U.S. patent application number 11/114768 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for methods for promoting comestible products.
Invention is credited to Steven Catani, Thomas Sox.
Application Number | 20060240155 11/114768 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36660198 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060240155 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Catani; Steven ; et
al. |
October 26, 2006 |
Methods for promoting comestible products
Abstract
The invention relates to a method of promoting unsweetened
unit-sized comestible products by directing consumers to add the
contents of at least one container having a portion holding a
sweetener composition thereto, wherein the sweetener composition
has a sweetness designed to match the unit-sized comestible
product. The invention also relates to a method of promoting an
unsweetened bulk quantity-sized comestible products by directing
consumers to add the contents of at least one container having a
portion holding a sweetener composition thereto, wherein the
sweetener composition has a sweetness designed to match a
unit-sized amount of the comestible product.
Inventors: |
Catani; Steven; (Athens,
GA) ; Sox; Thomas; (Ambler, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PHILIP S. JOHNSON;JOHNSON & JOHNSON
ONE JOHNSON & JOHNSON PLAZA
NEW BRUNSWICK
NJ
08933-7003
US
|
Family ID: |
36660198 |
Appl. No.: |
11/114768 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/120 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23L 27/30 20160801 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/120 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32 |
Claims
1. A method of promoting unsweetened unit-sized comestible products
by directing consumers to add the contents of at least one
container having a portion holding a sweetener composition thereto,
wherein the sweetener composition has a sweetness designed to match
the unit-sized amount of comestible product and is present in the
container in an amount appropriate for use with the unit-sized
amount of comestible product.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the container of sweetener
composition is sold together with the unit-sized comestible
product.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising an exterior container,
said exterior container comprising a plurality of said
containers.
4. The method of claim 2 further comprising an exterior container,
said exterior container comprising a plurality of said containers,
said plurality of containers comprising a first container having a
portion holding a first sweetener composition and a second
container having a portion holding a second sweetener composition,
wherein said first sweetener composition contains a sweetener that
is different from the sweetener in said second sweetener
composition.
5. The method of claim 2 further comprising an exterior container,
said exterior container comprising a plurality of said containers,
said plurality of containers comprising a first container having a
portion holding a first sweetener composition and a second
container having a portion holding a second sweetener composition,
wherein said first sweetener composition contains a sweetener that
has a sweetness that is different from the sweetness of the
sweetener in said second sweetener composition.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the container of sweetener
composition is sold separately from the unit-sized comestible
product.
7. The method of claim 6 further comprising an exterior container,
said exterior container comprising a plurality of said
containers.
8. The method of claim 6 further comprising an exterior container,
said exterior container comprising a plurality of said containers,
said plurality of containers comprising a first container having a
portion holding a first sweetener composition and a second
container having a portion holding a second sweetener composition,
wherein said first sweetener composition contains a sweetener that
is different from the sweetener in said second sweetener
composition.
9. The method of claim 6 further comprising an exterior container,
said exterior container comprising a plurality of said containers,
said plurality of containers comprising a first container having a
portion holding a first sweetener composition and a second
container having a portion holding a second sweetener composition,
wherein said first sweetener composition contains a sweetener that
has a sweetness that is different from the sweetness of the
sweetener in said second sweetener composition.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the sweetener composition is
selected from the group consisting of sucralose, aspartame,
saccharin, cyclamate, neotame, alitame, acesulfame potassium,
brazien, stevia extract, and their salts and derivatives thereof,
and mixtures thereof.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the sweetener composition is
sucralose or a blend of sucralose with another high intensity
sweetener.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the sweetener composition
possesses a non-standard level of sweetness, and said container has
an indicator for communicating a sweetness intensity of the
sweetener composition relative to a sweetness intensity of a
standard unit dosage of sucrose equivalent sweetness for the
comestible product.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the sweetener composition
comprised of a high intensity sweetener having a dry relative
sweetness density that is greater than about 1.04 or less than
about 0.96
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the sweetener composition is
comprised of a) a high intensity sweetener in an amount sufficient
to provide greater than about 10 grams of Sucrose Equivalent
Sweetness; and b) a carrier, wherein said carrier provides less
than about 0.49 calories per gram of Sucrose Equivalent
Sweetness.
15. A method of promoting an unsweetened bulk quantity-sized
comestible products by directing consumers to add the contents of
at least one container having a portion holding a sweetener
composition to a unit sized dosage of said comestible product,
wherein the sweetener composition has a sweetness designed to match
the unit-sized dosage amount of the comestible product and is
present in the container in an amount appropriate for use with the
unit-sized dosage amount of comestible product.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the container of sweetener
composition is sold together with the unit comestible product.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising an exterior
container, said exterior container comprising a plurality of said
containers.
18. The method of claim 16 further comprising an exterior
container, said exterior container comprising a plurality of said
containers, said plurality of containers comprising a first
container having a portion holding a first sweetener composition
and a second container having a portion holding a second sweetener
composition, wherein said first sweetener composition contains a
sweetener that is different from the sweetener in said second
sweetener composition.
19. The method of claim 16 further comprising an exterior
container, said exterior container comprising a plurality of said
containers, said plurality of containers comprising a first
container having a portion holding a first sweetener composition
and a second container having a portion holding a second sweetener
composition, wherein said first sweetener composition contains a
sweetener that has a sweetness that is different from the sweetness
of the sweetener in said second sweetener composition.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the container of sweetener
composition is sold separately from the unit comestible
product.
21. The method of claim 16 further comprising an exterior
container, said exterior container comprising a plurality of said
containers.
22. The method of claim 16 further comprising an exterior
container, said exterior container comprising a plurality of said
containers, said plurality of containers comprising a first
container having a portion holding a first sweetener composition
and a second container having a portion holding a second sweetener
composition, wherein said first sweetener composition contains a
sweetener that is different from the sweetener in said second
sweetener composition.
23. The method of claim 16 further comprising an exterior
container, said exterior container comprising a plurality of said
containers, said plurality of containers comprising a first
container having a portion holding a first sweetener composition
and a second container having a portion holding a second sweetener
composition, wherein said first sweetener composition contains a
sweetener that has a sweetness that is different from the sweetness
of the sweetener in said second sweetener composition.
24. The method of claim 15, wherein the sweetener composition is
selected from the group consisting of sucralose, aspartame,
saccharin, cyclamate, neotame, alitame, acesulfame potassium,
brazien, stevia extract, and their salts and derivatives thereof,
and mixtures thereof.
25. The method of claim 15, wherein the sweetener composition is
sucralose or a blend of sucralose with another high intensity
sweetener.
26. The method of claim 15, wherein the sweetener composition
possesses a non-standard level of sweetness, and said container has
an indicator for communicating a sweetness intensity of the
sweetener composition relative to a sweetness intensity of a
standard unit dosage of sucrose equivalent sweetness for the
comestible product.
27. The method of claim 15, wherein the sweetener composition
comprised of a high intensity sweetener having a dry relative
sweetness density that is greater than about 1.04 or less than
about 0.96
28. The method of claim 15, wherein the sweetener composition is
comprised of a) a high intensity sweetener in an amount sufficient
to provide greater than about 10 grams of Sucrose Equivalent
Sweetness; and b) a carrier, wherein said carrier provides less
than about 0.49 calories per gram of Sucrose Equivalent
Sweetness.
29. A kit comprised of: a) a package containing a unit sized amount
of an unsweetened comestible product; and a container having a
portion holding a sweetener composition, wherein the sweetener
composition has a sweetness designed to match the unit-sized amount
of comestible product and is present in the container in an amount
appropriate for use with the unit-sized amount of comestible
product.
30. The kit of claim 29, wherein the sweetener composition is in a
non-standard-unit amount.
31. The kit of claim 30, wherein the sweetener composition is
comprised of sucralose.
32. A kit comprised of: a) a package containing a bulk quantity
amount of an unsweetened comestible product; and b) a container
having a portion holding a sweetener composition, wherein the
sweetener composition has a sweetness designed to match a
unit-sized amount of the comestible product and is present in the
container in an amount appropriate for use with the unit-sized
amount of comestible product.
33. The kit of claim 32, wherein the sweetener composition is in a
non-standard-unit amount.
34. The kit of claim 33, wherein the sweetener composition is
comprised of sucralose.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to the following applications,
which were filed in the United States Patent Office on the same
date hereof: "LOW CALORIE, PALATABLE SUGAR SUBSTITUTE WITH ENHANCED
SWEETNESS" {Attorney Docket MSP 5026}; "ENHANCING KIT FOR
COMESTIBLE PRODUCTS," {Attorney Docket MSP 5025}; and "KIT FOR
PROVIDING SWEETENERS HAVING NON-STANDARD SWEETNESS LEVELS,"
{Attorney Docket MSP 5027}.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to methods for promoting unsweetened
unit sized and bulk quantity sized comestible products, and kits
suitable for use therein.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Consumers often add different types of flavors to the foods
they consume in order to customize the taste to their personal
preferences. One of the most commonly added flavor is sweetness.
Sweeteners are typically added to beverages such as coffees and
teas, on cereals, on fruits, as toppings on baked goods, and the
like. The appeal of a product is typically increased as a result of
sweetening. This preference is generally apparent in many cultures,
but is particularly prevalent in western cultures.
[0006] One type of known sweetener is the "nutritive sweetener,"
which not only provide sweetness but also are absorbable into the
human bloodstream and are metabolized, thereby providing energy for
immediate use or storage as fat. Examples of nutritive sweeteners
include, but are not limited to sucrose, trehelose, tagatose, and
the stereo-isomers of natural sugars, dextrose (glucose), and
fructose. Consumers often flavor their foods with nutritive
sweeteners in the form of sucrose (table sugar), crystalline
dextrose (glucose), fructose, molasses, and syrups such as corn
syrup.
[0007] A well-known alternative to nutritive sweeteners is the high
intensity sweeteners ("HIS"), which provide a means for sweetening
products without the caloric burden and other metabolic impacts
associated with nutritive sweeteners. Examples of nutritive
sweeteners include, but are not limited to sucralose and
aspartame.
[0008] Both nutritive and high intensity sweeteners are readily
available in convenient unit dose packages containing free flowing
powders, granules, crystals, agglomerate, particles, syrups,
solutions, or dispersions. Examples of such unit dose packaging
include, but are not limited to packets, stick packets, sachets,
and the like. Typically, such commercially available unit dose
packaging contains a sweetener having the equivalent sweetness of 1
or 2 teaspoons of sugar; however, such packages may contain other
useful quantities as disclosed in the three, cross-referenced
related applications set forth above.
[0009] Such unit dose packages of sweeteners are typically sold to
consumers in multi-pack units. For example, containers with 50,
100, 200, 400, 400, and 2000 individual packets of SPLENDA.RTM. No
Calorie Sweetener product are commercially available from McNEIL
NUTRITIONALS, LLC. These unit dose packages are also available from
multi-pack containers and dispensers in most restaurants, coffee
shops, and the like. A single, unit dose package of sweetener is
not only available at retail establishments, but is sometimes sent
to consumers as single unit dose package samples.
[0010] In order to provide simplicity and avoid confusion for
consumers as they switch between various sweetener alternatives,
all consumer sweeteners are calibrated to the sweetness level
provide by sucrose. For example, packets of sucrose contain 1 or 2
teaspoons of sucrose. Therefore, when a consumer uses a packet,
they can easily calibrate the serving to the amount of sucrose
typically spooned from a sugar bowl containing bulk sucrose. Not
only are tablets and cubes formulated with HIS calibrated to
sucrose equivalent teaspoons, but also liquid high intensity
sweetener formulations are also designed so that a fixed number of
drops provides the equivalence of a teaspoon of sucrose.
[0011] While the teaspoon is a well-established standard unit for
sweetener quantity, and the sweetness of HIS has traditionally been
calibrated to such standard units of sucrose as a standard, in
actual practice a consumer customizes the amount of sweetener to
his/her individual taste. Regardless of which sweetener, e.g. a
nutritive sweetener, a non-nutritive sweeteners, or a high
intensity sweetener, is selected, the user will encounter
difficulties in customizing a sweetness level based upon a
non-standard unit dose.
[0012] For example, consumers who desire to sweeten a product using
sucrose cubes are limited in the amount of sweetness that can be
achieved intermediate to the designed delivery amount in a cube,
e.g. typically 1 teaspoon. The consumer has even less flexibility
when using HIS formulated tablets, which are typically designed to
provide 2 teaspoons. Although it is possible to break a cube or
tablet in half or even smaller pieces, not only is this method
messy, but the resulting pieces are often inconsistent in shape.
Even if shape consistency could be obtained, the range of
alternatives would still be limited to increments of a half
teaspoon, i.e. 0.5 tsp, 1 tsp, 1.5 tsp, 2 tsp, 2.5 tsp. Another
method to customize a sweetness level would include the crushing of
a cube and use of only a part of the crushed material. While this
approach would provide more flexibility, it is messy, wasteful, and
hard to repeat on a consistent basis.
[0013] Bulk forms of sweeteners provide the consumer with the
greatest flexibility in obtaining the desired sweetener level. The
consumer can use a part of a spoonful, multiple spoonfuls, or
combinations thereof to reach the desired sweet flavor level. While
this approach is very flexible, bulk sweeteners are not typically
available outside the home due to tampering concerns. Additionally,
many consumers are still challenged by measuring less than teaspoon
size quantities on a repeated basis. Many consumers also encounter
difficulties in filling a teaspoon to the standard level on a
repeated basis.
[0014] Packets or sachets containing a free flowing solid material
not only provide a convenient way to deliver a unit quantity of
sweetness, but they also facilitate a user's ability to customize
sweetness levels to individual tastes. A consumer can use a full
packet containing 1 or 2 teaspoon of sucrose equivalent sweetness,
or use just part of a packet, or a combination thereof. As with
bulk sweeteners, the use of sweetener packets provides for more
flexibility in dosing because it is possible to use partial packets
in order to get an infinite range of sweetness. However, in the
event that the user desires to "customize a dose" by using, for
example, a packet and a half of sweetener, it is often difficult to
repeat such dose with certainty. Additionally, there is no simple
way of storing an opened packet containing HIS for future use, so
the unused sweetener in the second packet is often discarded.
[0015] Often manufacturers sweeten their products to avoid
requiring consumers to have to add their own sweetener or correctly
judge the level of sweetness required. While this approach may be
more convenient to consumers, it also forces the consumers to
accept the sweetener type and level of sweetness chosen by the
manufacturer. Although the manufacturer reaches a compromise that
is acceptable to most consumers, it is the optimum choice for none
of them.
[0016] Alternatively, manufacturers may choose to sell their
products on an unsweetened basis. This approach will require
consumers to carry sweetener packets with them or look for bulk
sweetener options. Disadvantageously, the packets will inevitably
not contain the appropriate amount of sweetness because they are
typically designed around consumer levels desired for a cup of
coffee or tea.
[0017] Yet a third option would be for the manufacturer to offer a
comestible product with several different sweetener choices.
Disadvantageously, this approach would add numerous additional skus
to the retail shelf along with significant additional inventory
costs.
[0018] It would be desirable to promote unsweetened unit comestible
products by directing consumers to add one of many different
sweetener packages thereto, each sweetener package of which is
designed to match the unit base comestible product and which
contains the correct amount of sweetener for the unit base
comestible product. These sweeteners could be promoted together
with the unit comestible product or separately therefrom. It would
also be desirable to promote unsweetened bulk comestible products
by directing consumers to use one of many different sweetener
packages, each of which is designed to match a unit amount of the
base comestible product and which contains the correct amount of
sweetener for the unit amount of base comestible product. These
sweeteners could also be promoted together with the bulk comestible
product or separately therefrom.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The invention provides for a method of promoting unsweetened
unit-sized and bulk quantity sized comestible products, as well as
kits suitable for use therein as described in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0020] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description of an
exemplary embodiment considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front view of a sample container holding a bulk
sweetener composition, wherein the container has a graphical
indication reflecting the sweetness level of the bulk sweetener
composition. FIG. 1A-FIG. 1D illustrate alternative embodiments of
the graphical indication.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front view of a sample container holding a bulk
sweetener composition, wherein the container has a numerical
indication reflecting the sweetness level of the bulk sweetener
composition. FIG. 2A-FIG. 2D illustrate alternative embodiments of
the numerical indication.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a front view of a sample container holding a bulk
sweetener composition, wherein the container has a written
descriptive indication reflecting the sweetness level of the bulk
sweetener composition. FIG. 3A-FIG. 3D illustrate alternative
embodiments of the numerical indication.
[0024] FIG. 4A is a front view of a sample packet holding a
unit-sized amount of sweetener composition, wherein the packet
incorporates a numeric indication along with a graphic indication
to reflect sweetness of the sweetener composition therein. FIG. 4B
is the rear view of the packet.
[0025] FIG. 5A is a front view of a sample packet holding a
unit-sized amount of sweetener composition, wherein the packet
incorporates a written text indication along with a graphic
indication to reflect sweetness of the sweetener composition
therein. FIG. 5B is the rear view of the packet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] It is believed that one skilled in the art can, based upon
the description herein, utilize the present invention to its
fullest extent. The following specific embodiments are to be
construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the
remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.
[0027] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Also, all
publications, patent applications, patents, and other references
mentioned herein are incorporated by reference. As used herein, all
percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified.
[0028] As used herein, "kit" shall mean a set or collection of
items that are packaged in a manner that allows for carrying the
items together, e.g. as a single unit.
[0029] As used herein, a "standard unit" shall be any customary
unit of volumetric measure suitable for sucrose, such as a
teaspoon, a tablespoon, a fluid ounce, a pound, a cup, a pint, a
quart, a gallon, a milliliter, a deciliter, a liter, a gram, a
kilogram, an ounce, or the like, or multiples thereof.
[0030] As used herein, "unit sized" shall mean a portion of
product, such as a comestible product, that it typically consumed
by a consumer at a serving and may or may not contain the
comestible product in a standard unit dose amount.
[0031] As used herein, "bulk quantity sized" shall mean a portion
of product, such as a comestible product, that is greater than the
amount typically consumer by a consumer at a serving.
[0032] As used herein, a "standard unit dosage" or "standard unit
dose" shall be any customary means for delivering a single serving
of solid sucrose, and may refer to the dosage form itself such as a
capsule, tablet, or pill; a cube, and the like, or the individual
unit package forms such as a free-flowing solid in a sachet or a
packet.
[0033] As used herein, "calorie(s)" shall refer to Kcal(s).
[0034] As used herein, a gram (or other given amount) of "Sucrose
Equivalent Sweetness" (or "SES") shall mean the amount of sweetener
composition, e.g. a HIS-containing sweetener composition, needed to
be added ("Added HIS Amount") to an 8 ounce glass of water in order
to provide the same sweetness as an independent 8 ounce glass of
water containing 1 gram (or that other given amount ("Comparative
Amount") of sucrose. For example, 1/200 g of aspartame will equal
about 1 gram of Sucrose Equivalent Sweetness because aspartame is
about 200 times sweeter than sucrose. Similarly, about 1/500 g to
about 1/600 g of sucralose will provide one gram of Sucrose
Equivalent Sweetness because sucralose is about 500 to about 600
times sweeter than sucrose.
[0035] As used herein, the "Relative Dry Sweetness Density" for a
given sweetener composition may be expressed as follows: Relative
.times. .times. Dry .times. .times. .times. Sweetness .times.
.times. Density = ( Comparative .times. .times. Amount .times.
.times. .times. of .times. .times. sucrose ) ( Added .times.
.times. HIS .times. .times. Amount .times. .times. of .times.
.times. sweetener .times. .times. composition . ) .times.
##EQU1##
[0036] As used herein, a "non-standard level of sweetness" shall
mean, for a given standard unit dosage of a sweetener composition,
that the composition possesses a sweetness that is either greater
than or less than the sweetness of any standard unit of sucrose by
at least 2%, i.e., e.g., at least 3% or at least 4% or at least 5%
or at least 6% or at least 7% or at least 8% or at least 9%.
[0037] As used herein, "unsweetened comestible products" shall mean
that the comestible product is devoid of sweetener or contains less
than the correct amount of sweetener for a unit amount of the
comestible product.
[0038] The first embodiment of the present invention is a method of
promoting unsweetened unit sized comestible products by directing
consumers to add the contents of at least one of a plurality of
different sweetener composition containers thereto, each container
of which contains a sweetener composition having a sweetness
designed to match a unit size of the base comestible product and in
the correct amount for use with the unit size of the base
comestible product. These sweeteners could be promoted together
with the unit sized comestible product as a kit or separately
therefrom.
[0039] The second embodiment of the present invention is a method
of promoting unsweetened bulk quantity sized comestible products by
directing consumers to separately add the contents of one of a
plurality of different sweetener composition containers thereto,
each container of which contains a sweetener composition having a
sweetness designed to match a unit size amount of the base
comestible product and in the correct amount for the unit size
amount of base comestible product. These sweeteners could also be
promoted together with the bulk quantity sized comestible product
as a kit or separately therefrom.
[0040] In one embodiment, the sweetener composition held in a
portion of the container may possess a non-standard level of
sweetness relative to a standard unit dose of sucrose, and the
container may possesses an indicator for communicating the
sweetness intensity of the sweetener composition relative to the
sweetness intensity of that standard unit dose of sucrose.
Beneficially, the use of this type of sweetener composition
container enables a consumer to use a standard unit or standard
unit dosage to sweeten a comestible product to a non-standard level
of sweetness in a convenient, repeatable way.
[0041] Examples of suitable sweeteners include the nutritive
sweeteners, high intensity sweeteners, and mixtures thereof.
Suitable nutritive sweeteners include, but are not limited to
sucrose, galactose, xylose, mannose, trehelose, tagatose, stereo
isomers of natural sugars, dextrose, glucose, fructose, honey, corn
syrup, molasses and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable high
intensity sweeteners include, but are not limited to sucralose,
aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, neotame, alitame, acesulfame
potassium; sweet proteins such as brazien; extracts of sweet plants
such as stevia; and their salts and derivatives thereof; and
mixtures thereof.
[0042] In one embodiment, the high intensity sweetener that is
employed in the invention is sucralose, which is the compound
4,1',6'-trichloro-4,1',6'-trideoxygalactosucrose.
[0043] Optionally, the sweetener composition may include additional
enhancing agents. As used herein, "enhancing agents" are any agents
that may affect the flavor, texture, nutritional value, color,
sweetness, and/or the like of a comestible product. Examples of
enhancing agents suitable for use in the present invention include,
but are not limited to sweeteners, flavorants, nutritional
components, such as a vitamin, a mineral, or a nutritional
supplement, colorants, or mixtures thereof.
[0044] The amount of other enhancing agents used in the sweetener
composition may vary based upon the desired enhancement of the
comestible product; however, one skilled in the art would readily
appreciate without undue experimentation the amount of enhancing
agents suitable for use in the sweetener composition.
[0045] Suitable flavorants include any synthetic or natural agent
that would provide an acceptable flavor to the comestible product
and is acceptable for use in food products. Example of suitable
flavoring agents include, but are not limited to spices such as
pepper, onion, garlic, and the like; salts such as sodium chloride;
acids such as citric acid, maleic acid, and lactic acid; fruit
extracts such as lemon oil, and the like.
[0046] Examples of suitable nutritional components include, but are
not limited to vitamins, such as vitamin D, vitamin B6, ascorbic
acid, sterols and stanols and their fatty acid esters, which are
commercially available from McNEIL NUTRITIONALS, LLC. under the
tradename, "BENECOL," .RTM., probiotics products such as those
containing bacteria from the genera Lactobacillus or
Bifidobacterium, Escherichia, Enterococcus, Bacillus and/or yeast
from the genera Saccharomyces, and mixtures thereof.
[0047] Examples of suitable colorants include any food-quality
dyes.
[0048] The enhancing agent may be combined with other optional
ingredients typically found in food products including but not
limited to carriers such as maltodextrin; thickeners such as guar
gum; bulking agents such as polydextrose; preservatives such as
sodium benzoate; anti-moisture agents or anti-gelling agents such
as silica gel, and the like.
[0049] In the embodiment wherein the sweetener composition
possesses a non-standard level of sweetness, a standard unit of the
sweetener composition may possess a degree of sweetness when
dissolved in 8 ounces of water that is greater than about 1.04
times, i.e., greater than about 1.075 times or greater than about
1.10 times or greater than about 1.2 times the degree of sweetness
provided by the same standard unit of sucrose when dissolved in an
independent 8 ounces of water. Alternatively, a standard unit of
the sweetener composition may possess a degree of sweetness when
dissolved in 8 ounces of water that is less than about 0.96 times,
i.e., less than about 0.925 times or less than about 0.90 times or
less than about 0.80 times the degree of sweetness provided by the
same standard unit of sucrose when dissolved in an independent 8
ounces of water.
[0050] The sweetness level per unit volume of the sweetener
composition may be modified by adjustment of the fill volume of a
unit size package, by selection of the type and concentration of
sweetener, as well as by the selection of the type and amount of
other optional ingredients such as carriers, binders, thickeners,
bulking agents, preservatives, anti-moisture agents, anti-gelling
agents and the like. In one embodiment, diluents such as
carbohydrates or other food grade materials of lower sweetness
intensity, water, air, alcohols, and the like may be combined with
the selected sweetener in order to arrive at the desired sweetness
level. The sizes of tablets and cubes can also be changed.
[0051] In one embodiment the carrier component of the edible
composition may be comprised of any material suitable for
incorporation into food regardless of its specific caloric density
as long as the amount used provides less than about 0.49 calories,
e.g., less than about 0.4 calories or less than about 0.1 calories
or less than about 0.05 calories or less than about 0.01 calories,
per gram of Sucrose Equivalent Sweetness. In one embodiment, the
carrier is a free-flowing, water soluble material, and in another
embodiment the carrier may be capable of providing a low glycemic
response. In another embodiment, the carrier may be a non-water
soluble material. In yet another embodiment, the carrier can be a
mixture of water soluble and non soluble materials. As used herein,
"low glycemic response" shall mean a compound that, when ingested,
provides a peak insulin response which is less than the peak
insulin response produced by ingesting an an equivalent amount of
sucrose. The carrier may also facilitate the emptying of the
HIS/carrier composition from the container or provide other
benefits as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,809,198.
[0052] Examples of suitable water soluble carriers include, but are
not limited to sucrose, dextrose, fructose, galactose, lactose,
maltose, maltodextrose and other glucans, inulin and other
fructans, polydextrose, xylans, galactans, nutritive sugar, sugar
alcohols and other polyols, or combinations thereof.
[0053] Examples of suitable non-soluble carriers include celluloses
such as those available from International Fiber Corporation under
the tradename, "Solka Floc.RTM.;" water insoluble fractions of
starches, resistant starches, and modified versions thereof;
diatomaceous earth; lignins of various plants such as, for example,
corn or trees such as larch; complex aromatic polymers and
co-polymers formed from coumaryl, guaiacyl, coniferyl, or sinapyl
alcohols; water insoluble hemicelluloses; water insoluble portions
of amylose or amylose pectin; water insoluble fiber from plants
such as, for example, nuts, oats, wheat, rice, barley, corn, or
bamboo; fibers from fruits such as apples; and water insoluble
fiber from vegetables such as peas, or combinations thereof.
[0054] The sweetener composition can be produced by combining the
desired components via dry mixing, co-spray drying, co-freeze
drying, agglomerization, blending, co-drying, extrusion, panning,
serial blending, compaction, or by any other convenient process.
The primary consideration is that the sweetness delivery needs to
be uniform.
[0055] The container may be in a format to hold bulk sweetener
composition or may be in a format to hold the sweetener composition
in standard unit dose packages. In one embodiment, the sweetener
composition may be packaged in a container that does not require
any tools or secondary devices to open. For example, the container
may be opened by tearing the paper or by removing a cap or lid as
appropriate. The container may be flexible or rigid. Examples of
suitable container formats include but are not limited to packets,
sachets, pouches, tubs, cups, jars, bags, and the like.
[0056] One skilled in the art would readily appreciate without
undue experimentation the types of materials suitable for making
the container, which may include, but are not limited to moisture
limiting packaging such as metallized or aluminum foil laminated
substrates such as a polymer films or a kraft paper. Suitable
polymers include but are not limited to polyolefins (such as
high-density (linear) polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.),
polyesters (such as polyalkyl terephthalates e.g. polyethylene
terephthalate, polycyclohexane-1,4-dimethylene terephthalate,
polybutylene terephthalate, etc.), polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl
fluoride, and copolymers of polyvinyl chloride and polyvinyl
fluoride.
[0057] Additional formats for the container include, but are not
limited to, multi-walled paper bags having a suitable moisture
barrier, fiber drums having polymeric or aluminum foil linings
integral with the drum wall or loose liners inserts. Rigid
containers such as blow molded drums and pails made of polymers
with moisture barriers may also be used. The container may be a
flexible package such as a shipping bag made of a polymer
substrate. In one embodiment, the bag may be made from aluminum
foil laminated to polymer films formed from polymers that are
commonly used to make moisture resistant packaging (e.g. laminates
of aluminum foil with polyolefins, polyesters, styrenics or
copolymers thereof).
[0058] The sweetener composition can be sold to customers in bulk,
in individual, standard unit dose containers, or within a
multi-container unit. In one embodiment, several standard unit
packages may be contained within a master package, e.g., a
multi-unit dose packages, in order to facilitate the sale of
multiple quantities of the packages. In another embodiment, the
sweetness levels of the sweetener composition within the standard
unit dose packages may be varied so as to provide convenient
sweetness choices to the consumer. In another embodiment, the
container may have hanging means, including but not limited to
holes, hooks, flaps, and the like, that are designed to permit the
container to hang from pegs or clips on a store wall or be
otherwise attached to a shelf or wall in a store.
[0059] In another embodiment, the container may be overwrapped with
a secondary packaging materials, such as various plastic and
polymer films well known to those skill in the art, cardboard box,
and the like.
[0060] In embodiments wherein the sweetener composition possess a
non-standard level of sweetness, the design of the indicator on the
container for communicating the relative difference in sweetener
intensity levels between a standard unit of the sweetener
composition and a standard unit of sucrose is not critical.
However, the indicator must clearly and consistently describe the
deviation in sweetness intensity of the sweetener composition
relative to the sweetness possessed by the standard unit of
sucrose. For example, the communication means may incorporate
graphic forms, numeric forms, and/or descriptive forms. FIG. 1
illustrates various embodiments of a graphical sweetener level
indication on a bulk sweetener product. FIG. 1A uses a bar graph to
show that a teaspoon of the sweetener composition possesses a
sweetness level that is greater than the sweetness of 1 teaspoon of
sucrose. FIG. 1B uses a bar graph to show that a teaspoon of the
sweetener composition possesses a sweetness level that is less than
the sweetness of 1 teaspoon of sucrose. FIG. 1C uses a dial to show
that a teaspoon of the sweetener composition possesses a sweetness
level that is greater than the sweetness of 2 teaspoons of sucrose.
FIG. 1 D uses a bar graph with numeric indications to show that a
teaspoon of the sweetener composition possesses a sweetness level
that is less than the sweetness of 2 teaspoons of sucrose and more
specifically that is possesses a SES of 1.4.
[0061] FIG. 2 illustrates various embodiments of a numeric
sweetener level indication on a bulk sweetener product. FIG. 2A
uses a numeric indication to show that a teaspoon of the sweetener
composition possesses a sweetness level that is greater than the
sweetness of 1 teaspoon of sucrose, and more specifically that it
possesses a SES of 1.1. FIG. 2B uses a numeric indication to show
that a teaspoon of the sweetener composition possesses a sweetness
level that is greater than the sweetness of 2 teaspoons of sucrose,
and more specifically that it possesses a sweetness that is 30%
greater than that of 2 teaspoons of sucrose. FIG. 2C uses a numeric
indication along with a graphic indication to show that a teaspoon
of the sweetener composition possesses a sweetness level that is
greater than the sweetness of 2 teaspoon of sucrose. By varying the
number of graphic indicators as illustrated in FIG. 2D, e.g., a "+"
or "-", the consumer can determine if a teaspoon of the sweetener
composition is a lot sweeter than 2 teaspoons of sucrose, e.g, "2
Teaspoons +++," or is somewhat less sweeter than 2 teaspoons of
sucrose, e.g., "2 Teaspoons -." FIG. 4 illustrates a packet that
also uses a numeric indication along with a graphic indication to
show that a teaspoon of the sweetener composition possesses a
sweetness level that is less than the sweetness of 2 teaspoons of
sucrose, and more specifically that is has a sweetness level that
is 80% of the sweetness possessed by 2 teaspoons of sucrose.
[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates various embodiments of a descriptive
sweetener level indication on a bulk sweetener product. FIG. 3A
uses text to convey that a teaspoon of the sweetener composition
possesses a sweetness level that is "a little more than 1
teaspoon." By contrast, FIGS. 3B and 3C use descriptive text to
indicate that a teaspoon of the sweetener composition is much
sweeter than 2 teaspoons of sucrose. FIG. 3D illustrates
alternative words to describe the relative sweetness of the
sweetener composition, i.e., e.g., a sweetness less than that 2
teaspoons of sucrose ("mild") to that much greater than that of 2
teaspoons of sucrose ("intense"). FIG. 5 illustrates a packet that
also uses text to convey that a teaspoon of the sweetener
composition possesses a sweetness level that is 25% more than the
sweetness of 2 teaspoons of sucrose.
[0063] For purposes of illustration, the sweetness of a teaspoon of
sweetener composition was compared to the standard unit of sucrose
illustrated on the container. However, the amount of sweetener
composition used for comparison may vary, and could even be a
non-standard volumetric amount measurable by a custom sized
measuring device provided with the container of sweetener
composition.
[0064] Advantageously, the kit for sweetening a comestible product
which contains a sweetener composition having a non-standard level
of sweetness enables a consumer to conveniently select the level of
sweetness for a particular application and precisely repeat the use
of that sweetness level. As a result, the use of this kit results
in less sweetener waste, which minimizes cost and waste disposal.
In embodiments wherein the kit employs a standard unit dosage, the
consumer conveniently may sweeten a comestible product, such as a
bulk beverage, by only opening a single packet.
[0065] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to
method for promoting unit amounts of a comestible product by
directing a consumer to add the contents of a container having a
portion holding an edible composition for enhancing the flavor,
color, nutritional content, and/or the like of comestible products
in an amount suitable for enhancing the unit quantity of comestible
product. The container may be promoted with the comestible product
in a kit or separately therefrom. Yet another embodiment of the
present invention is directed to method for promoting bulk
quantities of a comestible product by directing a consumer to add
the contents of a container having a portion holding an edible
composition for enhancing the flavor, color, nutritional content,
and/or the like of comestible products in an amount suitable for
enhancing a unit quantity of comestible product. The container
holding the edible composition may be promoted in a kit with the
comestible product or separately therefrom.
[0066] As used herein, a "comestible product" is an edible food or
dietary supplement product that is desirable by consumers to flavor
or otherwise enhance at a point of use.
[0067] Examples of suitable comestible products include, but are
not limited to, fruits such as strawberries, grapefruit, tomatoes,
mangos and the like, vegetables, cereals, oatmeal, instant coffee,
powdered milk, powdered soft drinks, yogurts, and the like.
[0068] The comestible products may optionally be contained in outer
packaging including but not limited to boxes, cartons, packets,
cups, baskets, and the like. For example, servings of cereals and
oatmeal may be contained in individual packets or boxes, while
powdered soft drinks may be contained in packets or cups. Many
types of fruit and vegetables may be contained in cartons or half
cartons.
[0069] The outer packaging for the comestible products ideally may
be comprised of a material that not only is resistant to the normal
shipping and storage conditions of the comestible product which it
holds, but for certain comestible foods like cereals and oatmeals,
it also should provide for an appropriate moisture and gas
permeability in order to improve the stability of the product and
reduce the risks of odor contamination.
[0070] The edible composition may be present in the container in an
amount that may vary depending upon, for example, the type of
comestible product to be enhanced, e.g. sweetened; the volume of
comestible product to be enhanced, e.g., sweetened; the
concentration of enhancing agent, e.g., sweetening agent, in the
edible composition; and the like. However, one skilled in the art
would readily appreciate without undue experimentation that the
enhancing agent should be used in an amount sufficient and
appropriate to affect the comestible product in the desired manner.
The edible composition within the container may contain, based upon
the total weight of the composition, from about 0.001 percent to
about 100 percent, e.g., from about 5 percent to about 95 percent
of a sweetening enhancing agent and from about 99.999 percent to
about 0 percent, e.g., from about 95 percent to about 5 percent of
optional ingredients.
[0071] The edible composition may be packaged in any of the
aforementioned containers.
[0072] The container for the edible composition ideally may be
comprised of a material that not only is resistant to the normal
shipping and storage conditions of the comestible product to which
it is attached, but it also should also permit an appropriate
moisture and gas permeability in order to improve the stability of
the food enhancing agent and reduce the risks of odor
contamination.
[0073] In embodiments wherein the enhancing agent is a sucralose
sweetener, the container may be comprised of a material that
maintains the moisture content of the sweetener during shipping and
handling to between about 0.5 to about 10 percent by weight. The
greater the moisture impermeability of the material, the more
moisture will be retained within the container and the greater the
stability of the product. In embodiments wherein the HIS is
sucralose, the container may have a moisture vapor transfer rate
(MVTR) of not more than about 0.25 gram water/100 square inches of
surface area/24 hours, e.g., not more than 0.2 grams/100 square
inches/24 hours or not more than 0.15 grams/100 square inches/24
hours or not more than 0.1 grams/100 square inches/24 hours.
[0074] In embodiments wherein the comestible products are fruits
such as grapefruits, the container for the edible composition
should be waterproof as fruits are often distributed in damp
environments. When the container for edible composition is attached
to a unit package of oatmeal, the container may have a paper
construction.
[0075] The container having a portion for containing the edible
composition may be attached to the comestible product itself or to
its optional outer packaging by any suitable attachment technique.
Alternative, the container and the comestible product may be
overwrapped in any suitable film or paper, or may be combined
together in any suitable carton, box, bag, and the like in order
to, for example, assist the consumer in removing the combination
from the shelf and in carrying the combination to the desired point
of use.
[0076] In one embodiment, the container of enhancing agent may be
removably attached to the comestible product itself or to the outer
packaging therefor by the use of any food grade adhesive, such as a
pressure sensitive adhesive. Examples of suitable adhesives
include, but are not limited to, rubber cement. Other attachment
means may include, but not be limited to hook and loop fasteners
such as Velcro.RTM., snaps, clips, hooks, rings, tape, and the
like.
[0077] In one embodiment where the comestible product is a beverage
such as coffee, the container having a portion for containing the
edible composition may optionally be either be attached directly to
the exterior wall of the cup or to a secondary overwrap that
substantially surrounds the exterior wall of cup and serves to
insulate the temperature of the beverage.
[0078] It should become apparent that in embodiments wherein the
edible composition is sold with the comestible product, the present
invention contemplates placement of the container holding the
edible composition at any position on the comestible product
itself, or the outer packaging therefore, or adjacent to the
comestible product and secured via an external carton, polymeric
film wrap, or the like.
[0079] Examples of particular embodiments wherein the container
with food enhancing agent is promoted with the comestible product
include, but are not limited to: a) a packet of sweetener is
promoted with a piece of fruit; or b) a packet of salt and/or
pepper is promoted with a tomato.
[0080] Examples of particular embodiments wherein the container
with food enhancing agent is promoted with a comestible product
contained within outer packaging for the comestible product
include, but are not limited to: 1) a packet of sweetener is
promoted with a carton or basket of berries; 2) a packet of
sweetener is promoted with a carton of cereal or packet of oatmeal;
3) a tub containing stanol or sterol ester is promoted with a bagel
wrapped in plastic or foil; 4) a packet of probiotics is promoted
with a cup of yogurt; or 5) a packet of sweetener is promoted with
a package of soft drink mix or powdered milk mix.
[0081] The comestible product with the container of edible
composition may be incorporated into a master package, e.g., a
multi-unit package, in order to facilitate the sale of multiple
quantities of the comestible product. For example, fruit having
containers of edible composition may be placed in a netted bag
typical of that used to sell several units of fruit. In another
example, multiple packets of cereal/oatmeal, each of which having a
container of edible composition, may be placed into a carton
typical of that used to sell a quantity of several individual
packets.
[0082] In one embodiment, the amount of sweetener composition in
the edible composition may be customized for use in a specific food
product application, such as that amount of sweetener required for
use in a particular cake mix, cookie mix, bread mix, brownie mix,
drink mix, or cereal. This embodiment would facilitate the
production and manufacture of unsweetened base food products, and
would provide the consumer with the option of sweetening that food
product with either a nutritive or high intensity sweetener.
[0083] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
edible composition may be comprised of an enhancing agent that is a
low calorie, palatable sugar substitute composition comprising,
consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of a) a high intensity
sweetener in an amount sufficient to provide greater than about 10
grams of Sucrose Equivalent Sweetness; and b) a carrier, wherein
said carrier provides less than about 0.49 calories, e.g., less
than about 0.4 calories or less than about 0.1 calories or less
than about 0.05 calories or less than about 0.01 calories, per gram
of Sucrose Equivalent Sweetness.
[0084] Examples of suitable high intensity sweeteners include any
of those set forth above.
[0085] The amount of HIS suitable for use in the edible composition
of the present invention may be expressed in terms of "Sucrose
Equivalent Sweetness." For example, the edible composition may be
comprised of an amount of HIS that would provide the sweetness
equivalent of 1 cup (or about 200 grams) of sucrose, or 1 liter
(about 600 grams) of sucrose. Alternatively, the HIS in the edible
composition may provide the Sucrose Equivalent Sweetness to any
other amount of sucrose, such as for example unit amounts of
quarts, pints, 100 grams, kilograms, pounds, and the like.
[0086] In embodiments wherein the edible composition may be
removably attached to the preparation of unsweetened prepared
comestible products, sucralose (or other high intensity sweetener)
is often used in the recipe in the amount to provide the equivalent
amount of sweetness of the sugar it replaces. For example, because
sucralose is about 600 times as sweet as sugar, it may be used in
approximately 1/600 the amount of sugar replaced. That is, the HIS
is used in an amount to provide the Sucrose Equivalent Sweetness of
at least a gram, i.e., e.g., at least 50 grams, 100 grams or 150
grams of sucrose.
[0087] In one embodiment, an amount of the edible composition may
be removably attached to a comestible product (or container
therefor) such that the caloric content of the comestible product
is significantly less than the corresponding comestible made with
sugar, i.e., e.g., from about 5% fewer calories up to a one-third
or more reduction in calories, and also significantly less than the
HIS that is in commercially available delivery forms, e.g., packets
or granular form.
[0088] Advantageously, this embodiment of the present invention
permits the user to select the level of enhancing agent, such as a
sweetener, for a particular application and to have the enhancing
agent readily and conveniently available in an amount appropriate
for the comestible product application. In addition, this invention
permits the use to have the enhancing agent readily available for
consumption at the point of use. Further, the present invention
provides the ability for a common host product to have a multitude
of flavor and/or sweetness options, which thereby simplifies the
manufacturing and distribution logistics of a flexible product
line. Further, when a sweetener having a non-standard level of
sweetness is used, a consumer is capable of customizing the
sweetness level of a comestible product in more precise,
convenient, and repeatable manner.
[0089] Another benefit of promoting products in accordance with the
present invention is the more efficient utilization of retail shelf
space. For example, if a manufacturer wanted to provide an oatmeal
product in four (4) flavors, at three (3) sweetness levels, and
with two (2) different sweeteners (e.g. nutritive and low calorie),
the manufacturer would have to offer twenty-four (24) different
product types. Alternatively, if the products were promoted in
accordance with the present invention, then the manufacturer could
provide the same customer flexibility by offering four (4) oatmeal
flavor types and six (6) accompanying sweetener packages. As a
result, the number of stock keeping units ("SKUS") would be cut
from twenty-four (24) to ten (10), which would result in a
significant reduction of shelf space. The reduction would even be
greater due to the fact that a sweetener packet occupies less shelf
space than an oatmeal carton.
[0090] The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may
be practiced in the absence of any component, ingredient, or step
which is not specifically disclosed herein. Several examples are
set forth below to further illustrate the nature of the invention
and the manner of carrying it out. However, the invention should
not be considered as being limited to the details thereof.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Packets with Sweetening Compositions
[0091] A small polyethylene coated paper packet is filled with a
dry blended mixture of 1 gram of dextrose and 16 mg of sucralose,
which is commercially available from Tate & Lyle under the
tradename, "SPLENDA".RTM.. The packet is 1.2 inches by 1.5 inches
in size. This process is repeated several times with independent
packets to yield a multitude of sucralose-containing sweetener
packets.
[0092] Another small polyethylene coated paper packet is filled
with a dry blended mixture of 1 gram of dextrose and 40 mg of
aspartame, which is commercially available from the Merrisant
Company under the tradename, "EQUAL".RTM.. The packet is 1.2 inches
by 1.5 inches in size. This process is repeated several times with
independent packets to yield a multitude of aspartame-containing
sweetener packets.
[0093] Holes are made in the packets in order to permit them to be
hung on pegs located on the front of retail store shelves, adjacent
to cartons containing individual unit packages of unsweetened
instant oatmeal. The instant oatmeal carton contains text that
directs consumers to purchase then add one of the sweetener packet
choices to the oatmeal serving.
[0094] The consumer then adds hot water to the oatmeal and mixes
their choice of sweetener thereto prior to consumption.
[0095] The consumer promotion for the unsweetened oatmeal product
describes the user's flexibility in achieving desired sweetness
levels.
* * * * *