Abstract: The present invention is a method of increasing the flavor release of chewing gum using hydroxypropyl cellulose, as well as the chewing gum containing hydroxypropyl cellulose and having increased flavor release. The increase in flavor release is obtained by incorporating hydroxypropyl cellulose in a powder form directly into the chewing gum composition.

Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum with a controlled release of a bitterness inhibitor, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying the release properties of the bitterness inhibitor by coating and drying. The bitterness inhibitor is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated bitterness inhibitor is preferably then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified bitterness inhibitor for use in chewing gum. When incorporated into the chewing gum, these particles are adapted to produce a fast release or a delayed release when the gum is chewed. The preferred bitterness inhibitor is sodium gluconate.

Abstract: Chewing gum products containing a natural carbohydrate gum hydrolyzate and methods of making such products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the natural carbohydrate gum hydrolyzate is used in a rolling compound applied to the chewing gum product. In a second embodiment, a natural carbohydrate gum hydrolyzate is used in the center fill of a chewing gum. In a third embodiment, aspartame is used to sweeten the gum composition and the natural carbohydrate gum hydrolyzate is provided, preferably in an effective amount to stabilize the aspartame such that after eight weeks of storage at 85.degree. F., at least 5% less aspartame decomposes than would have decomposed if the natural carbohydrate gum hydrolyzate was not included. A natural carbohydrate gum hydrolyzate is also co-dried with other sweeteners, co-evaporated to make syrups and used as an encapsulating agent for high-intensity sweeteners or flavors used in gum compositions.

Abstract: Improved chewing gum formulations and bases including lecithin, as well as methods of producing chewing gum and bases are provided. The chewing gum includes a blend of lecithin and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). The blend can be used in the base and/or gum as a plasticizer, softener, and/or emulsifier. A variety of base and chewing gum formulations including the blend can be created and/or utilized pursuant to the present invention.

Abstract: A chewing gum that contains porous polymeric beads impregnated with flavor ingredients together with a method of making such a chewing gum.