Natural High-Potency Sweetener Compositions with Improved Temporal Profile and/or Flavor Profile, Methods for Their Formulation, and Uses

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to improving the taste of natural high-potency non-caloric or low-caloric sweeteners and compositions sweetened therewith. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions that can improve the tastes of natural high-potency non-caloric or low-caloric sweeteners by imparting a more sugar-like taste or characteristic. In particular, the compositions and methods provide a more sugar-like temporal profile, including sweetness onset and sweetness linger, and/or a more sugar-like flavor profile, including osmotic taste.

1  -  158 . (canceled) 
     
     
         159 . A beverage comprising rebaudioside A, erythritol and an inorganic acid salt, wherein÷ the rebaudioside A has a purity greater than about 80% by weight on a dry basis. 
     
     
         160 . The beverage of  claim 159 , wherein the rebaudioside A has a purity greater than about 95% by weight on a dry basis. 
     
     
         161 . The beverage of  claim 159 , wherein the rebaudioside A is present in an amount from about 100 ppm to about 3,000 ppm. 
     
     
         162 . The beverage of  claim 159 , wherein the inorganic salt is present in an amount from 25 ppm to about 5,000 ppm. 
     
     
         163 . The beverage of  claim 159 , wherein the beverage comprises a citric acid/potassium citrate composition. 
     
     
         164 . Beverage of  claim 159 , wherein the beverage has a pH from 2 to 8. 
     
     
         165 . The beverage of  claim 159 , wherein the beverage has a pH from 2 to 5. 
     
     
         166 . The beverage of  claim 159 , wherein the beverage is a non-carbonated beverage selected from the group consisting of fruit juice, fruit-flavored beverage, fruit-containing beverage, vegetable juice, vegetable containing beverage, tea, coffee, dairy beverage, sports drink, energy drink and flavored water. 
     
     
         167 . The beverage of  claim 159 , wherein the beverage is a carbonated beverage selected from the group consisting of cola, root beer, fruit-flavored beverage and citrus flavored beverage. 
     
     
         168 . The beverage of  claim 159 , further comprising at least one functional ingredient selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, phytosterols and phytostanols and their esters, fibers, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, dietary fiber, fatty acids, flavonoids, phenols, polyphenols, polyols, prebiotics/probiotics, phytoestrogens, rubisco peptide, hydration agents, anti-inflammatory agents and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         169 . The beverage of  claim 159 , further comprising at least one sweet taste improving composition selected from the group consisting of carbohydrates, polyamino acids and their corresponding salts, sugar acids and their corresponding salts, organic acids, inorganic acids, organic salts, inorganic salts, bitter compounds, flavorants, astringent compounds, polymers, proteins, protein hydrolysates, surfactants, emulsifiers, flavonoids, alcohols, synthetic sweeteners and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         170 . The beverage of  claim 159 , wherein the sweetness linger of the beverage is less than the sweetness linger of a corresponding beverage formulated without the inorganic salt. 
     
     
         171 . The beverage of  claim 159 , wherein the inorganic salt is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium citrate, europium chloride (EuCl 3 ), gadolinium chloride (GdCl 3 ), terbium chloride (TbCl 3 ), magnesium sulfate, alum, magnesium chloride, magnesium phosphate, mono-, di-, tri-basic sodium or potassium salts of phosphoric acid, salts of hydrochloric acid, sodium carbonate, sodium bisulfate, and sodium bicarbonate. 
     
     
         172 . The beverage of  claim 159 , wherein the inorganic salt is sodium chloride.