Abstract: A method for forming encapsulated sweetener granules (ESGs) may include heating a first mixture to form a molten mixture, the first mixture includes one or more polyols and one or more hydrocolloids; cooling the molten mixture to a first temperature to form a cooled molten mixture; adding one or more high-intensity sweeteners to the cooled molten mixture to form a second mixture; cooling the second mixture to a second temperature to form one or more sheets, the second temperature being different from the first temperature; and fragmenting the one or more sheets to form a plurality of encapsulated sweetener granules. The first temperature may be between about 120° C. and about 200° C. The second temperature may be below a glass transition temperature (Tg) of the one or more polyols and the one or more hydrocolloids. For example, the second temperature may be between about 65° C. and about 200° C.