A paper straw with enhanced organoleptic properties

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a straw ( 1 ) for the consumption of a liquid or semi-liquid edible product from a package ( 2 ) wherein said edible product is contained, said straw comprising a hollow elongated channel ( 3 ) having two extremities ( 4 ), characterized in that it comprises a coating ( 6 ) comprising at least one volatile aromatic product, said coating ( 6 ) being adapted to release said volatile aromatic product with the air that is mixed to said liquid or semi-liquid edible product, at the time the latter is sipped through said hollow channel ( 3 ).

1 . A straw for the consumption of a liquid or semi-liquid edible product from a package wherein said edible product is contained, said straw comprising a hollow elongated channel having two extremities, comprising a coating comprising at least one volatile aromatic product, said coating being adapted to release said volatile aromatic product with the air that is mixed to said liquid or semi-liquid edible product, at the time the latter is sipped through said hollow channel. 
     
     
         2 . A straw according to  claim 1 , wherein the volatile aromatic product is microencapsulated in the coating. 
     
     
         3 . A straw according to  claim 1 , wherein the volatile aromatic product is entrapped in a jellified matrix coating for controlled release mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . A straw according to  claim 1 , wherein the volatile aromatic product is stored within a capsule which is coated or similarly attached to the surface of the straw, said capsule being adapted to melt at a predetermined temperature to release the volatile aromatic product. 
     
     
         5 . A straw according to  claim 1 , wherein the volatile aromatic product is selected from the group consisting of: aroma, extract or essential oil of fruits, flowers, plants, spices, green or roasted coffee, chocolate, candies, and a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         6 . A straw according to  claim 1 , which is manufactured from a sustainable material selected from the group consisting of: cellulosic fibers, paper (white or Kraft), cardboard, bamboo fibers, apple fibers, sugarcane fibers, bagasse, avocado fibers, rice or wheat fibers, pectin, a mineral powder (such as stone powder or sand), biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoate (PHA), polybutyrate adipate terepthalate (PBAT), polysuccinate butylene (PBS), and a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         7 . A straw according to  claim 1 , which is manufactured by extrusion of a pasty material into a hollow channel, which is cut to the desired length and then dried. 
     
     
         8 . A straw according to  claim 1 , wherein the external surface of the hollow channel comprises at least one fish-hook shaped element adapted to prevent withdrawal of said straw from a package into which it has been inserted. 
     
     
         9 . A straw according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the straw's extremities is folded and/or sealed and comprises at least one, dispensing openings located through the lateral wall of the hollow channel, said opening being placed at a distance from the folded and/or sealed extremity comprised between 1 mm and 15 mm. 
     
     
         10 . A closed package for packing and dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid edible product, said package comprising a wall adapted to be pierced by a straw, characterized in that it further comprises a housing located on one of its faces, said housing adapted to arrange a straw for the consumption of a liquid or semi-liquid edible product from a package wherein said edible product is contained, said straw comprising a hollow elongated channel having two extremities comprising a coating comprising at least one volatile aromatic product, said coating being adapted to release said volatile aromatic product with the air that is mixed to said liquid or semi-liquid edible product, at the time the latter is sipped through said hollow channel.