U.S. patent application number 11/114769 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for enhancing kit for comestible products.
Invention is credited to Steven Catani, Steven Clarke, Ian Miller, Joseph Panarisi.
Application Number | 20060240156 11/114769 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36649575 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060240156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Panarisi; Joseph ; et
al. |
October 26, 2006 |
Enhancing kit for comestible products
Abstract
The invention relates to an edible composition comprising an
enhancing agent, such as a sweetener, wherein the edible
composition is contained in a portion of a container that is
removably attached directly to a comestible product or to a package
containing a comestible product.
Inventors: |
Panarisi; Joseph; (Ocean,
NJ) ; Miller; Ian; (Chicago, IL) ; Catani;
Steven; (Athens, GA) ; Clarke; Steven; (North
Brunswick, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PHILIP S. JOHNSON;JOHNSON & JOHNSON
ONE JOHNSON & JOHNSON PLAZA
NEW BRUNSWICK
NJ
08933-7003
US
|
Family ID: |
36649575 |
Appl. No.: |
11/114769 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/120 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23L 27/30 20160801;
A23V 2250/264 20130101; A23V 2200/08 20130101; A23V 2002/00
20130101; A23V 2002/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/120 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32 |
Claims
1. A kit for enhancing a comestible product comprised of: a) An
edible composition comprised of at least one enhancing agent; b) A
container having a portion for containing the edible composition;
and c) A means for removably attaching the container to the
comestible product.
2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the enhancing agent is selected from
the group consisting of sweeteners, flavorants, nutritional
components, colorants, or mixtures thereof.
3. The kit of claim 2, wherein the sweetener is selected from the
group consisting of sucrose, dextrose, glucose, fructose, honey,
corn syrup, molasses, sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate,
neotame, alitame, acesulfame potassium; brazien; stevia extract;
and their salts and derivatives thereof; and mixtures thereof.
4. The kit of claim 2, wherein the sweetener 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.
5. The kit of claim 2, wherein the sweetener is sucralose or a
blend of sucralose with another high intensity sweetener.
6. The kit of claim 2, wherein the sweetener is a blend of
sucralose with a nutritive sweetener.
7. The kit of claim 1, wherein the container is in the form of a
bag, box, sachet, packet, pouches, tub, cup, or jar.
8. The kit of claim 1, wherein the means for removably attaching
the container to the comestible product is an adhesive, a hook and
loop fastener, a tape, a hook, a snap, a tie, a clip or a band.
9. The kit of claim 1, wherein the comestible product is a fruit,
the attachment means is an adhesive, and the enhancing agent is
sucralose or a blend of sucralose with another high intensity
sweetener.
10. The kit of claim 1, wherein the comestible product is a
vegetable, the attachment means is an adhesive, and the enhancing
agent is sucralose or a blend of sucralose with another high
intensity sweetener.
11. The kit of claim 1, wherein the enhancing agent provides less
than about 3 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
12. The kit of claim 1, wherein the enhancing agent provides less
than about 1 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
13. The kit of claim 1, wherein the enhancing agent provides less
than about 0.5 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
14. A kit for enhancing a comestible product comprised of: a) An
edible composition comprised of at least one enhancing agent; b) A
container having a portion for containing the edible composition;
c) An outer package for holding the comestible product; and d) A
means for removably attaching the container to the outer
package.
15. The kit of claim 14, wherein the enhancing agent is a sweetener
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.
16. The kit of claim 14, wherein the enhancing agent provides less
than about 3 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
17. The kit of claim 14, wherein the enhancing agent provides less
than about 1 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
18. The kit of claim 14, wherein the enhancing agent provides less
than about 0.5 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
19. A kit for enhancing comestible products comprised of: a) A
first edible composition comprised of at least one first enhancing
agent; b) A second edible composition comprised of at least one
second enhancing agent; c) At least one first container having a
portion for containing the first edible composition; d) At least
one second container having a portion for containing the second
edible composition; e) At least one first outer package for holding
a first comestible product; f) At least one second outer package
for holding a second comestible product; and g) A means for
removably attaching the at least one first container to the at
least one first outer package; h) A means for removably attaching
the at least one second container to the at least one second outer
package.
20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the first edible composition is
the same as the second edible composition.
21. The kit of claim 19, wherein the first edible composition is
different from the second edible composition.
22. The kit of claim 19, further comprising a master container,
said master container having a portion for holding said comestible
products having said containers attached thereto.
23. The kit of claim 19, wherein the enhancing agent is a sweetener
selected from the group consisting of sucrose, dextrose, glucose,
fructose, honey, corn syrup, molasses, sucralose, aspartame,
saccharin, cyclamate, neotame, alitame, acesulfame potassium;
brazien; stevia extract; and their salts and derivatives thereof;
and mixtures thereof.
24. The kit of claim 19, wherein the sweetener 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 kit of claim 24, wherein the sweetener is sucralose or a
blend of sucralose with another high intensity sweetener.
26. The kit of claim 19, wherein the comestible product is oatmeal
or cereal.
27. The kit of claim 19, wherein the enhancing agent provides less
than about 3 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
28. The kit of claim 19, wherein the enhancing agent provides less
than about 1 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
29. The kit of claim 19, wherein the enhancing agent provides less
than about 0.5 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
30. A method for selling comestible products comprised of removably
attaching at least one container having a sweetener composition
therein to the surface of a comestible product.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein a plurality of containers are
removably attached to the surface of the comestible product, and
wherein a first container has a first sweetener composition that
differs from a second sweetener composition in a second
container.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the sweetener compositions
differ by at least one of the following characteristics: a) Type of
sweetener; or b) Concentration of sweetener.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the sweetener provides less
than about 3 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
34. The method of claim 31, wherein the sweetener provides less
than about 1 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
35. The method of claim 31, wherein the sweetener provides less
than about 0.5 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
36. A method for selling comestible products comprised of removably
attaching a container having a sweetener therein to a package
having a comestible product therein.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein a plurality of containers are
removably attached to the package, and wherein a first container
has a portion for containing a first sweetener composition, and a
second container has a portion for containing a second sweetener
composition, and said first sweetener composition differs from said
second sweetener composition.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the sweetener compositions
differ by at least one of the following characteristics: a) Type of
sweetener; or b) Concentration of sweetener.
39. The method of claim 36, wherein the sweetener provides less
than about 3 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent
sweetness.
40. The kit of claim 36, wherein the sweetener provides less than
about 1 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent sweetness.
41. The kit of claim 36, wherein the sweetener provides less than
about 0.5 kcalories per gram of sucrose equivalent sweetness.
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 day
hereof: "LOW CALORIE, PALATABLE SUGAR SUBSTITUTE WITH ENHANCED
SWEETNESS" {Attorney Docket MSP 5026}; "KIT FOR PROVIDING
SWEETENERS HAVING NON-STANDARD SWEETNESS LEVELS," {Attorney Docket
MSP 5027}; and "METHODS FOR PROMOTING COMESTIBLE PRODUCTS"
{Attorney Docket MSP 5028}.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a kit for enhancing the flavor,
color, nutritional content and/or the like of comestible products,
and a method for selling comestible products using such a kit.
[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, dextrose (glucose), and
fructose. Consumers often flavor their foods with nutritive
sweeteners in the form of sucrose (table sugar), crystalline
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 high intensity
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, and
solutions. 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 aforementioned related patent applications.
[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] Fruit is one type of food that is frequently sweetened by
consumers. Many types of fruit, such as grapefruits and
strawberries, are typically sweetened in locations, such as an
office or mobile setting, where the sweetener of choice is not
conveniently available. Although fruits and similar products could
be presweetened, this is not done typically as the sweetness level
preference differs from one person to another.
[0011] It would be desirable to provide consumers with a
customizable kit for enhancing the flavor, color nutritional
content, and/or the like of comestible products that would be
available at all points of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention provides a kit for enhancing comestible
products comprising a container for containing an edible
composition comprised of an enhancing agent, such as a sweetener,
wherein such container is removably attached to the comestible
product or packaging therefor as described in the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] As used herein, "calorie(s)" shall refer to Kcal(s).
[0017] As used herein, a gram (or other given amount) of "Sucrose
Equivalent Sweetness" shall mean the amount of HIS needed to be
added 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) 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.
[0018] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a kit
for enhancing the flavor, color, nutritional content, and/or the
like of comestible products comprised of, consisting of, and/or
consisting essentially of a comestible product having an optional
outer package and at least one container with a portion for
containing an edible composition comprising at least one enhancing
agent, wherein the container is removably attached to the surface
of the comestible product or to its optional outer package.
[0019] 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.
[0020] Examples of suitable comestible products include, but are
not limited to, fruits such as strawberries, grapefruit, tomatoes,
mangos, bananas and the like; vegetables, such as carrots,
broccoli, squash, and the like; cereals, oatmeal, instant coffee,
powdered milk, powdered soft drinks, yogurts, and the like.
[0021] The comestible products may optionally be contained in outer
packaging including but not limited to boxes, cartons, packets,
cups, baskets, plastic wrap 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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, the volume of comestible product
to be enhanced, the concentration of enhancing 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 99 percent of
enhancing agent and from about 99.999 percent to about 0 percent,
e.g., from about 95 percent to about 1 percent of optional
ingredients.
[0024] "Enhancing agents" as used herein include 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 vitamins, minerals, or nutritional supplements,
colorants, or mixtures thereof.
[0025] Examples of suitable sweeteners include the nutritive
sweeteners, high intensity sweeteners, and mixtures thereof.
Suitable nutritive sweeteners include, but are not limited to
sucrose, 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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
or potassium chloride; acids such as citric acid, maleic acid,
lactic acid; fruit extracts such as lemon oil; dibittering agents
such as cream of tartar, and the like.
[0028] 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.
[0029] Examples of suitable colorants include any food-quality
dyes.
[0030] The enhancing agent may be combined with other optional
ingredients typically found in food products including but not
limited to binders such as water soluble and/or water insoluble
carriers, thickeners such as guar gum, bulking agents such as
fructooligosaccharides, preservatives such as sodium benzoate,
anti-moisture agents or anti-gelling agents, such as silica gel,
and the like.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] The edible composition may be packaged in a container that
preferably 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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).
[0038] 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.
[0039] The container for containing the edible composition may be
attached to the comestible product itself or to its optional outer
packaging by any suitable attachment technique. 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. One skilled in the art would readily appreciate without
undo experimentation that suitable attachment means for use in the
present invention would need to sufficiently secure the container
to the comestible product itself or to its outer packaging
preferably until the time of the point of use desired by the
consumer. Any known attachment means capable of such properties are
suitable for use in this invention and include, but are not limited
to, adhesives such as rubber cement and other polymeric-based
adhesives, hook and loop fasteners such as those commercially
available as "Velcro.RTM.," snaps, hooks, bands, tapes, rings, and
the like.
[0040] In one embodiment where the comestible product is a beverage
such as coffee, the container having a portion for containing the
edible composition may 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.
[0041] It should become apparent that the present invention
contemplates placement of the container holding the edible
composition at any position on the comestible product itself or the
outer packaging therefor.
[0042] Examples of particular embodiments wherein the container
with food enhancing agent is removably attached directly to the
comestible product include, but are not limited to: a) a packet of
sweetener attached to the outer skin of a piece of fruit; b) a
packet of salt and/or pepper attached to a tomato; or 3) a package
of meat rub attached to a rack of ribs.
[0043] Examples of particular embodiments wherein the container
with food enhancing agent is removably attached to the outer
packaging for the comestible product include, but are not limited
to: 1) a packet of sweetener attached to a carton or basket of
berries; 2) a packet of sweetener attached to a carton of cereal or
packet of oatmeal; 3) a tub containing stanol or sterol ester
attached to a bagel wrapped in plastic or foil; 4) a packet of
probiotics attached to a cup of yogurt; 5) a packet of sweetener
attached to a package of soft drink mix or powdered milk mix; or 6)
a package of sweetener and cream of tartar attached to a coffee
cup.
[0044] The comestible product with the container of edible
composition attached thereto 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 removable attached
thereto 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 attached thereto, may be placed into a carton typical
of that used to sell a quantity of several individual packets.
[0045] In 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.
[0046] Examples of suitable high intensity sweeteners include any
of those set forth above.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] In one embodiment, the enhancing agent provides less than
about 3 kcals, e.g. less than about 1 kcal or less than about 0.5
kcals per gram of SES to the overall edible composition.
[0050] In one embodiment, the amount of HIS in the edible
composition may be customized for use in a specific food product
application, such as that amount of HIS 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.
[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 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] In preparing table sugar substitute suitable for attachment
to, for example, home baked goods, cereals, fruits, and in other
comestibles to replace sugar, the high intensity edible composition
comprising HIS and carrier can be produced by 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] In embodiments where the enhancing agent is a high intensity
sweetener other than sucralose, the edible composition can be made
by analogous procedures using similar considerations (such as the
degree of sweetness of the high intensity sweetener compared with
sucrose).
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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. 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.
[0059] 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
Fruit Having Container of Sweetener Attached Thereto
[0060] A polyethylene packet, which contained about 13 mg of
sucralose and about 1 gram of dextrose, was attached to the
exterior surface of a grapefruit with rubber cement. The packet was
about 1.2 inches by about 1.5 inches in size.
Example 2
Fruit Having Container of Sweetener Attached Thereto
[0061] A polyethylene packet, which contained about 50 mg of
sucralose and about 4 grams of dextrose, was attached to the
exterior surface of a quart container of strawberries via a plastic
tie. The packet was about 1.2 inches by about 1.5 inches in
size.
Example 3
Oatmeal Packet Having Container of Sweetener Attached Thereto
[0062] A packet, which contained about 13 mg of sucralose, about 1
gram of dextrose, and about 1 gram of cinnamon powder, was attached
to the exterior surface of a bag of unsweetened oatmeal via a
starch based adhesive. The packet was about 1.2 inches by about 1.5
inches in size and made from a paper having a polyethylene coating.
A total of ten, similar individual unsweetened oatmeal bags were
made and packaged in a cardboard outer container for retail
sale.
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