Tobacco-containing gel composition

Abstract

To provide an enjoyable form of a tobacco product, such as a smokeless tobacco product, and to provide processes for preparing tobacco-containing compositions suitable for use in smokeless tobacco products.SOLUTION: A smokeless tobacco gel product is provided, including a tobacco material in an amount of at least about 0.01 wt.%, based on the total weight of the smokeless tobacco gel product; at least about 50 wt.% of one or more sugar alcohols; a humectant in an amount of at least about 0.1 wt.%; and water in an amount of at least about 10 wt.%. The tobacco material (e.g., particulate tobacco or a tobacco extract such as tobacco-derived nicotine) can be present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%. The humectant amount can be varied to vary properties of the gel product, with more paste-like consistency achieved with a humectant amount of at least about 7 wt.%, and with more syrup-like consistency achieved with a humectant amount of less than about 6 wt.%.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to products made from or derived from tobacco, or which otherwise incorporate tobacco or tobacco components, intended for human consumption. [Background technology]

[0002] Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are popular smoking articles that use tobacco in various forms. For example, a conventional cigarette has a substantially cylindrical rod-shaped structure and includes a charge, roll, or column of smoking material, such as cut tobacco (e.g., in cut filler form) surrounded by wrapping paper, thereby forming a so-called "smoking rod," "tobacco rod," or "cigarette rod." Tobacco can also be enjoyed in so-called smokeless forms. Particularly popular smokeless tobacco products are used by inserting some form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the user's oral cavity. See, for example, representative types of smokeless tobacco products referenced in the background art described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2011 / 0303511 to Brinkley et al. and 2013 / 0206150 to Duggins et al., which are incorporated herein by reference, as well as various smokeless tobacco formulations, ingredients, and processing methods.

[0003] It would be desirable to provide enjoyable forms of tobacco products, such as smokeless tobacco products, and to provide methods for preparing tobacco-containing compositions suitable for use in smokeless tobacco products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0303511 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0206150 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to dissolvable smokeless tobacco products configured for insertion into a user's oral cavity, and methods of preparing smokeless tobacco compositions suitable for use in smokeless tobacco products. The smokeless tobacco compositions of the present disclosure provide dissolvable smokeless tobacco gel products having a gel-type texture. The composition of the smokeless tobacco gel products disclosed herein can be varied to provide products with a wide range of textures and other physical properties, such as pasty or syrupy properties.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention provides a smokeless tobacco gel product comprising tobacco material in an amount of at least about 0.01 weight percent, one or more sugar alcohols in an amount of at least about 50 weight percent, a humectant in an amount of at least about 0.1 weight percent, and water in an amount of at least about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the smokeless tobacco gel product. In certain embodiments, the tobacco material (e.g., particulate tobacco or a tobacco extract, such as tobacco-derived nicotine) is present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent.

[0007] The claimed smokeless tobacco gel products will often comprise at least about 60 percent by weight of one or more sugar alcohols, such as at least about 65 percent by weight of one or more sugar alcohols. Exemplary sugar alcohols include erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribotol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, iditol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, polyglycitol, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the product comprises isomalt as the major sugar alcohol component, such as in combination with one or more of maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol, or xylitol. In some embodiments, isomalt comprises at least about 50% of the total sugar alcohol dry weight, such as at least about 60% of the total sugar alcohol dry weight.

[0008] The humectant may be present in some embodiments in an amount of at least about 1.0 weight percent. An exemplary humectant is glycerin. In one embodiment, the humectant is present in an amount of at least about 7 weight percent, such as in the case of certain smokeless tobacco gels having a paste-like consistency. In another embodiment, the humectant is present in an amount of less than about 6 weight percent, such as in the case of certain smokeless tobacco gels having a syrup consistency.

[0009] The water content of the gel product can vary, but is typically greater than about 14 weight percent water. In one embodiment, the water is present in an amount of about 15 to about 40 weight percent water.

[0010] Other ingredients may also be added to the smokeless tobacco gel products, such as sweeteners, salts, buffers, pH adjusters, colorants, flavorants, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the gel products are translucent. Various embodiments of the gel products may be characterized as having a syrupy, jelly-like, gelatinous, pasty, or toffee-like texture. In some embodiments, the gel products exhibit a residence time in the user's mouth of about 1 to about 10 minutes before complete dissolution of the product.

[0011] In one particular embodiment, the smokeless tobacco gel product comprises about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent nicotine, about 55 to about 80 weight percent one or more sugar alcohols, about 1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent humectant, and about 15 to about 40 weight percent water. Optionally, the product may further comprise one or more of the following: about 0.001 to about 0.1 weight percent one or more sweeteners, up to about 2 weight percent one or more flavoring agents, and up to about 2 weight percent salt.

[0012] The smokeless tobacco gel product may optionally further comprise an edible coating. For example, the edible coating may comprise a soft coating, a gel coating, or a hard coating. The composition of the edible coating may vary. In certain embodiments, the edible coating may comprise a second tobacco material. For example, in some embodiments, the edible coating comprises at least about 50 dry weight percent of one or more sugar alcohols or at least about 80 dry weight percent of one or more sugar alcohols. In some embodiments, the one or more sugar alcohols of the edible coating may comprise a sugar alcohol selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, and combinations thereof. The edible coatings described herein may include various other components, including, but not limited to, components selected from the group consisting of film-forming polymers, sweeteners, salts, humectants, buffers, pH adjusters, colorants, flavorants, and combinations thereof.

[0013] In another aspect, a method of preparing a smokeless tobacco gel product is provided, comprising mixing one or more sugar alcohols with a humectant and a tobacco material to form a gel mixture, and depositing the gel mixture in an airtight container or encapsulating the gel mixture with a coating composition to prevent the gel mixture from hardening in the presence of air. Heat may be applied during the mixing step (at any point during mixing, not necessarily for the entire duration of mixing) at a temperature below the hard crack stage of the one or more sugar alcohols. For a more pasty texture, the method may further comprise aerating the gel mixture.

[0014] Methods of encapsulation may include dipping the gel mixture into the coating composition and spraying the coating composition onto the gel mixture, or preparing the coating composition in the form of a sheet and encapsulating the gel mixture between two sheets of the coating composition.

[0015] Depositing the gel mixture into the airtight container may include depositing the gel mixture into a container with a dispensing mechanism adapted to propel the gel mixture toward an opening when operated by a consumer. Alternatively, the depositing step may include depositing the gel mixture into an air impermeable pouch or straw, the pouch or straw including at least one heat sealed or resealable end.

[0016] The present invention includes, but is not limited to, the following embodiments. Embodiment 1: A smokeless tobacco gel product comprising at least about 0.01 weight percent tobacco material, at least about 50 weight percent of one or more sugar alcohols, a humectant in an amount of at least about 0.1 weight percent, and water in an amount of at least about 10 weight percent, based on a total weight of the smokeless tobacco gel product. Embodiment 2: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the tobacco material is present in an amount from about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent. Embodiment 3: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the tobacco material comprises particulate tobacco. Embodiment 4: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the tobacco material comprises a tobacco extract. Embodiment 5: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the tobacco material comprises nicotine derived from tobacco. Embodiment 6: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, comprising at least about 60 percent by weight of one or more sugar alcohols. Embodiment 7: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, comprising at least about 65 percent by weight of one or more sugar alcohols. Embodiment 8: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the one or more sugar alcohols are selected from the group consisting of erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribotol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, iditol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, polyglycitol, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 9: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the one or more sugar alcohols are selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, xylitol, sorbitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 10: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the one or more sugar alcohols comprise isomalt as a major sugar alcohol component. Embodiment 11: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the one or more sugar alcohols further comprise one or more of maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol, and xylitol. Embodiment 12: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the isomalt constitutes at least about 50% of the total dry weight of the sugar alcohols. Embodiment 13: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the isomalt constitutes at least about 60% of the total dry weight of the sugar alcohols. Embodiment 14: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, comprising at least about 1.0 weight percent of a humectant. Embodiment 15: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the humectant is present in an amount of at least about 7 weight percent, and the smokeless tobacco gel has a paste-like consistency. Embodiment 16: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the humectant is present in an amount of less than about 6 weight percent, and the smokeless tobacco gel has the consistency of a syrup. Embodiment 17: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the humectant comprises glycerin. Embodiment 18: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, comprising greater than about 14 percent by weight water. Embodiment 19: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, comprising from about 15 to about 40 weight percent water. Embodiment 20: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the product further comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of sweeteners, salts, buffering agents, pH adjusting agents, colorants, flavoring agents, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 21: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the product is translucent. Embodiment 22: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the product exhibits a syrupy, jelly-like, gelatinous, pasty, or toffee-like texture. Embodiment 23: A smokeless tobacco gel product according to any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the product exhibits a residence time in the user's mouth of from about 1 to about 10 minutes prior to complete dissolution of the product. Embodiment 24: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, further comprising an edible coating. Embodiment 25: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the edible coating comprises a soft coating, a gel coating, or a hard coating. Embodiment 26: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the edible coating comprises a second tobacco material. Embodiment 27: A smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, comprising from about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent nicotine, from about 55 to about 80 weight percent of one or more sugar alcohols, from about 1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of a humectant, and from about 15 to about 40 weight percent water. Embodiment 28: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, further comprising one or more of the following: (a) from about 0.001 to about 0.1 weight percent of one or more sweeteners; (b) up to about 2 weight percent of one or more flavorants; and (c) up to about 2 weight percent of a salt. Embodiment 29: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the humectant is present in an amount of at least about 7 weight percent, and the smokeless tobacco gel has a paste-like consistency. Embodiment 30: The smokeless tobacco gel product of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the humectant is present in an amount of less than about 6 weight percent, and the smokeless tobacco gel has the consistency of a syrup. Embodiment 31: A method of preparing a smokeless tobacco gel product comprising mixing one or more sugar alcohols with a humectant and a tobacco material to form a gel mixture, and depositing the gel mixture in an airtight container or encapsulating the gel mixture with a coating composition to prevent the gel mixture from hardening in the presence of air. Embodiment 32: The method of any preceding or following embodiment, further comprising applying heat during said mixing step at a temperature below the hard crack stage of the one or more sugar alcohols. Embodiment 33: The method of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the encapsulating step comprises: (a) immersing the gel mixture in a coating composition; (b) spraying a coating composition onto the gel mixture; or (c) preparing a coating composition in the form of a sheet and encapsulating the gel mixture between two sheets of the coating composition. Embodiment 34: The method of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the step of depositing the gel mixture into an airtight container comprises depositing the gel mixture into a container equipped with a dispensing mechanism adapted to propel the gel mixture towards an opening when operated by a consumer. Embodiment 35: The method of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the step of depositing the gel mixture in an airtight container comprises depositing the gel mixture in an air impermeable pouch or straw, the pouch or straw comprising at least one heat sealed or resealable end. Embodiment 36: The method of any preceding or following embodiment, wherein the mixing step further comprises incorporating into the gel mixture one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of sweeteners, salts, buffering agents, pH adjusting agents, colorants, flavoring agents, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 37: The method of any preceding or following embodiment, further comprising aerating the gel mixture to impart a pasty texture to the gel mixture.

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-described embodiments, and any combination of two, three, four, or more features or elements described in this disclosure, whether or not such features or elements are expressly combined in the description of a particular embodiment herein. This disclosure is intended to be read in its entirety such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, should be viewed as intended to be combinable, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] To aid in the understanding of embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and which are illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a packaged smokeless tobacco gel product with a cutaway portion showing the contents of the packaged product. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a side view of a further embodiment of a packaged smokeless tobacco gel product including a dispensing container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The present invention will now be described more fully below. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. As used in this specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to "percent dry weight" or "dry weight basis" refer to weight based on dry ingredients (i.e., all ingredients except water).

[0020] The present invention provides novel nicotine- and / or tobacco-containing products suitable for use as oral formulations. Certain gels of the present disclosure typically include at least one tobacco material (e.g., particulate tobacco material or tobacco-derived extract), one or more sugar alcohols, and a humectant.

[0021] The products described herein are generally dissolvable oral gel products. In some embodiments, oral gel products may be described as "hard gels" or "soft gels." By the term "gel" as used herein, a solid, semi-solid, or viscous liquid material having some degree of flexibility and / or flowability is intended. The stiffness, texture, consistency, viscosity, and rheological properties of gels according to the present invention may vary. For example, certain embodiments of gels of the present invention may be characterized as thixotropic. Additional embodiments may be characterized as thick and syrupy. Certain embodiments may be characterized as having physical properties resembling gelatin, jelly, paste, glue, taffy, honey, and the like. Thus, gels may have various levels of shape retention, elasticity, rubberiness, stickiness, flowability, and the like. As used herein, the terms "dissolve," "dissolving," and "dissolvable" refer to compositions having water-soluble components that interact with moisture in the oral cavity to go into solution, thereby causing gradual consumption of the product. The products of the present disclosure do not typically exhibit highly deformable chewing characteristics that may be found in conventional chewing gums.

[0022] In certain embodiments of the present invention, gels are provided that have syrupy properties, such as gels that exhibit a fluidity and viscosity similar to honey, in other embodiments, the present invention provides gels that have properties associated with pastes, such as gels that exhibit a viscosity and texture similar to toothpaste.

[0023] The above-mentioned properties of the gels of the present invention can be altered by adjusting the composition. For example, adjusting the water content of the gel formulation can result in adjusting certain gel properties. Furthermore, adjusting the amount of humectant such as glycerin can change the properties of the resulting gel. In addition, the presence or absence of certain binders can affect many of the above-mentioned properties of the gel.

[0024] The products of the present disclosure typically incorporate some form of tobacco species plant, and most preferably, the composition or compositions incorporate some form of tobacco. The selection of plants from the tobacco species may vary, particularly the type of tobacco(s). Tobacco that may be used includes Flue-cured or Virginia (e.g., K326), Burley, Sun-cured (e.g., Indian Kurnool and Oriental tobaccos, including Katerini, Prilep, Komotini, Xanthi, and Yambol tobaccos), Maryland, Dark, Dark Fired, Dark Air-cured (e.g., Pasanda, Cubano, Jatin, and Bezuki tobaccos), Light Air-cured (e.g., North Wisconsin and Galpao tobaccos), Indian Air-cured, Red Russian, and Rustic tobacco, as well as various other rare or specialty tobaccos. Descriptions of various tobacco species, cultivation practices, and harvesting practices are set forth in Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology, Davis et al. (Eds.) (1999), which is incorporated herein by reference. Tobacco species may be derived using genetic modification or breeding techniques (e.g., tobacco plants may be genetically modified or bred to increase or decrease the production of, or to change other specific components, characteristics, or attributes). Additional information regarding species of the genus Nicotiana suitable for use in the present invention may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0192880 to Dube et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Tobacco plants may be grown in greenhouses, growth chambers, or outdoor fields, or grown hydroponically.

[0025] The part(s) of the Nicotiana plant used according to the present invention may vary. For example, virtually all of the plant (e.g., the whole plant) may be harvested and used as such. Alternatively, various parts or pieces of the plant may be harvested or separated for further use after harvest. For example, leaves, stems, axes, roots, laminae, flowers, seeds, and various parts, as well as combinations thereof, may be isolated for further use or processing. The plant material of the present invention may thus include the whole plant or any part of the Nicotiana plant. See, for example, the parts of the Nicotiana plant described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0174323 to Coleman, III et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0192880 to Dube et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] The Nicotiana plant may be used in either its immature or mature form, and in either its green or dried form, as described in Dube et al., 2012 / 0192880, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0027] The tobacco material may be subjected to various treatment processes such as refrigeration, freezing, drying (e.g., freeze-drying or spray-drying), irradiation, yellowing, heating, cooking (e.g., roasting, frying, or boiling), fermentation, bleaching, or treatment for storage or later use. Exemplary processing techniques are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009 / 0025739 to Brinkley et al. and 2011 / 0174323 to Coleman, III et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] The tobacco material may be treated with enzymes and / or live bacteria before or after harvesting, as discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013 / 0269719 to Marshall et al. and 2014 / 0020694 to Moldoveanu, which are incorporated herein by reference. The tobacco material may be subjected to irradiation, pasteurization, or heat treatment. Exemplary processes are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009 / 0025738 to Mua et al., 2009 / 0025739 to Brinkley et al., and 2011 / 0247640 to Beeson et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, the tobacco material is heat treated in the presence of water, NaOH, and additives (e.g., lysine) at about 88° C. for about 60 minutes. Such heat treatment may help prevent acrylamide formation resulting from the reaction of asparagine with reducing sugars in the tobacco material and may provide a degree of pasteurization. See, for example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0300463 to Chen et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. The tobacco material can be contacted with an imprinted or non-imprinted polymer, for example, as described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2007 / 0186940 to Bhattacharyya et al., 2011 / 0041859 to Rees et al., 2011 / 0159160 to Jonsson et al., and 2012 / 0291793 to Byrd et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] The harvested part(s) of the Nicotiana plant may be physically processed. The plant part(s) may be separated into individual parts or pieces (e.g., roots may be removed from the axis, stems may be removed from the axis, leaves may be removed from the stem and / or axis, and petals may be removed from the remaining parts of the flower). The harvested part(s) of the plant may be further subdivided into parts or pieces (e.g., chopped, cut, crushed, pulverized, crushed, or ground into pieces or pieces that may be characterized as filler-type pieces, granules, particles, or fine powders). The harvested part(s) of the plant may be subjected to an external force or pressure (e.g., by being squeezed or exposed to a roll process). When carrying out such processing conditions, the harvested part(s) of the plant may have a moisture content that is close to its natural moisture content (e.g., its moisture content immediately after harvest), a moisture content that is achieved by adding moisture to the harvested part(s) of the plant, or a moisture content that results from drying the harvested part(s) of the plant.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the tobacco material is used in a form that can be described as particulate (i.e., shredded, ground, granulated, or in powder form). The manner in which the tobacco material is provided in a comminuted or powdered form can vary. Preferably, the plant parts or pieces are crushed, ground, or pulverized into particulate form using equipment and techniques for grinding, milling, and the like. Most preferably, the plant material is relatively dry during grinding or milling using equipment such as hammer mills, cutter heads, air control mills, and the like. For example, tobacco parts or pieces can be ground or milled when their moisture content is less than about 15 weight percent or less than about 5 weight percent. Most preferably, the tobacco material is used in the form of parts or pieces having an average particle size of less than about 50 micrometers. In one embodiment, the average particle size of the tobacco particulates can be about 25 micrometers or less. In some cases, the tobacco particulates are sized to pass through a sieve. If desired, air classification equipment can be used to ensure that small tobacco particulates of a desired size or of various sizes can be collected. If desired, granulated tobacco fragments of different sizes may be mixed. The use of finely ground tobacco particles (or other botanical components of fine size) can be advantageous when a user desires to reduce or eliminate post-use product waste.

[0031] In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the tobacco material used in the tobacco composition or product may be in the form of an extract. The tobacco extract may be obtained by extracting tobacco using a solvent having water-soluble properties, such as distilled water or tap water. Thus, a water-soluble tobacco extract may be provided by extracting tobacco with water such that the water-insoluble pulp material is separated from the aqueous solvent and the water-soluble and dispersible tobacco components are dissolved and dispersed therein.Exemplary techniques for extracting tobacco components are described in U.S. Patents 4,144,895 to Fiore, 4,150,677 to Osborne, Jr. et al., 4,267,847 to Reid, 4,289,147 to Wildman et al., 4,351,346 to Brummer et al., 4,359,059 to Brummer et al., 4,506,682 to Muller, 4,589,428 to Keritsis, 4,605,016 to Soga et al., 4,716,911 to Poulose et al., 4,716,911 to Niven, No. 4,727,889 to Jr. et al., No. 4,887,618 to Bernasek et al., No. 4,941,484 to Clapp et al., No. 4,967,771 to Fagg et al., No. 4,986,286 to Roberts et al., No. 5,005,593 to Fagg et al., No. 5,018,540 to Grubbs et al., No. 5,060,669 to White et al., No. 5,065,775 to Fagg, No. 5,074,319 to White et al., No. 5,099,862 to White et al., No. 5,121,757 to White et al., No. 5,121,757 to Fagg ... No. 5,131,414 to Munoz et al., No. 5,148,819 to Fagg, No. 5,197,494 to Kramer, No. 5,230,354 to Smith et al., No. 5,234,008 to Fagg, No. 5,243,999 to Smith, No. 5,301,694 to Raymond et al., No. 5,318,050 to Gonzalez-Parra et al., No. 5,343,879 to Teague, No. 5,360,022 to Newton, No. 5,435,325 to Clapp et al., No. 5,435,325 to Brinkley No. 5,445,169 to Lauterbach et al., No. 6,131,584 to Turpen et al., No. 6,284,875 to Kierulff et al., No. 6,298,859 to Mua et al., No. 6,772,767 to Mua et al., No. 6,817,970 to Berit et al., No. 6,906,172 to Bratcher et al., No. 7,034,128 to Turpen et al., No. 7,048,211 to Bratcher et al., and No. 7,337,782 to Thompson, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.See also the ultrafiltered translucent tobacco extracts described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013 / 0074855 and 2013 / 0074856 to Holton, Jr., both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] Tobacco-derived extracts will typically comprise a mixture of desired components isolated from plants of the Nicotiana genus by various means. However, if desired, tobacco-derived extracts can be highly purified with respect to a single component of the extract or a small number of extract components. Typical separation processes that can further purify or isolate components of tobacco extracts include one or more process steps, such as solvent extraction (e.g., using polar solvents, organic solvents, or supercritical fluids), chromatography (e.g., preparative liquid chromatography), clarification, distillation, filtration (e.g., ultrafiltration), recrystallization, and / or partitioning between solvents. In some embodiments, the plant or a portion thereof is pretreated, for example, to liberate certain compounds to make the desired compounds available for more efficient separation. In some embodiments, multiple methods are used to isolate and / or purify the desired compounds. See, for example, the descriptions of isolated tobacco components and isolation techniques in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0174323 to Coleman, III et al., 2011 / 0259353 to Coleman, III et al., 2012 / 0192880 to Dube et al., 2012 / 0192882 to Dube et al., and 2012 / 0211016 to Byrd, Jr. et al., which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0033] The tobacco extracts used in the smokeless tobacco gel products of the present disclosure may be characterized as translucent or transparent in some embodiments. In certain embodiments, such extracts may be characterized by the molecular weight of their constituents. For example, translucent tobacco extracts may consist of compounds with a molecular weight of less than about 50,000 Da., or compounds with a molecular weight of less than about 5,000 Da. The translucency of tobacco extracts may be characterized by a percent light transmittance (compared to 100% transmittance of water), such as a percent light transmittance of at least about 30% at visible wavelengths above about 600 nm, or a percent light transmittance of at least about 40% at visible wavelengths above about 600 nm, or a percent light transmittance of at least about 50% at visible wavelengths above about 600 nm (or even higher levels, such as greater than about 60%, or greater than about 70%, or greater than about 80%, at visible wavelengths above about 600 nm).

[0034] The above reference to "tobacco extract" includes extracts that are highly purified with respect to one or a few components. For example, highly purified tobacco-derived nicotine (e.g., pharmaceutical grade nicotine having a purity of more than 98% or more than 99%) or derivatives thereof can be used in the present invention. Representative nicotine-containing extracts can be provided using the techniques described in U.S. Patent No. 5,159,942 to Brinkley et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Extracts that contain a relatively high nicotine content can be buffered, for example, using a buffering agent such as citric acid to lower the pH of the extract.

[0035] The form of the tobacco extract (or isolate) obtained according to the present invention may vary. Typically, the isolate is in solid, liquid, or semi-solid form. The formulation may be used in specific, absolute, or undiluted form. Solid forms of tobacco isolate may include spray-dried and freeze-dried forms (e.g., freeze-dried flue-cured extract or spray-dried fire-cured extract). Liquid forms of tobacco isolate include formulations contained within an aqueous or organic solvent carrier.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the gel of the present invention may contain nicotine in any form from any source, whether from tobacco or synthetic. Typically, the nicotine compound used in the present invention is selected from the group consisting of nicotine base, nicotine hydrochloride, nicotine dihydrochloride, nicotine monotartrate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine sulfate, nicotine zinc chloride, such as nicotine zinc chloride monohydrate, and nicotine salicylate. In some embodiments, the nicotine is in a free base form, which can be optionally incorporated onto a carrier (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose) for inclusion in a smokeless tobacco product. See, for example, the nicotine / carrier compositions described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004 / 0191322 to Hansson, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] The relative amount of tobacco material within a smokeless tobacco composition can vary and depends in part on the type of tobacco material used (e.g., ground tobacco or tobacco extract). Preferably, the total amount of tobacco material (from any source, including tobacco extract or isolate and particulate tobacco material) blend within the smokeless tobacco gel is about 0.01 to about 40 weight percent, more typically about 0.2 to about 20 weight percent (e.g., about 0.3 to about 10 weight percent), based on the total weight of the composition. For embodiments containing only tobacco extract as the tobacco component (including pharmaceutical grade nicotine), the gel will typically contain about 10 weight percent or less of tobacco components, such as about 8 weight percent or less, about 5 weight percent or less, or about 3 weight percent or less (e.g., about 0.01 to about 10 weight percent). For embodiments containing particulate tobacco components (e.g., tobacco fine powder), either as the sole tobacco component or in combination with tobacco extract, the gel will typically contain about 20 weight percent or less of tobacco components, such as about 15 weight percent or less, about 10 weight percent or less, or about 8 weight percent or less (e.g., about 1 to about 12 weight percent). The amount of tobacco material (or a combination of tobacco material and other botanical components) will typically not exceed 50 weight percent.

[0038] In addition to (or in certain embodiments, instead of) the tobacco materials, the products of the invention may include additional non-tobacco botanical materials. As used herein, the term "botanical material" refers to any plant material, including plant material in its natural form and plant material derived from natural plant material, such as plant material or extracts or isolates from treated plant material (e.g., plant material that has been subjected to heat treatment, fermentation, or other treatment processes that can modify the chemical properties of the material). In this disclosure, "botanical material" includes, but is not limited to, "herbal material," which refers to seed-bearing plants (e.g., teas or herbal teas) that do not grow persistent woody tissue and are often valued for their medicinal or sensory properties. Certain botanical materials of this type are sometimes referred to as dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, "phytochemicals," or "functional foods."Exemplary botanical materials include acai berry, alfalfa, allspice, annatto seed, apricot oil, basil, bee balm, wild bergamot, black pepper, blueberry, borage oil, serrano root, cacao, calamus root, catnip, catuaba, cayenne pepper, chaga, chervil, cinnamon, dark chocolate, potato skin, grape seed, ginseng, ginkgo, St. John's wort, saw palmetto, green tea, black tea, black cohosh, cayenne, chamomile, cloves, cocoa powder, cranberry, dandelion, grapefruit, honeybush, echinacea, garlic, evening primrose, feverfew, ginger, goldenseal, hawthorn, hibiscus flower, sweet arrowroot, kava, lavender, licorice, These include, but are not limited to, marjoram, milk thistle, mint (menth), oolong tea, beet root, orange, oregano, papaya, pennyroyal, peppermint, red clover, rooibos (red or green), rose hips, rosemary, sage, clary sage, savory, spearmint, spirulina, slippery elm bark, sorghum bran high tannin species, sorghum grain high tannin species, sumac bran, comfrey leaves and root, goji berry, gotu kola, thyme, turmeric, uva ursi, valerian, wild yam root, wintergreen, yacon root, yellow dock, yerba mate, yerba santa, bacopa monniera, ashwagandha, and milk thistle, many of which have been associated with antioxidant properties. When present in the composition, such botanical materials may be used in the same forms (e.g., ground particles or extracts) as described above for tobacco, and the amounts utilized will typically be such that the total tobacco and non-tobacco botanical materials fall within the total amounts set forth above for tobacco material in the compositions of the present invention. In other words, the total content of tobacco and non-tobacco botanical materials will typically be from about 0.1 to about 40 weight percent, more typically from about 0.2 to about 20 weight percent (e.g., from about 0.3 to about 12 weight percent), based on the total weight of the composition.Most preferably, the non-tobacco botanical material is used in the form of an aqueous extract (eg, a freeze-dried or spray-dried extract) or a powder (eg, having an average particle size of less than about 50 micrometers).

[0039] In certain embodiments, the non-tobacco plant will provide advantageous sensory properties (e.g., taste, aroma, or color) or other functional benefits, such as acting as a binder or filler. In certain embodiments, the non-tobacco plant may be associated with health benefits, such as desirable bioactivity or antioxidant properties. In particularly preferred embodiments, the non-tobacco botanical components will complement the sensory properties associated with the tobacco-derived materials in the formulation, and in some cases may even provide tobacco-like sensory properties. In some embodiments, the presence of the non-tobacco plant will be associated with mouth and throat sensory properties that are not inconsistent with the overall desirable sensory properties of the product, and in some cases may contribute to reducing mouth and / or throat irritation otherwise associated with the formulation. Green tea (Camellia sinesis), guayusa, rooibos (especially green rooibos), and honeybush (especially red honeybush) are particularly advantageous non-tobacco botanical components that may lead to the desirable properties mentioned above.

[0040] Honeybush (genus Cyclopia) is a flowering plant in the legume family named for its honey-like floral scent. Honeybush plants are indigenous to South Africa, and exemplary species include Cyclopia genistoides, Cyclopia longifolia, Cyclopia maculata, Cyclopia subternata, and Cyclopia intermedia. The leaves of the honeybush plant are sometimes used in herbal teas. The shoots (leaves and twigs) of the honeybush plant are typically harvested and chopped or shredded. This plant material can then be used as is in its lighter, less sweet "green" form, or subjected to a fermentation process to produce "red" honeybush, which is sweeter and has a rich amber color. Both forms of honeybush can be purchased from specialty tea distributors. The honeybush plant is rich in antioxidants such as mangiferin and has been studied for its potential cancer prevention benefits. See Kokotkiewicz, A & Luczkiewics, M. 2009. Honeybush (Cyclopia sp.) - A rich source of compounds with high antimutagenic properties. Fitoterapia 80 (2009) 3-11. In certain embodiments, honeybush is present in an amount of about 1 to about 5 weight percent in the form of an aqueous extract, or about 5 to about 10 weight percent, such as up to about 15 weight percent in the form of a powder.

[0041] Similar to honeybush, rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is a flowering plant of the legume family native to South Africa, whose leaves are also used in herbal teas. Rooibos plants are harvested and processed in a manner similar to honeybush, and are available in green or red (fermented) forms. Both forms of rooibos can be purchased from specialty tea distributors. Rooibos plants are rich in antioxidants and are being studied for their potential health benefits. See The Science Behind Roobios - South Africa's Unique and Healthy Herbal Tea, South African Rooibos Council, July 2013. In certain embodiments, rooibos is present in an amount of about 1 to about 5 weight percent in the form of an aqueous extract, or up to about 15 weight percent, such as about 5 to about 10 weight percent in the form of a powder.

[0042] The smokeless tobacco compositions of the present disclosure typically include at least one sugar alcohol, and compositions of the present invention often contain multiple sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols are polyols derived from mono- or disaccharides, having partially or fully hydrogenated forms. Exemplary sugar alcohols have from about 4 to about 20 carbon atoms and include erythritol, arabitol, ribitol, isomalt, polyglycitol, maltitol, dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, sorbitol, and combinations thereof (e.g., hydrogenated starch hydrolysates). Sugar alcohols are typically added to the compositions of the present disclosure in the form of an aqueous solution or suspension, such as a solution or suspension having a solids content of about 50 to about 90 percent by weight. Sugar alcohols can serve multiple functions, such as providing sweetness, enhancing certain organoleptic properties, such as texture and mouthfeel, and increasing the cohesiveness or compressibility of the product.

[0043] Sugar Alcohol Combinations Typically Utilized in the Invention The exact combination of sugar alcohols used in a given formulation may be selected based on several factors, including laxative threshold, relative sweetness, caloric content, glycemic index, degree of hygroscopicity, etc. In the present invention, the major sugar alcohol component is typically isomalt, which is typically used in an amount of at least about 50% of the total dry weight of the sugar alcohols, such as at least about 60%, or at least about 70%, or at least about 80% on a dry weight basis. An exemplary weight percentage of isomalt as a percentage of the total dry weight of the sugar alcohols is about 65 to about 85% (e.g., about 70 to about 85%).

[0044] The sugar alcohol combination will also include at least one additional sugar alcohol, and in certain embodiments will include at least two additional sugar alcohols. In certain embodiments, the additional sugar alcohol will include two additional sugar alcohols in a dry weight ratio of at least about 1.5:1, at least about 2:1, or at least about 2.5:1. Exemplary sugar alcohols useful as the major component in this ratio include erythritol, maltitol, or sorbitol. Examples of the minor component in this ratio include maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol, or xylitol.

[0045] The total sugar alcohol content of the gels of the present invention will typically range from about 50 to about 90 weight percent, such as from about 60 to about 85 weight percent, or from about 65 to about 80 weight percent, based on the total weight of the gel. The sugar alcohol content of the gel will typically be at least about 50 weight percent, or at least about 55 weight percent, or at least about 60 weight percent. The sugar alcohol content of the gel will typically not exceed about 90 weight percent, such as not more than about 85 weight percent, or not more than about 80 weight percent.

[0046] Humectants (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol) may be used in an amount sufficient to provide desired moisture attributes to the smokeless tobacco composition. Additionally, in some cases, the humectant may impart desirable flow properties to the smokeless tobacco composition. When present, representative amounts of humectants will be at least about 0.1 weight percent, or at least about 0.5 weight percent, or at least about 1.0 weight percent, but will typically comprise less than about 20 weight percent (e.g., from about 1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, such as from about 2 weight percent to about 15 weight percent) of the total weight of the composition.

[0047] The amount of humectant can have a significant effect on the overall flowability and other properties of the gel. Gels having a paste-like consistency will typically have a higher amount of humectant, such as more than about 7 weight percent, more than about 8 weight percent, or more than about 9 weight percent (e.g., about 8 to about 15 weight percent). Gels having a syrup-like consistency (e.g., honey) will typically contain less humectant, such as less than about 6 weight percent, less than about 5 weight percent, or less than about 4 weight percent (e.g., about 2 to about 6 weight percent).

[0048] Gels of the present invention will typically contain a significant amount of water. The total water content of gels of the present invention will typically be greater than about 10 weight percent based on the total weight of the gel formulation, such as greater than about 12 weight percent or greater than about 14 weight percent. The water content of gels of the present invention will typically not exceed about 45 weight percent, such as less than about 40 weight percent or less than about 35 weight percent. Gels with a more pasty consistency will typically have a higher water content (e.g., about 25 to about 40 weight percent), while gels with a more syrupy gel structure will typically have a lower water content (e.g., about 15 to about 25 weight percent).

[0049] The tobacco material (and / or botanical material) combinations used in making the smokeless tobacco gel products may be processed, blended, compounded, combined, and mixed with other materials or ingredients in addition to the components listed above. See, for example, the representative components, combinations of components, relative amounts of those components and ingredients to tobacco, and systems and methods for using those components, set forth in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2007 / 0062549 to Holton et al. and 2007 / 0186941 to Holton et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] Thus, provided herein are gel smokeless tobacco products that may further include one or more additional components, which may be artificial or may be obtained or derived from herbal or biological sources.Exemplary types of additional components include salts (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, flour salt, etc.), natural sweeteners (e.g., fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, mannose, galactose, lactose, stevia, etc.), artificial sweeteners (e.g., sucralose, sucrose, isomaltulose, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, neotame, etc.), organic and inorganic fillers (e.g., grains, processed grains, puffed grains, maltodextrin, dextrose, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, corn syrup, etc.), and mixtures thereof. starch, lactose, fine cellulose, etc.), binders (e.g., povidone, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and other modified cellulose-type binders, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, starch-based binders, gum arabic, agar, gellan gum, polydextrose, etc.), gelling agents (e.g., fish gelatin, sorghum malt, or carrageenan), pH adjusters or buffers (e.g., metal hydroxides, preferably sodium hydroxide, and other alkali metal buffers such as alkali metal hydroxides, such as potassium hydroxide, and metal carbonates, preferably potassium carbonate or sodium carbonate, or metal bicarbonates such as baking soda), emulsifiers, colorants (e.g., dyes and pigments including caramel color, titanium dioxide, and the like), humectants (e.g., glycerin, and the like), effervescent materials such as certain acid / base combinations, lipids / oils (e.g., coconut oil, lecithins such as sunflower lecithin, palm kernel oil, and palm oil), oral care components (e.g., thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, food grade aloe vera gel, and zinc), preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate, and the like), syrups (e.g., honey, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, and the like), disintegration or compression aids (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate, pregelatinized corn starch, and the like), flavorings and flavoring mixtures, antioxidants, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary encapsulation components are described, for example, in Atchley, International Publication No. WO 2010 / 132444, which is incorporated herein by reference.Other exemplary types of components may include those described, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2010 / 0291245 to Gao et al., 2012 / 0055494 to Hunt et al., and 2012 / 0199145 to Byrd et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] Such components may be provided in powder or granulated form for mixing with the tobacco material formulation, or may be provided in liquid form. Most preferably, the additional components, when provided in powder or granulated form, are used in the form of pieces or pieces having an average particle size of less than about 50 micrometers. According to some embodiments, the average particle size of the components may be about 25 micrometers or less. The moisture content of the components provided in powder or granulated form may vary. The selection of the specific percentages and ingredients will depend on the desired flavor, texture, and other characteristics.

[0052] As used herein, a "flavoring agent" or "flavoring agent" is any flavorful or aromatic substance that can modify the sensory characteristics associated with a smokeless tobacco composition. Exemplary sensory characteristics that can be modified by a flavoring agent include taste, mouthfeel, moistness, coolness / heat, and / or aroma / scent. Flavoring agents can be natural or synthetic, and their flavor characteristics can be described as, but are not limited to, fresh, sweet, herbal, confectionery, floral, fruit, or spicy. Specific types of flavors include, but are not limited to, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cream, mint (e.g., mint oil), spearmint, menthol, peppermint, wintergreen, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, jasmine, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, and strawberry. Flavoring agents utilized in the present disclosure may also include components that are considered moistening, cooling, or smoothing agents, such as eucalyptus. These flavoring agents may be provided neat (i.e., alone) or in combination (e.g., spearmint and menthol or orange and cinnamon). In some cases, flavoring agents may be provided in spray-dried or liquid form. Flavoring agents are typically present in amounts of about 0.05 to about 5 weight percent, often about 0.1 to about 2 weight percent.

[0053] Sweeteners may be used in natural or artificial form, or as a combination of artificial and natural sweeteners. In certain embodiments, the composition may advantageously include sucralose as a sweetener. When present, the amount of a representative sweetener, whether an artificial sweetener and / or a natural sugar, may comprise at least about 0.001 percent, at least about 0.01 percent, or at least about 0.1 percent of the total weight of the composition. Exemplary gel smokeless tobacco compositions described herein include less than about 10 weight percent, less than about 8 weight percent, less than about 5 weight percent, or less than about 2 weight percent of sweetener. An exemplary range of sweetener in the gel smokeless tobacco composition of the present disclosure is from about 0.001 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, for example, from about 0.002 weight percent to about 0.5 weight percent.

[0054] Salt (e.g., sodium chloride, finely divided table salt) may be used in an amount sufficient to provide the desired sensory attributes to the smokeless tobacco composition. If present, a representative amount of salt will be at least about 0.1 weight percent or at least about 0.2 weight percent, but typically will comprise less than about 5 percent (e.g., about 0.1 to about 2 weight percent) of the total weight of the composition.

[0055] Preferred buffering agents buffer within a pH range of about 6 to about 10, and exemplary buffering agents include metal hydroxides (e.g., NaOH), metal carbonates, metal bicarbonates, or mixtures thereof. Buffering agents are typically present in an amount of less than about 1 percent based on the weight of the formulation.

[0056] The binder (or combination of binders) or gelling agent may be used in an amount sufficient to provide the smokeless tobacco composition with desired physical attributes (e.g., gel-like properties) and physical integrity. In certain embodiments, the binder or gelling agent may be beneficial for retarding recrystallization of the sugar alcohol component of the gel. Exemplary binders or gelling agents include natural gums such as carrageenan and gum arabic. Representative amounts of binders or gelling agents may comprise at least about 5 percent or at least about 10 percent of the total weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, the binder component(s) of the composition will be present in an amount of at least about 20 percent by weight, at least about 25 percent by weight, at least about 30 percent by weight, at least about 35 percent by weight, or at least about 40 percent by weight. Often, the amount of binder in a desired composition will not exceed about 50 percent of the total weight of the composition. Thus, the total amount of binder in certain embodiments can range from about 5 weight percent to about 50 weight percent (eg, from about 10 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, such as from about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent).

[0057] In certain embodiments, the binder material comprises natural gum. As used herein, natural gum refers to naturally occurring polysaccharide materials useful as thickening or gelling agents. When present, natural gum binder materials are typically present in an amount of at least about 15 percent by weight, or at least about 20 percent by weight, or at least about 25 percent by weight. Representative natural gums derived from plants are typically water-soluble to some extent and include agar, xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, gum karaya, locust bean gum, gellan gum, and combinations thereof.

[0058] Lipid components in such gel compositions include, but are not limited to, fats, oils, or waxy substances (or combinations thereof). Exemplary fats that may be used include palm oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, and combinations thereof. According to some aspects, the lipid material may be hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, or non-hydrogenated. In some cases, the lipid material may include a blend of lipid components. For example, the lipid material may include a blend of palm oil and palm kernel oil. Further information regarding lipid components is provided, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012 / 0037175 to Cantrell et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. The relative amount of lipid material in the smokeless tobacco composition may vary. If present, the lipid component may be present in some embodiments in an amount of at least about 5 weight percent or at least about 10 weight percent based on the total weight of the gel formulation. Exemplary lipid weight ranges include about 1 to about 40 weight percent, more typically about 1 to about 30 weight percent.

[0059] The acidity or alkalinity of a smokeless tobacco product, often characterized in terms of pH, can vary and will depend in part on whether the product is formulated with a pH adjuster (e.g., citric acid) or buffer. Typically, the pH of the formulation will be in the range of about 4 to about 9. If a base or alkaline buffer is present, the pH will typically be toward the higher end of this range, such as about 6.5 to about 8. If the product is formulated without a pH adjuster or buffer, in certain embodiments, the pH will be in the range of about 4.5 to about 6.5. A typical technique for determining the pH of a smokeless tobacco formulation involves dispersing 5 g of the formulation in 100 ml of high performance liquid chromatography water and measuring the pH of the resulting suspension / solution (e.g., by a pH meter).

[0060] Certain representative smokeless tobacco compositions may incorporate about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent nicotine (e.g., tobacco-derived nicotine), about 55 to about 80 weight percent of one or more sugar alcohols, about 1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of a humectant (e.g., glycerin), about 15 to about 40 weight percent water, optionally about 0.001 to about 0.1 weight percent of one or more sweeteners, one or more optional flavoring agents present in a total amount of up to about 2 percent, and optionally salt in an amount of up to about 2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the smokeless tobacco gel composition. For embodiments of the above compositions having a more paste-like consistency, the humectant content is greater than about 7 weight percent, greater than about 8 weight percent, or greater than about 9 weight percent (e.g., about 7 to about 15 weight percent). For embodiments of the composition having a more syrupy consistency, the humectant content is less than about 6 weight percent, less than about 5 weight percent, or less than about 4 weight percent (e.g., about 2 to about 6 weight percent). In certain embodiments of the composition, the major sugar alcohol component is isomalt, typically in an amount of at least about 50% of the total dry weight of sugar alcohols, such as at least about 60%, or at least about 70%, or at least about 80% by dry weight. In certain embodiments, the one or more sugar alcohols will primarily include isomalt in combination with one or more of maltitol, sorbitol, and erythritol.

[0061] Exemplary smokeless tobacco gel products according to the present invention may have a wide variety of formats and configurations, and as a result, the nature, properties, behavior, consistency, shape, form, size, and weight of the composition may vary. The shape of the exemplary composition may be generally spherical, cylindrical (e.g., ranging from the general shape of a flat disk to the general shape of a relatively elongated rod), helical, obloid, square, rectangular, etc., or the composition may have the form of beads, capsules, films, strips, etc. The shape of the composition may resemble a wide range of products in the form of pills, tablets, lozenges, capsules, and caplets. According to one embodiment, the smokeless tobacco gel product may preferably last in the user's oral cavity for about 1 to about 10 minutes until it completely dissolves. For smokeless tobacco gel products with an external coating, this time refers to the time for both the coating and the gel composition contained therein to dissolve. Typically, the amount of time required for the coating to dissolve is less than the amount of time required for the gel composition to dissolve. For example, in certain coated products, the coating may dissolve in the user's mouth in about 0.5 to about 5 minutes (e.g., about 0.5 to about 2 minutes, such as about 1 minute) and the gel composition may dissolve in the user's mouth in about 3 to about 10 minutes (e.g., about 5 to about 8 minutes, such as about 7 minutes). Preferably, the product does not leave any residue in the user's mouth to any significant extent and does not impart a smooth, waxy, or degummable sensation to the user's mouth. Advantageously, the product may exhibit any type of gel, syrup, jelly, gelatinous, taffy, or pasty mouthfeel.

[0062] The appearance of the smokeless gel products provided herein may vary. In certain embodiments, the gel products may exhibit some degree of translucency (e.g., having a percent light transmittance of at least about 30% at visible wavelengths above about 600 nm, or a percent light transmittance of at least about 40% at visible wavelengths above about 600 nm, or a percent light transmittance of at least about 50% at visible wavelengths above about 600 nm (or even higher levels, such as greater than about 60%, or greater than about 70%, or greater than about 80%, at visible wavelengths above about 600 nm). Of course, it is understood that the translucent appearance of the gel may be altered by the direct addition of various ingredients to the gel and / or by the application of a coating thereto. For example, while the gel itself may exhibit some degree of translucency, in some embodiments, the coating may be provided by a coating that imparts a lower degree of translucency (or even opacity) to the overall product.

[0063] The means by which the smokeless tobacco gel product can be produced can vary, and generally, the components of the product can be combined by any means to provide such a formulation and / or product. Although exemplary means for providing a particular type of formulation are provided herein, it is noted that other methods can be used without departing from the present invention. For example, the various components of the smokeless tobacco gel composition can be contacted, combined, or mixed in a cone-type blender such as a Hobart mixer, a drum mixer, a ribbon blender, and the like. Thus, the overall mixture of the various components and tobacco material can be relatively homogeneous in nature in some embodiments. See, for example, the types described in U.S. Patent No. 4,148,325 to Solomon et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,510,855 to Korte et al., and U.S. Patent No. 6,834,654 to Williams, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] Typical conditions for the manufacture of food grade products as described herein include heat and temperature control (i.e., the degree of heat to which the various ingredients are exposed during manufacture and the temperature of the manufacturing environment), moisture content (e.g., the degree of moisture present in the individual ingredients and in the final composition), humidity in the manufacturing environment, atmosphere control (e.g., nitrogen atmosphere), airflow across the various ingredients during the manufacturing process, and other similar types of factors. It should be noted that the various process steps involved in the manufacture of the product may involve the selection of specific solvents and processing aids, the use of heat and radiation, refrigeration and low temperature conditions, ingredient mix ratios, and the like. The manufacturing conditions may also be controlled by the selection of the form (e.g., solid, liquid, or gas) of the various ingredients, the particle size or crystallinity of the ingredients in solid form, the concentration of the ingredients in liquid form, and the like. The ingredients may be processed into the desired composition by techniques such as extrusion, compression, spraying, and the like.

[0065] In certain embodiments, it is preferred to maintain the composition after manufacture in an airtight and / or air-purged environment so that the product is not exposed to air to any significant extent. Exposing the gel of the present invention to air for extended periods of time will typically result in the gel hardening into a form that does not have the desired properties described herein (such as flowability and physical properties similar to syrup, paste, etc.). Thus, the storage method of the gel of the present invention preferably includes measures taken to minimize the interaction between air and the product, such as sealing the product in an airtight packaging. However, the introduction of a certain amount of air in a controlled manner during manufacture can be advantageous to enhance certain desired properties of the final product. For example, stirring or agitating the composition during cooling can introduce a certain amount of air for a short period of time. Such an aeration step during cooling can result in a product with a more pasty character.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the sugar alcohol or combination of sugar alcohols is first heated to an elevated temperature, typically at a temperature that results in a molten form. In certain embodiments, the sugar alcohol is initially in the form of a particle or syrup. This heating step will typically not involve heating to a "hard crack" stage for the particular sugar alcohol(s) in question. Instead, heating will typically occur at a heating stage that is referred to in the confectionery arts as a "soft ball" or "hard ball". An exemplary temperature range for the heating step is from about 115°C to about 130°C. Other components are added at various temperatures, and the final composition is typically deposited (e.g., in a mold or other container) or processed while still warm (e.g., via extrusion). The final composition is advantageously placed in an airtight and / or air-purged environment to prevent or reduce product hardening due to exposure to air. Some of the additional product components may be added at the maximum temperature of the heated sugar material. Others are temperature sensitive and may be added at more advanced cooling temperatures. For example, the product mixture may be cooled to below 100°C and nicotine, certain pH adjusting or buffering ingredients, coloring agents, flavoring agents, etc. may be added. Once all ingredients are mixed into the product composition, the product may be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container. To obtain a more paste-like consistency, the product mixture may be aerated during cooling through stirring / agitation of the mixture until the desired paste-like texture and characteristics are obtained. In certain embodiments, the product mixture may be aerated through stirring / agitation for about 20 minutes to about 40 minutes. The product may then be stored in an airtight container. As used herein, "airtight" or "air purged" in the context of the environment surrounding the product refers to an environment in which the interaction of the product with air is minimized and the product does not harden into a solid form.

[0067] During final cooling of the product, the product of the present invention may be shaped, if desired. For example, such products may be extruded into a desired shape. Exemplary extrusion methods are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,806,617 to Smylie et al. and 4,880,018 to Graves, Jr. et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, various types of molding techniques may be used, including, but not limited to, starch molding or injection molding. In some embodiments, the composition is deposited into a mold, for example, a starch mold as used in starch molding processes to form lozenges. Lozenge production processes that may be used for the production of smokeless tobacco gel products according to the present disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,725,440 to Ridgway et al. and 6,077,524 to Bolder et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. When the product is molded, other types of molds may be used in the process, such as, for example, starch-free molds, plastic tray molds, metal tray molds, neoprene tray molds, etc. Such molded compositions are generally removed from the mold prior to distribution.

[0068] In some embodiments, the composition may be coated to facilitate portability of the smokeless tobacco gel product, reduce unnecessary packaging, and / or reduce exposure of the product to air. The terms "coated" and "coating" as used herein mean that the gel smokeless tobacco composition is partially or substantially enclosed by or within a coating. Typically, such coatings are edible. For example, gel products as described herein may be contained within an edible pouch as described in Schydlowsy, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0280777, which is incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, the outer coating may be in the form of a coating or envelope of the type used for single-piece or two-piece capsules known in the art.

[0069] The coating can also help improve the storage stability of the smokeless tobacco gel product of the present disclosure and improve the packaging process by reducing friability and dusting. The method of application can be varied, and the coating can be applied, for example, by preparing the composition in the form of a sheet and sealing the gel smokeless tobacco formulation, such as that described herein, between two sheets, or by dipping or spraying the coating composition onto the outer surface of the gel smokeless tobacco formulation. Equipment for providing the product of the present disclosure with an outer coating layer includes pan coaters and spray coaters, including coating equipment available from Thomas Engineering, particularly as CompuLab 24, CompuLab 36, Accela-Cota 48, and Accela-Cota 60.

[0070] Edible coatings generally include ingredients that are safe for oral consumption, such as those described herein above (e.g., sugar alcohols, binders, flavors, sweeteners, salts, colorants, etc.). Edible coatings can have a variety of textures, for example, a gel coating, a soft shell coating, or a hard shell coating. Coatings can be applied in a wide range of thicknesses.

[0071] In some embodiments, a gel or soft shell coating is applied to the gel smokeless tobacco composition of the present disclosure to provide a smokeless tobacco gel product. Again, the specific texture and characteristics of the coating may vary (e.g., from toffee-like, to jelly-like, gelatinous, to paste-like). In some embodiments, the gel or soft shell coating may be characterized as having a degree of chewiness, resilience, and / or elasticity.

[0072] For example, in certain embodiments, an exemplary gel or soft shell coating is applied that includes one or more sugar alcohols (as detailed above) and may optionally further include flavorants, colorants, salts, sweeteners, buffers, acidic components, and / or other components of the type described herein. The coating composition may include tobacco material (e.g., tobacco extract). For example, in certain embodiments, such coatings may include at least about 90% by weight of one or more sugar alcohols, at least about 95% by dry weight of one or more sugar alcohols, at least about 97% by dry weight of one or more sugar alcohols, or at least about 98% by dry weight of one or more sugar alcohols. It is understood that the specific method by which a given composition is prepared may contribute to the final form and / or texture of that composition. For example, it is understood that the principles of confectionery making may be applied to compositions that include significant amounts of sugar alcohols, and that higher heating temperatures may result in harder and more brittle compositions, while lower heating temperatures may result in softer compositions. In certain embodiments, the coating composition may be maintained in a softer form (i.e., as a gel or soft-shell coating) by combining the components of the coating composition and the sugar alcohol component(s) are heated at a temperature below the hard crack stage of the sugar alcohol component(s), for example, between the soft crack stage and the hard crack stage, between the hard ball stage and the hard crack stage, between the hard ball stage and the soft crack stage, between the firm ball stage and the hard crack stage, between the firm ball stage and the soft crack stage, between the firm ball stage and the hard ball stage, between the soft ball stage and the hard crack stage, between the soft ball stage and the soft crack stage, between the soft ball stage and the hard ball stage, or between the soft ball stage and the firm ball stage.

[0073] In other embodiments, a hard shell coating is applied to the gel smokeless tobacco composition of the present disclosure to provide a smokeless tobacco gel product. The preparation method of such a coating can be varied. In some embodiments, a composition such as the above composition can be used, understanding that the sugar alcohol(s) is heated at a higher temperature (e.g., above the hard crack stage) to provide the composition in a hard shell form.

[0074] In some embodiments, a glaze or non-stick coating, such as, for example, CAPOL 410 (available from Centerchem, Inc.), can be applied to the smokeless tobacco gel composition to provide free-flowing properties. In some embodiments, an exemplary outer coating includes one or more sugar alcohols (as described in detail above) and a film-forming polymer, such as a cellulose-type polymer (e.g., carboxymethylcellulose or CMC). For example, such a coating can include, for example, about 70 to about 90 dry weight percent of one or more sugar alcohols and about 10 to about 30 dry weight percent of a film-forming polymer. Such a coating can optionally further include flavorants, colorants, salts, sweeteners, buffers, and / or other components of the type described herein. The coating composition can include tobacco materials (e.g., tobacco extract). Other exemplary film-forming polymers include cellulose-type polymers, such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose. Other exemplary coating compositions and application methods are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0055494 to Hunt et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0206150 to Duggins et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0075] Although the above description focuses on compositions that are homogenous throughout each product unit, products can also be formed by different formulations with different properties in the same product unit. For example, two different compositions can be deposited in a single mold to produce a layered product. Furthermore, two different compositions can be co-extruded to form a product with different properties across its cross-section. Such a process can be used to provide a product with two different compositions characterized by different dissolution rates, such that a first portion of the product dissolves at a first rate (e.g., a faster rate) and a second portion dissolves at a second, slower rate.

[0076] The products of the present disclosure may be packaged or stored in any suitable packaging. When the gel products of the present invention are packaged in individual product units, the gel products may be packaged in a convenient portable container. For example, see U.S. Patent No. 7,014,039 to Henson et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,537,110 to Kutsch et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,584,843 to Kutsch et al., U.S. Patent No. D592,956 to Thiellier, and U.S. Patent No. D594,154 to Patel et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0173317 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent No. 2009 / 0014343 to Clark et al., U.S. Patent No. 2009 / 0014450 to Bjorkholm, and U.S. Patent No. 2009 / 0250360 to Bellamah et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. See, for example, US Pat. No. 5,200,266 to Gelardi et al., US Pat. No. 5,200,223 to Gelardi, US Pat. No. 5,200,230 to Thiellier, US Pat. No. 5,201,008 to Gelardi, and US Pat. No. 5,201,013 to Bailey et al., US Pat. No. 5,201,026 to Bailey et al., US Pat. No. 5,201,026 to Bailey et al., US Pat. No. 5,201,168 to Bailey et al., and US Pat. No. 5,201,168 to Gelardi et al.

[0077] Typically, the gel product of the present invention is provided as a gel contained within a moisture and air barrier (e.g., container / packaging or coating). In some embodiments, the composition can be deposited into a container for storage, distribution, and / or end use. The type of container used can vary, for example, cups, tubs, pouches, or tubes of various sizes and shapes. In some specific embodiments, the gel smokeless tobacco composition can be provided within a straw-shaped structure (e.g., including but not limited to, a pouch-shaped or tube-shaped structure in which the gel smokeless tobacco composition is contained within the open interior of the tube structure). The ends of the non-edible straw-shaped structure can be sealed or unsealed. Typically, the straw-shaped structure will be non-edible (e.g., constructed from non-edible plastic materials, such as various thermoplastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, or polypropylene). Exemplary means for filling such containers are known and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,939,884 to Peters and 7,047,709 to Hamilton, which are incorporated herein by reference. An exemplary gel product sealed within a straw-like outer case is shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the product unit 10 may include a flowable gel composition 30 (e.g., a syrup or honey-like composition) positioned within a plastic straw or pouch 20. A particular example of such a product container would include sealed ends 12 and 14. Such ends may be heat sealed such that access to the product requires opening (such as by cutting) one of the sealed ends. In other embodiments, the sealed ends may be in the form of a resealable seal, such as a zip-lock enclosure.

[0078] Alternatively, the gel products of the present invention may be placed in a container that includes a movable element positioned to drive the contents of the container toward an open end from which the product can be dispensed, such as by manipulation of a wheel or ring element by the consumer. Such containers may be particularly useful for gels that have a relatively high degree of stiffness and cohesion. Such containers may have a shape and / or functionality similar to those described in U.S. Patents 4,605,330 to Crowley et al., 4,932,803 to Goldberger et al., 5,007,755 to Thompson, 7,105,173 to Rolling, 7,147,393 to Yoon, 8,136,686 to Schlatter, 8,292,532 to Nasu et al., and 8,511,922 to Prischak, which are incorporated herein by reference. A particular container may have the characteristics of a type of container commercially used for types of products characterized as, for example, lip balm, lipstick, or glue products. For example, representative containers that may be used or suitably modified are the types of containers for lip balm products sold by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, The Clorox Company, and Neutrogena Corporation. Representative types of such containers are also available from sources such as Rustic Escentuals, LLC.

[0079] An exemplary dispensing container is shown in FIG. 2, in which dispensing container 40 comprises a container body 45 and a cap 50, which is shown attached to the container body and obscuring the view of an upper lip (shown in dotted lines in the figure) surrounding the dispensing opening of the container body. Container body 45 is shown as transparent for purposes of illustrating the invention. Within container body 45 is a gel composition 55 (e.g., a pasty composition) of the type described in the present invention. Dispensing container 40 further comprises a rotatable wheel 70 attached to a threaded post 65, which rotates with the wheel. A non-rotatable movable floor 60 is in threaded engagement with post 65, and rotation of wheel 70 (and post) will move the floor within the container. In this way, floor 60 can urge a column of gel composition 55 toward the dispensing opening of container body 45 when wheel 70 is operated by a consumer. Once the desired portion of the gel composition 55 is exposed from the dispensing opening, the consumer can break off or bite off the exposed portion for oral use.

[0080] experiment Aspects of the present invention will be more fully described by the following examples, which are presented to illustrate certain aspects of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting thereof.

[0081] Example 1: Paste-like gel containing nicotine Isomalt, maltitol, and erythritol (all in syrup form), and sucralose are combined and heated to 260°F. The mixture is held at 260°F and salt, glycerin, and water are combined and added to the mixture. The addition of these ingredients causes the mixture to cool, and therefore the resulting mixture is reheated to 220-225°F, cooled to less than 200°F, and citric acid, color, flavor, and nicotine are added. The amounts of each ingredient are shown in Table 1 below.

[0082] [Table 1]

[0083] The resulting paste mixture is stirred well to aerate the mixture until the paste mixture is homogenous in color, then cooled to 80°F (about 27°C) and deposited in an airtight container. The container is left open until a paste-like consistency is obtained and stirred periodically to provide a homogenous texture. Once the desired consistency is obtained, the container is hermetically sealed to prevent hardening. The final moisture content is higher than listed in Table 1 due to the presence of moisture in other ingredients, especially the sugar alcohol syrup. The total moisture content is maintained below about 40% by weight.

[0084] Example 2: Syrupy gel containing nicotine The isomalt, maltitol, and erythritol (all in syrup form), as well as the sucralose and salt, are combined and heated to 260°F (about 127°C) and stirred to ensure complete dissolution of all solids. The mixture is cooled to 250°F (about 121°C), the glycerin and water are combined and added to the mixture, and the mixture is stirred well. The resulting mixture is heated again to 220-225°F (about 104-107°C), cooled to 180°F-200°F (about 82-93°C), and the citric acid, color, flavor, and nicotine are added. The amounts of each ingredient are shown in Table 2 below.

[0085] [Table 2]

[0086] The resulting gel mixture is stirred well until the gel mixture is homogenous in color, then deposited in a container while still warm. The container is hermetically sealed to prevent hardening. The final moisture content is higher than that displayed in Table 2 due to the presence of moisture in other ingredients, especially the sugar alcohol syrup. The total moisture content is maintained below about 40% by weight. The resulting product has the consistency of a honey-like syrup.

[0087] Example 3: Paste-like gel containing particulate tobacco A paste-like gel is prepared according to Example 1, except that the nicotine solution is replaced with 10 grams of finely ground tobacco material and the erythritol is omitted.

[0088] Example 4: Paste-like gel containing tobacco extract A paste-like gel is prepared according to Example 1, except that the nicotine solution is replaced with 5 grams of freeze-dried tobacco extract and the erythritol is omitted.

[0089] Example 5: Syrupy gel containing tobacco extract A syrupy gel is prepared according to Example 2, except that the nicotine solution is replaced with 5 grams of freeze-dried tobacco extract and the erythritol is omitted.

[0090] Example 6: Syrupy gel containing particulate tobacco A syrupy gel is prepared according to Example 2, except that the nicotine solution is replaced with 10 grams of finely ground tobacco material and the erythritol is omitted.

[0091] Example 7: Coating for gel Place warm water (100 g) on ​​a hot plate and add NaOH and mix to dissolve. Add tobacco extract and mix to dissolve. Add CMC15 and mix to dissolve and heat the mixture to about 135°F (about 57°C). Separately combine sorbitol, isomalt, maltitol syrup, and sucralose, melt into liquid form at a temperature of 290-300°F (about 143-149°C), cool to about 275°F (135°C), and add to the mixture. Mix the resulting combination at low speed using a handheld mixer to limit aeration. Add flavor to the combination. The amounts of each ingredient are shown in Table 3 below.

[0092] [Table 3]

[0093] The resulting coating can be applied to the gel of the present invention in a variety of ways. If the desired product is a sheet, the coating material can be cast into a sheet on a stainless steel plate using a casting knife to form an outer layer surrounding the gel layer. If the desired product is a spray coating, the mixture is maintained at an elevated temperature (>150° F. (about 66° C.)) and used with a sprayer while limiting air intake into the mixture.

[0094] Example 8: Toffee-like coating Combine isomalt, maltitol, vanillin, sucralose, and salt and heat to 240°F (approximately 116°C) and stir to ensure complete dissolution of all solids. Cool the mixture to 200°F (approximately 93°C) and add citric acid, color, flavor, and nicotine. The amounts of each ingredient are shown in Table 4 below.

[0095] [Table 4]

[0096] The resulting mixture is thoroughly mixed and then deposited onto parchment paper. Once the deposited material has cooled while still warm, it is rolled or pressed into a sheet.

[0097] To apply the coating, the gel of the present invention is deposited onto one sheet of coating mix, a second sheet of coating mix is ​​placed on top and the sides are tensioned, and the multi-layer product can then be placed into drop rollers to form individual product units.

[0098] Example 9: Low-solubility coating Combine isomalt, maltitol, vanillin, sucralose, and salt and heat to 240°F (approximately 116°C) and stir to ensure complete dissolution of all solids. Cool the mixture to 200°F (approximately 93°C) and add citric acid, color, flavor, and nicotine. The amounts of each ingredient are shown in Table 5 below.

[0099] [Table 5]

[0100] The resulting mixture is thoroughly mixed and then deposited onto parchment paper. Once the deposited material has cooled while still warm, it is rolled or pressed into a sheet.

[0101] To apply the coating, the gel of the present invention is deposited onto one sheet of coating mix, a second sheet of coating mix is ​​placed on top and the sides are tensioned, and the multi-layer product can then be placed into drop rollers to form individual product units.

[0102] Example 10: Hard Shell Coating Combine isomalt, maltitol, vanillin, sucralose, and salt and heat to 240°F (approximately 116°C) and stir to ensure complete dissolution of all solids. Cool mixture to 200°F (approximately 93°C) and add. The amounts of each ingredient are shown in Table 6 below.

[0103] [Table 6]

[0104] The resulting mixture is thoroughly mixed and then deposited onto parchment paper. Once the deposited material has cooled while still warm, it is rolled or pressed into a sheet.

[0105] To apply the coating, the gel of the present invention is deposited onto one sheet of coating mix, a second sheet of coating mix is ​​placed on top and the sides are tensioned, and the multi-layer product can then be placed into drop rollers to form individual product units.

[0106] Numerous modifications and other embodiments of the present invention will occur to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, aided by the teachings set forth in the preceding description. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of the present invention can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. 1. A smokeless tobacco gel product comprising: a) a tobacco material in an amount of at least about 0.01 weight percent, based on the total weight of the smokeless tobacco gel product; b) at least about 50 percent by weight of one or more sugar alcohols; c) a wetting agent in an amount of at least about 0.1 weight percent; and d) water in an amount of at least about 10 weight percent.

2. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, wherein the tobacco material is present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent.

3. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, wherein the tobacco material comprises particulate tobacco.

4. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, wherein the tobacco material comprises a tobacco extract.

5. 5. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 4, wherein the tobacco material comprises nicotine derived from tobacco.

6. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, comprising at least about 60 percent by weight of said one or more sugar alcohols.

7. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, comprising at least about 65 percent by weight of said one or more sugar alcohols.

8. 2. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, wherein the one or more sugar alcohols are selected from the group consisting of erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribotol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, iditol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, polyglycitol, and combinations thereof.

9. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, wherein the one or more sugar alcohols are selected from the group consisting of isomalt, maltitol, xylitol, sorbitol, erythritol, and combinations thereof.

10. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, wherein the one or more sugar alcohols include isomalt as a major sugar alcohol component.

11. 11. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 10, wherein the one or more sugar alcohols further comprise one or more of maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol, and xylitol.

12. 11. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 10, wherein the isomalt comprises at least about 50% of the total dry weight of sugar alcohols.

13. 13. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 12, wherein the isomalt comprises at least about 60% of the total dry weight of the sugar alcohols.

14. 11. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 10, comprising at least about 1.0 weight percent of a humectant.

15. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, wherein the humectant is present in an amount of at least about 7 weight percent, and the smokeless tobacco gel has a paste-like consistency.

16. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, wherein the humectant is present in an amount less than about 6 weight percent and the smokeless tobacco gel has a syrup consistency.

17. 13. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 12, wherein the humectant comprises glycerin.

18. 18. The smokeless tobacco gel product of any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising greater than about 14 percent by weight water.

19. The smokeless tobacco gel product of any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising from about 15 to about 40 weight percent water.

20. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, wherein the product further comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of sweeteners, salts, buffers, pH adjusters, colorants, flavorants, and combinations thereof.

21. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, wherein the product is translucent.

22. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, wherein the product exhibits a syrupy, jelly-like, gelatinous, pasty, or toffee-like texture.

23. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, wherein the product exhibits a residence time in the user's mouth of about 1 to about 10 minutes before complete dissolution of the product.

24. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, further comprising an edible coating.

25. 25. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 24, wherein the edible coating comprises a soft coating, a gel coating, or a hard coating.

26. 25. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 24, wherein the edible coating comprises a second tobacco material.

27. 10. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 1, comprising from about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent nicotine, from about 55 to about 80 weight percent of one or more sugar alcohols, from about 1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of a humectant, and from about 15 to about 40 weight percent water.

28. 30. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 27, further comprising one or more of: (a) from about 0.001 to about 0.1 weight percent of one or more sweeteners; (b) up to about 2 weight percent of one or more flavorants; and (c) up to about 2 weight percent of a salt.

29. 30. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 27, wherein the humectant is present in an amount of at least about 7 weight percent, and the smokeless tobacco gel has a paste-like consistency.

30. 28. The smokeless tobacco gel product of claim 27, wherein the humectant is present in an amount less than about 6 weight percent and the smokeless tobacco gel has the consistency of a syrup.

31. 1. A method for preparing a smokeless tobacco gel product, comprising: (i) mixing one or more sugar alcohols with a humectant and a tobacco material to form a gel mixture; (ii) depositing the gel mixture in an airtight container or encapsulating the gel mixture with a coating composition to prevent the gel mixture from hardening in the presence of air.

32. 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising applying heat during said mixing step at a temperature below the hard crack stage of said one or more sugar alcohols.

33. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the encapsulating step comprises: (a) immersing the gel mixture in a coating composition; (b) spraying a coating composition onto the gel mixture; or (c) preparing a coating composition in the form of a sheet and enclosing the gel mixture between two sheets of the coating composition.

34. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the step of depositing the gel mixture into an airtight container comprises depositing the gel mixture into a container equipped with a dispensing mechanism adapted to propel the gel mixture toward an opening when operated by a consumer.

35. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the step of depositing the gel mixture into an airtight container comprises depositing the gel mixture into an air impermeable pouch or straw, the pouch or straw including at least one heat sealed or resealable end.

36. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the mixing step further comprises incorporating into the gel mixture one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of sweeteners, salts, buffers, pH adjusters, colorants, flavoring agents, and combinations thereof.

37. 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising aerating the gel mixture to impart a pasty texture to the gel mixture.

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