System for continuously producing gum with improved texture and flavor release

Abstract

An improved process for continuously producing chewing gum products. A continuous extrusion machine is utilized preferably with a rotating twin-screw mixing mechanism. The timing and location of entry and the apportioned amounts of the flavor and sugar ingredients are adjusted according to preestablished data in order to provide a product with desired flavor and texture profiles. The temperature and pressure of the product are also kept within prespecified ranges.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A method of continuously producing a chewing gum material in a continuous extrusion mixer which has substantially the same properties as the same chewing gum material produced by a batch process, said method comprising the steps of: 
 producing a control sample of the chewing gum material by a batch process, said material comprising pre-specified ingredients;    producing a plurality of test samples of said chewing gum material using a continuous extrusion mixer, said material comprising said pre-specified ingredients, said test samples differing from one another based on a variable utilized in said continuous extrusion process;    evaluating said plurality of test samples;    comparing said evaluations of said plurality of test samples with the properties of said control samples; and    selecting one or more of the test samples.    
     
     
         2 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein at least three variables are utilized in the plurality of test samples and wherein said evaluating is carried out by expert testers.  
     
     
         3 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising the step of modifying at least one of said variables in order to modify the properties of said chewing gum product made by said extrusion process.