Pouch product

Abstract

To provide a pouch product configured for oral use which stores raw materials within a porous pouch.SOLUTION: In this case, this porous pouch 102 has four sides of small dimensions, the porous pouch 102 has four sides of large dimensions, and / or the porous pouch 102 has a shape other than square or rectangular, such as a rounded shape. The present disclosure further provides a method for offering a gentler mouth-feel compared to conventional pouch products by providing pouch products 100 of such sizes and / or shapes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to flavored products intended for human use. The products are configured for oral use and for delivering substances such as flavors and / or active ingredients during use. Such products may contain tobacco or tobacco-derived products or may be tobacco-free alternatives. [Background technology]

[0002] Tobacco can be enjoyed in so-called "smokeless" forms. The most popular smokeless tobacco products involve inserting some form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the user's mouth. Traditional forms of these smokeless tobacco products include moist snuff, snus, and chewing tobacco. These are typically formulated almost entirely into particulate, granular, or shredded tobacco that is either dispensed by the user or presented to the user in individual portions, such as disposable pouches or sachets. Other forms of traditional smokeless products include compressed or agglomerated forms, such as chewing tobacco solids, tobacco tablets, or tobacco pellets. Alternative product forms, such as tobacco-containing gums and mixtures of tobacco with other plant materials, are also known.See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,376,586 to Schwartz, U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,756 to Pittman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,993 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,269 to Story et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,599 to Tibbetts, U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,907 to Townsend, U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,907 to Sprinkle, III et al., the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. No. 5,092,352, U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White, U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,839 to Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,654 to Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,040 to Atchley et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,032,601 and 7,694,686 to Atchley et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0020503 to Williams, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0020503 to Quinter et al. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0115580 to Strickland et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0191548 to Strickland et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0062549 to Holton, Jr. et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0186941 to Holton, Jr. et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0186942 to Strickland et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029110 to Dube et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029110 to Robinson et al. See U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 8 / 0029116 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0173317 to Neilsen et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0209586 to Essen et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0065013 to Essen et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0282267 to Atchley, and International Publication No. WO 2004 / 095959 to Arnarp et al. for the types of smokeless tobacco formulations, types of ingredients, and processing methodologies described therein.

[0003] Smokeless tobacco product compositions that combine tobacco materials with various binders and fillers have been proposed in recent years in exemplary product forms including lozenges, pastilles, gels, extracted forms, and the like. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0196730 to Engstrom et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0305216 to Crawford et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0293889 to Kumar et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0291245 to Gao et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0139164 to Mua et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0037175 to Cantrell et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0055494 to Hunt et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0138073 to Cantrell et al., the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. See the types of products described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0138074 to Cantrell et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0074855 to Holton, Jr., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0074856 to Holton, Jr. (), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0152953 to Mua, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0274296 to Jackson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0068545 to Moldoveanu et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0101627 to Marshall et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0230515 to Lampe et al. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 1,376,586 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 4,513,756 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 4,528,993 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 4,624,269 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 4,991,599 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 4,987,907 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 5,092,352 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 5,387,416 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent No. 6,668,839 [Patent Document 10] U.S. Patent No. 6,834,654 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent No. 6,953,040 [Patent Document 12] U.S. Patent No. 7,032,601 [Patent Document 13] U.S. Patent No. 7,694,686 [Patent Document 14] US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0020503 [Patent Document 15] US Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0115580 [Patent Document 16] US Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0191548 [Patent Document 17] US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0062549 [Patent Document 18] US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0186941 [Patent Document 19] US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0186942 [Patent Document 20] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029110 [Patent Document 21] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029116 [Patent Document 22] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0173317 [Patent Document 23] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0209586 [Patent Document 24] US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0065013 [Patent Document 25] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0282267 [Patent Document 26] International Publication No. 2004 / 095959 [Patent Document 27] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0196730 [Patent Document 28] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0305216 [Patent Document 29] US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0293889 [Patent Document 30] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0291245 [Patent Document 31] US Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0139164 [Patent Document 32] US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0037175 [Patent Document 33] US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0055494 [Patent Document 34] US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0138073 [Patent Document 35] US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0138074 [Patent Document 36] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0074855 [Patent Document 37] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0074856 [Patent Document 38] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0152953 [Patent Document 39] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0274296 [Patent Document 40] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0068545 [Patent Document 41] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0101627 [Patent Document 42] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0230515 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although all-white snus portions are becoming increasingly popular, separate and aesthetically acceptable alternatives to traditional snus are being offered. These modern "white" pouch products may contain bleached tobacco or may be tobacco-free. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure generally provides products configured for oral use, and particularly provides such products that have a milder mouthfeel than traditional pouch products. The products are intended to impart flavor when used orally and typically also deliver an active ingredient, such as nicotine, to the consumer. The products and methods provided herein impart such flavor and / or deliver such active ingredient through pouch products that are smaller than traditional pouch products and / or have a modified shape compared to traditional pouch products.

[0007] In one aspect, a pouch product for oral use is provided, comprising a porous pouch containing an ingredient, the ingredient containing one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients, the porous pouch having four sides, and none of the four sides exceeding 24 mm in length. In some embodiments, none of the four sides exceeding 22 mm in length. In some embodiments, none of the four sides exceeding 20 mm in length. In some embodiments, the four sides have lengths of about 24 mm, about 24 mm, about 9 mm, and about 9 mm. In some embodiments, the four sides have substantially the same length. In some embodiments, the four sides have lengths of about 16 mm or less.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a pouch product for oral use, comprising a porous pouch containing an ingredient, the ingredient containing one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients, wherein the porous pouch is a shape other than a square or rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the shape is selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a diamond, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, and an octagon (and such shapes having rounded corners). In some embodiments, the shape has one or more rounded sides and / or rounded corners (including all rounded sides and / or all rounded corners). In some embodiments, the shape is selected from the group consisting of a circle, a semicircle, an oval, a semi-oval, a kidney shape, a teardrop shape, a star shape, a heart shape, and a crescent shape.

[0009] In a further aspect, a method of delivering one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients is provided, the method comprising providing one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients in ingredient form inside a porous pouch having four sides, wherein the length of none of the four sides of the porous pouch exceeds 24 mm, or the shape is not square or rectangular.

[0010] The ingredients within the porous pouch of the disclosed oral products can vary. In some embodiments, the ingredients further include one or more particulate fillers and water. In some embodiments, the one or more particulate fillers include a cellulosic material, such as microcrystalline cellulose. In some embodiments, the porous pouch contains one or more active ingredients selected from the group consisting of nicotine components, botanicals, nutraceuticals, stimulants, amino acids, vitamins, cannabinoids, cannabinoids, terpenes, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the porous pouch contains one or more flavoring agents, including one or more of ethyl vanillin, cyanoaldehyde, sabinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-farnesene, and citral.

[0011] The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following embodiments.

[0012] Embodiment 1: A pouch product for oral use, comprising an ingredient within a porous pouch, the ingredient comprising one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients, the porous pouch having four sides, wherein the length of none of the four sides of the porous pouch exceeds 24 mm.

[0013] Embodiment 2: The pouch product of embodiment 1, wherein the length of any of the four sides of the porous pouch does not exceed 22 mm.

[0014] Embodiment 3: The pouch product of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the length of any of the four sides of the porous pouch does not exceed 20 mm.

[0015] Embodiment 4: A pouch product according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the four sides have lengths of about 24 mm, about 24 mm, about 9 mm, and about 9 mm.

[0016] Embodiment 5: A pouch product according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the four sides have substantially the same length.

[0017] Embodiment 6: A pouch product described in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the four sides have a length of about 16 mm or less, about 14 mm or less, about 12 mm or less, about 10 mm or less, or about 9 mm or less.

[0018] Embodiment 7: A pouch product for oral use, comprising an ingredient within a porous pouch, the ingredient comprising one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients, and wherein the porous pouch is a shape that is not square or rectangular.

[0019] Embodiment 8: The pouch product of embodiment 7, wherein the shape is selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a diamond, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, and an octagon.

[0020] Embodiment 9: A pouch product according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the shape of the porous pouch has one or more rounded sides.

[0021] Embodiment 10: A pouch product according to any one of embodiments 7 to 9, wherein the shape of the porous pouch is selected from the group consisting of circular, semicircular, oval, semi-oval, kidney-shaped, teardrop-shaped, star-shaped, heart-shaped, and crescent-shaped.

[0022] Embodiment 11: A pouch product for oral use, comprising an ingredient within a porous pouch, the ingredient comprising one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients, the porous pouch having four sides, two of the four sides having a length of about 8 mm or more and two of the four sides having a length of about 35 mm or more.

[0023] Embodiment 12: A pouch product according to embodiment 11, wherein two of the four sides have a length of about 10 mm or more, and the other two of the four sides have a length of about 40 mm or more.

[0024] Embodiment 13: A pouch product according to embodiment 11 or 12, wherein two of the four sides have a length of about 12 mm or more, and the other two of the four sides have a length of about 40 mm or more.

[0025] Embodiment 14: A pouch product described in any one of embodiments 11 to 13, wherein two of the four sides have a length of at least about 10 mm, and the other two of the four sides have a length of at least about 50 mm.

[0026] Embodiment 15: A pouch product described in any one of embodiments 11 to 14, wherein two of the four sides have a length of at least about 12 mm, and the other two of the four sides have a length of at least about 50 mm.

[0027] Embodiment 16: A pouch product described in any one of embodiments 11 to 15, wherein two of the four sides have a length of about 8 to about 18 mm, and the other two of the four sides have a length of about 35 to about 60 mm.

[0028] Embodiment 17: The pouch product of any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the ingredients inside the porous pouch further comprise one or more particulate fillers and water.

[0029] Embodiment 18: The pouch product of embodiment 17, wherein the one or more particulate fillers comprise a cellulosic material.

[0030] Embodiment 19: The pouch product of embodiment 18, wherein the cellulose material comprises microcrystalline cellulose.

[0031] Embodiment 20: A pouch product according to any one of embodiments 17 to 19, wherein the one or more particulate fillers further comprise a cellulose derivative in an amount of about 1% to about 3% by weight of the ingredients.

[0032] Embodiment 21: The pouch product of any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the one or more active ingredients are selected from the group consisting of nicotine components, botanicals, nutraceuticals, stimulants, amino acids, vitamins, cannabinoids, cannabinoids, terpenes, and combinations thereof.

[0033] Embodiment 22: The pouch product of any one of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the feedstock contains from about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the nicotine component, calculated as the free base.

[0034] Embodiment 23: The pouch product of any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the material contains no more than about 10% by weight of tobacco material, excluding any nicotine content present.

[0035] Embodiment 24: The pouch product of any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the raw material is substantially free of tobacco raw material.

[0036] Embodiment 25: The pouch product of any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the material is substantially free of tobacco material, except for any nicotine components present.

[0037] Embodiment 26: The pouch product of any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the one or more flavoring agents comprise one or more of ethyl vanillin, cyanoaldehyde, sabinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-farnesene, and citral.

[0038] Embodiment 27: A pouch product according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the one or more flavoring agents comprises a compound having a carbon-carbon double bond, a carbon-oxygen double bond, or both.

[0039] Embodiment 28: A pouch product according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27, wherein the one or more flavoring agents comprise one or more aldehydes, ketones, esters, terpenes, terpenoids, trigeminal sensates, or combinations thereof.

[0040] Embodiment 29: The pouch product of any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the one or more flavoring agents comprises ethyl vanillin.

[0041] Embodiment 30: The pouch product of any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the ingredients further comprise one or more salts, one or more sweeteners, one or more binders, one or more humectants, one or more gums, one or more active ingredients, tobacco ingredients, or combinations thereof.

[0042] Embodiment 31: A pouch product described in any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the size and / or shape of the porous pouch is configured to fit comfortably in the consumer's oral cavity.

[0043] Embodiment 32: A pouch product described in any one of embodiments 1 to 31, wherein the size and / or shape of the porous pouch is designed to match the size and / or shape of the consumer's jaw or the size and / or shape of the consumer's gum line.

[0044] Embodiment 33: The pouch product of any one of embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the pouch product has an improved mouthfeel compared to conventional pouch products (e.g., products having larger dimensions and / or a square / rectangular shape).

[0045] Embodiment 34: The pouch product of any one of embodiments 1 to 33, wherein the pouch product is substantially free of tobacco material.

[0046] Embodiment 35: A method of providing a product with improved mouthfeel, comprising providing the pouch product of any one of embodiments 1 to 34 for use in the oral cavity.

[0047] Embodiment 36: A method of delivering one or more flavoring agents and one or more active ingredients, comprising providing the one or more flavoring agents and / or the one or more active ingredients in the form of a pouch product as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 34.

[0048] Embodiment 37: Use of a pouch product according to any one of embodiments 1 to 34 to provide an improved mouthfeel to a user.

[0049] Embodiment 38: Use of a pouch product according to any one of embodiments 1 to 34 for delivering one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients to a user.

[0050] Embodiment 39: A method for delivering one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients, comprising providing the one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients in the form of an ingredient inside a porous pouch, wherein the porous pouch has four sides, none of the four sides of the porous pouch exceeding 24 mm in length (e.g., having any of the sizes referenced in embodiments 1 to 6), two of the four sides having a length of about 8 mm or more, and the other two of the four sides having a length of about 35 mm or more (e.g., having any of the sizes referenced in embodiments 11 to 16), or the porous pouch is a shape that is not square or rectangular (e.g., having any of the sizes referenced in embodiments 7 to 10).

[0051] The foregoing features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure, will become apparent from the following detailed description read 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 the present disclosure, regardless of whether the foregoing features or elements are explicitly combined in the description of a particular embodiment herein. In any of its various aspects and embodiments, the present disclosure is intended to be read as a whole such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention should be considered as intended to be combinable, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0052] Having thus described aspects of the present disclosure in general terms above, reference is now 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 disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pouch product showing a rectangular outer pouch drawn across the width of the product and filled with a mixture. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the pouch product showing the square outer pouch drawn across the width of the product and filled with a mixture. [Figure 3A] 1A-1C are exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 3B] 1A-1C are exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 3C] 1A-1C are exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 3D] 1A-1C are exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 3E] 1A-1C are exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 3F] 1A-1C are exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 3G] 1A-1C are exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 3H] 1A-1C are exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 4A] 1A-1C are further exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 4B] 1A-1C are further exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 4C]1A-1C are further exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 4D] 1A-1C are further exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 4E] 1A-1C are further exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. [Figure 4F] 1A-1C are further exemplary shapes of various embodiments of the pouch products disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] The present disclosure provides products with modified physical properties and modified appearance (e.g., modified size and / or shape). For customer satisfaction, it is desirable to provide products that exhibit a favorable mouthfeel and are adapted for oral use. With respect to differences in consumer mouth size and shape, as well as differences in consumer preferences for product use and texture within the oral cavity, the present disclosure provides a variety of products that are physically configured to account for these differences. For example, in some embodiments, the present disclosure provides physically smaller products, which, for example, allow consumers to move the product more freely around the oral cavity. In some embodiments, the present disclosure also provides physically larger products. In some embodiments, the present disclosure also provides products in various shapes that can provide a gentler mouthfeel (e.g., a smoother mouthfeel within the oral cavity and / or improved oral compatibility).

[0055] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. 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 "dry weight percent" or "dry weight basis" refer to weight based on dry ingredients (i.e., all ingredients excluding water). References to "wet weight" refer to the weight of a mixture including water. Unless otherwise indicated, a "weight percent" of a mixture reflects the total wet weight (i.e., including water) of the mixture.

[0056] The present disclosure generally provides products configured for oral use. As used herein, the term "configured for oral use" means that the product is provided in a form such that, during use, saliva in the user's mouth propels one or more of the components of the mixture (e.g., flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients) into the user's mouth. In certain embodiments, the product is adapted to deliver ingredients to the user through a mucous membrane in the user's mouth, and in some cases, the ingredients are active ingredients (e.g., including, but not limited to, nicotine) that can be absorbed through the mucous membrane in the mouth when the product is used.

[0057] In particular, the present disclosure provides a product in the form of a mixture of one or more ingredients disposed within a moisture-permeable container (e.g., a water-permeable pouch). Such a mixture in the form of a water-permeable pouch is typically used by placing the pouch containing the mixture in the mouth of a human subject / user. Generally, the pouch is placed somewhere in the user's oral cavity, for example, under the lips, similar to the way moist snuff products are commonly used. Preferably, the pouch is not swallowed. Subsequent exposure to saliva allows some of the ingredients of the mixture therein (e.g., flavoring agents and / or active ingredients) to pass through, for example, the water-permeable pouch, providing the user with a pleasant aroma and a satisfying sensation. The user is not required to expectorate any portion of the mixture. After about 10 to about 60 minutes, typically about 15 to about 45 minutes, of using / enjoying the product, a substantial amount of the mixture is absorbed through the oral mucosa of the human subject, and the pouch can be removed from the consumer's mouth for disposal.

[0058] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, and the described embodiments include a snus-type product (hereinafter referred to as such) having an outer pouch and containing a mixture of ingredients. The pouch product 100 comprises a moisture-permeable container in the form of a pouch 102 containing an ingredient 104 containing a mixture of ingredients. As will be explained in more detail below, such embodiments are provided by way of example only. In particular, the size and shape of the outer pouch shown can be varied as will be explained in more detail herein. The mixture / construction of such sachets or pouches, such as the container pouch 102 of the illustrated embodiment, may vary.

[0059] Suitable materials for the type of sachets, pouches, or containers used in the manufacture of smokeless tobacco products are available under the trade names CatchDry, Ettan, General, Granit, Goteborgs Rape, Grovsnus White, Metropol Kaktus, Mocca Anis, Mocca Mint, Mocca Wintergreen, Kicks, Probe, Prince, Skruf, and TreAnkrare. The mixture may be contained in the pouch and packaged in a manner similar to the type of ingredients used in the manufacture of traditional snus-type products. The pouch is typically a porous pouch. This is a type of liquid-permeable container that can be considered similar in nature to the mesh-like material used in the construction of tea bags. The ingredients of the mixture easily diffuse through the pouch into the user's mouth. Non-limiting examples of pouches are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,167,244 to Kjerstad and U.S. Patent No. 8,931,493 to Sebastian et al., as well as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0000140 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0073689 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0157515 to Chapman et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0192703 to Sebastian et al., the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. As provided herein, such exemplary pouches are considered to be "conventional" products. This is provided as a comparison with the pouches disclosed herein, which represent various modifications to one or more such conventional products. The pouches can be provided as individual pouches. Or multiple pouches (e.g., 2, 4, 5, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, or 30 pouches) can be connected or linked together (e.g., end-to-end) so that a single pouch or individual portion can be easily removed from the string or row of continuous pouches for use.

[0060] Exemplary pouches may be manufactured from materials in a manner that allows the pouch to undergo controlled diffusion or dissolution during use by a user. Such pouch materials may have the form of mesh fabric, screen fabric, perforated paper, permeable cloth, etc. For example, a pouch material manufactured from mesh-like rice paper or perforated rice paper may dissolve in the user's mouth. As a result, the pouch and the mixture may each be completely dispersed in the user's mouth during use under standard conditions, allowing both the pouch and the mixture to be ingested by the user. Other examples of pouch materials may be manufactured using the aforementioned materials in combination with materials such as water-dispersible film-forming materials (e.g., binders such as alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, pullulan, etc.) and comminuted cellulose (e.g., fine-grained wood pulp). Preferred water-dispersible or water-soluble pouch materials may be designed and manufactured such that, under standard use conditions, the majority of the contents of the mixture will permeate through the pouch material before the pouch material loses its physical integrity. If desired, flavoring ingredients, disintegration aids, and other desirable ingredients may be incorporated within or applied to the pouch material.

[0061] Nano Pouch The products described herein can, in some embodiments, be described as "nanopouches." A "nanopouch" or "nanopouch product" as provided herein is a pouch having a size smaller than a conventional pouch product. Advantageously, all dimensions of such nanopouches are relatively small, e.g., no dimensions greater than about 30 mm (including but not limited to dimensions greater than 30 mm). In some embodiments, the nanopouches provided herein are no larger than 30 mm, no larger than 28 mm, no larger than 26 mm, no larger than 24 mm, no larger than 22 nm, no larger than 20 nm, no larger than 18 nm, no larger than 16 nm, no larger than 14 nm, no larger than 12 nm, or no larger than 10 nm.

[0062] The sizing of certain pouch products according to the present disclosure can be understood with reference to FIG. 1 , where "L" is used to refer to the length of the pouch and "W" is used to refer to the width of the pouch. These pouches are referred to herein as "rectangular," although the edges may be somewhat rounded, as shown in FIG. 1 . Certain non-limiting examples of rectangular nanopouches provided herein are: nanopouches with L equal to or less than 30 mm and W equal to or less than 10 mm, nanopouches with L equal to or less than 30 mm and W equal to or less than 9 mm, nanopouches with L equal to or less than 28 mm and W equal to or less than 10 mm, nanopouches with L equal to or less than 28 mm and W equal to or less than 9 mm, nanopouches with L equal to or less than 26 mm and W equal to or less than 10 mm, nanopouches with L equal to or less than 26 mm and W equal to or less than 9 mm, nanopouches with L equal to or less than 24 mm and W equal to or less than 10 mm, and nanopouches with L equal to or less than 24 mm and W equal to or less than 9 mm. Certain advantageous ranges of length and width, in some embodiments, are about 16 mm to about 30 mm, about 16 mm to about 28 mm, about 16 mm to about 26 mm, about 16 mm to about 24 mm, about 16 mm to about 22 nm, about 16 mm to about 20 nm, about 18 mm to about 30 mm, about 18 mm to about 28 mm, about 18 mm to about 26 mm, about 18 mm to about 24 mm, about 18 mm to about 22 nm, about 18 mm to about 20 nm, about 20 mm to about 30 mm, about 20 mm to about 28 mm, about 20 mm to about 26 mm, about 20 mm to about 24 mm, about 20 mm to about 22 nm, about 22 mm to about 30 mm, about 22 mm to about 22 mm ... and a length L of about 16 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 16 mm to about 28 mm, about 22 mm to about 26 mm, about 22 mm to about 24 mm, about 24 mm to about 30 mm, about 24 mm to about 28 mm, or about 24 mm to about 26 mm, and a width W of about 8 mm to about 16 mm, such as about 8 mm to about 16 mm, about 8 mm to about 14 mm, about 8 mm to about 12 mm, about 8 mm to about 10 mm, about 9 mm to about 16 mm, about 9 mm to about 14 mm, about 9 mm to about 12 mm, about 9 mm to about 10 mm, about 10 mm to about 16 mm, about 10 mm to about 14 mm, about 10 mm to about 12 mm, or about 14 mm to about 16 mm.Certain exemplary nanopouch products have dimensions of about 24 mm x about 9 mm, about 24 mm x about 8 mm, about 23 mm x about 9 mm, about 23 mm x about 8 mm, about 22 mm x about 9 mm, about 22 mm x about 9 mm, about 21 mm x about 9 mm, about 21 mm x about 8 mm, about 20 mm x about 9 mm, or about 20 mm x about 8 mm.

[0063] Certain exemplary rectangular nanopouches are also provided herein. In this case, L is equal to or approximately equal to W, resulting in a nanopouch that is roughly square in shape, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2. Again, the term "square" refers not only to a traditional square, defined as having corners, but also to square-like shapes with rounded edges (as referenced above for "rectangular" pouch products). Exemplary square nanopouches have length and width values ​​that are both about 24 mm or less, about 22 mm or less, about 20 mm or less, about 18 mm or less, about 16 mm or less, about 14 mm or less, about 12 mm or less, or about 10 mm or less. In some such embodiments, square nanopouches are provided with a dimension of L≈W of about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 12 mm, about 14 mm, about 16 mm, about 18 mm, or about 20 mm.

[0064] Typically, the thickness (T, not shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 ) of a pouch product of the present disclosure is understood to represent the three-dimensional thickness of the product, which generally ranges from 2 to 8 mm or 5 to 10 mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The disclosed pouch products, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , generally include one or more seals (two substantially vertical lines extending along the width W at one end of the filled pouch) that enclose and seal the ingredients within the pouch. With respect to the disclosed nanopouches, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the seals are, for example, along two opposing sides that seal opposite ends of the pouch product (referred to herein as "end" seals). Such nanopouches may further include longitudinal seals, which may be thicker than the end seals. These seals are located on the rear side of the pouch, and their size typically does not significantly affect the mouthfeel of the product during use. 1 and 2 show an exemplary longitudinal seal extending from left to right (the direction indicated by "W") through the center of the depicted pouch product. Note that in some embodiments, the end seals of the nanopouches provided herein are correspondingly smaller than those of conventional products. In some embodiments, the nanopouches provided herein can have seals of about 1.5 mm or less. One very particular embodiment has end seals of about 1.5 mm and dimensions of about 24 mm by about 9 mm.

[0065] In various embodiments, the total length, width, and thickness measurements (i.e., the thickness plus all four sides of the pouch) are within the following ranges: In some embodiments, the total length, width, and total thickness of a nanopouch as provided herein is about 130 mm or less, about 120 mm or less, about 110 mm or less, about 100 mm or less, about 90 mm or less, about 80 mm or less, about 70 mm or less, about 60 mm or less, about 50 mm or less, or about 40 mm or less, e.g., about 30 mm to about 130 mm, about 30 mm to about 100 mm, about 50 mm to about 100 mm, or about 50 mm to about 70 mm. Advantageously, in such embodiments, the thickness of such a pouch is about 8 mm or less. The surface area (defined as length x width x 2) of a particular nanopouch is about 900 mm or less. 2 Below, approximately 800mm 2 Below, approximately 700mm 2 Below, approximately 600mm 2 Below, about 500mm 2 Below, approximately 400mm 2 Below, approximately 300mm 2 Below, approximately 250mm 2 Below, approximately 200mm 2 Less than or equal to 150mm 2 Less than (for example, minimum approx. 100 mm 2 )

[0066] In some embodiments, such nanopouches can provide faster release of flavoring agents and / or active ingredients from the internal ingredients into the consumer's oral cavity during use compared to larger pouches (e.g., conventional pouches of similar composition but with larger dimensions). In certain embodiments, such nanopouches, given their smaller size compared to conventional pouch products, can provide increased comfort in the consumer's oral cavity. Such size, in some embodiments, allows these products to fit more easily in various locations within the oral cavity. Such smaller pouches, in some embodiments, allow even more pouches to be used (users can, in some embodiments, more easily "hide" the product, for example, between their gum line and lips).

[0067] It should be noted that, in various embodiments, providing such "nano-pouch"-like products that are smaller in one or more dimensions than conventional pouch products requires that standard manufacturing equipment be suitably modified with different assemblies required for the correspondingly shorter length and / or width. Manufacturing apparatus and methods that may be adapted for preparing nanopouches according to the present disclosure include, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0055493 to Novak, III et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, relating to an apparatus and process for providing pouch material formed into a tube for use in the manufacture of smokeless tobacco products. Similar apparatus incorporating equipment that provides a continuous supply of pouch material (e.g., a pouch processing unit adapted to feed pouch material to a continuous tube forming unit to form a continuous tubular member from the pouch material) can be used to make the pouch products described herein. Representative equipment for forming such a continuous tube of pouch material is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2010 / 0101588 by Boldrini et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The apparatus further includes equipment for supplying pouch material to the continuous tubular member such that, when the continuous tubular member is subdivided and sealed into individual pouch portions, each pouch portion contains a dose of a composition adapted for oral use. Representative equipment for supplying a filler substance is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2010 / 0018539 by Brinkley, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In some cases, the apparatus may include a dividing unit for dividing the continuous tubular member into individual pouch portions and may also include a sealing unit for sealing at least one end of each pouch portion once subdivided into individual pouch portions.In other examples, the continuous tubular member may be sealed into individual pouch portions using a sealing unit, and then once the individual pouch portions are sealed, the continuous tubular member may be subdivided into separate individual pouch portions by a subdivision unit subdividing the continuous tubular member between the sealed ends of the consecutively disposed pouch portions. In yet other examples, the sealing (sealing) of the individual pouch portions of the continuous tubular member may occur substantially simultaneously with its subdivision using the sealing and dividing unit.

[0068] An exemplary apparatus for manufacturing oral pouch products, which may be suitably further modified as necessary to produce the disclosed nanopouches, is shown in Figures 1 through 5 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0055493 by Novak, III et al., although this apparatus is used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. It should also be understood that the following manufacturing process and associated equipment are not limited to the process sequence described below. In various embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus similar to that described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0055493 can be configured to removably receive a first bobbin having a continuous length of material, such as pouch material wound thereon, on an unwinding spindle. When the first bobbin is engaged with the apparatus, the pouch material can be conveyed from the first bobbin to a forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of pouch material into a continuous tubular member defining a longitudinal axis.

[0069] Thus, as the pouch material unwinds from the first bobbin, it can be directed around an arrangement of roller members (otherwise referred to herein as dancer assemblies). The forming unit can be configured to cooperate with the first bobbin and dancer assembly to take up slack in the pouch material and maintain some amount of longitudinal tension in the pouch material as it unwinds from the first bobbin and is fed to the forming unit, for example, by a drive system. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that between the first bobbin and the forming unit, the pouch material can be supported, conveyed, and / or guided by a series of, for example, idler rollers, guide posts, air bars, turning bars, guides, tracks, tunnels, etc., suitably positioned to direct the pouch material along a desired path. Typical bobbins used in conventional automated pouch-making equipment often contain continuous strips of pouch material that can be varied in length. Thus, the apparatus described herein can be configured to handle bobbins of that type and size.

[0070] The forming unit can include one or more roller members configured to direct the pouch material around the hollow shaft so that the continuous supply of pouch material can be formed into a continuous tubular member. The forming unit can include a sealing device configured to seal, secure, or otherwise engage lateral edges of the pouch material to form a longitudinally extending seam, thereby forming a longitudinally extending continuous tubular member. In various embodiments, the insertion unit can be configured to incorporate a dose of a composition adapted for oral use into the continuous tubular member via the hollow shaft. The insertion unit can be directly or indirectly engaged with the hollow shaft.

[0071] The leading or trailing edge (also referred to as a transversely extending seam) of the continuous tubular member can be sealed / closed such that a dose of a composition adapted for oral use inserted by the insertion unit is contained within the continuous tubular member proximate the distal end. The distal end can be sealed / closed via a sealing dividing unit configured to seal / seal a first portion of the continuous tubular member to form a seal at the distal end of the single-dose pouch member. The sealing dividing unit can also be configured to form a seal at the terminal edge or end of the preceding single-dose pouch member. In this regard, the sealing dividing unit can also be configured to seal a second portion of the continuous tubular member to form a sealed end of the single-dose pouch member. In this regard, the sealing dividing unit can seal the end via a heat welding mechanism or other suitable sealing mechanism.

[0072] As shown in Figures 20-22 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0055493 by Novak, III et al., the sealing and dividing unit can be configured to divide the continuous tubular member into multiple separate single-dose pouch members between the sealed terminal and leading ends of the single-dose pouch members arranged in series along the longitudinal axis of the continuous tubular member, such that each separate single-dose pouch member contains a portion of the oral composition from the insertion unit. In this regard, the sealing and dividing unit can include a blade, heated wire, or other cutting device for cutting the continuous tubular member into separate single-dose pouch members. For example, the sealing and dividing unit can include a first arm member and a second arm member configured to interact to seal and divide the continuous tubular member.

[0073] In operation, a dose of composition adapted for oral use (i.e., an amount suitable for an individual single-dose pouch member) can be dispensed by an insertion unit into the single-dose pouch member after sealing the leading end but before sealing the trailing end. In various embodiments, after receiving the dose of composition, separate, independent single-dose pouch members can be formed from a continuous tubular member by sealing the trailing end and cutting the sealed single-dose pouch members to form the pouch product. In some embodiments, the dispensed tubing diameter and / or fleece width are varied to provide the disclosed nanopouches.

[0074] Large pouch It should be noted that the above sections of this specification have focused specifically on nanopouches, which are smaller in size than conventional pouch oral products. The present disclosure also provides large tobacco pouches, which are larger in size than conventional pouch oral products. Such large pouches may be particularly beneficial, for example, for users who may use multiple pouches at a time. In some embodiments, such large pouches may allow for sustained release of one or more active ingredients in a composition contained therein. Certain large pouches have a width of about 8 to about 18 mm and a length of about 35 to about 60 mm.

[0075] Sizing of certain large pouch products according to the present disclosure can be understood with reference to Figure 1. Certain non-limiting examples of large rectangular pouches provided herein include the following: large pouches with L equal to or greater than 35 mm and W equal to or greater than 8 mm, large pouches with L equal to or greater than 35 mm and W equal to or greater than 10 mm, large pouches with L equal to or greater than 35 mm and W equal to or greater than 12 mm, large pouches with L equal to or greater than 35 mm and W equal to or greater than 14 mm, large pouches with L equal to or greater than 35 mm and W equal to or greater than 16 mm, large pouches with L equal to or greater than 40 mm and W equal to or greater than 8 mm, large pouches with L equal to or greater than 40 mm and W equal to or greater than 10 mm. Among them, large pouches with L of 40mm or more and W of 12mm or more, large pouches with L of 40mm or more and W of 14mm or more, large pouches with L of 40mm or more and W of 16mm or more, large pouches with L of 50mm or more and W of 8mm or more, large pouches with L of 50mm or more and W of 10mm or more, large pouches with L of 50mm or more and W of 12mm or more, large pouches with L of 50mm or more and W of 14mm or more, and large pouches with L of 50mm or more and W of 16mm or more.

[0076] Certain advantageous ranges of length and width for such large pouches are, in some embodiments, a length L of about 35 mm to about 60 mm, such as about 40 mm to about 60 mm, about 50 mm to about 60 mm, about 35 mm to about 50 mm, and about 35 mm to about 40 mm, and a width W of about 8 mm to about 16 mm, such as about 8 mm to about 14 mm, about 8 mm to about 12 mm, about 8 mm to about 10 mm, about 9 mm to about 16 mm, about 9 mm to about 14 mm, about 9 mm to about 12 mm, about 9 mm to about 10 mm, about 10 mm to about 16 mm, about 10 mm to about 14 mm, about 10 mm to about 12 mm, or about 14 mm to about 16 mm.

[0077] In various embodiments, the total length, width, and thickness measurements (i.e., the thickness plus all four sides of the pouch) are within the following ranges: In some embodiments, the total length, width, and total thickness of a nanopouch as provided herein is about 90 mm or more, about 100 mm or more, about 110 mm or more, about 120 mm or more, about 130 mm or more, about 140 mm or more, or about 150 mm or more. Advantageously, in such embodiments, the thickness of such a pouch is about 2 mm or more (e.g., between about 2 mm and about 8 mm). The surface area (defined as length x width x 2) of certain large pouches is about 300 mm or more. 2 Above, about 400mm 2 Above, about 500mm 2 Above, approximately 600 mm 2 or more, or approximately 700 mm 2 or more (for example, up to approximately 1000 mm 2 )

[0078] In some embodiments, such larger pouches may provide a slower release of flavor and / or active ingredient from the internal ingredients into the consumer's oral cavity during use compared to smaller pouches (e.g., traditional pouches of similar composition but smaller dimensions). In certain embodiments, given their larger size compared to traditional pouch products, such larger pouches may provide greater enjoyment for users with larger oral cavities or who prefer to use multiple traditional pouches simultaneously. In some embodiments, larger pouches allow for the inclusion of more ingredients 102 within the pouch. Such additional ingredients may contain any of the types of ingredients described herein, and in some embodiments, the inclusion of more ingredients 102 may relate to the inclusion of a greater amount of active ingredient and / or flavor than in traditional pouch products.

[0079] It should be noted that, in comparison to nanopouches, to provide such "large pouch"-like products (which in various embodiments are larger in one or more dimensions than conventional pouch products), standard manufacturing equipment must be suitably modified with different assemblies required for the correspondingly larger length and / or width. Manufacturing apparatus and methods that can be adapted for preparing large pouches according to the present disclosure include, for example, those disclosed in the context of nanopouches herein above and in the referenced patent documents.

[0080] Formed pouch The present disclosure, in additional embodiments, provides pouch products in shapes other than the traditional rectangular and square shapes (as referenced herein above for "traditional" pouch products). Such products are provided in a variety of shapes and sizes. Advantageously, adjusting the shape of the pouch product allows the product to be more easily accommodated in a user's oral cavity in some embodiments. In other words, a shaped pouch can be suitably designed to conform to a portion of the shape of a user's oral cavity. For example, in some embodiments, a shaped pouch is provided that closely approximates the curvature of a user's jaw and / or gum line to increase comfort in the oral cavity during use. In some embodiments, the disclosed shaped pouch products are described as being more comfortably accommodated or retained in the oral cavity during use than traditional pouch products.

[0081] The exact shape of the pouch is not particularly limited. In preferred embodiments, the molded pouches provided herein include at least one rounded dimension / edge. Certain non-limiting shapes are provided in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, and 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F. For example, various shapes can be described as "circular," "oval," "elliptical," "crescent," "rounded crescent," "half-moon," "semicircular," "teardrop-like," "star-shaped," "dome-shaped," "rhombus," "rounded rhombus," "diamond-shaped," "rounded diamond-shaped," "kidney-shaped," "heart-shaped," "triangle," "rounded triangle" (including, e.g., isosceles triangle, equilateral triangle, scalene triangle, acute triangle, right triangle, and obtuse triangle), "hexagon," "rounded hexagon" (including hexagons with edges of equal length and hexagons with edges of unequal lengths), etc. The term "rounded" in such definitions refers to rounded edges (rather than the sharp edges shown in some of the exemplary shapes provided in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, and 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F). Such shapes may be substantially uniform in thickness or may vary with respect to the length or width of the pouch product, for example, providing a three-dimensionally shaped structure such as a dome (higher in the center than elsewhere), or a conical structure (e.g., thicker at the base of a triangle or rounded triangle shape).

[0082] The sizes of the molded pouch products provided herein can vary widely. In some embodiments, the molded pouch products are designed to be substantially similar in size to conventional pouch products. In other embodiments, they may be somewhat larger or smaller in size. Again, in some embodiments, consistent with the noted benefits of "nano" products molded into a particular shape designed to conform to the user's jaw or gum line, the pouch products may be sized accordingly to fit and remain in a desired position within the oral cavity. In some embodiments, a pouch product can be provided that is considered both a "molded pouch" according to the present disclosure and also a "nano pouch" according to the present disclosure. In further embodiments, a pouch product can be provided that is considered both a "molded pouch" according to the present disclosure and also a "large pouch" according to the present disclosure.

[0083] It should be noted that to provide such shaped pouch products that are shaped differently from conventional pouch products, standard manufacturing equipment and / or processes (as referenced herein) must be modified accordingly, with different assemblies required for, for example, curved sides and alternative side angles. For example, in some embodiments, an appropriately sized / shaped assembly (e.g., a heated forming cutter) is utilized to provide the desired shape. For example, in one particular embodiment, the assembly may be pressed against an anvil having a tube containing fleece and filler passing therebetween.

[0084] Components of the disclosed nanopouches, large pouches, and molded pouches Thus, this disclosure has so far focused on the overall general size and / or shape of the exterior of pouch products. Pouch products generally include a pouch-based exterior and a mixture within the pouch, typically containing one or more active ingredients and / or one or more flavoring agents, as well as various other optional ingredients. The composition of the ingredients within the nanopouches, large pouches, and molded pouches provided herein is not particularly limited, and can contain any fill composition, including those found within conventional pouch production. Such compositions are generally mixtures of two or more ingredients, and therefore, the compositions are sometimes referred to hereinafter as "blends." Certain ingredients that can be advantageously included in the mixture within certain embodiments of the nanopouches, large pouches, and molded pouches provided herein are generally outlined below. However, the following discussion is not intended to limit the ingredients that can be incorporated within the disclosed nanopouches, large pouches, and molded pouches. In some embodiments, the weight of the mixture inside each pouch is at least 50 mg, e.g., about 50 mg to about 2 g, about 100 mg to about 1.5 g, or about 200 mg to about 700 mg. For example, smaller (e.g., nano) pouches generally contain less mixture than larger pouches. In certain embodiments, smaller pouches (which may be, for example, nanopouches and / or molded pouches) may contain, for example, about 50 mg to about 600 mg, about 50 mg to about 500 mg, about 50 mg to about 400 mg, about 50 mg to about 300 mg, about 50 mg to about 200 mg, or about 50 mg to about 100 mg of mixture. In some embodiments, the pouch (which in various embodiments can be considered a nanopouch or a macropouch, but in some embodiments can be a molded pouch) can contain, for example, about 500 mg to about 1 g, about 500 mg to about 800 mg, about 600 mg to about 1 g, about 600 mg to about 800 mg, or about 800 mg to about 1 g of the mixture.Additional pouches (e.g., large pouches and / or molded pouches) may contain about 800 mg to about 2 g, about 800 mg to about 1.5 g, about 800 mg to about 1.2 g, about 1 g to about 2 g, about 1.5 g to about 2 g, or about 1 g to about 1.5 g of the mixture.

[0085] Filler The ingredients within the pouches described herein typically include at least one particulate filler. Such particulate fillers may serve multiple functions, such as improving certain sensory characteristics, such as texture and mouthfeel, or improving product cohesiveness or compressibility. Generally, fillers are porous, particulate, and cellulosic. For example, suitable particulate fillers are any non-tobacco plant material or derivatives thereof, including cellulosic plant materials derived from such sources. Examples of cellulosic non-tobacco plant materials include grains (e.g., corn kernels, oats, barley, rye, buckwheat, etc.), sugar beet (e.g., FIBREX® brand filler available from International Fiber Corporation), bran fiber, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of derivatives of non-tobacco plant materials include starches (e.g., potato, wheat, rice, corn), natural cellulose, and modified cellulose materials. Additional examples of possible particulate fillers include maltodextrin, dextrose, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, lactose, mannitol, xylitol, and sorbitol. Combinations of fillers can also be used.

[0086] As used herein, "starch" may refer to pure starch, modified starch, or starch derivatives derived from any source. Starch is present in almost all green plants and various types of plant tissues and organs (e.g., seeds, leaves, rhizomes, roots, tubes, shoots, fruits, grains, and stems), typically in granular form. The composition of starch, as well as the granular shape and size, can vary. Starch from different sources often has different chemical and physical properties. A particular starch can be selected for inclusion in the mixture based on the starch material's ability to impart specific sensory properties to the composition. Starch from various sources can be used. For example, primary starch sources include cereals (e.g., rice, wheat, and corn kernels) and root vegetables (e.g., potato and cassava). Other examples of starch sources include acorns, arrowroot, arracacha, bananas, barley, legumes (e.g., broad beans, lentils, mung beans, peas, chickpeas), breadfruit, buckwheat, canna, walnuts, taro, dogtooth violets, arrowroot, malanga, millet, oats, okara, tsargassum, sago, sorghum, sweet potato, quinoa, rye, tapioca, taro, tobacco, water chestnut, and yam. Certain starches are modified starches. Modified starches often undergo one or more structural modifications designed to alter their high thermal properties. Some starches have been developed through genetic modification and are considered "genetically modified" starches. Other starches are obtained and then processed by chemical, enzymatic, or physical means. For example, modified starch can be starch that has been subjected to chemical reactions such as esterification, oxidation, depolymerization (thinning) by acid catalysis or oxidation in the presence of base, bleaching, transglycosylation and depolymerization (e.g., dextrinization in the presence of a catalyst), cross-linking, acetylation, hydroxypropylation, and / or partial hydrolysis. Enzyme treatment includes subjecting native starch to enzyme isolates or concentrates, microbial enzymes, and / or enzymes derived from plant sources, such as the amylase present in corn kernels to process corn starch.Other starches are modified by thermal treatments such as prior gelatinization, dextrinization, and / or cold water swelling processes. Certain modified starches include phosphated starch, glycerol cross-linked starch, phosphate cross-linked starch esterified with sodium trimetaphosphate, phosphate monoesterified phosphate cross-linked starch, acetylated phosphate cross-linked starch, starch acetate esterified with acetic anhydride, starch acetate esterified with vinyl acetate, acetylated adipate cross-linked starch, hydroxypropyl starch, hydroxypropylglycerol cross-linked starch, and starch sodium octenyl succinate.

[0087] In some embodiments, the particulate filler is a cellulose material or a cellulose derivative. One particularly suitable particulate filler for use in the products described herein is microcrystalline cellulose ("MCC"). MCC may be synthetic or semi-synthetic, or may be derived entirely from natural cellulose. MCC may be selected from the group consisting of AVICEL® grades PH-100, PH-102, PH-103, PH-105, PH-112, PH-113, PH-200, PH-300, PH-302, VIVACEL® grades 101, 102, 12, 20, and EMOCEL® grades 50M and 90M, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the mixture includes MCC as the particulate filler. The amount of MCC present in the mixtures described herein may vary according to the desired properties.

[0088] The amount of particulate filler can vary, but is typically up to about 75 weight percent of the ingredients contained within the pouch (i.e., the mixture) based on the total weight of the mixture. A typical range of particulate filler material (e.g., MCC) within the mixture is from about 10 weight percent to about 75 weight percent of the total weight of the mixture, for example, from about 10 weight percent, about 15 weight percent, about 20 weight percent, about 25 weight percent, or about 30 weight percent to about 35 weight percent, about 40 weight percent, about 45 weight percent, or about 50 weight percent (e.g., about 20 to about 50 weight percent, or about 25 to about 45 weight percent). In certain embodiments, the amount of particulate filler material is at least about 10 weight percent, such as at least about 20 weight percent, or at least about 25 weight percent, or at least about 30 weight percent, or at least about 35 weight percent, or at least about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0089] In one embodiment, the particulate filler further contains a cellulose derivative or a combination of such derivatives. In some embodiments, the mixture contains about 1 to about 10 wt. % of the cellulose derivative, based on the total weight of the mixture, and certain embodiments contain about 1 to about 5 wt. % of the cellulose derivative. In certain embodiments, the cellulose derivative is a cellulose ether (including a carboxyalkyl ether), which refers to a cellulose polymer in which the hydrogen of one or more hydroxy groups in the cellulose structure has been replaced with an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or aryl group. Non-limiting examples of such cellulose derivatives include methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose ("HPC"), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose ("HPMC"), hydroxyethyl cellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose ("CMC"). In one embodiment, the cellulose derivative is one or more of methylcellulose, HPC, HPMC, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and CMC. In one embodiment, the cellulose derivative is HPC. In some embodiments, the mixture contains about 1 to about 3 wt. % of HPC, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0090] water The water content of the mixture within the pouch products described herein may be varied according to the desired properties prior to use of the product by a consumer. Typically, the mixture as present in the product prior to insertion into a user's mouth is less than about 60% by weight of water, generally from about 1% to about 60% by weight of water, such as from about 5% to about 55% by weight of water, from about 10% to about 50% by weight of water, from about 20% to about 45% by weight of water, or from about 25% to about 40% by weight of water, including, for example, amounts of water of at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, and at least about 20% by weight.

[0091] Flavoring additives As used herein, a "flavoring agent" or "flavorant" is any strong-smelling, aromatic substance capable of altering the sensory properties associated with an oral product. Examples of sensory properties that can be modified by a flavoring agent include flavor, mouthfeel, moisture, coolness / hotness, and / or aroma / fragrance. Flavoring agents may be natural or synthetic, in which case the imparted flavor characteristics may be described as, but are not limited to, fresh, sweet, herbal, candied, floral, fruity, or spicy. Specific types of flavorings include, but are not limited to, vanilla, coffee, chocolate / cocoa, cream, mint, spearmint, menthol, peppermint, wintergreen, eucalyptus, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, jasmine, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, strawberry, trigeminal sensate, and any combination thereof. See also Leffingwell et al., "Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products," R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (1972), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Flavorings may also include ingredients considered to be humectants, coolants, or smoothing agents, such as eucalyptus. These flavorings may be provided pure (i.e., alone) or in a complex. They may also be available as concentrates or flavor packets (e.g., spearmint and menthol, orange and cinnamon, lime, pineapple, etc.). Representative types of ingredients are also described in U.S. Patent No. 5,387,416 to White et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0244521 to Strickland et al., and PCT / WO05 / 041699 to Quinter et al., the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some cases, flavoring agents may be provided in spray-dried or liquid form.

[0092] Fragrance additives generally contain at least one volatile fragrance ingredient. As used herein, "volatile" refers to a chemical that readily forms vapor at ambient temperature (i.e., a chemical that has a high vapor pressure at a given temperature relative to non-volatile materials). Typically, volatile fragrance ingredients have a molecular weight of less than about 400 Da and often contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond, a carbon-oxygen double bond, or both. In one embodiment, the at least one volatile fragrance ingredient contains one or more alcohols, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, terpenes, terpenoids, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of aldehydes include vanillin, ethyl vanillin, p-anisaldehyde, hexanal, furfural, isovaleraldehyde, cuminaldehyde, benzaldehyde, and citronellal. Non-limiting examples of ketones include 1-hydroxy-2-propanone and 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopentenon-1-one. Non-limiting examples of esters include allyl hexanoate, allyl heptanoate, ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl acetate, and 3-methylbutyl acetate. Non-limiting examples of terpenes include sabinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-farnesene, nerolidol, thujone, myrcene, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, linalool, and eucalyptol. In one embodiment, the at least one volatile fragrance ingredient contains one or more of ethyl vanillin, cyanoaldehyde, sabinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-farnesene, or citral. In one embodiment, the at least one volatile fragrance ingredient comprises ethyl vanillin.

[0093] The amount of flavoring agent utilized in the mixture can vary but is typically up to about 10 weight percent, with certain embodiments characterized by a flavoring agent content of at least about 0.1 weight percent, such as from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, from about 1 weight percent to about 6 weight percent, or from about 2 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0094] The amount of fragrance additives present within the mixture may change over a period of time (e.g., during storage after preparation of the mixture). For example, certain volatile components present in the mixture may undergo evaporation or chemical transformation. This reduces the concentration of one or more volatile fragrance components. In one embodiment, the concentration of one or more of the at least one volatile fragrance component present is higher than the concentration of the same one or more volatile fragrance components present in a control pouch product that does not contain one or more organic acids after the same period of time. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the same mechanism responsible for the loss of whiteness causes the gradual reduction of certain volatile components in the fragrance (e.g., aldehydes, ketones, terpenes). Therefore, the reduction of these volatile components that cause discoloration over time may be expected to reduce the sensory satisfaction associated with products that are subjected to such degradation processes.

[0095] salt In some embodiments, the mixture may further contain a desired salt (e.g., an alkali metal salt), typically used in an amount sufficient to provide organoleptic properties to the mixture. Non-limiting examples of suitable salts include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, powdered salt, and the like. When present, representative amounts of salt will be about 0.5 weight percent or more, about 1.0 weight percent or more, or about 1.5 weight percent or more, but will typically comprise about 10 weight percent or less, or about 7.5 weight percent or less, or 5 weight percent or less (e.g., about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent) of the total weight of the mixture.

[0096] sweetener The mixture typically further comprises one or more sweeteners. The sweetener can be any sweetener or combination of sweeteners, whether natural or artificial, or a combination of natural and artificial sweeteners. Examples of natural sweeteners include fructose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose, isomaltulose, stevia, honey, etc. Examples of artificial sweeteners include sucralose, maltodextrin, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, neotame, etc. In some embodiments, the sweetener contains one or more sugar alcohols. The sugar alcohol is a polyol derived from a monosaccharide or disaccharide, which may be partially or fully hydrogenated. Sugar alcohols, for example, have from about 4 to about 20 carbon atoms and include erythritol, arabitol, ribitol, isomalt, maltitol, dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, sorbitol, and combinations thereof (e.g., hydrogenated starch hydrolysates). When present, a representative amount of sweetener may comprise from about 0.1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent or more of the mixture, such as from about 0.1 weight percent to about 1 weight percent, from about 1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, from about 5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, or from about 10 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of the mixture, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0097] Binder A binder (or combination of binders) may be used in certain embodiments in an amount sufficient to provide the mixture with desirable physical properties and physical integrity. Binders often also function as thickeners or gelling agents. Typical binders can be organic or inorganic, or a combination thereof. Representative binders include povidone, sodium alginate, starch-based binders, pectin, carrageenan, pullulan, zein, and the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the binder comprises pectin or carrageenan, or a combination thereof.

[0098] The amount of binder utilized in the mixture can vary based on, for example, the binder and the desired mixture properties, but is typically up to about 30 weight percent, with certain embodiments characterized by a binder content of at least about 0.1 weight percent, such as from about 1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, or from about 5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0099] In certain embodiments, the binder includes a gum, such as a natural gum. As used herein, natural gum refers to a naturally occurring sugar material that has binding properties and is also useful as a thickening or gelling agent. Representative natural gums derived from plants, which are typically somewhat water-soluble, include xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum ghatti, tragacanth gum, karaya gum, locust bean gum, gellan gum, and combinations thereof. When present, the natural gum binder material is typically present in an amount of up to about 5% by weight, e.g., about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, or about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture, up to about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, or about 5% by weight.

[0100] Wetting agent In certain embodiments, one or more humectants may be used in the mixture. Examples of humectants include, but are not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, and the like. When included, the humectant is typically provided in an amount sufficient to provide the desired moisture to the mixture. Furthermore, in some cases, the humectant may impart desirable flow characteristics to the mixture for deposition within a mold. When present, the humectant typically comprises about 5% or less of the weight of the mixture (e.g., about 0.5% to about 5% by weight). When present, a typical amount of humectant is about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, or about 1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0101] buffer In certain embodiments, the mixture of the present disclosure may contain a pH adjuster or buffer. Examples of usable pH adjusters and buffers include, but are not limited to, metal hydroxides (e.g., alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide), other alkali metal buffers such as metal carbonates (e.g., potassium carbonate or sodium carbonate), or metal bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate. When present, the buffer is typically present in an amount less than about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the mixture, such as about 0.75% to about 4% by weight, about 0.75% to about 3% by weight, or about 1% to about 2% by weight, for example, about 0.5% to about 5% by weight. Non-limiting examples of suitable buffers include alkali metal acetates, glycinates, phosphates, glycerophosphates, citrates, carbonates, bicarbonates, borates, or mixtures thereof.

[0102] coloring agent The coloring agent may be used in an amount sufficient to provide the mixture with the desired physical properties. Examples of coloring agents include various dyes and pigments, such as caramel color and titanium dioxide. The amount of coloring agent used in the mixture can vary, but when present, is from about 0.1%, about 0.5%, or about 1% by weight, up to about 3% by weight, and typically up to about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0103] active ingredient The mixture may additionally contain one or more active ingredients. As used herein, "active ingredient" refers to one or more substances belonging to any of the following categories: APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients), food additives, natural medicines, and naturally occurring substances capable of having a human effect. Exemplary active ingredients include any ingredient known to confer one or more biological functions in the body (e.g., providing a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, an energizing effect, an antipyretic effect, or an analgesic effect, or otherwise having a beneficial effect on the body), such as ingredients that provide pharmaceutical activity or other direct effects in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, i.e., that affects the structure or any function of the human body. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be of the type commonly referred to as a dietary supplement, nutraceutical, "phytochemical," or "functional food." These types of additives are sometimes defined in the art to encompass substances typically available from natural sources (e.g., botanicals) that provide one or more beneficial biological effects (e.g., health promotion, disease prevention, or other medical properties) but that are not classified or regulated as drugs.

[0104] Non-limiting examples of active ingredients include those in the categories of botanicals, stimulants, amino acids, nicotine ingredients, and / or pharmaceutical ingredients, nutraceuticals, and medical ingredients (e.g., vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin C, and / or cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinoids (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)). These categories are further described herein below. The specific choice of active ingredient will vary depending on the desired flavor, texture, and desired characteristics of the particular product.

[0105] In certain embodiments, the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of caffeine, taurine, GABA, theanine, vitamin C, lemon balm extract, ginseng, citicoline, sunflower lecithin, and combinations thereof. For example, the active ingredient can include a combination of caffeine, theanine, and optionally ginseng. In another embodiment, the active ingredient includes a combination of theanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and lemon balm extract. In further embodiments, the active ingredient includes theanine, theanine and tryptophan, or theanine and one or more B vitamins (e.g., vitamin B6 or B12). In yet further embodiments, the active ingredient includes a combination of caffeine, taurine, and vitamin C.

[0106] The specific percentage of active ingredients present will vary depending on the desired characteristics of a particular product. Typically, the active ingredient or combination thereof is present at a total concentration of at least about 0.001% by weight of the mixture, e.g., in the range of about 0.001% to about 20% by weight. In some embodiments, the active ingredient or combination of active ingredients is present at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, e.g., about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, about 1% to about 10% by weight, or about 1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture. In some embodiments, the active ingredient or combination of active ingredients may be present in an amount, for example, about 0.001 wt.%, about 0.002 wt.%, about 0.003 wt.%, about 0.004 wt.%, about 0.005 wt.%, about 0.006 wt.%, about 0.007 wt.%, about 0.008 wt.%, about 0.009 wt.%, about 0.01 wt.%, about 0.02 wt.%, about 0.03 wt.%, about 0.04 wt.%, about 0.05 wt.%, about 0.06 wt.%, about 0.07 wt.%, about 0.08 wt.%, about 0.09 wt.%, about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.2 wt.%, about 0.3 wt.%, about 0.4 wt.%, about 0.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the mixture. It is present in a concentration of about 0.001%, about 0.01%, about 0.1%, or about 1% by weight, up to about 20% by weight, such as about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9% by weight, up to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, or about 20% by weight. More preferred ranges for specific active ingredients are provided herein below.

[0107] botanical medicine In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises a botanical. As used herein, the term "botanical" or "botanical" refers to any plant or fungal-derived material, including plant materials in their natural form and those derived from natural plant materials, such as extracts or isolates from plant materials, or processed plant materials (e.g., plant materials that have been subjected to heat treatment, fermentation, bleaching, or other treatment processes that can alter the physical and / or chemical properties of the material). For purposes of this disclosure, "botanical" refers to seed-producing plants that do not grow into permanent woody tissue and includes, but is not limited to, "herbal substances" (e.g., tea or herbal teas) that are often valued for their medicinal or sensory properties. References to "non-tobacco" plant materials are intended to exclude tobacco materials (i.e., do not include any Nicotiana species). In some embodiments, compositions as disclosed herein can be characterized as being free of any tobacco materials (e.g., any embodiment as disclosed herein is completely or substantially free of any tobacco materials). "Substantially free" means that no tobacco material has been intentionally added. For example, certain embodiments can be characterized as having less than 0.001%, or less than 0.0001%, or even 0% tobacco by weight.

[0108] When present, the botanical material is typically at a concentration of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight, such as from about 0.01%, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, or about 0.5% by weight, up to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0109] Botanical drug materials useful in the present disclosure may contain, but are not limited to, any of the compounds, sources, and mixtures thereof described herein. Certain botanical drug materials of this type are sometimes referred to as dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, "phytochemicals," or "functional foods." Certain botanicals, such as plant materials or extracts thereof, find use in traditional botanical medicine and are further described herein. Non-limiting examples of botanicals or botanical-derived materials include ashwagandha, bacopa monnieri, baobab, basil, centella asiatica, bupleurum, chamomile, cherry blossom, chlorophyll, cinnamon, citrus, clove, cocoa, Phytophthora, curcumin, damiana, Dorstenia arifolia, Dorstenia odorata, essential oils, eucalyptus, fennel, lily of the valley, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng (e.g., Panax ginseng), green tea, griffonia simplicifolia, guarana, cannabis, hemp, hot Ingredients include: jasmine, black ginger (ginseng), kava, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, licorice, lutein, maca, matcha green tea, cinnamon, oily extract of violet, peppermint, quercetin, resveratrol, rhubarb, rhodiola rosea, rooibos, rose essential oil, rosemary, skeletalium tortillus, schisandra chinensis, skullcap, spearmint extract, pepper, terpenes, tisane, turmeric, turnera aphrodisiac, valerian, white mulberry, and yerba mate.

[0110] In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises lemon balm. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a herb with a subtle lemon scent that is in the same family as mint (Lamiaceae). The herb is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Lemon balm tea, as well as essential oils and extracts, are used in traditional and alternative medicine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises lemon balm extract. In some embodiments, the lemon balm extract is present in an amount of about 1% to about 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0111] In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises ginseng. Ginseng is the root of plants in the genus Panax notoginseng, which are characterized by the presence of unique steroidal saponin phytochemicals (ginsenosides) and gintonin. Ginseng finds use as a dietary supplement in energy drinks, herbal teas, and traditional medicine. Cultivated species include Korean ginseng (P. ginseng), South China ginseng (P. notoginseng), and American ginseng (P. quinquefolius). American ginseng and Asian ginseng differ in the types and amounts of various ginsenosides present. In some embodiments, the ginseng is American ginseng or Korean ginseng. In particular embodiments, the active ingredient comprises Korean ginseng. In some embodiments, the ginseng is present in an amount of about 0.4% to about 0.6% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0112] stimulant In some embodiments, the active ingredient contains one or more stimulants. As used herein, the term "stimulant" refers to a substance that increases the activity of the central nervous system and / or the body, for example, by improving focus, cognition, energy, mood, or alertness. Non-limiting examples of stimulants include caffeine, theacrine, theobromine, and theophylline. Theacrine (1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid) is a purine alkaloid structurally related to caffeine and has stimulating, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties. The stimulant may be natural, naturally derived, or completely synthetic. For example, certain botanical materials (such as guarana, tea, coffee, and cocoa) may have stimulating properties due to the presence of caffeine or related alkaloids, and are therefore "natural" stimulants. "Naturally derived" means that the stimulant (e.g., caffeine, theacrine) is in a purified form outside of its natural (e.g., botanical) matrix. For example, caffeine can be obtained by extraction and purification from botanical sources (e.g., tea). By "totally synthetic," it is meant that the stimulant is obtained by chemical synthesis. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises caffeine. In some embodiments, the caffeine is present in an encapsulated form. One example of encapsulated caffeine is Vitashure®, available from Balchem ​​Corp., 52 Sunrise Park Road, New Hampton, NY 10958.

[0113] When present, the stimulant or combination of stimulants (e.g., caffeine, theacrine, and combinations thereof) is typically present at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight, such as from about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9% by weight, up to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture. In some embodiments, the composition contains caffeine in an amount of about 1.5% to about 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0114] amino acid In some embodiments, the active ingredient contains an amino acid. As used herein, the term "amino acid" refers to an organic compound containing an amine functional group (-NH2) and a carboxyl functional group (-COOH) or a sulfonic acid functional group (SO3H), along with a side chain (R group) characteristic of each amino acid. An amino acid may be proteinogenic or non-proteinogenic. "Proteogenic" means that the amino acid is one of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids found in proteins. Proteinogenic amino acids include alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine. "Non-proteinogenic" means that the amino acid is not naturally found in proteins or produced directly by cellular machinery (e.g., is a product of post-translational modification). Non-limiting examples of non-proteinogenic amino acids include gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), theanine (L-gamma-glutamylethylamide), hydroxyproline, and beta-alanine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient contains theanine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient includes GABA. In some embodiments, the active ingredient includes a combination of theanine and GABA. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of theanine, GABA, and lemon balm. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of caffeine, theanine, and ginseng. In some embodiments, the active ingredient includes taurine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of caffeine and taurine.

[0115] When present, the amino acid or combination of amino acids (e.g., theanine, GABA, and combinations thereof) is typically at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight, such as, for example, from about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9% by weight, up to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0116] vitamin In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises a vitamin or a combination of vitamins. As used herein, the term "vitamin" refers to an organic molecule (or set of related molecules) that is an essential micronutrient required for the proper functioning of mammalian metabolism. There are 13 vitamins required by human metabolism: vitamin A (all-trans-retinol, all-trans-retinyl esters, and all-trans-β-carotene, as well as other provitamin A carotenoids), vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyrrolidoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid or folate), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D (calciferol), vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), and vitamin K (quinones). In some embodiments, the active ingredient contains vitamin C. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of vitamin C, caffeine, and taurine.

[0117] If present, the vitamin or combination of vitamins (e.g., vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C, or combinations thereof) is typically at a concentration of about 0.01% to about 6% by weight, such as, for example, from about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.03%, about 0.04%, about 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0.08%, about 0.09%, or about 0.1% by weight, up to about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, or about 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0118] antioxidants In some embodiments, the active ingredient contains one or more antioxidants. As used herein, the term "antioxidant" refers to a substance that can prevent or inhibit oxidation by terminating free radical reactions, or slow or prevent any type of cell damage. Antioxidants may be naturally occurring or synthetic. Naturally occurring antioxidants include those found in foods and botanicals. Non-limiting examples of antioxidants include certain botanicals, vitamins, polyphenols, and phenol derivatives.

[0119] Examples of botanical ingredients associated with antioxidant properties include acai berry, alfalfa, allspice, annatto seed, apricot oil, basil, tangerine, wild bergamot, black pepper, blueberry, borage seed oil, cilantro, cacao, calamus, catnip, catuaba, cayenne pepper, chaga mushroom, 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, and gray Prussian fruit, honeybush, echinacea, garlic, evening primrose, feverfew, ginger, goldenseal, hawthorn, hibiscus flower, gynostemma, birch, lavender, licorice, marjoram, milk thistle, mint (mantle), oolong tea, beetroot, orange, oregano, papaya, pennyroyal, peppermint, red clover, rooibos (red or green), rosehip, rosemary, sage, clary sage, savory, spearmint, spirulina, slippery elm bark, high-tannin sorghum bran, sumac bran, comfrey leaf and root, goji berry, gotu kola kola), thyme, turmeric, uva ursi, valerian, wild yam root, wintergreen, yacon root, yellow dock, yerba mate, yerba santa, bacopa monnieri, ashwagandha, erinaceus, and milk thistle. These botanicals may be provided in fresh or dried form, in essential oil form, or in the form of an extract. Botanicals (and their extracts) often contain compounds from various classes known to provide antioxidant benefits, such as minerals, vitamins, isoflavones, phytosterols, allyl sulfides, dithiolthiones, isothiocyanates, indoles, lignans, flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids.Examples of compounds found in botanical extracts or oils include ascorbic acid, peanut endocarp, resveratrol, sulpholaphane, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, coenzyme Q, carnitine, quercetin, kaempferol, etc. See, e.g., Santhosh et al., Phytomedicine, 12 (2005) 216-220, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0120] Non-limiting examples of other suitable antioxidants include citric acid, vitamin E or a derivative thereof, tocopherol, epicatechol, epigallocatechol, epigallocatechol gallate, erythorbic acid, sodium erythorbate, 4-hexylresorcinol, theaflavin monogallate A or B, theaflavin digallate, phenolic acids, glycosides, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, hyperosides, polyphenols, catechol, resveratrol, oleuropein, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), and combinations thereof.

[0121] When present, the antioxidant is typically at a concentration of about 0.001 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, such as, for example, from about 0.001 wt. %, about 0.005 wt. %, about 0.01 wt. %, about 0.05 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. %, or about 0.5 wt. %, up to about 1 wt. %, about 2 wt. %, about 3 wt. %, about 4 wt. %, about 5 wt. %, about 6 wt. %, about 7 wt. %, about 8 wt. %, about 9 wt. %, or about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0122] Nicotine content In certain embodiments, the active ingredient contains a nicotine component. "Nicotine component" refers to any suitable form of nicotine (e.g., free base or salt) that provides oral absorption of at least a portion of the nicotine present. Typically, the nicotine component is selected from the group consisting of nicotine free base and nicotine salt. In some embodiments, nicotine is in its free base form, which can be easily adsorbed into, for example, a crystalline cellulose material to form a crystalline cellulose-nicotine carrier complex. See, for example, the discussion of nicotine in the free base form in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0191322 by Hansson, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0123] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nicotine can be utilized in the form of a salt. Nicotine salts can be provided using the type of ingredients and techniques described in U.S. Patent No. 2,033,909 to Cox et al. and Perfetti, Beitrage Tabakforschung Int., 12:43-54 (1983), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, nicotine salts are available from suppliers such as Pfaltz and Bauer, Inc. and K&K Laboratories, Division of ICN Biochemicals, Inc. Typically, the nicotine component is selected from the group consisting of nicotine free base, nicotine salts such as hydrochloride, dihydrochloride, monotartrate, bitartrate, sulfate, salicylate, and nicotine zinc chloride. In some embodiments, the nicotine component or a portion thereof is a nicotine salt containing one or more organic acids.

[0124] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nicotine can be in the form of a nicotine resin complex. In this case, the nicotine is bound to an ion exchange resin such as nicotine polacrilex, which is nicotine bound to polymethacrylic acid, such as Amberlite IRP64, Purolite C115HMR, or Doshion P551. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,901,248 to Lichtneckert et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Another example is a nicotine-polyacrylic carbomer complex, including Carbopol 974P. In some embodiments, the nicotine may be present in the form of a nicotine polyacrylic complex.

[0125] Typically, the nicotine component (calculated as the free base), if present, is at a concentration of at least about 0.001% by weight of the mixture, such as in the range of about 0.001% to about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the nicotine component, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the mixture, is present at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, such as from about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9% by weight, up to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the nicotine component is present at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 3% by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the mixture, e.g., about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight, about 0.1% to about 2.0% by weight, about 0.1% to about 1.5% by weight, or about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, etc. These ranges may also apply to other active ingredients mentioned herein.

[0126] In some embodiments, a product or composition of the present disclosure can be characterized as being free of any nicotine components (e.g., any embodiment as disclosed herein can be completely or substantially free of any nicotine components). By "substantially free," it is meant that no nicotine has been intentionally added, beyond trace amounts that may be naturally present in, for example, botanicals. For example, certain embodiments can be characterized as having less than 0.001%, or less than 0.0001%, or even 0% nicotine by weight, calculated as the free base.

[0127] In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises a nicotine component (e.g., in addition to comprising any active ingredient or combination of active ingredients as disclosed herein, any product or composition of the present disclosure may further comprise a nicotine component).

[0128] Tobacco raw materials In some embodiments, the mixture may include tobacco material. The tobacco material can vary in species, type, and form. Typically, tobacco material is obtained from harvested Nicotiana species plants. Exemplary Nicotiana species include N. tabacum, N. rustica, N. alata, N. arentsii, N. excelsior, N. forgetiana, N. glauca, N. glutinosa, N. gossei, N. kawakamii, and N. knig. htiana, N. langsdorffi, N. otophora, N. setchelli, N. sylvestris, N. tomentosa, N. tomentosiformis, N. undulata, N. sanderae, N. africana, N. amplexicaulis N. amplexicaulis, N. benavidesii, N. bonariensis, N. debneyi, N. longiflora, N. maritina, N. megalosiphon, N. occidentalis, N. paniculata, N. plumbagini folia), N. raimondii, N. rosulata, N. simulans, N. stocktonii, N. suaveolens, N. umbratica, N. velutina, N. wigandioides, N. acaulis, N. acuminata, N.N. attenuata, N. benthamiana, N. cavicola, N. clevelandii, N. cordifolia, N. corymbosa, N. fragrans, N. goodspeedii, N. linearis, N. miersii, N. nudicaulis, N. obtusifolia, N. occidentalis subsp. hesperis subsp. Hersperis, N. pauciflora, N. petunioides, N. quadrivalvis, N. repanda, N. rotundifolia, N. solanifolia, and N. spegazzinii. Various representatives of other types of plants derived from the Nicotiana species are described in Goodspeed, The Genus Nicotiana, (Chonica Botanica (1954); U.S. Patent No. 4,660,577 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,387,416 to White et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,025,066 to Lawson et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,798,153 to Lawrence, Jr., and U.S. Patent No. 8,186,360 to Marshall et al. Descriptions of various types of tobacco, as well as growing and harvesting process controls, are found in Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology, Davis et al. (Eds.) (1999), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0129] Nicotiana species from which suitable tobacco raw materials can be obtained can be derived using genetic modification or hybridization techniques (e.g., tobacco plants can be genetically engineered or hybridized to increase or decrease the production of a component, property, or attribute). See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,539,093 to Fitzmaurice et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,668,295 to Wahab et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,705,624 to Fitzmaurice et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,844,119 to Weigl, U.S. Patent No. 6,730,832 to Dominguez et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,173,170 to Liu et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,208,659 to Colliver et al., and U.S. Patent No. 7,230,160 to Benning, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0236434 to Conkling et al., and PCT / WO2008 / 103935 to Nielsen et al., for genetic modifications of plants of this type. In addition, see U.S. Patent No. 4,660,577 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,387,416 to White et al., and U.S. Patent No. 6,730,832 to Dominguez et al., the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0130] In some embodiments, Nicotiana species can be selected for the various compounds present therein. For example, the plant can be selected based on the fact that it produces relatively large amounts of one or more compounds that are desired to be isolated from itself. In certain embodiments, Nicotiana species plants (e.g., Galpao commun tobacco) are specifically cultivated for their richness in compounds on the leaf surface. Tobacco plants can be grown in greenhouses, growth chambers, outdoors, or hydroponically.

[0131] Various parts or portions of a Nicotiana species plant can be included within the mixtures disclosed herein. For example, virtually the entire plant (e.g., the whole plant) can be harvested and used as is. Alternatively, various parts or pieces of the plant can be harvested or separated for further use after harvest. For example, flowers, leaves, stems, trunks, roots, seeds, and various combinations thereof can be isolated for further use or processing. In some embodiments, the tobacco material comprises tobacco leaf (lamina). The mixtures disclosed herein can include processed tobacco parts or pieces, dried and aged tobacco in essentially intact lamina and / or stem form, tobacco extract, extracted tobacco pulp (e.g., using water as a solvent), or mixtures of the foregoing (e.g., a mixture of extracted tobacco pulp combined with granulated dried and aged intact tobacco lamina).

[0132] In certain embodiments, the tobacco material contains a solid tobacco material selected from the group consisting of lamina and stem. The tobacco used in the mixture most preferably comprises tobacco lamina or a mixture of tobacco lamina and stem (at least a portion of which has been smoke-treated). A portion of the tobacco within the mixture may be in a processed form, such as processed tobacco stem (e.g., cut and rolled stems, cut and rolled and then expanded stems, or cut and expanded stems), or volume-expanded tobacco (e.g., expanded tobacco such as dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET)). See, for example, the tobacco swelling processes described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,340,073 to Burde et al., 5,259,403 to Guy et al., 5,908,032 to Poindexter (Poindexter), and 7,556,047 to Poindexter et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the mixture may optionally incorporate fermented tobacco. See also tobacco processing techniques of the type described in PCT / WO2005 / 063060 by Atchley et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0133] Tobacco materials are typically used in a form that can be described as particulate (i.e., shredded, ground, granulated, or powdered). The manner in which tobacco materials are provided in a finely shredded or powder-type form can vary. Preferably, plant parts or pieces are comminuted, ground, or powdered using equipment and techniques for grinding or milling. Most preferably, the plant material is relatively dry in form during grinding or milling using equipment such as hammer mills, cutterheads, or air-controlled mills. For example, tobacco parts or pieces may be ground or milled when their moisture content is less than about 15 weight percent, or less than about 5 weight percent. Most preferably, tobacco materials are used in the form of parts or pieces having an average particle size between 1.4 millimeters and 250 microns. In some cases, tobacco particles may be sized to pass through a screen mesh to obtain the required particle size range. If desired, air classification equipment may be used to ensure that small-sized tobacco particles of the desired size or size range are collected. If desired, differently sized granular tobacco particles may be mixed together.

[0134] Tobacco may be provided in a shredded or powder-type form in a variety of ways. Preferably, tobacco parts or pieces are comminuted, ground, or powdered into a powder-type form using equipment and techniques for grinding or milling. Most preferably, the tobacco is relatively dry in form during grinding or milling using equipment such as hammer mills, cutter heads, or air-controlled mills. For example, tobacco parts or pieces may be ground or milled when their moisture content is less than about 15 weight percent to less than about 5 weight percent. For example, tobacco plants or portions thereof can be separated into individual parts or pieces (e.g., leaves can be removed from the stems, and / or stems and leaves can be removed from the trunks). Harvested plants or individual parts or pieces can be further subdivided into parts or pieces (e.g., leaves can be chopped, cut, comminuted, ground into powder, or pieces or pieces that can be characterized as filler-type pieces, granules, particulates, or fine powder). The plant, or a portion thereof, can be subjected to external force or pressure (e.g., by being pressed or subjected to a rolling process). When these processing conditions are performed, the plant, or a portion thereof, can have a moisture content that approximates its natural moisture content (moisture content immediately after harvest), a moisture content obtained by adding moisture to the plant, or a portion thereof, or a moisture content obtained by drying the plant, or a portion thereof. For example, powdered, pulverized, crushed, or ground plant pieces, or portions thereof, can have a moisture content of less than about 25 weight percent, often less than about 20 weight percent, and frequently less than about 15 weight percent.

[0135] For the preparation of oral products, harvested Nicotiana species plants are typically subjected to a curing process. The tobacco materials incorporated into the mixture for inclusion within the products disclosed herein are appropriately cured and / or aged. A description of various types of curing processes for various types of tobacco is provided in Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology, Davis et al. (Eds.) (1999). Examples of techniques and conditions for curing flue-cured tobacco are provided in Nestor et al., Beitrage Tabakforsch. Int., 20, 467-475 (2003), and U.S. Patent No. 6,895,974 to Peele, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Representative techniques and conditions for air-curing tobacco are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,650,892 to Groves et al., Roton et al., Beitrage Tabakforsch. Int., 21, 305-320 (2005), and Staaf et al., Beitrage Tabakforsch. Int., 21, 321-330 (2005), which are incorporated herein by reference. Certain types of tobacco can be subjected to alternative types of curing processes, such as fire-curing or sun-curing.

[0136] In certain embodiments, tobacco sources that can be used include flue-cured or Virginia varieties (e.g., K326), sun-cured burley varieties (e.g., Indian Kurnool and Orient varieties, including Katerini, Prelip, Komotini, Xanthi, and Yambol tobaccos), Maryland varieties such as black tobacco, flue-cured black tobacco, air-cured black tobacco (e.g., Madole, Passanda, Cubano, Jatin, and Bezuki tobaccos), air-cured light tobacco tobacco (e.g., North Wisconsin and Galpao tobacco), air-cured Indian, Red Russian, and Rustica tobaccos, as well as various other rare or regional tobaccos, and various blends of any of the foregoing tobaccos.

[0137] Tobacco materials may also include so-called "blended" forms. For example, tobacco materials may include a mixture of flue-cured, burley (e.g., Malawi burley), and Orient tobacco (e.g., tobacco composed of or derived from tobacco lamina, or a mixture of tobacco lamina and tobacco stem). For example, a typical blend may incorporate, on a dry weight basis, about 30 to about 70 parts burley tobacco (e.g., lamina, or lamina and stem) and about 30 to about 70 parts flue-cured tobacco (e.g., stem, lamina, or lamina and stem). Other exemplary tobacco blends incorporate, on a dry weight basis, about 75 parts flue-cured tobacco, about 15 parts burley tobacco, and about 10 parts Orient tobacco, or about 65 parts flue-cured tobacco, about 25 parts burley tobacco, and about 10 parts Orient tobacco, or about 65 parts flue-cured tobacco, about 10 parts burley tobacco, and about 25 parts Orient tobacco. Another exemplary tobacco blend incorporates, on a dry weight basis, from about 20 to about 30 parts Orient tobacco and from about 70 to about 80 parts flue-cured tobacco.

[0138] Tobacco materials used in the present disclosure may be subjected to, for example, fermentation, bleaching, etc. If desired, the tobacco material may be subjected to, for example, radiation treatment, pasteurization, or otherwise controlled heat treatment. Such treatment processes are described in detail, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,362 to Mua et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, the tobacco material may be treated with water and an additive capable of inhibiting the reaction of asparagine to form acrylamide upon heating of the tobacco material (e.g., an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, cysteine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, compositions incorporating divalent and trivalent cations, asparaginase, certain non-reducing sugars, certain reducing agents, phenolic compounds, certain compounds having at least one free thiol group or functional group, oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, natural plant extracts (e.g., rosemary extract), and combinations thereof). See, for example, the types of treatment processes described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,434,496, 8,944,072, and 8,991,403, all to Chen et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In certain embodiments, these types of treatments are useful when the original tobacco material is subjected to heat in the processes previously described.

[0139] In some embodiments, the type of tobacco material is selected to be initially visually lighter in color (e.g., whitened or bleached) than other tobacco materials to some extent. Tobacco pulp can be whitened according to any means known in the art, and in certain embodiments, bleached tobacco material produced by various whitening methods using bleaching or oxidizing agents and oxidation catalysts can be used. Exemplary oxidizing agents include peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), chlorites, chlorates, perchlorates, hypochlorites, ozone, ammonia, potassium permanganate, and combinations thereof. Exemplary oxidation catalysts are titanium dioxide, manganese dioxide, and combinations thereof.Processes for treating tobacco with bleaching agents are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 787,611 to Daniels, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 1,086,306 to Oelenheinz; U.S. Pat. No. 1,437,095 to Delling; U.S. Pat. No. 1,757,477 to Rosenhoch; U.S. Pat. No. 2,122,421 to Hawkinson; U.S. Pat. No. 2,148,147 to Baier; U.S. Pat. No. 2,170,107 to Baier; U.S. Pat. No. 2,274,649 to Baier; U.S. Pat. No. 2,770,239 to Prats et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 2,274,649 to Prats et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 2,770,239 ...274,649 to Prats et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 2,274,649 to Prats et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 2,274,649 No. 3,612,065 to N, U.S. Pat. No. 3,851,653 to Rosen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,889,689 to Rosen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,943,940 to Minami, U.S. Pat. No. 3,943,945 to Rosen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,666 to Rainer, U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,514 to Campbell, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,366,823, 4,366,824, and 4,388,933, all to Rainer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,667 to Schmekel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,376 to Berger, Byrd No. 9,950,858 to Byrd Jr. et al., U.S. Patent No. 9,339,058 to Byrd Jr. et al., U.S. Patent No. 9,420,825 to Beeson et al., and U.S. Patent No. 9,950,858 to Byrd Jr. et al., as well as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0067361 to Bjorkholm et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0073686 to Crooks, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0020183 to Bjorkholm, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0112183 to Bjorkholm, and PCT / WO1996 / 031255 to Giolvas and PCT / WO2018 / 083114 to Bjorkholm.

[0140] In some embodiments, the whitened tobacco material can have an ISO brightness of at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, or at least about 80%. In some embodiments, the whitened tobacco material can have an ISO brightness ranging from about 50% to about 90%, from about 55% to about 75%, or from about 60% to about 70%. ISO brightness can be measured according to ISO 3688:1999 or ISO 2470-1:2016.

[0141] In some embodiments, whitened tobacco material can be characterized as being lighter in color (e.g., "whitened") compared to untreated tobacco material. White is often defined with reference to the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) chromaticity diagram. Whitened tobacco material, in certain embodiments, can be characterized as being closer to pure white on the chromaticity diagram than untreated tobacco material.

[0142] In various embodiments, tobacco materials can be processed to extract soluble components of the tobacco material. As used herein, "tobacco extract" refers to isolated components of the tobacco material extracted from solid tobacco pulp by a solvent that contacts the tobacco material during the extraction process. Various tobacco material extraction techniques can be used to provide tobacco extracts and solid tobacco materials. See, for example, the extraction process described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0247640 by Beeson et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other exemplary techniques for extracting tobacco components are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,895 to Fiore, U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,677 to Osborne, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,847 to Reid, U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,147 to Wildman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,346 to Brummer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,059 to Brummer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,682 to Muller, U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,428 to Keritsis, U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,016 to Soga et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,716,911 to Poulose et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,716,911 to Niven, Jr., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.U.S. Patent No. 4,727,889 to Bernasek et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,887,618 to Bernasek et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,941,484 to Clapp et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,967,771 to Fagg et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,986,286 to Roberts et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,005,593 to Fagg et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,018,540 to Grubbs et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,018,540 to White et al. No. 5,060,669 to Fagg, U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,775 to White, U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,319 to White et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,862 to White et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,757 to White et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,414 to Fagg, U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,415 to Munoz et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,819 to Fagg, Kram No. 5,197,494 to Smith et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,354 to Smith et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,008 to Fagg, U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,999 to Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,694 to Raymond et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,050 to Gonzalez-Parra et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,879 to Teague, U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,879 to Newton, U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,022 to Clapp et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,325 to Clapp et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,169 to Brinkley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,584 to Lauterbach, U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,859 to Kierulff et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,767 to Mua, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,782 to Thompson.

[0143] Typical ranges of tobacco material content, based on the total weight of the blend (e.g., about 0.1 to about 15% by weight), can vary depending on the nature and type of tobacco material and the intended effect of the final blend, with exemplary ranges of up to about 30% by weight (or up to about 20% by weight, or up to about 10% by weight, or up to about 5% by weight). In some embodiments, products of the present disclosure can be characterized as being completely free or substantially free of tobacco material (except for purified nicotine as the active ingredient). For example, certain embodiments can be characterized as having less than 1% by weight, or less than 0.5% by weight, or less than 0.1% by weight, or 0% by weight of tobacco material.

[0144] cannabinoids In some embodiments, active ingredient contains one or more cannabinoids.As used herein, the term " cannabinoid " refers to a diverse class of chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors, also known as endocannabinoid system, in cells, and change neurotransmitter release in the brain.The ligands of these receptor proteins include the endocannabinoids that animals naturally produce in their bodies, the plant cannabinoids found in cannabis, and the synthetic cannabinoids that are artificially produced. Cannabinoids found in cannabis include, but are not limited to, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabiditriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV A). In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid is selected from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and cannabidiol (CBD), another major component of the plant that lacks any psychoactive properties. All of the above compounds can be used in the form of isolates from plant material or synthetically derived forms.

[0145] Alternatively, the active ingredient may be a cannabinomimetics, a class of compounds derived from plants other than cannabis that have biological effects on the endocannabinoid system similar to cannabinoids. Examples include yangonin, α-amyrin or β-amyrin (also classified as terpenes), cyanidin, curcumin (turmeric), catechin, quercetin, salvinorin A, N-acylethanolamines, and N-alkylamide lipids.

[0146] If present, the cannabinoid (e.g., CBD) or cannabinoids are present in a concentration of the composition of at least about 0.1 wt. % based on the total weight of the mixture, for example, about 0.1 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. %, about 0.4 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.6 wt. %, about 0.7 wt. %, about 0.8 wt. %, or about 0.9 wt. %, up to about 1 wt. %, about 2 wt. %, about 3 wt. %, about 4 wt. %, about 5 wt. %, about 6 wt. %, about 7 wt. %, about 8 wt. %, about 9 wt. %, about 10 wt. %, about 15 wt. %, about 20 wt. %, or about 30 wt. %, typically in a range of about 0.1 wt. % to about 30 wt. %.

[0147] terpenes Active ingredients suitable for use in the present disclosure can also be classified as terpenes, many of which are associated with biological effects such as sedation. Terpenes have the general formula (C5H8): n Terpenes are understood to have the following structure, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. Terpene structures can be acyclic, monocyclic, or bicyclic. Some terpenes provide concomitant effects when used in combination with cannabinoids or cannabis-like substances. Examples include β-caryophyllene, linalool, limonene, β-citronellol, linalyl acetate, pinene (α or β), geraniol, carvone, eucalyptol, menthone, iso-menthone, piperitone, myrcene, β-bourbonene, and germacrene, which may be used alone or in combination.

[0148] Pharmaceutical ingredients In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The API can be any known agent adapted for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic use. These can include, for example, synthetic organic compounds, proteins and peptides, polysaccharides and other sugars, lipids, phospholipids, inorganic compounds (e.g., magnesium, selenium, zinc, nitrates), neurotransmitters or their precursors (e.g., serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan, oxitriptan, acetylcholine, dopamine, melatonin), and nucleic acid sequences with therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic activity. Non-limiting examples of APIs include analgesics and antipyretics (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, 3-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid), phosphatidylserine, myo-inositol, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3), arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB), citicoline (cytidine-5'-diphosphate-choline), and cotinine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient contains citicoline. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of citicoline, caffeine, theanine, and ginseng. In some embodiments, the active ingredient contains sunflower lecithin. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of sunflower lecithin, caffeine, theanine, and ginseng.

[0149] The amount of API may vary, for example, when present, the API is typically at a concentration of about 0.001 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, such as, for example, about 0.01 wt. %, about 0.02 wt. %, about 0.03 wt. %, about 0.04 wt. %, about 0.05 wt. %, about 0.06 wt. %, about 0.07 wt. %, about 0.08 wt. %, about 0.09 wt. %, about 0.1 wt. %, about 0.2 wt. %, about 0.3 wt. %, about 0.4 wt. %, about 0.5 wt. %, about 0.6 wt. %, about 0.7 wt. %, about 0.8 wt. %, about 0.9 wt. %, or about 1 wt. %, to about 2 wt. %, about 3 wt. %, about 4 wt. %, about 5 wt. %, about 6 wt. %, about 7 wt. %, about 8 wt. %, about 9 wt. %, or about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0150] In some embodiments, the mixture is substantially free of any API. "Substantially free of any API" means that the composition does not contain, and specifically excludes the presence of, any API, as defined herein, such as any therapeutic agent approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intended to treat any medical condition.

[0151] Other additives Other additives can be included in the disclosed mixtures. For example, the mixtures can be processed, blended, formulated, combined, and / or mixed with other raw materials or ingredients. The additives can be artificial, or can be obtained or derived from herbal or biological sources. Additional types of additives include thickening stabilizers or gelling agents (e.g., fish gelatin), emulsifiers, oral care additives (e.g., thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, and zinc), preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate, etc.), disintegration aids, zinc or magnesium salts selected to render the composition relatively water-soluble and having higher water solubility (e.g., magnesium gluconate or zinc gluconate), or zinc or magnesium salts selected to render the composition relatively water-soluble and having lower water solubility (e.g., magnesium oxide or zinc oxide), or combinations thereof. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 9,237,769 to Mua et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,861,728 to Holton, Jr. et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0291245 to Gao et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0062549 to Holton, Jr. et al., the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference, for representative ingredients, combinations of ingredients, relative amounts of those ingredients, and modes and methods for using those ingredients. Typical inclusive ranges for such additional additives can vary depending on the nature and function of the additive and the intended effect of the final mixture, with an exemplary range of up to about 10% by weight based on the total weight of the mixture (e.g., about 0.1 to about 5% by weight).

[0152] The above-described additives can be used together (e.g., as an additive blend) or separately (e.g., individual additive components can be added at various stages in the preparation of the final mixture). Furthermore, additives of the above-described types can be encapsulated so as to be provided in the final product or final mixture. Exemplary encapsulated additives are described, for example, in WO 2010 / 132444 by Atchley, the contents of which have been previously incorporated by reference.

[0153] In some embodiments, any one or more of the filler, tobacco raw material, and overall oral product described herein can be described as particulate material. As used herein, the term "particulate" refers to material in the form of a plurality of individual particles, some of which may be in the form of agglomerates of multiple particles. The particles have an average length to width ratio of less than 2:1, e.g., less than 1.5:1, e.g., about 1:1. In various embodiments, the particles of the particulate material can be described as substantially spherical or granular.

[0154] The particle size of particulate matter may be measured by sieve analysis. As those skilled in the art will readily understand, sieve analysis (otherwise known as gradient testing) is a method used to measure the particle size distribution of particulate matter. Typically, sieve analysis involves nested columns of sieves, preferably screens in the form of wire mesh fabric. A pre-weighed sample may be introduced into the top or uppermost column having the largest screen opening or mesh size (i.e., the largest hole diameter of the sieve). Each sieve in the lower part of the column has progressively smaller screen openings or mesh sizes than the sieve above it. Typically, the base of the sieve column (having the smallest screen opening or mesh size) has a receiving section for collecting any particles having a particle size smaller than the screen opening size or mesh size at the bottom or bottom of the column.

[0155] In some embodiments, the sieve column may be placed on or in a mechanical agitator. The agitator causes vibrations in each sieve in the column. The mechanical agitator may be operated for a predetermined period of time to ensure that all particles are collected in the appropriate sieve. In some embodiments, the sieve column is agitated for a period of 0.5 to 10 minutes, e.g., 1 to 10 minutes, e.g., 1 to 5 minutes, e.g., about 3 minutes. Upon completion of agitation of the sieves in the column, the material collected on each sieve is weighed. The weight of each sample on each sieve may then be divided by the total weight to obtain the percentage of mass retained on each sieve. As one skilled in the art will readily understand, the screen opening size or mesh size of each sieve in a column used for sieving analysis may be selected based on the particle size of the sample to be analyzed or the known maximum / minimum particle size. In some embodiments, a sieve column may be used for sieving analysis, and the column may contain 2 to 20 sieves, such as 5 to 15 sieves. In some embodiments, a column of sieves may be used for the sieving analysis, the column comprising 10 sieves. In some embodiments, the maximum screen opening or mesh used for the sieving analysis may be 1000 μm, such as 500 μm, such as 400 μm, such as 300 μm.

[0156] In some embodiments, any particulate material referred to herein (e.g., fillers, tobacco raw materials, and overall oral products) can be characterized as having at least 50% by weight of particles having a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of about 1000 μm or less, such as about 500 μm or less, for example about 400 μm or less, such as about 350 μm or less, for example about 300 μm or less. In some embodiments, at least 60% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referred to herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of about 1000 μm or less, such as about 500 μm or less, for example about 400 μm or less, such as about 350 μm or less, for example about 300 μm or less. In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referred to herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of about 1000 μm or less, such as about 500 μm or less, for example about 400 μm or less, for example about 350 μm or less, for example about 300 μm or less. In some embodiments, at least 80% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referred to herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of about 1000 μm or less, such as about 500 μm or less, for example about 400 μm or less, for example about 350 μm or less, for example about 300 μm or less. In some embodiments, at least 90% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referred to herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of about 1000 μm or less, such as about 500 μm or less, for example about 400 μm or less, for example about 350 μm or less, for example about 300 μm or less. In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referred to herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of about 1000 μm or less, such as about 500 μm or less, for example about 400 μm or less, such as about 350 μm or less, for example about 300 μm or less. In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referred to herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of about 1000 μm or less, such as about 500 μm or less, for example about 400 μm or less, such as about 350 μm or less, for example about 300 μm or less.In some embodiments, about 100% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referred to herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of about 1000 μm or less, such as about 500 μm or less, for example about 400 μm or less, such as 350 μm or less, for example about 300 μm or less.

[0157] In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight, such as at least 60% by weight, for example at least 70% by weight, for example at least 80% by weight, at least 90% by weight, at least 95% by weight, at least 99% by weight, of the particles of any particulate material referred to herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of from about 0.01 μm to about 1000 μm, such as from about 0.05 μm to about 750 μm, for example from about 0.1 μm to about 500 μm, for example from about 0.25 μm to about 500 μm. In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight, such as at least 60% by weight, for example at least 70% by weight, for example at least 80% by weight, at least 90% by weight, at least 95% by weight, at least 99% by weight, of the particles of any particulate material referred to herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of from about 10 μm to about 400 μm, such as from about 50 μm to about 350 μm, for example from about 100 μm to about 350 μm, for example from about 200 μm to about 300 μm.

[0158] Preparation of the mixture The manner in which the various components of the mixture are combined may vary. Thus, for example, the overall mixture of powder mixture components and various ingredients may be relatively homogeneous in nature. The aforementioned components, whether in liquid or dry solid form, may be mixed in a pre-processing step before mixing with any remaining components of the mixture, or may simply be mixed with all other liquid or dry ingredients. The various components of the mixture may be contacted, combined, or mixed together using any mixing technique or equipment known in the art. Any mixing method that brings the mixture components into intimate contact may be used, such as a mixing device equipped with an impeller or other structure capable of agitation. Examples of mixing equipment include casing drums, conditioning cylinders or drums, liquid spray devices, conical blenders, ribbon blenders, mixers such as FKM130, FKM600, FKM1200, FKM2000, and FKM3000 available from Littleford Day, Inc., Plough Share-type mixer cylinders, Hobart mixers, etc. See, for example, the methodologies 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, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the components forming the mixture are prepared so that the mixture can be used in a starch molding process to form the mixture. The manner and method for formulating the mixture will be apparent to those skilled in the art. See, for example, the methodologies described in U.S. Patent No. 4,148,325 to Solomon et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,510,855 to Korte et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,834,654 to Williams, U.S. Patent No. 4,725,440 to Ridgway et al., and U.S. Patent No. 6,077,524 to Bolder et al., the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0159] How to improve the mouthfeel of pouch products In another aspect, methods are provided for providing oral products with improved mouthfeel (e.g., relative to conventional oral pouch products). Generally, the methods comprise providing a nanopouch or shaped pouch that, in some embodiments, more closely approximates the shape of or more easily conforms to at least a portion of a consumer's oral cavity (e.g., the consumer's jaw, gum line, etc.) as provided herein.

[0160] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention to which this invention pertains will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description. Therefore, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, 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. A pouch product for oral use, containing ingredients within a porous pouch; The raw material contains one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients; A pouch product for oral use, wherein the porous pouch has four sides, and the length of any of the four sides of the porous pouch does not exceed 24 mm.

2. 10. The pouch product of claim 1, wherein the length of any of the four sides of the porous pouch does not exceed 22 mm.

3. 2. The pouch product of claim 1, wherein the length of any of the four sides of the porous pouch does not exceed 20 mm.

4. 10. The pouch product of claim 1, wherein the four sides have lengths of about 24 mm, about 24 mm, about 9 mm, and about 9 mm.

5. The pouch product of claim 1 , wherein the four sides have approximately the same length.

6. 6. The pouch product of claim 5, wherein the four sides have a length of about 16 mm or less.

7. The pouch product of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ingredients further comprise one or more particulate fillers and water.

8. 8. The pouch product of claim 7, wherein the one or more particulate fillers comprise a cellulosic material.

9. 9. The pouch product of claim 8, wherein the cellulosic material comprises microcrystalline cellulose.

10. 8. The pouch product of claim 7, wherein the one or more particulate fillers comprise a cellulose derivative in an amount of about 1% to about 3% by weight of the ingredients.

11. 7. The pouch product of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more active ingredients are selected from the group consisting of nicotine components, dietary supplements, botanicals, stimulants, amino acids, vitamins, cannabinoids, cannabinoids, terpenes, and combinations thereof.

12. 7. The pouch product of claim 1, wherein the one or more flavoring agents comprise one or more of ethyl vanillin, cyanoaldehyde, sabinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-farnesene, and citral.

13. 7. The pouch product of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ingredients further comprise one or more salts, one or more sweeteners, one or more binders, one or more humectants, one or more gums, one or more active ingredients, tobacco ingredients, or combinations thereof.

14. 7. The pouch product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the size and / or shape of the porous pouch is adapted to fit comfortably in the oral cavity of a consumer.

15. 7. The pouch product of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the size and / or shape of the porous pouch is designed to match the size and / or shape of a consumer's jaw or the size and / or shape of a consumer's gum line.

16. The pouch product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pouch product is substantially free of tobacco material.

17. A pouch product for oral use, containing ingredients within a porous pouch; The raw material contains one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients; A pouch product in which the porous pouch is a shape other than a square or rectangular shape.

18. 18. The pouch product of claim 17, wherein the shape is selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a diamond, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, and an octagon.

19. 18. The pouch product of claim 17, wherein the shape has one or more rounded sides.

20. 18. The pouch product of claim 17, wherein the shape is selected from the group consisting of circular, semicircular, oval, semi-oval, kidney-shaped, teardrop-shaped, star-shaped, heart-shaped, and crescent-shaped.

21. 21. The pouch product of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the ingredients further comprise one or more particulate fillers and water.

22. 22. The pouch product of claim 21, wherein the one or more particulate fillers comprise a cellulosic material.

23. 23. The pouch product of claim 22, wherein the cellulosic material comprises microcrystalline cellulose.

24. 22. The pouch product of claim 21, wherein the one or more particulate fillers comprise a cellulose derivative in an amount of about 1% to about 3% by weight of the ingredients.

25. 21. The pouch product of any one of claims 17-20, wherein the one or more active ingredients are selected from the group consisting of nicotine components, botanicals, dietary supplements, stimulants, amino acids, vitamins, cannabinoids, cannabinoids, terpenes, and combinations thereof.

26. 21. The pouch product of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the one or more flavoring agents comprise one or more of ethyl vanillin, cyanoaldehyde, sabinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-farnesene, and citral.

27. 21. The pouch product of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the ingredients further comprise one or more salts, one or more sweeteners, one or more binders, one or more humectants, one or more gums, one or more active ingredients, tobacco ingredients, or combinations thereof.

28. The pouch product according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the size and / or shape of the porous pouch is configured to fit comfortably in the oral cavity of a consumer.

29. 21. The pouch product of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the size and / or shape of the porous pouch is designed to match the size and / or shape of a consumer's jaw or the size and / or shape of a consumer's gum line.

30. The pouch product according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the pouch product is substantially free of tobacco material.

31. 1. A method for delivering one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients, comprising providing one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients in raw material form inside a porous pouch; the porous pouch has four sides, and the length of any of the four sides of the porous pouch does not exceed 24 mm; or A method for delivering one or more flavoring agents and / or one or more active ingredients, wherein the porous pouch is a shape other than a square or rectangular shape.

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