Sweetener composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sweetener composition comprising rebaudioside-M and 1,3-propanediol which may be used in foods or beverages. The composition may also comprise one or more flavourings and/or one or more additives.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A process for preparation of a composition, the process comprising:
 adding rebaudioside-M to 1,3-propanediol to form a mixture;   heating the mixture to form a solution of rebaudioside-M; and   cooling the solution of rebaudioside-M.   
     
     
         2 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 adding one or more flavorings to the solution of rebaudioside-M; and   optionally mixing the solution of rebaudioside-M and the one or more flavourings.   
     
     
         3 . The process as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the adding of one or more flavorings to the solution of rebaudioside-M is performed after the solution of rebaudioside-M has cooled. 
     
     
         4 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the mixture of rebaudioside-M is heated to a temperature of 50 to 120 degrees C. 
     
     
         5 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the resulting composition does not comprise propylene glycol. 
     
     
         6 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the resulting composition does not comprise water. 
     
     
         7 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the resulting composition does not comprise water and propylene glycol. 
     
     
         8 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the resulting composition is substantially free of sweetening agents other than rebaudioside-M. 
     
     
         9 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the rebaudioside-M is derived from a natural source. 
     
     
         10 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising filtering the solution of rebaudioside-M after cooling the solution of rebaudioside-M to remove impurities. 
     
     
         11 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cooling of rebaudioside-M solution is performed at a controlled rate. 
     
     
         12 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the rebaudioside-M and 1,3-propanediol are added in a weight ratio of 1:1 to 1:10. 
     
     
         13 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the heating of the mixture of rebaudioside-M and 1,3-propanediol is carried out under vacuum conditions to facilitate removal of impurities. 
     
     
         14 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising testing the composition for its sweetness level using a sensory evaluation or a chemical assay. 
     
     
         15 . The process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the preparation of the composition further comprises additional natural or synthetic sweeteners mixed with the rebaudioside-M and 1,3-propanediol solution.