Non-aspartame sweetener compositions and related method

Abstract

Non-aspartame sweetener compositions, systems and methods for predicting the sweetness intensity of confectionery products, and coating compositions comprising rebaudioside M are disclosed herein. A non-aspartame sweetener composition may include one or more of an unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, an agglomerated rebaudioside, an agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, and a mixture of steviol glycosides. The composition may also include at least one of a first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and a second encapsulated high intensity sweetener different from the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein each of the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener is one of saccharin and its salts, acesulfame and its salts, or another high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 NON-ASPARTAME SWEETENER COMPOSITIONS AND RELATED METHOD CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Application No.63 / 612,755, filed on December 20, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to sweeteners, and more particularly to sweetener blends that deliver lasting sweetness and flavor in confectionery products, such as chewing gum, without the use of aspartame. At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the use of a steviol glycoside, such as rebaudioside M (Reb M), in an edible coating. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to systems and methods for predicting the sweetness intensity of confectionery products, such as chewing gum. BACKGROUND

[0003] Sweeteners are an incredibly important component of food products. Aspartame has been a preferred non-sugar sweetener in reduced calorie, non-sugar, and non-cariogenic foods. Aspartame may also be a preferred sweetener in chewing gum, and may provide long lasting sweetness and flavor in chewing gum. In addition, aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are often used in coating compositions (e.g., confectionery coatings) to increase the initial sweetness of the coating relative to the low to moderate sweetness provided by sugar and / or sugar alcohols. However, there is a recent desire for a suitable alternative to aspartame as well as other artificial sweeteners, without reducing consumer experience, including the perceived sweetness and flavor of the food product during consumption.

[0004] Additionally, determining the proper amount of sweeteners in food products can be a time consuming and costly process. For example, conventional methods of developing a sweetener blend may include a series of experimental prototypes by human experts. Such methods may include multiple rounds of human experiments and an extensive recipe design process. Moreover, it may also be difficult to leverage the previous experimental data and sensory results in different sweetener recipes. As a result, a suitable alternative to the human experimental process of developing sweetener blends is desired, where such an alternative avoidsAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 reducing the consumer experience, including perceived sweetness and flavor of the food product during consumption.

[0005] This disclosure is directed to addressing above-referenced challenges. The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art, or suggestions of the prior art, by inclusion in this section. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] According to certain aspects of the disclosure, embodiments for a non-aspartame sweetener composition are disclosed. For example, the present disclosure includes a sweetener composition comprising one or more of an unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, an agglomerated rebaudioside, an agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, and a mixture of steviol glycosides. The sweetener composition may also comprise at least one of a first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and a second encapsulated high intensity sweetener different from the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein each of the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener is one of saccharin and its salts, acesulfame and its salts, or another high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside. The sweetener composition may be free of aspartame. In some examples, the sweetener composition may comprise the unencapsulated high intensity other than a steviol glycoside, the agglomerated rebaudioside, and the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the agglomerated rebaudioside is agglomerated rebaubioside M. For example, the unencapsulated high sweetener other than a steviol glycoside may be sodium saccharin, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be an acesulfame salt and the acesulfame salt may be acesulfame potassium (Ace K).

[0007] In some examples, the sweetener composition includes the agglomerated rebaudioside, the mixture of steviol glycosides, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the agglomerated rebaudioside may be agglomerated rebaudioside M. For example, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be an acesulfame salt, wherein the acesulfame salt is acesulfame potassium (Ace K), and the secondAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be a saccharin salt, wherein the saccharin salt is sodium saccharin. In at least one example, the sweetener composition may comprise the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, the agglomerated rebaudioside, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the agglomerated rebaudioside may be agglomerated rebaudioside M and wherein the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside may be sodium saccharin. For example, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be an acesulfame salt, wherein the acesulfame salt is acesulfame potassium (Ace K), and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be a saccharin salt, wherein the saccharin salt is sodium saccharin.

[0008] In at least one example, the sweetener composition may comprise the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside may be acesulfame potassium (Ace K). For example, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be an acesulfame salt, wherein the acesulfame salt is acesulfame potassium (Ace K), and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be a saccharin salt, wherein the saccharin salt is sodium saccharin. In some examples, the sweetener composition includes the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, the agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, and the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside may be agglomerated saccharin. For example, the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside may be sodium saccharin and the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be an acesulfame salt, wherein the acesulfame salt is acesulfame potassium (Ace K). The sweetener composition may further comprise the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener is a saccharin salt and the saccharin salt is sodium saccharin.

[0009] In some examples, the sweetener composition includes the agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, the mixture of steviol glycosides, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the agglomerated high intensityAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 sweetener other than a steviol glycoside may be agglomerated saccharin. For example, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be an acesulfame salt, wherein the acesulfame salt is acesulfame potassium (Ace K), and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be sodium saccharin wherein the saccharin salt is sodium saccharin.

[0010] The present disclosure also includes confectionery compositions. In some aspects, a confectionery composition may comprise a sweetener composition as described above, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.04% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.40% to about 0.55% by weight of agglomerated rebaudioside M, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium. In some examples, a confectionery composition may comprise a sweetener composition as described above, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.30% to about 0.55% by weight of agglomerated rebaudioside M, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium. In some examples herein, a confectionery composition may comprise a sweetener composition as described above, wherein the confectionery composition may comprise from about 0.04% to about 0.20% by weight of the mixture of steviol glycosides, from about 0.25% to about 0.55% by weight of the agglomerated rebaudioside M, from about 0.50% to about 0.87% by weight of encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

[0011] In at least one example, a confectionery composition may include a sweetener composition as described above, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.10% to about 0.40% by weight of the agglomerated rebaudioside M, from about 0.30% to about 0.50% by weight of encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium. In at least one example, a confectionery composition includes a sweetener composition as described above, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated acesulfame potassium, from about 0.30% to about 0.87% by weight of encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weightAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 of encapsulated acesulfame potassium. In at least one example, a confectionery composition may comprise a sweetener composition as described above, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.04% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.27% to about 0.37% by weight of the agglomerated saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

[0012] In some examples, a confectionery composition may include a sweetener composition as described above, wherein the confectionery composition may comprise from about 0.01% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.20% to about 0.37% by weight of the agglomerated saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium. In at least one example, a confectionery composition comprises a sweetener composition as described above, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.07% to about 0.27% by weight of the agglomerated saccharin, from about 0.30% to about 0.50% by weight of encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium. In at least one example, a confectionery composition comprises a sweetener composition as described above, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.04% to about 0.20% by weight of the mixture of steviol glycosides, from about 0.17% to about 0.27% by weight of the agglomerated saccharin, from about 0.50% to about 0.87% by weight of encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

[0013] Additionally, according to certain aspects of the disclosure, methods and systems for a sweetener predictive model are disclosed. For example, the present disclosure includes a computer-implemented method for predicting a sweetness intensity of a chewing gum. The method may comprise: receiving, by one or more processors, one or more sweetener inputs including one or more sweeteners and one or more corresponding sweetener values, wherein the one or more corresponding sweetener values correspond to a proportion of the chewing gum; isolating, by the one or more processors, each of the one or more sweeteners and the one or more corresponding sweetener values from the one or more sweetener inputs; retrieving, by the one or more processors, sweetener profile dataAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 for each of the one or more sweeteners, wherein the sweetener profile data includes normalized data predicting one or more sweetness concentrations of the one or more sweeteners for a time period; determining, by the one or more processors, a sweetness intensity prediction for all of the one or more sweeteners based on the proportion of the chewing gum, the sweetener profile data for each of the one or more sweeteners, and the time period; receiving, by the one or more processors, target profile data for the time period; and displaying, by the one or more processors, a visual representation of a comparison of the target profile data and the sweetness intensity prediction for the time period.

[0014] Further, according to certain aspects of the disclosure, coating compositions and coated confectionery products comprising a coating composition are disclosed. For example, the present disclosure includes a coated confectionery product comprising a confectionery center and a coating comprising rebaudioside M surrounding or enrobing the confectionery center.

[0015] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

[0017] FIG.1 illustrates an exemplary user interface 100 that displays a sweetness intensity prediction for chewing gum, according to one or more embodiments.

[0018] FIGs.2A and 2B illustrate exemplary representations 200 and 202 that display sweetener profile data for a sweetener, according to one or more embodiments.

[0019] FIG.3 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method 300 for predicting a sweetness intensity for a sweetener blend, according to one or more embodiments.

[0020] FIG.4 depicts an exemplary environment that may be utilized with techniques presented herein, according to one or more embodiments.

[0021] FIG.5 depicts an example of a computing device that may execute the techniques described herein, according to one or more embodiments.Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0022] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, sweetener blends that deliver lasting sweetness and flavor in confectionery products, such as chewing gum, without the use of aspartame are disclosed.

[0023] As described above, a desire exists for sweetener blends that do not include the presence of aspartame, while delivering lasting sweetness and flavor during the consumption of the confectionery products, such as chewing gum. Accordingly, improvements in technology relating to sweetener blends are desired. As will be discussed in more detail below, various sweetener compositions are described that do not include the use of aspartame, while delivering lasting sweetness and flavor.

[0024] Additionally, according to certain aspects of the disclosure, methods and systems for predicting the sweetness intensity of confectionery products, such as chewing gum, may be based on sweetener blend recipes without physical sample preparation and time-consuming sensory tests are disclosed. Conventional techniques may not be suitable because conventional techniques may include tedious and expensive testing performed by humans. Accordingly, improvements in technology relating to predicting the sweetness intensity of confectionery products are desired.

[0025] Determining the proper amount of sweeteners in food products can be a time intensive and costly process. For example, conventional methods of developing a sweetener blend may include a series of experimental prototypes by human experts. Such methods may include multiple rounds of experiments and an extensive recipe design process. Moreover, it may also be difficult to leverage the previous experimental data and sensory results in different sweetener recipes. As a result, a recent desire exists for a suitable alternative to the human experimental process of developing sweetener blends, where such alternative avoids negatively impacting the consumer experience, which may include the perceived sweetness and flavor of the food product during consumption.

[0026] As will be discussed in more detail below, in various embodiments, systems and methods are described for predicting a sweetness intensity of a chewing gum. The systems and methods may include receiving one or more sweetener inputs including one or more sweeteners and one or more corresponding sweetener values, wherein the one or more corresponding sweetener valuesAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 correspond to a proportion of the chewing gum. The systems and methods may include isolating each of the one or more sweeteners and the one or more corresponding sweetener values from the one or more sweetener inputs. The systems and methods may include retrieving sweetener profile data for each of the one or more sweeteners, wherein the sweetener profile data includes normalized data predicting one or more sweetness concentrations of the one or more sweeteners for a time period. The systems and methods may include determining a sweetness intensity prediction for all of the one or more sweeteners based on the proportion of the chewing gum, the sweetener profile data for each of the one or more sweeteners, and the time period. The systems and methods may include receiving target profile data for the time period. The systems and methods may include displaying a visual representation of a comparison of the target profile data and the sweetness intensity prediction for the time period.

[0027] The terminology used below may be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific examples of the present disclosure. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the features, as claimed.

[0028] In the detailed description herein, references to “embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one non-limiting embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment might not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

[0029] In general, terminology can be understood at least in part from usage in context. For example, terms, such as “and”, “or”, or “and / or,” as used herein canAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 include a variety of meanings that may depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or can be used to describe combinations of features, structures or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms, such as “a,” “an,” or “the,” again, can be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term “based on” can be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and can, instead, allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, composition, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, composition, article, or apparatus. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.” As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context dictates otherwise. Relative terms such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately” refer to being nearly the same as a referenced number or value, and should be understood to encompass a variation of ±10% of a specified amount or value.

[0031] As used herein, “taste” refers to a sensation caused by activation or inhibition of receptor cells in a subject's oral cavity. Different types of taste may include sweet, sour, salt, bitter, kokumi, umami, and any combination thereof.

[0032] The terms “sweetener,” “sweetener blend,” and “sweetener compound” may refer to a ligand or a compound that is capable of imparting a sweet taste. For example, “sweetener compounds,” may include, without limitation, sugars, polyols, D-amino acids, sweet proteins, artificial sweeteners, sulfamates, and steviol glycosides.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “high intensity sweetener” and “high potency sweetener” may refer to a substance that provides a high sweetness per unit massAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 as compared to a nutritive sweetener (e.g., sucrose), and that provides little to no nutritive value. High intensity sweeteners may include both natural and artificial sweeteners such as neotame, advantame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium (Ace K), sodium saccharin, glycyrrhizin, Neohysperidine Dihydrochalcone (NHDC), Luo Han Guo, brazzein, monatin, thaumatin, alitame, saccharin and its salts, acesulfame and its salts, cyclamic acid and its salts, monellin, and steviol glycosides.

[0034] The term “steviol glycoside,” may refer to the group of sweet glycoside compounds that are derived from the plant Stevia rebaudiana. Steviol glycosides may include, but are not limited to, stevioside, steviolbioside, rubusoside, rebaudioside A (Reb A), rebaudioside B (Reb B), rebaudioside C (Reb C), rebaudioside D (Reb D), rebaudioside E (Reb E), rebaudioside F (Reb F), rebaudioside M (Reb M), dulcoside A and dulcoside B.

[0035] As used herein, the terms “agglomerated sweetener” and “agglomerated high intensity sweetener” may refer to a plurality of sweetener particles clustered and held together. “Agglomerated rebaudioside” may refer to a plurality of rebaudioside particles clustered and held together.

[0036] As used herein, a “model” or “machine-learning model” generally encompasses instructions, data, and / or a model configured to receive input, and apply one or more of a weight, bias, classification, or analysis on the input to generate an output. The output may include, for example, a classification of the input, an analysis based on the input, a design, process, prediction, or recommendation associated with the input, or any other suitable type of output. A machine-learning model is generally trained using training data, e.g., experiential data and / or samples of input data, which are fed into the model in order to establish, tune, or modify one or more aspects of the model, e.g., the weights, biases, criteria for forming classifications or clusters, or the like. Aspects of a machine-learning model may operate on an input linearly, in parallel, via a network (e.g., a neural network), or via any suitable configuration.

[0037] The execution of the machine-learning model may include deployment of one or more machine learning techniques, such as linear regression, logistical regression, random forest, gradient boosted machine (GBM), deep learning, and / or a deep neural network. Supervised and / or unsupervised training may be employed. For example, supervised learning may include providing training data and labels corresponding to the training data, e.g., as ground truth.Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 Unsupervised approaches may include clustering, classification or the like. Any suitable type of training may be used, e.g., stochastic, gradient boosted, random seeded, recursive, epoch or batch-based, etc.

[0038] All percentages and proportions used herein are by weight of the total composition.

[0039] Certain non-limiting embodiments are described below with reference to block diagrams and operational illustrations of methods, processes, devices, and apparatus. It is understood that each block of the block diagrams or operational illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams or operational illustrations, can be implemented by means of analog or digital hardware and computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer to alter its function as detailed herein, a special purpose computer, ASIC, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, implement the functions / acts specified in the block diagrams or operational block or blocks. In some alternate implementations, the functions / acts noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession can in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved. Non-Aspartame Sweetener Compositions

[0040] The present disclosure relates to sweetener compositions that include a combination of sweeteners or sweetener compounds. For example, sweetener compositions of the present disclosure may include a blend of various high intensity sweeteners. In particular, sweetener compositions of the present disclosure may include two or more sweeteners (e.g., high intensity sweeteners). The exemplary sweetener compositions described herein may include a blend of sweeteners (e.g., high intensity sweeteners) that may not include aspartame, but may have optimal performance and deliver optimized sweetness and flavor without an undesirable taste. Additionally the exemplary sweetener compositions may offer consumers a similar experience to sweetener compositions that include aspartame, but may have a minimal impact on the consumer’s perception. For example, a consumer may chewAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 a piece of chewing gum that includes one of the exemplary sweetener compositions that does not include aspartame, where the chewing gum tastes similar to chewing gum with aspartame.

[0041] In addition to the exclusion of aspartame from the sweetener compositions, an additional benefit of the exemplary sweetener compositions may include cost savings. For example, certain high intensity sweeteners, such as agglomerated rebaudioside M may be expensive. However, the exemplary sweetener compositions may include a reduced amount of agglomerated rebaudioside M that may be lower than traditional sweetener compositions. As a result, utilizing a reduced amount of agglomerated rebaudioside M may result in cost savings.

[0042] Sweetener compositions of the present disclosure may include two or more high intensity sweeteners. Exemplary high intensity sweeteners include, but are not limited to, neotame, advantame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium (Ace K), sodium saccharin, glycyrrhizin, Neohysperidine Dihydrochalcone (NHDC), Luo Han Guo, brazzein, monatin, thaumatin, alitame, saccharin and its salts, cyclamic acid and its salts, monellin, and steviol glycosides such as Reb A, Reb B, Reb C, Reb D, Reb M and mixtures thereof. Sweetener compositions of the present disclosure may be free from aspartame and may include various combinations of an agglomerated high intensity sweetener, an encapsulated high intensity sweetener, an unencapsulated high intensity sweetener, and a mixture of steviol glycosides.

[0043] An exemplary sweetener composition may include one or more of an unencapsulated high intensity sweetener, an agglomerated rebaudioside, an agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, and a mixture of steviol glycosides. The exemplary sweetener composition may also include at least one of a first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and a second encapsulated high intensity sweetener. The second encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be different from the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener. Exemplary sweetener compositions disclosed herein may be free from aspartame.

[0044] Non-aspartame sweetener compositions of the present disclosure may include modified high intensity sweeteners and unmodified high intensity sweeteners. An exemplary sweetener composition may include at least one modified high intensity sweetener. Some sweetener compositions disclosed herein may include two or more modified high intensity sweeteners. Sweetener blends generallyAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 release quickly from a confectionery composition, such as chewing gum, during mastication. Certain high intensity sweeteners disclosed herein may thus be modified to control their release during mastication. Suitable modification techniques may include encapsulation and / or agglomeration. For example, one or more high intensity sweeteners used in sweetener compositions disclosed herein may be modified by encapsulation or agglomeration before addition to a confectionery composition (e.g., chewing gum composition) to control or delay the release of the sweetener. In some embodiments, encapsulation may modify the release of a sweetener from a chewing gum by modifying the solubility or dissolution rate. Any standard technique which gives partial or full encapsulation of a sweetener may be used. Further, any material conventionally used as an encapsulating material in edible products may be used as an encapsulant herein.

[0045] An exemplary sweetener composition may include at least one encapsulated high intensity sweetener. For example, the encapsulated high intensity sweetener may include a high intensity sweetener such as saccharin, saccharin salt (e.g., sodium saccharin, potassium saccharin, or calcium saccharin), or an acesulfame salt (e.g., acesulfame potassium). In some examples, the encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated acesulfame potassium (Ace K). In other examples, the encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated sodium saccharin. Other suitable encapsulated high intensity sweeteners may include neotame, advantame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin, Neohysperidine Dihydrochalcone (NHDC), Luo Han Guo, brazzein, monatin, thaumatin, alitame, cyclamic acid and its salts, and monellin. The high intensity sweetener that is encapsulated to form an encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be a high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside. Certain sweetener compositions may include at least two different encapsulated high intensity sweeteners. For example, some sweetener compositions may include encapsulated sodium saccharin and encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

[0046] In some examples, a high intensity sweetener may be included in the sweetener composition in its free, e.g., unencapsulated, form. An unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may include a high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside. For example, the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may include a high intensity sweetener such as saccharin, saccharin salt, or an acesulfame salt (e.g., acesulfame potassium). In certain examples, the unencapsulated high intensityAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 sweetener may be sodium saccharin. In other examples, the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may be acesulfame potassium (Ace K). Other suitable unencapsulated high intensity sweeteners may include neotame, advantame, sucralose, glycyrrhizin, Neohysperidine Dihydrochalcone (NHDC), Luo Han Guo, brazzein, monatin, thaumatin, alitame, cyclamic acid and its salts, and monellin. In at least one example, the encapsulated form of a high intensity sweetener as described above may be used in combination with an amount of the same high intensity sweetener in its unencapsulated form. Thus, some exemplary sweetener compositions may include a high intensity sweetener, such as acesulfame potassium, as both an encapsulated high intensity sweetener and an unencapsulated high intensity sweetener. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that using an unencapsulated form and an encapsulated form of the same sweetener (e.g., high intensity sweetener), an enhanced perception of the sweetener may be provided over a longer period of time and / or perception of the sweetener may be improved. In some examples, the sweetener composition may include an unencapsulated form of a first high intensity sweetener, an encapsulated form of the first high intensity sweetener, and an encapsulated form a second high intensity sweetener that is different from the first high intensity sweetener.

[0047] An exemplary sweetener composition may also include one or more steviol glycosides. In some examples, the one or more steviol glycosides may include a rebaudioside, such as rebaudioside M (sometimes referred to as rebaudioside X). Rebaudioside M (Reb M) may be used to deliver potent sweetness at approximately 300 times the sweetness of sucrose. The inclusion of rebaudioside M in sweetener compositions of the present disclosure may provide similar properties (e.g., sweetness and taste profile), as rebaudioside A, without having the bitterness and licorice-like aftertaste typically associated with rebaudioside A. The rebaudioside may be in an agglomerated form. For example, a non-aspartame sweetener composition may include an agglomerated rebaudioside, such as agglomerated rebaudioside M. Exemplary agglomerated forms of rebaudioside include agglomerates, granules, and extrudates. The agglomerated rebaudioside (e.g., agglomerated rebaudioside M), may be obtained by any suitable agglomeration technique. For example, an agglomerated rebaudioside may be obtained by combining the rebaudioside with a binding agent and a solvent (e.g., water) to form a cohesive mass, breaking the mass into small pieces, drying theAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 pieces, and then grinding or milling the pieces to a desired particle size. In certain embodiments, the binding agent used to form the agglomerated rebaudioside and hold the agglomerates together may be the same material as the encapsulating material used to form an encapsulated high intensity sweetener.

[0048] In some examples, the one or more steviol glycosides may include a mixture of steviol glycosides. The mixture of steviol glycosides may include at least two steviol glycosides. Steviol glycosides in the mixture of steviol glycosides may include rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside C, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside E, rebaudioside M, and steviolbioside. For example, a mixture of steviol glycosides may include at least 70 wt. % Reb A. The remainder of the mixture of steviol glycosides may include other steviol glycosides (e.g., Reb B, Reb C, Reb D, Reb M, and stevioside). In some examples, the ratio of a first steviol glycoside to a second steviol glycoside in a mixture of two steviol glycosides may range from about 5:1 to about 1:5, such as about 1:1, about 2:1, or about 1:2. A mixture of steviol glycosides may also be referred to herein as mixed steviol glycosides. Some exemplary sweetener compositions may include both an agglomerated rebaudioside (e.g., agglomerated rebaudioside M) and mixed steviol glycosides.

[0049] Some sweetener compositions of the present disclosure may include an agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside. For example, a sweetener composition may include an agglomerated saccharin or an agglomerated saccharin salt. Exemplary agglomerated saccharin salts include agglomerated sodium saccharin and agglomerated calcium saccharin. The agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside may be obtained using the same agglomeration techniques used to form the agglomerated rebaudioside as described above. For example, an agglomerated high intensity sweetener (e.g., saccharin) may be obtained by combining the high intensity sweetener with a binding agent and a solvent (e.g., water) to form a cohesive mass, breaking the mass into small pieces, drying the pieces, and then grinding or milling the pieces to a desired particle size. In certain embodiments, the binding agent used to form the agglomerated high intensity sweetener and hold the agglomerates together may be the same material as the encapsulating material used to form an encapsulated high intensity sweetener.

[0050] In one non-limiting embodiment, a non-aspartame sweetener composition may include at least two different high intensity sweeteners. In at leastAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 one example, a sweetener composition may include an unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, agglomerated rebaudioside M, and an encapsulated high intensity sweetener. The unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may be a different high intensity sweetener from the encapsulated high intensity sweetener. For example, the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may be sodium saccharin and the encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be acesulfame potassium. In some examples, the sweetener composition may be added to provide from about 0.01 wt. % to about 0.22 wt. % of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.60 wt. % agglomerated Reb M, and from about 0.25 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated Ace K to a confectionery product.

[0051] In at least one example, a sweetener composition may include a mixture of steviol glycosides, agglomerated rebaudioside M, a first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, and a second encapsulated high intensity sweetener different from the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener. The mixture of steviol glycosides may comprise at least rebaudioside A. The first encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated sodium saccharin and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated acesulfame potassium. In some examples, the sweetener composition may be added to provide from about 0.025 wt. % to about 0.22 wt. % of a mixture of steviol glycosides, from about 0.17 wt.% to about 0.60 wt. % agglomerated Reb M, from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.90 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.25 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated Ace K to a confectionery product.

[0052] In at least one example, the sweetener composition may include an unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, agglomerated rebaudioside M, a first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, and a second encapsulated high intensity sweetener different from the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener. The high intensity sweetener selected for the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may be the same as one of the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener. For example, the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may be sodium saccharin, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated sodium saccharin, and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated acesulfame potassium. In some examples, theAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 sweetener composition may be added to provide from about 0.01 wt. % to about 0.22 wt. % of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.05 wt.% to about 0.45 wt. % agglomerated Reb M, from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.25 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated Ace K to a confectionery product.

[0053] In at least one example, the sweetener composition may include an unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, a first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, and a second encapsulated high intensity sweetener different from the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener. The high intensity sweetener selected for the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may be the same as one of the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener. For example, the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may be acesulfame potassium, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated sodium saccharin, and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated acesulfame potassium. In some examples, the sweetener composition may be added to provide from about 0.01 wt. % to about 0.22 wt. % of unencapsulated Ace K, from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.90 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.25 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated Ace K to a confectionery product.

[0054] In at least one example, the sweetener composition may include an unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, an agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, and an encapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside. The high intensity sweetener selected for the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may be the same as the agglomerated high intensity sweetener. For example, the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may be sodium saccharin, the agglomerated high intensity sweetener may be agglomerated saccharin, and the encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated acesulfame potassium. In some examples, the sweetener composition may be added to provide from about 0.01 wt. % to about 0.22 wt. % of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.40 wt. % agglomerated saccharin, and from about 0.25 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated Ace K to a confectionery product.

[0055] In at least one example, the sweetener composition may include a mixture of steviol glycosides, an agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than aAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 steviol glycoside, a first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, and a second encapsulated high intensity sweetener different from the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener. The high intensity sweetener selected for the agglomerated high intensity sweetener may be the same as one of the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener. For example, the agglomerated high intensity sweetener may be saccharin, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated sodium saccharin, and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated acesulfame potassium. The mixture of steviol glycosides may comprise at least rebaudioside A. In some examples, the sweetener composition may be added to provide from about 0.02 wt. % to about 0.22 wt. % of a mixture of steviol glycosides, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.40 wt. % agglomerated saccharin, from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.25 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated Ace K to a confectionery product.

[0056] In at least one example, the sweetener composition may include an unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, an agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, a first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, and a second encapsulated high intensity sweetener different from the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener. The high intensity sweetener selected for the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may be the same as the agglomerated high intensity sweetener as well as one of the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener. For example, the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener may be sodium saccharin, the agglomerated high intensity sweetener may be saccharin, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated sodium saccharin, and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener may be encapsulated acesulfame potassium. In some examples, the sweetener composition may be added to provide from about 0.01 wt. % to about 0.22 wt. % of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.05 wt.% to about 0.30 wt. % agglomerated saccharin, from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.25 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated Ace K to a confectionery product.Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 Confectionery Compositions

[0057] The non-aspartame sweetener compositions produced according to the present disclosure may be used in a variety of edible products, such as any food or beverage composition. Such compositions may include, but are not limited to, baked goods, dairy products, carbonated and noncarbonated beverages, confectionery products, and the like. In particular, the sweetener compositions of the present disclosure may be used in confectionery products. The confectionery product may be in the form of hard candy, soft candy, chewy candy, mints, chewing gum, gelatins, chocolate, fudge, jellybeans, fondant, licorice, hard-panned candy, toffee, or taffy. The sweetener compositions may be used to replace aspartame in edible products, such as confectionery products, while providing parity lasting sweetness and flavor comparable to the use of aspartame. In some examples, the confectionery products may be free from aspartame.

[0058] In some embodiments, the exemplary sweetener compositions described herein may be used in chewing gum. For example, a non-aspartame sweetener composition described herein may be added to a chewing gum mixture. The chewing gum may include at least one of the exemplary sweetener compositions described below, a gum base portion, which is essentially free of water and is water-insoluble, a water-soluble bulk portion, and flavors which can be water insoluble. The water-soluble bulk portion may include at least one bulking agent / bulk sweetener, such as a sugar or sugar alcohol (e.g., xylitol), which may dissipate with a portion of the flavor over a period of time during chewing. The gum base portion may be retained in the mouth throughout the chew. The insoluble gum base portion may constitute between about 25 wt.% and about 35 wt.% of the chewing gum. The bulking agent(s) may constitute between about 50 wt.% and about 65 wt.% of the chewing gum. The chewing gum composition may also include up to 3 wt% flavor and up to 5 wt.% of other water-soluble ingredients (e.g., colorants, humectants, gum emuslifiers, acidulants, binders, cooling agents etc.). The total amount of non- aspartame sweetener composition according to the present disclosure may constitute up to 2 wt.% of the chewing gum composition.

[0059] By way of example, a sweetener composition for use in a chewing gum composition may comprise a combination of sodium saccharin, agglomerated rebaudioside M, and encapsulated acesulfame potassium. This sweetener composition may be referred to herein as exemplary sweetener composition #1.Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 Table 1 depicts amounts of each sweetener that may be provided by the exemplary sweetener composition #1 in a chewing gum composition in the form of a stick, tab, or pellet. Table 1 Exemplary Sweetener Composition #1 Stick or Tab Pellet Sweetener Type Min Target Max Min Target Max Sodium Saccharin 0.04% 0.16% 0.20% 0.03% 0.11% 0.14% Agglomerated Rebaudioside M 0.40% 0.45% 0.55% 0.28% 0.32% 0.39% Encapsulated Acesulfame Potassium 0.40% 0.87% 1.00% 0.28% 0.61% 0.70%

[0060] In some examples, a chewing gum (e.g., stick, tab, or pellet) comprising the exemplary sweetener composition #1, wherein each of the sweeteners is included in the respective amount or range shown in Table 1, may be a fruity chewing gum characterized by having a fruity flavor or taste. A chewing gum containing a non-aspartame sweetener composition corresponding to exemplary sweetener composition #1 may comprise from about 0.03 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated sodium saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.03 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.05 wt.% to about 0.16 wt.%, from about 0.04 wt.% to about 0.11 wt.%, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.14 wt.%, from about 0.11 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.%, or from about 0.16 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated sodium saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.28 wt.% to about 0.55 wt.% agglomerated rebaudioside M. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.45 wt.%, from about 0.40 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.55 wt.%, from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.40 wt.%, or from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.55 wt.% agglomerated rebaudioside M. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.28 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.90 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.75 wt.%, from about 0.40 wt.% to about 0.70 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.88 wt.%, or from about 0.85 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium.Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304

[0061] By way of example, a sweetener composition for use in a chewing gum composition may comprise a combination of mixed steviol glycosides, agglomerated rebaudioside M, encapsulated sodium saccharin, and encapsulated acesulfame potassium. This sweetener composition may be referred to herein as exemplary sweetener composition #2. Table 2 depicts amounts of each sweetener that may be provided by the exemplary sweetener composition #2 in a chewing gum composition in the form of a stick, tab, or pellet. Table 2 Exemplary Sweetener Composition #2 Stick or Tab Pellet Sweetener Type Min Target Max Min Target Max Mixed Steviol Glycosides 0.04% 0.16% 0.20% 0.03% 0.11% 0.14% Agglomerated Rebaudioside M 0.25% 0.35% 0.55% 0.18% 0.25% 0.39% Encapsulated Sodium Saccharin 0.50% 0.62% 0.87% 0.35% 0.43% 0.61% Encapsulated Acesulfame Potassium 0.40% 0.87% 1.00% 0.28% 0.61% 0.70%

[0062] In some examples, a chewing gum (e.g., stick, tab, or pellet) comprising the exemplary sweetener composition #2, wherein each of the sweeteners is included in the respective amount or range shown in Table 2, may be a fruity chewing gum characterized by having a fruity flavor or taste. A chewing gum containing a non-aspartame sweetener composition corresponding to exemplary sweetener composition #2 may comprise from about 0.03 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% mixed steviol glycosides. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.03 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.05 wt.% to about 0.16 wt.%, from about 0.04 wt.% to about 0.11 wt.%, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.14 wt.%, from about 0.11 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.%, or from about 0.16 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% mixed steviol glycosides. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.18 wt.% to about 0.55 wt.% agglomerated rebaudioside M. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.%, from about 0.25 wt.% to about 0.45 wt.%, from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.55 wt.%, from about 0.40 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.%, or from about 0.50 wt.% toAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 about 0.55 wt.% agglomerated rebaudioside M. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.87 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.85 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.45 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.80 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, or from about 0.60 wt.% to about 0.70 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.28 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.90 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.75 wt.%, from about 0.40 wt.% to about 0.70 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.88 wt.%, or from about 0.85 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

[0063] By way of example, a sweetener composition for use in a chewing gum composition may comprise a combination of sodium saccharin, agglomerated rebaudioside M, encapsulated sodium saccharin, and encapsulated acesulfame potassium. This sweetener composition may be referred to herein as exemplary sweetener composition #3. Table 3 depicts amounts of each sweetener that may be provided by the exemplary sweetener composition #3 in a chewing gum composition in the form of a stick, tab, or pellet. Table 3 Exemplary Sweetener Composition #3 Stick or Tab Pellet Sweetener Type Min Target Max Min Target Max Sodium Saccharin 0.01% 0.04% 0.20% 0.01% 0.03% 0.14% Agglomerated Rebaudioside M 0.10% 0.20% 0.40% 0.07% 0.14% 0.28% Encapsulated Sodium Saccharin 0.30% 0.45% 0.50% 0.21% 0.32% 0.35% Encapsulated Acesulfame Potassium 0.40% 0.87% 1.00% 0.28% 0.61% 0.70%

[0064] In some examples herein, a chewing gum (e.g., stick, tab, or pellet) comprising the exemplary sweetener composition #3, wherein each of the sweeteners is included in the respective amount or range shown in Table 3, may beAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 a mint chewing gum characterized by having a mint flavor or taste. A chewing gum containing a non-aspartame sweetener composition corresponding to exemplary sweetener composition #3 may comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated sodium saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 0.05 wt.%, from about 0.01 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.02 wt.% to about 0.18 wt.%, from about 0.03 wt.% to about 0.14 wt.%, from about 0.04 wt.% to about 0.16 wt.%, or from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated sodium saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.07 wt.% to about 0.40 wt.% agglomerated rebaudioside M. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.07 wt.% to about 0.10 wt.%, from about 0.07 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.40 wt.%, from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.40 wt.%, from about 0.25 wt.% to about 0.40 wt.%, or from about 0.14 wt.% to about 0.35 wt.% agglomerated rebaudioside M. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.21 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.25 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.%, from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.45 wt.%, from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.40 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.45 wt.%, or from about 0.21 wt.% to about 0.30 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.28 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.90 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.75 wt.%, from about 0.40 wt.% to about 0.70 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.88 wt.%, or from about 0.85 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

[0065] By way of example, a sweetener composition for use in a chewing gum composition may comprise a combination of sodium saccharin, agglomerated rebaudioside M, and encapsulated acesulfame potassium. This sweetener composition may be referred to herein as exemplary sweetener composition #4. Table 4 depicts amounts of each sweetener that may be provided by the exemplary sweetener composition #4 in a chewing gum composition in the form of a stick, tab, or pellet. Table 4Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 Exemplary Sweetener Composition #4 Stick or Tab Pellet Sweetener Type Min Target Max Min Target Max Sodium Saccharin 0.01% 0.04% 0.20% 0.01% 0.03% 0.14% Agglomerated Rebaudioside M 0.30% 0.45% 0.55% 0.21% 0.32% 0.39% Encapsulated Acesulfame Potassium 0.40% 0.87% 1.00% 0.28% 0.61% 0.70%

[0066] In some examples, a chewing gum (e.g., stick, tab, or pellet) comprising the exemplary sweetener composition #4, wherein each of the sweeteners is included in the respective amount or range shown in Table 4, may be a mint chewing gum characterized by having a mint flavor or taste. A chewing gum containing a non-aspartame sweetener composition corresponding to exemplary sweetener composition #4 may comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated sodium saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 0.05 wt.%, from about 0.02 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.05 wt.% to about 0.16 wt.%, from about 0.04 wt.% to about 0.11 wt.%, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.14 wt.%, from about 0.11 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.%, or from about 0.16 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated sodium saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.21 wt.% to about 0.55 wt.% agglomerated rebaudioside M. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.21 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.%, from about 0.25 wt.% to about 0.45 wt.%, from about 0.40 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.55 wt.%, from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.40 wt.%, or from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.55 wt.% agglomerated rebaudioside M. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.28 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.90 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.75 wt.%, from about 0.40 wt.% to about 0.70 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.88 wt.%, or from about 0.85 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

[0067] By way of example, a sweetener composition for use in a chewing gum composition may comprise a combination of acesulfame potassium, encapsulated sodium saccharin and encapsulated acesulfame potassium. ThisAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 sweetener composition may be referred to herein as exemplary sweetener composition #5. Table 5 depicts amounts of each sweetener that may be provided by the exemplary sweetener composition #5 in a chewing gum composition in the form of a stick, tab, or pellet. Table 5 Exemplary Sweetener Composition #5 Stick or Tab Pellet Sweetener Type Min Target Max Min Target Max Acesulfame Potassium 0.01% 0.04% 0.20% 0.01% 0.03% 0.14% Encapsulated Sodium Saccharin 0.30% 0.62% 0.87% 0.21% 0.44% 0.61% Encapsulated Acesulfame Potassium 0.40% 0.80% 1.00% 0.28% 0.56% 0.70%

[0068] In some examples, a chewing gum (e.g., stick, tab, or pellet) comprising the exemplary sweetener composition #5, wherein each of the sweeteners is included in the respective amount or range shown in Table 5, may be a mint chewing gum characterized by having a mint flavor or taste. A chewing gum containing a non-aspartame sweetener composition corresponding to exemplary sweetener composition #5 may comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated acesulfame potassium. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 0.05 wt.%, from about 0.02 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.05 wt.% to about 0.16 wt.%, from about 0.04 wt.% to about 0.11 wt.%, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.14 wt.%, from about 0.11 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.%, or from about 0.16 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated acesulfame potassium. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.21 wt.% to about 0.87 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.25 wt.% to about 0.85 wt.%, from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.40 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.45 wt.%, or from about 0.70 wt.% to about 0.80 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.28 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.90 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.%Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 to about 0.75 wt.%, from about 0.40 wt.% to about 0.70 wt.%, from about 0.55 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.80 wt.%, or from about 0.85 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

[0069] By way of example, a sweetener composition for use in a chewing gum composition may comprise a combination of sodium saccharin, agglomerated saccharin, and encapsulated acesulfame potassium. This sweetener composition may be referred to herein as exemplary sweetener composition #6. Table 6 depicts amounts of each sweetener that may be provided by the exemplary sweetener composition #6 in a chewing gum composition in the form of a stick, tab, or pellet. Table 6 Exemplary Sweetener Composition #6 Stick or Tab Pellet Sweetener Type Min Target Max Min Target Max Sodium Saccharin 0.04% 0.16% 0.20% 0.03% 0.11% 0.14% Agglomerated Saccharin 0.27% 0.30% 0.37% 0.19% 0.21% 0.26% Encapsulated Acesulfame 0.40% 0.87% 1.00% 0.28% 0.61% 0.70% Potassium

[0070] In some examples herein, a chewing gum (e.g., stick, tab, or pellet) comprising the exemplary sweetener composition #6, wherein each of the sweeteners is included in the respective amount or range shown in Table 6, may be a fruity chewing gum characterized by having a fruity flavor or taste. A chewing gum containing a non-aspartame sweetener composition corresponding to exemplary sweetener composition #6 may comprise from about 0.03 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated sodium saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.03 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.05 wt.% to about 0.16 wt.%, from about 0.04 wt.% to about 0.11 wt.%, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.14 wt.%, from about 0.11 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.%, or from about 0.16 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated sodium saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.19 wt.% to about 0.37 wt.% agglomerated saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.35 wt.%, from about 0.25 wt.% to about 0.35 wt.%, from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.25 wt.%, from about 0.25 wt.% to about 0.30 wt.%, from about 0.26 wt.% to about 0.32 wt.%, or from about 0.30 wt.%Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 to about 0.35 wt.% agglomerated saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.28 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.90 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.75 wt.%, from about 0.40 wt.% to about 0.70 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.88 wt.%, or from about 0.85 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

[0071] By way of example, a sweetener composition for use in a chewing gum composition may comprise a combination of mixed steviol glycosides, agglomerated saccharin, encapsulated sodium saccharin, and encapsulated acesulfame potassium. This sweetener composition may be referred to herein as exemplary sweetener composition #7. Table 7 depicts amounts of each sweetener that may be provided by the exemplary sweetener composition #7 in a chewing gum composition in the form of a stick, tab, or pellet. Table 7 Exemplary Sweetener Composition #7 Stick or Tab Pellet Sweetener Type Min Target Max Min Target Max Mixed Steviol Glycosides 0.04% 0.16% 0.20% 0.03% 0.11% 0.14% Agglomerated Saccharin 0.17% 0.23% 0.37% 0.12% 0.17% 0.26% Encapsulated Sodium 0.50% 0.62% 0.87% 0.35% 0.43% 0.61% Saccharin Encapsulated Acesulfame 0.40% 0.87% 1.00% 0.28% 0.61% 0.70% Potassium

[0072] In some examples herein, a chewing gum (e.g., stick, tab, or pellet) comprising the exemplary sweetener composition #7, wherein each of the sweeteners is included in the respective amount or range shown in Table 7, may be a fruity chewing gum characterized by having a fruity flavor or taste. A chewing gum containing a non-aspartame sweetener composition corresponding to exemplary sweetener composition #7 may comprise from about 0.03 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% mixed steviol glycosides. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.03 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.05 wt.% to about 0.16 wt.%, from about 0.04 wt.% to about 0.11 wt.%, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.14 wt.%, from aboutAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 0.11 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.%, or from about 0.16 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% mixed steviol glycosides. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.12 wt.% to about 0.37 wt.% agglomerated saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.12 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.15 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.%, from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.35 wt.%, from about 0.25 wt.% to about 0.35 wt.%, from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.30 wt.%, or from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.35 wt.% agglomerated saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.87 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.85 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.45 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.80 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, or from about 0.60 wt.% to about 0.70 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.28 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.90 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.75 wt.%, from about 0.40 wt.% to about 0.70 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.88 wt.%, or from about 0.85 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

[0073] By way of example, a sweetener composition for use in a chewing gum composition may comprise a combination of sodium saccharin, agglomerated saccharin, encapsulated sodium saccharin, and encapsulated acesulfame potassium. This sweetener composition may be referred to herein as exemplary sweetener composition #8. Table 8 depicts amounts of each sweetener that may be provided by the exemplary sweetener composition #8 in a chewing gum composition in the form of a stick, tab, or pellet. Table 8 Exemplary Sweetener Composition #8 Stick or Tab Pellet Sweetener Type Min Target Max Min Target Max Sodium Saccharin 0.01% 0.04% 0.20% 0.01% 0.03% 0.14% Agglomerated Saccharin 0.07% 0.13% 0.27% 0.05% 0.09% 0.19% Encapsulated Sodium 0.30% 0.45% 0.50% 0.21% 0.32% 0.35% SaccharinAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 Encapsulated Acesulfame 0.40% 0.87% 1.00% 0.28% 0.61% 0.70% Potassium

[0074] In some examples, a chewing gum (e.g., stick, tab, or pellet) comprising the exemplary sweetener composition #8, wherein each of the sweeteners is included in the respective amount or range shown in Table 8, may be a mint chewing gum characterized by having a mint flavor or taste. A chewing gum containing a non-aspartame sweetener composition corresponding to exemplary sweetener composition #8 may comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated sodium saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 0.05 wt.%, from about 0.02 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.05 wt.% to about 0.16 wt.%, from about 0.04 wt.% to about 0.11 wt.%, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.14 wt.%, from about 0.11 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.%, or from about 0.14 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated sodium saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.05 wt.% to about 0.27 wt.% agglomerated saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.05 wt.% to about 0.10 wt.%, from about 0.07 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.%, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.25 wt.%, or from about 0.13 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% agglomerated saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.21 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.25 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.%, from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.45 wt.%, from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.40 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.50 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.45 wt.%, or from about 0.21 wt.% to about 0.30 wt.% encapsulated sodium saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.28 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.90 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.75 wt.%, from about 0.40 wt.% to about 0.70 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.88 wt.%, or from about 0.85 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

[0075] By way of example, a sweetener composition for use in a chewing gum composition may comprise a combination of sodium saccharin, agglomerated saccharin, and encapsulated acesulfame potassium. This sweetener composition may be referred to herein as exemplary sweetener composition #9. Table 9 depictsAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 amounts of each sweetener that may be provided by the exemplary sweetener composition #9 in a chewing gum composition in the form of a stick, tab, or pellet. Table 9 Exemplary Sweetener Composition #9 Stick or Tab Pellet Sweetener Type Min Target Max Min Target Max Sodium Saccharin 0.01% 0.04% 0.20% 0.01% 0.03% 0.14% Agglomerated Saccharin 0.20% 0.30% 0.37% 0.14% 0.21% 0.26% Encapsulated Acesulfame 0.40% 0.87% 1.00% 0.28% 0.61% 0.70% Potassium

[0076] In some examples, a chewing gum (e.g., stick, tab, or pellet) comprising the exemplary sweetener composition #9, wherein each of the sweeteners is included in the respective amount or range shown in Table 9, may be a mint chewing gum characterized by having a mint flavor or taste. A chewing gum containing a non-aspartame sweetener composition corresponding to exemplary sweetener composition #9 may comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated sodium saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.01 wt.% to about 0.05 wt.%, from about 0.03 wt.% to about 0.15 wt.%, from about 0.04 wt.% to about 0.11 wt.%, from about 0.10 wt.% to about 0.14 wt.%, from about 0.11 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.%, or from about 0.16 wt.% to about 0.20 wt.% unencapsulated sodium saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.14 wt.% to about 0.37 wt.% agglomerated saccharin. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.15 wt.% to about 0.35 wt.%, from about 0.25 wt.% to about 0.35 wt.%, from about 0.20 wt.% to about 0.25 wt.%, from about 0.25 wt.% to about 0.30 wt.%, from about 0.26 wt.% to about 0.32 wt.%, or from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.35 wt.% agglomerated saccharin. A chewing gum may also comprise from about 0.28 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium. For example, a chewing gum may comprise from about 0.30 wt.% to about 0.90 wt.%, from about 0.35 wt.% to about 0.75 wt.%, from about 0.40 wt.% to about 0.70 wt.%, from about 0.45 wt.% to about 0.65 wt.%, from about 0.50 wt.% to about 0.88 wt.%, or from about 0.85 wt.% to about 1 wt.% encapsulated acesulfame potassium.Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 Coating Compositions

[0077] The present disclosure also relates to coating compositions comprising a non-aspartame sweetener. The coating composition may be an edible coating composition. An exemplary coating composition of the present disclosure may include at least one steviol glycoside. In some embodiments, a coating composition may comprise rebaudioside M. For example, a coating as disclosed herein may be a rebaudioside M coating. Rebaudioside M may be used as a sweetener in coating compositions to improve and / or increase the initial sweetness perception provided by the coating. In some examples, a coating composition may comprise a combination of rebaudioside M and a sugar or a sugar alcohol. The rebaudioside M may be added to increase the initial sweetness compared to the low to moderate sweetness perception provided by sugar or sugar alcohol(s). In other examples, a coating composition may comprise a steviol glycoside, such as Reb M, as the sole sweetener. In at least one example, rebaudioside M may be used to replace aspartame or another artificial sweetener in a coating composition.

[0078] Coating compositions of the present disclosure may preferably include rebaudioside M. In some examples, the rebaudioside M may be encapsulated, unencapsulated, or agglomerated. The use of rebaudioside M in coatings herein may be preferred over other rebaudiosides due to the reduced bitterness of rebaudioside M, which may allow for higher usage levels of rebaudioside M compared to other rebaudiosides, such as Reb A. Reb M may also be used in coatings herein, which may be subject to heating during processing, due to the ability of rebaudioside M to remain stable at elevated temperatures.

[0079] In some embodiments, a coating composition of the present disclosure, which may be a Reb M based coating, may be applied to an edible center. For example, the edible center on which the coating composition is applied may be a confectionery center. The coating composition comprising rebaudioside M may surround or enrobe the confectionery center. Exemplary coatings may include soft panned coatings, hard panned coatings, and chocolate coatings. In some examples, the coating may also comprise sugar in addition to rebaudioside M. In other examples, the coating may be sugar-free. Any number of coats of a Reb M based coating may be applied to an edible center. In some embodiments, the edible center may be a pharmaceutical or a confectionery center. Suitable confectionery centers may include, but are not limited to, jelly candies, pressed tablets, mints,Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 chewy candies, hard boiled candies, chocolates, nougats, licorice, taffy, gels, solid foams, crystallized pastes, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the confectionery center may comprise a chewing gum in a form, such as, for example, pellets, balls, sticks, tabs, or chicklets. User Interface Displaying a Sweetness Intensity Prediction

[0080] FIG.1 illustrates an exemplary user interface 100 that shows a sweetness intensity prediction for chewing gum, according to one or more embodiments. Notably, exemplary user interface 100 may be displayed on one or more user devices and / or other external system(s) via a network. However, it should be noted that user interface 100 may be displayed by any one or more of the server, one or more user devices, or other external systems.

[0081] User interface 100 may include one or more sweeteners and corresponding inputs (e.g., Sweetener A 102, Sweetener B 104, and / or Sweetener C 106). The corresponding inputs may allow a user to enter at least one value corresponding to at least one sweetener. In some embodiments, the at least one input may include a proportion of the chewing gum. For example, an input value of “0.2” may correspond to 0.2% of the chewing gum. Additionally, the user interface 100 may include a representation (e.g., a graph) that displays a comparison of target profile data and a sweetness intensity prediction. The target profile data may correspond to data of a sweetness blend that the sweetness intensity prediction may attempt to match. For example, the target profile data may correspond to a sweetness blend that includes aspartame, whereas the sweetness intensity prediction may correspond to a sweetness blend that does not include aspartame. Additionally, for example, the target profile data may be shown via the line on the graph, whereas the sweetness intensity prediction may be shown via individual data points on the graph. In some embodiments, the graph 112 may map the data based on the sweetness / intensity 110 as a function of time 108. User Interface Displaying Sweetener Profile Data

[0082] FIGs.2A and 2B illustrate exemplary representations 200 and 202 that display sweetener profile data for a chewing gum sweetener, according to one or more embodiments. Notably, representations 200 and / or 202 may be displayed on one or more user devices and / or other external system(s) via a network. However, itAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 should be noted that representations 200 and / or 202 may be displayed by any one or more of the server, one or more user devices, or other external systems.

[0083] The sweetener profile may be displayed as a graph, where the y-axis may represent the sweetness / intensity of the sweetener. Additionally, the x-axis may represent a time period. The graph may display test data received from one or more data stores. The test data may include data from one or more sensory tests of the sweetener. Additionally, the test data may be displayed in a unique format (e.g., one or more plus signs). In some embodiments, the test data may include more than one result for the same time period. As a result, the test data may include an average of the test results for a time period (e.g., the line displayed through the plus signs). The graph may also display normalized test data, where the normalized test data may be based on the test data. For example, the test data may vary regarding the amount of concentration of sweetener that was used during the testing. The test data may be normalized to standardize the results based on, for example, the intensity of a particular amount of concentrated sweetener. The normalized test data may be displayed in a unique format (e.g., via separate data points on the graph). Additionally, the graph may also display a curve that represents the average predicted normalized sweetener (e.g., the line through the data points of the normalized data). Predicting a Sweetness Intensity

[0084] FIG.3 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method 300 for predicting a sweetness intensity for a sweetener blend, according to one or more embodiments. Notably, method 300 may be performed by one or more processors of a server that is in communication with one or more user devices and other external system(s) via a network. However, it should be noted that method 300 may be performed by any one or more of the server, one or more user devices, or other external systems.

[0085] The method may include receiving, by one or more processors, one or more sweetener inputs including one or more sweeteners and one or more corresponding sweetener values, wherein the one or more corresponding sweetener values correspond to a proportion of the chewing gum (Step 302). A user may provide the one or more sweetener inputs via one or more user devices. Additionally, or alternatively, a user interface (e.g., user interface 100) may display a prompt thatAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 includes the names of the sweeteners, where the prompt requests that the user input a value for at least one of the sweeteners. The sweetener value may correspond to a proportion of a piece of chewing gum. For example, the user may input “0.01” for “Sweetener A”. The “0.01” may correspond to Sweetener A making up 0.01% of a piece of chewing gum. In some embodiments, the user may be able to input both the sweetener name and a sweetener value. In some embodiments, the user may be able to enter a sweetener blend name, where the method may include retrieving and displaying the sweetener names that correspond to the sweetener blend. For example, one or more data stores may store one or more blend names and one or more corresponding sweetener names that are a part of the blend. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more data stores may also store default sweetener values for the one or more sweeteners in a particular sweetener blend. For example, method may also include receiving a blend name and then retrieving one or more sweetener names and corresponding default sweetener values from one or more data stores. The method may also include pre-populating the retrieved values on the displayed user interface (e.g., user interface 100).

[0086] The method may include isolating, by the one or more processors, each of the one or more sweeteners and the one or more corresponding sweetener values from the one or more sweetener inputs (Step 304). For example, the isolating may include identifying each of the one or more sweeteners and the corresponding one or more sweetener values. Upon identifying the sweeteners and sweetener values, the method may include analyzing the sweetener and sweetener values to confirm that there are no errors. For example, the sweetener names may be compared against stored sweetener names to confirm that the sweetener names are correct. Additionally, or alternatively, the method may include analyzing the sweetener values to confirm that the sweetener values do not exceed the potential composition of the chewing gum. For example, an error may be displayed if the sweetener value exceeds “100.00”.

[0087] The method may include retrieving, by the one or more processors, sweetener profile data for each of the one or more sweeteners, wherein the sweetener profile data includes normalized data predicting one or more sweetness concentrations of the one or more sweeteners for a time period (Step 306). The method may include retrieving sweetener profile data that includes data based on the one or more sweeteners. The sweetener profile data may include testing dataAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 from one or more tests performed on the sweetener. The testing data may include data indicating the intensity of the sweetener over a period of time. The sweetener profile data may also include normalized data, where the normalized data may predict an intensity for a sweetness concentration of the sweetener over a period of time. For example, the testing data may include multiple sets of intensity data, as a result, the testing data may be normalized, resulting in a sweetness concentration for each time period (e.g., an intensity of 22 at 1 minute). In some embodiments, a unique sweetener identifier and / or the sweetener name may be sent to one or more data stores. In response, the one or more data stores may send the sweetener profile data to the system.

[0088] The method may include determining, by the one or more processors, a sweetness intensity prediction for all of the one or more sweeteners based on the proportion of the chewing gum, the sweetener profile data for each of the one or more sweeteners, and the time period (Step 308). The normalized data of the sweetener profile data for each of the one or more sweeteners for the time period may be analyzed separately in light of the proportion for each of the one or more sweeteners. The sweetness intensity prediction may then be determined based on analyzing the results of the separate sweetener analysis together. For example, the sweetener profile data for Sweetener A may include a normalized value of 100 at 1 minute. The proportion for Sweetener A may include a value of 0.1, where the predicted intensity for Sweetener A may include a value of 10 at 1 minute. Additionally, the sweetener profile data for Sweetener B may include a normalized value of 200 at 1 minute. The proportion for Sweetener B may include a value of 0.2, where the predicted intensity for Sweetener B may include a value of 40 at 1 minute. As a result, the sweetness intensity prediction for the blend of Sweetener A and Sweetener B may be 30 at 1 minute.

[0089] For example, in some embodiments, determining the sweetness intensity prediction may include utilizing the following parametric regression model: ^^ ൌ ^^^^^ ^ ^^^^ ^ ^^^^^ ൌ ^^^^^ ^ ^^^^ ^ ^^^^ ൌ ^ ^^^ ^^ ^ ^^^^ ^ ^^^^ ൌ ^^^^^ ^ ^^^^^ ^ ^^^^Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 y1, y2, and y3 may correspond to the sweetness intensity prediction of three different sweeteners that may be part of a sweetener blend. For each of the first three equations, Pa, Pb, and Pcmay correspond to historical testing data of a particular sweetener at time t, where the sweeteners may be different for y1, y2, and y3. For example, the historical testing data may be determined using an additional regression model and / or a machine-learning model. x1, x2, and x3may correspond to a particular concentration of sweetener. y may correspond to the overall sweetness intensity prediction for a particular sweetener blend. The parametric regression model may allow for the sweetness prediction of a continuous sweetener profile. Additionally, optimization may be performed while minimizing the amount of error across discrete time points.

[0090] The method may include receiving, by the one or more processors, target profile data for the one or more time periods (Step 310). For example, the target profile data may correspond to intensity data of a sweetener profile that may include aspartame. The target profile data may be stored in one or more data stores. In some embodiments, a target profile identifier may be input via the user interface. The method may include sending the target profile identifier to one or more data stores, where, in response to receiving the target profile identifier, the data store may send the target profile data to the system. In some embodiments, the target profile data may be pre-loaded. In some embodiments, there may be default target profile data that was previously identified (e.g., a user identified the default target profile data before beginning the prediction process). The target profile data may be a subset of data, where the subset of data may correspond to intensity data of the target profile for the time period that may be the same as the time period for the sweetener profile data. For example, a larger data set may exist, where the larger data set may correspond to a time period of 0 seconds to 40 minutes. However, the time period for the sweetener profile data may be from 0 seconds to 20 minutes. As a result, the target profile data may be a subset of intensity data that includes the profile intensity data from 0 seconds to 20 minutes.

[0091] The method may include displaying, by the one or more processors, a visual representation of a comparison of the target profile data and the sweetness intensity prediction for the time period (Step 312). For example, the visual representation may be displayed on one or more user interfaces of one or more user devices. The visual representation may include one or more graphs, one or moreAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 charts, one or more one-dimensional images, one or more two-dimensional images, one or more three-dimensional images, and the like. In some embodiments, the visual representation may include a graph, where the visual representation may include a comparison represented by at least one line and / or set of displayed data points that represents the target profile data during the time period, as well as at least one line and / or set of displayed data points that represents the sweetness intensity prediction during the time period (e.g., user interface 100).

[0092] Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, determining the sweetness intensity prediction may include utilizing a machine-learning model. For example, the method may include utilizing a trained machine-learning model to predict the sweetness intensity for a sweetener. The trained-machine learning model may receive one or more of the following inputs: a target sweetener blend name / identifier, one or more target sweetener values, a sweetener blend name / identifier, one or more sweetener names / identifiers, and / or one or more sweetener values. The target sweetener blend name / identifier may include the name of a target sweetener blend and / or a unique identifier. Upon receiving the target sweetener blend name / identifier, the trained machine-learning model may retrieve default composition values from one or more data stores. For example, upon receiving “Blend A,” the trained machine-learning model may use “Blend A” to retrieve “Sweetener A = 0.1” and “Sweetener B = 0.2” from the data stores. In some embodiments, the one or more target sweetener values may correspond to the proportions of the target sweetener blend. The sweetener blend name / identifier may correspond to the name and / or unique identifier of the sweetener blend that the user would like to compare to the target sweetener blend. In some embodiments, the sweetener blend name / identifier may be used to identify one or more sweeteners in the sweetener blend. The one or more sweetener names / identifiers may correspond to the sweeteners in the blend. The one or more sweetener values may correspond to a proportion of the chewing gum. In response to receiving the one or more inputs, the trained machine-learning model may determine one or more sweetener composition values. The sweetener composition values may correspond to the sweeteners and corresponding sweetener values that are the closest match to the target sweetener blend. The trained machine-learning model may then display the one or more sweetener composition values.Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304

[0093] In some embodiments, the machine-learning model may be trained using the following exemplary inputs: an exemplary target sweetener blend name / identifier, one or more exemplary target sweetener values, an exemplary sweetener blend name / identifier, one or more exemplary sweetener names / identifiers, one or more exemplary sweetener values, and / or one or more exemplary sweetener composition values. The exemplary target sweetener blend name / identifier, one or more exemplary target sweetener values, exemplary sweetener blend name / identifier, one or more exemplary sweetener names / identifiers, and one or more exemplary sweetener values are described above. Additionally, the one or more exemplary sweetener composition values may correspond to the expected sweetener composition values of the inputs. The machine-learning model may then use such inputs to learn the relationships between such inputs. Additionally, the machine-learning model may output predicted sweetener composition values, where a user may indicate whether such results are correct.

[0094] Although FIG.3 shows example blocks of exemplary method 300, in some implementations, the exemplary method 300 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in FIG.3. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of the exemplary method 300 may be performed in parallel. Exemplary Environment and Exemplary Device

[0095] FIG.4 depicts an exemplary environment 400 that may be utilized with techniques presented herein. One or more user device(s) 405, one or more external system(s) 410, and one or more server system(s) 415 may communicate across a network 401. As will be discussed in further detail below, one or more server system(s) 415 may communicate with one or more of the other components of the environment 400 across network 401. The one or more user device(s) 405 may be associated with a user, e.g., a user associated with one or more of generating, training, or tuning a machine-learning model for predicting a sweetness intensity.

[0096] In some embodiments, the components of the environment 400 are associated with a common entity, e.g., a food producer, research center, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of the components of the environment isAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 associated with a different entity than another. The systems and devices of the environment 400 may communicate in any arrangement. As will be discussed herein, systems and / or devices of the environment 400 may communicate in order to one or more of generate, train, and / or use a machine-learning model to predict a sweetness intensity, among other activities.

[0097] The user device 405 may be configured to enable the user to access and / or interact with other systems in the environment 400. For example, the user device 405 may be a computer system such as, for example, a desktop computer, a mobile device, a tablet, etc. In some embodiments, the user device 405 may include one or more electronic application(s), e.g., a program, plugin, browser extension, etc., installed on a memory of the user device 405.

[0098] The user device 405 may include a display / user interface (UI) 405A, a processor 405B, a memory 405C, and / or a network interface 405D. The user device 405 may execute, by the processor 405B, an operating system (O / S) and at least one electronic application (each stored in memory 405C). The electronic application may be a desktop program, a browser program, a web client, or a mobile application program (which may also be a browser program in a mobile O / S), an applicant specific program, system control software, system monitoring software, software development tools, or the like. For example, environment 400 may extend information on a web client that may be accessed through a web browser. In some embodiments, the electronic application(s) may be associated with one or more of the other components in the environment 400. The application may manage the memory 405C, such as a database, to transmit streaming data to network 401. The display / UI 405A may be a touch screen or a display with other input systems (e.g., mouse, keyboard, etc.) so that the user(s) may interact with the application and / or the O / S. The network interface 405D may be a TCP / IP network interface for, e.g., Ethernet or wireless communications with the network 401. The processor 405B, while executing the application, may generate data and / or receive user inputs from the display / UI 405A and / or receive / transmit messages to the server system 415, and may further perform one or more operations prior to providing an output to the network 401.

[0099] External systems 410 may be, for example, one or more third party and / or auxiliary systems that integrate and / or communicate with the server system 415 in performing various document information extraction tasks. External systemsAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 410 may be in communication with other device(s) or system(s) in the environment 400 over the one or more networks 401. For example, external systems 410 may communicate with the server system 415 via API (application programming interface) access over the one or more networks 401, and also communicate with the user device(s) 405 via web browser access over the one or more networks 401.

[0100] In various embodiments, the network 401 may be a wide area network (“WAN”), a local area network (“LAN”), a personal area network (“PAN”), or the like. In some embodiments, network 401 includes the Internet, and information and data provided between various systems occurs online. “Online” may mean connecting to or accessing source data or information from a location remote from other devices or networks coupled to the Internet. Alternatively, “online” may refer to connecting or accessing a network (wired or wireless) via a mobile communications network or device. The Internet is a worldwide system of computer networks—a network of networks in which a party at one computer or other device connected to the network can obtain information from any other computer and communicate with parties of other computers or devices. The most widely used part of the Internet is the World Wide Web (often-abbreviated “WWW” or called “the Web”). A “website page” generally encompasses a location, data store, or the like that is, for example, hosted and / or operated by a computer system so as to be accessible online, and that may include data configured to cause a program such as a web browser to perform operations such as send, receive, or process data, generate a visual display and / or an interactive interface, or the like.

[0101] The server system 415 may include an electronic data system, e.g., a computer-readable memory such as a hard drive, flash drive, disk, etc. In some embodiments, the server system 415 includes and / or interacts with an application programming interface for exchanging data to other systems, e.g., one or more of the other components of the environment.

[0102] The server system 415 may include a database 415A and at least one server 415B. The server system 415 may be a computer, system of computers (e.g., rack server(s)), and / or or a cloud service computer system. The server system may store or have access to database 415A (e.g., hosted on a third party server or in memory 415E). The server(s) may include a display / UI 415C, a processor 415D, a memory 415E, and / or a network interface 415F. The display / UI 415C may be a touch screen or a display with other input systems (e.g., mouse, keyboard, etc.) forAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 an operator of the server 415B to control the functions of the server 415B. The server system 415 may execute, by the processor 415D, an operating system (O / S) and at least one instance of a servlet program (each stored in memory 415E).

[0103] The server system 415 may generate, store, train, or use a machine- learning model, configured to predict a sweetness intensity. The server system 415 may include a machine-learning model and / or instructions associated with the machine-learning model, e.g., instructions for generating a machine-learning model, training the machine-learning model, using the machine-learning model, etc. The server system 415 may include instructions for predicting a sweetness intensity, e.g., based on the output of the machine-learning model, and / or operating the display 415C to output sweetness intensity data, e.g., as adjusted based on the machine- learning model. The server system 415 may include training data, e.g., at least one sweetness profile and at least one time period.

[0104] In some embodiments, a system or device other than the server system 415 is used to generate and / or train the machine-learning model. For example, such a system may include instructions for generating the machine- learning model, the training data and ground truth, and / or instructions for training the machine-learning model. A resulting trained machine-learning model may then be provided to the server system 415.

[0105] Generally, a machine-learning model includes a set of variables, e.g., nodes, neurons, filters, etc., that are tuned, e.g., weighted or biased, to different values via the application of training data. In supervised learning, e.g., where a ground truth is known for the training data provided, training may proceed by feeding a sample of training data into a model with variables set at initialized values, e.g., at random, based on Gaussian noise, a pre-trained model, or the like. The output may be compared with the ground truth to determine an error, which may then be back- propagated through the model to adjust the values of the variable.

[0106] Training may be conducted in any suitable manner, e.g., in batches, and may include any suitable training methodology, e.g., stochastic or non-stochastic gradient descent, gradient boosting, random forest, etc. In some embodiments, a portion of the training data may be withheld during training and / or used to validate the trained machine-learning model, e.g., compare the output of the trained model with the ground truth for that portion of the training data to evaluate an accuracy of the trained model. The training of the machine-learning model may be configured toAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 cause the machine-learning model to learn associations between the sweetness profile and time periods, such that the trained machine-learning model is configured to determine a sweetness intensity in response to the input sweetness profile based on the learned associations.

[0107] In various embodiments, the variables of a machine-learning model may be interrelated in any suitable arrangement in order to generate the output. For example, in some embodiments, the machine-learning model may include signal processing architecture that is configured to identify, isolate, and / or extract features, patterns, and / or structure in a text. For example, the machine-learning model may include one or more convolutional neural network (“CNN”) configured to identify features in the document information data, and may include further architecture, e.g., a connected layer, neural network, etc., configured to determine a relationship between the identified features in order to determine a predicted sweetness intensity.

[0108] Although depicted as separate components in FIG.4, it should be understood that a component or portion of a component in the environment 400 may, in some embodiments, be integrated with or incorporated into one or more other components. For example, a portion of the display 415C may be integrated into the user device 405 or the like. In some embodiments, operations or aspects of one or more of the components discussed above may be distributed amongst one or more other components. Any suitable arrangement and / or integration of the various systems and devices of the environment 400 may be used.

[0109] Further aspects of the machine-learning model and / or how it may be utilized to predict a sweetness intensity are discussed in further detail in the methods above. In the following methods, various acts may be described as performed or executed by a component from FIG.4, such as the server system 415, the user device 405, or components thereof. However, it should be understood that in various embodiments, various components of the environment 400 discussed above may execute instructions or perform acts including the acts discussed below. An act performed by a device may be considered to be performed by a processor, actuator, or the like associated with that device. Further, it should be understood that in various embodiments, various steps may be added, omitted, and / or rearranged in any suitable manner.

[0110] In general, any process or operation discussed in this disclosure that is understood to be computer-implementable, such as the processes illustrated inAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 FIGS.1-3, may be performed by one or more processors of a computer system, such any of the systems or devices in the environment 400 of FIG.4, as described above. A process or process step performed by one or more processors may also be referred to as an operation. The one or more processors may be configured to perform such processes by having access to instructions (e.g., software or computer-readable code) that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the processes. The instructions may be stored in a memory of the computer system. A processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or any suitable types of processing unit.

[0111] A computer system, such as a system or device implementing a process or operation in the examples above, may include one or more computing devices, such as one or more of the systems or devices in FIG.4. One or more processors of a computer system may be included in a single computing device or distributed among a plurality of computing devices. A memory of the computer system may include the respective memory of each computing device of the plurality of computing devices.

[0112] FIG.5 is a simplified functional block diagram of a computer 500 that may be configured as a device for executing the methods of FIGS.1-3, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, device 500 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 520. CPU 520 may be any type of processor device including, for example, any type of special purpose or a general-purpose microprocessor device. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art, CPU 520 also may be a single processor in a multi-core / multiprocessor system, such system operating alone, or in a cluster of computing devices operating in a cluster or server farm. CPU 520 may be connected to a data communication infrastructure 510, for example, a bus, message queue, network, or multi-core message-passing scheme.

[0113] Device 500 also may include a main memory 540, for example, random access memory (RAM), and also may include a secondary memory 530. Secondary memory 530, e.g., a read-only memory (ROM), may be, for example, a hard disk drive or a removable storage drive. Such a removable storage drive may comprise, for example, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash memory, or the like. The removable storage drive in this example readsAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 from and / or writes to a removable storage unit in a well-known manner. The removable storage unit may comprise a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., which is read by and written to by the removable storage drive. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art, such a removable storage unit generally includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and / or data.

[0114] In alternative implementations, secondary memory 530 may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into device 500. Examples of such means may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units and interfaces, which allow software and data to be transferred from a removable storage unit to device 500.

[0115] Device 500 also may include a communications interface (“COM”) 560. Communications interface 560 allows software and data to be transferred between device 500 and external devices. Communications interface 560 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, or the like. Software and data transferred via communications interface 560 may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communications interface 560. These signals may be provided to communications interface 560 via a communications path of device 500, which may be implemented using, for example, wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link or other communications channels.

[0116] The hardware elements, operating systems and programming languages of such equipment are conventional in nature, and it is presumed that those skilled in the art are adequately familiar therewith. Device 500 also may include input and output ports 550 to connect with input and output devices such as keyboards, mice, touchscreens, monitors, displays, etc. Of course, the various server functions may be implemented in a distributed fashion on a number of similar platforms, to distribute the processing load. Alternatively, the servers may be implemented by appropriate programming of one computer hardware platform.

[0117] Program aspects of the technology may be thought of as “products” or “articles of manufacture” typically in the form of executable code and / orAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine-readable medium. “Storage” type media include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer of the mobile communication network into the computer platform of a server and / or from a server to the mobile device. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links, or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible “storage” media, terms such as computer or machine “readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0118] Reference to any particular activity is provided in this disclosure only for convenience and not intended to limit the disclosure. A person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the concepts underlying the disclosed devices and methods may be utilized in any suitable activity. The disclosure may be understood with reference to the following description and the appended drawings, wherein like elements are referred to with the same reference numerals.

[0119] The terminology used above may be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific examples of the present disclosure. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized above; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section. Both the general description and the detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the features, as claimed.

[0120] It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimesAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0121] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0122] Thus, while certain embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention. For example, functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0123] The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other implementations, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description. While various implementations of the disclosure have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more implementations are possible within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 What is claimed is:

1. A sweetener composition comprising: one or more of an unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, an agglomerated rebaudioside, an agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, and a mixture of steviol glycosides; and at least one of a first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and a second encapsulated high intensity sweetener different from the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener; wherein each of the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener is one of saccharin and its salts, acesulfame and its salts, or another high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside; and wherein the sweetener composition is free of aspartame.

2. The sweetener composition of claim 1, comprising the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, the agglomerated rebaudioside, and the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the agglomerated rebaudioside is agglomerated rebaudioside M.

3. The sweetener composition of claim 2, wherein the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside is sodium saccharin and wherein the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener is an acesulfame salt and the acesulfame salt is acesulfame potassium (Ace K).

4. The sweetener composition of claim 1, comprising the agglomerated rebaudioside, the mixture of steviol glycosides, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener; wherein the agglomerated rebaudioside is agglomerated rebaudioside M.

5. The sweetener composition of claim 4, wherein the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener is an acesulfame salt and the acesulfame salt is acesulfame potassium (Ace K), and wherein the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener is a saccharin salt and the saccharin salt is sodium saccharin.Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 6. The sweetener composition of claim 1, comprising the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, the agglomerated rebaudioside, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the agglomerated rebaudioside is agglomerated rebaudioside M and wherein the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside is sodium saccharin.

7. The sweetener composition of claim 6, wherein the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener is an acesulfame salt and the acesulfame salt is acesulfame potassium (Ace K), and wherein the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener is a saccharin salt and the saccharin salt is sodium saccharin.

8. The sweetener composition of claim 1, comprising the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside is acesulfame potassium (Ace K).

9. The sweetener composition of claim 8, wherein the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener is an acesulfame salt and the acesulfame salt is acesulfame potassium (Ace K), and wherein the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener is a saccharin salt and the saccharin salt is sodium saccharin.

10. The sweetener composition of claim 1, comprising the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, the agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, and the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside is agglomerated saccharin.

11. The sweetener composition of claim 10, wherein the unencapsulated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside is sodium saccharin and wherein the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener is an acesulfame salt and the acesulfame salt is acesulfame potassium (Ace K).Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 12. The sweetener composition of claim 11, further comprising the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener is a saccharin salt and the saccharin salt is sodium saccharin.

13. The sweetener composition of claim 1, comprising the agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside, the mixture of steviol glycosides, the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener and the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener, wherein the agglomerated high intensity sweetener other than a steviol glycoside is agglomerated saccharin.

14. The sweetener composition of claim 13, wherein the first encapsulated high intensity sweetener is an acesulfame salt and the acesulfame salt is acesulfame potassium (Ace K), and wherein the second encapsulated high intensity sweetener is a saccharin salt and the saccharin salt is sodium saccharin.

15. A confectionery composition comprising the sweetener composition of claim 3, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.04% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated sodium saccharin; from about 0.40% to about 0.55% by weight of agglomerated rebaudioside M, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

16. A confectionery composition comprising the sweetener composition of claim 3, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated sodium saccharin; from about 0.30% to about 0.55% by weight of agglomerated rebaudioside M, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

17. A confectionery composition comprising the sweetener composition of claim 5, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.04% to about 0.20% by weight of the mixture of steviol glycosides, from about 0.25% to about 0.55% by weight of the agglomerated rebaudioside M, from about 0.50% to aboutAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 0.87% by weight of encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

18. A confectionery composition comprising the sweetener composition of claim 7, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.10% to about 0.40% by weight of the agglomerated rebaudioside M, from about 0.30% to about 0.50% by weight of encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

19. A confectionery composition comprising the sweetener composition of claim 9, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated acesulfame potassium, from about 0.30% to about 0.87% by weight of encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

20. A confectionery composition comprising the sweetener composition of claim 11, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.04% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.27% to about 0.37% by weight of the agglomerated saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

21. A confectionery composition comprising the sweetener composition of claim 11, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.20% to about 0.37% by weight of the agglomerated saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

22. A confectionery composition comprising the sweetener composition of claim 12, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 0.20% by weight of unencapsulated sodium saccharin, from about 0.07% to about 0.27% by weight of the agglomerated saccharin, from about 0.30% to about 0.50% by weight of encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium.Attorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 23. A confectionery composition comprising the sweetener composition of claim 14, wherein the confectionery composition comprises from about 0.04% to about 0.20% by weight of the mixture of steviol glycosides, from about 0.17% to about 0.27% by weight of the agglomerated saccharin, from about 0.50% to about 0.87% by weight of encapsulated sodium saccharin, and from about 0.40% to about 1.00% by weight of encapsulated acesulfame potassium.

24. A computer-implemented method for predicting a sweetness intensity of a chewing gum, the method comprising: receiving, by one or more processors, one or more sweetener inputs including one or more sweeteners and one or more corresponding sweetener values, wherein the one or more corresponding sweetener values correspond to a proportion of the chewing gum; isolating, by the one or more processors, each of the one or more sweeteners and the one or more corresponding sweetener values from the one or more sweetener inputs; retrieving, by the one or more processors, sweetener profile data for each of the one or more sweeteners, wherein the sweetener profile data includes normalized data predicting one or more sweetness concentrations of the one or more sweeteners for a time period; determining, by the one or more processors, a sweetness intensity prediction for all of the one or more sweeteners based on the proportion of the chewing gum, the sweetener profile data for each of the one or more sweeteners, and the time period; receiving, by the one or more processors, target profile data for the time period; and displaying, by the one or more processors, a visual representation of a comparison of the target profile data and the sweetness intensity prediction for the time period.

25. A coated confectionery product comprising: a confectionery center; andAttorney Docket No.: 00307-0089-00304 a coating comprising rebaudioside M surrounding or enrobing the confectionery center.

Images