackstrap molasses, invert sugar, raw cane sugar, stevia (steviol glycosides), monk fruit extract (luo han guo), aspartame, acesulfame potassium (ace-k), saccharin, sucralose, neotame, advantame, cyclamate, and combinations thereof. If utilized, the high intensity sweetener will generally be selected such that it is different from the sweetener, liquid or crystalline.

[0031] In some embodiments, the composition farther comprises an emulsifier. The emulsifier may be present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.0001 to about 5 parts by weight, optionally of from about 0.001 to about 2 parts by weight, or optionally of from about 0.01 to about 1 part(s) by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the composition. [0032] Non-limiting examples of suitable thickeners include lecithin (from soy, sunflower, or other sources), polysorbate 80, polysorbate 60, mono- and diglycerides, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, glycerol monostearate, stearic acid, sodium stearoyl lactylate, propylene glycol esters of fatty acids, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, sucrose esters of fatty acids, carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, arabic gum, acacia gum (gum arabic), cellulose derivatives (e.g., cellulose gum, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose), modified food starch, and combinations thereof. In embodiments where the composition comprises an emulsifier, the emulsifier is chemically distinct from the sweetener, the doctoring agent, and the thickener.

[0033] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a flavorant (or flavor). The flavorant may be present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.001 to about 10 parts by weight, optionally of from about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight, or optionally of from about 0.3 to about 2 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

[0034] Non-limiting examples of suitable flavorants include natural fruit extracts (e.g., strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, apple, orange, lemon, lime, grape, cherry, peach, pineapple, mango, watermelon), artificial fruit flavors (e.g., strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, apple, orange, lemon, lime, grape, cherry, peach, pineapple, mango, watermelon), natural extracts (e.g., vanilla, cocoa), artificial flavors (e.g., vanilla, chocolate), citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, wintergreen oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, nutmeg oil, ginger extract, coffee extract, tea extract, honey, maple syrup, caramel, butterscotch, coconut flavor, almond flavor, hazelnut flavor, banana flavor, bubblegum flavor, cotton candy flavor, marshmallow flavor, licorice flavor, anise flavor, rosewater, lavender oil, jasmine extract, bergamot oil, peppermint extract, lemon extract, orange extract, lime extract, grapefruit extract, cherry extract, berry extract, pineapple extract, mango extract, watermelon extract, peach extract, apricot extract, kiwi extract, passion fruit extract, and combinations thereof. In embodiments where the composition comprises a flavorant, the flavorant is chemically distinct from the sweetener, the doctoring agent, the thickener, and the emulsifier.

[0035] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a colorant. The colorant may be present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.0001 to about 5 parts by weight, optionally of from about 0.001 to about 2 parts by weight, or optionally of from about 0.01 to about 1 part(s) by weight.

[0036] The colorant may comprise, or optionally may be, a natural colorant, an artificial colorant, a natural mineral pigment, or a combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable natural colorants include anthocyanins (from fruits like berries), beetroot extract, carrot extract, turmeric extract (curcumin), annatto extract, paprika extract, chlorophyllin, spirulina extract, elderberry extract, black currant extract, red cabbage extract, and combinations thereof. Nonlimiting examples of suitable artificial colorants include FD&C red no. 40 (allura red ac), FD&C yellow no. 5 (tartrazine), FD&C yellow no. 6 (sunset yellow fcf), FD&C blue no. 1 (brilliant blue fcf), FD&C blue no. 2 (indigo carmine), FD&C green no. 3 (fast green fcf), FD&C red no. 3 (erythrosine), FD&C red no. 4 (ponceau 4r), FD&C orange no. 5 (orange b), FD&C orange no. 6 (orange g), FD&C brown no. 1 (chocolate brown ht), and combinations thereof. Nonlimiting examples of suitable natural miner pigments include titanium dioxide (white), iron oxides (red, yellow, black), zinc oxide (white), copper chlorophyllin (green), and combinations thereof. In embodiments where the composition comprises a colorant, the colorant is chemically distinct from the sweetener, the doctoring agent, the thickener, the emulsifier, and the flavorant. [0037] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a buffering agent. The buffering agent may be present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.001 to about 10 parts by weight, optionally of from about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight, or optionally about 0.3 to about 2 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

[0038] Non-limiting examples of suitable buffering agents include citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate, magnesium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, calcium acetate, magnesium acetate, magnesium malate, calcium malate, potassium malate, sodium malate, calcium phosphate, magnesium phosphate, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, magnesium oxide, calcium phosphate, and combinations thereof. In embodiments where the composition comprises a buffering agent, the buffering agent is chemically distinct from the sweetener, the doctoring agent, the thickener, the emulsifier, the flavorant, and the colorant.

[0039] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises an acid. The acid may be present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.001 to about 10 parts by weight, optionally of from about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight, or optionally of from about 0.2 to about 2 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

[0040] Non-limiting examples of suitable acids include citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), acetic acid, propionic acid, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, as well as solutions comprising any combination of these acids. In embodiments where the composition comprises an acid, the acid is chemically distinct from the sweetener, the doctoring agent, the thickener, the emulsifier, the flavorant, the colorant, and the buffering agent.

[0041] A chewable supplement formed from the composition is also provided. The chewable supplement may be further defined as a gummy. The gummy may have a moisture content of from about 15 to about 25 %, optionally of from about 5 to about 25 %, optionally of from about 10 to about 20 %, or optionally of from about 12 to 18 %, by weight, each based on the total weight of the gummy.

[0042] The chewable supplement is notable because of its excellent stability properties. For example, the chewable supplement does not exhibit common issues with conventional chewable supplements such as syneresis, crystallization, hardening, and stickiness.

[0043] The chewable supplement may comprise the doctoring agent in an amount of from about 50 to about 80 parts by weight, optionally of from about 55 to about 75 parts by weight, or optionally of from about 60 to about 70 parts by weight. The chewable supplement may fiirther comprise the sweetener in an amount of from about 1 to about 20 part(s) by weight, optionally of form about 3 to about 17 parts by weight, or optionally of from about 5 to about 17 parts by weight. The chewable supplement may fiirther comprise the supplement in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 15 parts by weight, optionally of from about 1 to about 10 part(s) by weight, or optionally of from about 1 to about 5 part(s) by weight. The chewable supplement may fiirther comprise the carrier in an amount of from about 15 to about 25 parts by weight optionally of from about 5 to about 25 parts by weight optionally of form about 10 to about 20 parts by weight, or optionally of from about 12 to about 18 parts by weight. Each of the amounts above is based on 100 parts by weight of the composition. Each of the components are as described in detailed above.

[0044] A method of manufacturing the chewable supplement is also provided. The method comprises the step of dissolving the sweetener in water to give a sweetener solution. The method fiirther comprises combining the doctoring agent and the sweetener solution to give a doctored sweetener solution. Water is evaporated from the doctored sweetener solution to give a super saturated solution. A thickener solution is also provided. The thickener solution may be a pectin solution. In some embodiments, the thickener solution is provided with acid and/or a buffering agent to achieve a target pH.

[0045] The method also includes combining the super saturated solution and the thickener solution to give a precursor solution. The water is evaporated from the precursor solution until a target brix is attained. In particular embodiments, the method further comprises the step of adding flavorants, colorants, emulsifiers, and/or supplements to the precursor solution. The addition of these ingredients may be done to achieve a target precursor pH of from about 0.5 to about 6.5, optionally of from about 2 to about 4, or optionally of from about 3 to about 3.6.

[0046] The chewable composition is cooled to give an undried chewable composition precursor. The step of cooling the chewable composition may further comprise the sub-step of depositing the chewable composition in a gummy mold. The gummy mold may be of various shapes and sizes. The step of cooling the chewable composition may last from about 5 to about 55 minutes, or optionally of from about 3 to about 30 minutes.

[0047] The undried chewable composition precursor is dried to give a chewable supplement. In specific embodiments, the undried chewable composition precursor is dried to a target moisture content at a drying temperature. For a first condition, “Condition 1”, the temperature is from about 42 to about 46 °C, the relative humidity is from about 8 to about 15 %, and the velocity is from about 160 to about 240 m/min. For a second conditions, “Condition 2”, the temperature is about 25 °C, the relative humidity is from about 35 to about 45 %, and the velocity is from about 100 to about 120 m/min. Combinations of parameters from these conditions are also contemplated. One of skill in the art can determine other suitable drying conditions based on want or need.

[0048] The target moisture content is from about 5 to about 25 %, optionally from about 10 to about 20 %, or optionally from about 12 to about 18 %, by weight. The drying temperature is generally selected such that the drying temperature is low enough that the drying will not cause leather formation in the chewable supplement or uneven drying, but the drying temperature is also high enough that the drying is effective in removing moisture and is fast enough such that the method is economical.

EXAMPLES

[0049] The substantially sugar-free composition, the chewable supplement formed therefrom, and associated method of manufacture are further described in connection with the following exemplary compositions, which are non-limiting.

[0050] Certain components utilized in the Examples are set forth in Table 1 below. The components utilized in the Examples and set forth in Table 1 are commercially available from various suppliers or synthesized via methods understood in the art. Table 1 : Component Listing

* Other suitable acids are organic acids, including, but are not limited to, malic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, combinations thereof, etc.

** Suitable flavors, flavorants, or flavorings include, but are not limited to, citrus, fruit, berry, combinations thereof, etc.

*** Other suitable buffering agents are understood in the art, e.g., including those use in supplements and chewable supplements.

**** Suitable emulsifiers are understood in the art, e.g., including those use in supplements and chewable supplements. For example, a suitable emulsifier can be selected from lecithin, polysorbates, mono- and di-glycerides, sucrose esters, acacia gum, modified food starches, and combinations thereof. [0051] Table 2 below sets forth the composition and amounts of ingredients of the Example 1 composition in both its “wet” and “dry” forms. Table 3 farther below sets forth the composition and amount of ingredients of the Example 2 composition in both its “wet” and “dry” forms. The “wet” composition is the composition before it has been dried to give a solid gummy. The “dry” composition is essentially synonymous with the solid gummy. The composition of Example 1 is a composition having a non-polar, algal oil supplement. The composition of Example 2 is a composition having a mineral salt supplement. Both the Example 1 and Example 2 compositions were manufactured in accordance with the method described herein above. Table 2: Example 1 Composition

* by “Trace,” it is meant that the component is added in an amount of no greater than 0.0 wt. % based on the total weight of the composition. Table 3: Example 2 Composition

[0052] The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar fimctionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative.

[0053] Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A substantially sugar-free composition for forming a chewable supplement, the composition comprising: a sweetener; a carrier; a doctoring agent; and a supplement; wherein the composition has no greater than 0.5 parts by weight of sugar, other than the sweetener, per 100 parts by weight of the composition.

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition has no greater than 0.1 parts by weight of sugar other than the sweetener per 100 parts by weight of the composition.

3. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a weight ratio of the sweetener to the doctoring agent is from 60:40 to 95:5.

4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the weight ratio of the sweetener to the doctoring agent is from 70:30 to 90:10.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the weight ratio of the sweetener to the doctoring agent is from 75:25 to 85:15.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the doctoring agent comprises a hydrogenated starch hydrolysate.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the supplement comprises a mineral, a vitamin, or a combination thereof.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the supplement comprises a nonpolar supplement.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the non-polar supplement comprises algal oil.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: i) the sweetener is a crystalline sweetener; ii) the sweetener comprises a polyol; or iii) both i) and ii).

11. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the supplement is present in the composition in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

12. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the carrier is water.

13. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the carrier is present in an amount of from about 20 to about 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

14. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the doctoring agent is present in an amount of from about 30 to about 65 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

15. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sweetener is present in an amount of from about 1 to about 15 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

16. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a thickener.

17. The composition of claim 16, wherein: i) the thickener comprises a pectin; ii) the thickener is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the composition; or iii) both i) and ii).

18. A chewable supplement formed from the composition as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The chewable supplement of claim 18, farther defined as a gummy and having a moisture content of from about 15 to about 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the gummy.

20. A method of manufacturing the chewable supplement of claim 18 or claim 19, the method comprising the steps of: dissolving the sweetener in water to give a sweetener solution; combining the doctoring agent and the sweetener solution to give a doctored sweetener solution; evaporating water from the doctored sweetener solution to give a super saturated solution; preparing a thickener solution; combining the super saturated solution and the thickener solution to give a precursor solution; evaporating water from the precursor solution until a target brix is attained; cooling the precursor solution to give an undried chewable composition precursor; and drying the undried chewable composition precursor to give the chewable supplement.