Abstract: A method of continuously making chewing gum base employs low pressure, adequate residence time, and the flexibility of selectively feeding different ingredients at different locations on the mixer. The method involves the use of a paddle mixer, characterized by a plurality of paddles mounted on a longitudinal rotating shaft, preferably mounted on two parallel co-rotating shafts. The paddles cover at least about 40 percent of the active length of the shafts. This configuration provides for significant residence time in the mixer and low pressure gum base manufacture.

Abstract: Nut butter and jelly food slices are provided They preferably include a first layer of jelly and a second layer of jelly disposed in contacting relationship with the first layer of jelly. The first and second layers of jelly cooperate to define a hollow region therebetween. A volume of nut butter is placed within the hollow region, and is thereby totally encapsulated between the first and second layers of jelly. Finally, a jelly slice dimensioned to fit on a food substrate and jelly suitable for making jelly slices or nut butter and jelly slices are provided. The jelly slices and the nut butter and jelly slices may be individually wrapped in flexible coverings and packaged in a single food container.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing a chewing gum base comprises the steps of continuously adding an elastomer, a filler and a plasticizer into a continuous mixer, subjecting the elastomer, filler and plasticizer to a highly distributive mixing operation and continuously discharging the resulting chewing gum base from the mixer while the adding and mixing steps are in progress.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for molding an indicating member includes a plurality of molding die portions. The indicating member includes a transparent section, which is formed by injection molding a transparent resin, and an opaque section, which is formed by injection molding an opaque resin. The transparent section has a base portion and an elevated portion that projects from the base portion to form an indicia. The opaque section is formed over the upper surface of the base portion of the transparent section.

Abstract: A chewing gum product comprises a gum pellet covered by a hard coating containing erythritol and xylitol. The coating may be a homogeneous material built up of layers from a single coating syrup containing erythritol and xylitol. The syrup preferably contains, on a solids basis, a blend of about 5% to about 95% erythritol and about 5% to about 95% xylitol. The coating is particularly useful in making sugarless gum products.

Abstract: Chewing gum compositions including a liquid dispersion containing aspartame and methods of making the compositions are disclosed. The liquid dispersion contains at least 20% aspartame, and preferably contains about 50% aspartame and about 50% water.