Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for preparing a confection from a sugar or sugarless bulking agent which comprises, in the downstream direction of conveyance, the continuous sequence of steps of:a) introducing the bulking agent into the barrel of a twin screw extruder equipped with multiple heating zones;b) extrusion mixing the bulking agent in a first series of heating zones to melt the bulking agent, wherein the first series of heating zones is configured to include a minimum time for melting the bulking agent;c) extrusion mixing the melted bulking agent from the first series of heating zones to an orifice plug, wherein the orifice plug is configured to include a minimum time for melting the bulking agent;d) extrusion mixing the melted bulking agent from the orifice plug to a heating zone having a pressure control valve, wherein the pressure control valve is configured to include a minimum time for melting the bulking agent;e) extrusion mixing the melted bulking agent from the heating zone having

Abstract: The present invention comprises the encapsulation of the artificial sweetener L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (APM) within a coating material including cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, certain vinyl polymers, gelatin and zein, in a ratio of coating material to APM to 1:1 or less. Shelf stability of products containing the encapsulated APM is nearly doubled. The presently stabilized APM is particularly suited for incorporation into chewing gum formulations.