Caffeine coated chewing gum product and process of making

US6444241B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company · US

Inventors

• Henry T. Tyrpin · Palos Park, US
• Michael P. Russell · Evergreen Park, US
• David L. Witkewitz · Bridgeview, US
• Sonya S. Johnson · Woodridge, US
• Ronald L. Ream · Plano, US
• Christine L. Corriveau · Orland Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 30, 2000
• Grant date: Sep 3, 2002
• Expiry date: Aug 30, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A23G4/20
• WIPO field: Food chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for producing a chewing gum with a controlled release of caffeine, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying caffeine's properties by coating and drying. Caffeine is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated caffeine is then preferably co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified caffeine 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. Also disclosed is a chewing gum pellet having a coating including caffeine or a caffeine salt compound.