Abstract: A multi-layered chewing gum is prepared using layers of chewing gum sandwiched about a layer or layers of a hydrophilic gel-creme confection. The multi-layered confection affords an up-front taste sensation provided by the hydrophilic components of the gel-creme with a subsequent onset of longer lasting, sustained flavor provided by the chewing gum composition. The layered confection also provides an initial soft chewing texture which converts to that of a standard chewing gum after several minutes of chewing.

Abstract: An apparatus for making center-filled chewing gum, in which product having up to at least 35-40% by weight of center fill can be produced. The apparatus includes a novel extruder barrel and nozzle arrangement (11) which extrudes a tubular rope of gum (G) through an annular orifice (30), and at the same time supplies a center-fill material (F) to the hollow interior (V) of the tubular rope through a central nozzle (20,21) concentric with the orifice. The center-fill material is fed into the hollow interior of the gum rope at a rate sufficient to just fill the void produced in the gum rope as it is extruded through the nozzle, and without exerting a compressive pressure thereon. With this apparatus, center-filled chewing gum can be produced with up to at least 35-40% by weight of center-fill material and at the same time uniform wall thickness and consistency for the center-filled product can be maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making center-filled chewing gum, in which product having up to at least 35-40% by weight of center fill can be produced. The apparatus comprises a novel extruder barrel and nozzle arrangement (11) which extrudes a tubular rope of gum (G) through an annular orifice (30), and at the same time supplies a center-fill material (F) to the hollow interior (V) of the tubular rope through a central nozzle (20,21) concentric with the orifice. The center-fill material is fed into the hollow interior of the gum rope at a rate sufficient to just fill the void produced in the gum rope as it is extruded through the nozzle, and without exerting a compressive pressure thereon. With this apparatus and method, center-filled chewing gum can be produced with up to at least 35-40% by weight of center-fill material and at the same time uniform wall thickness and consistency for the center-filled product can be maintained.