Fusible smokeless tobacco composition

Abstract

To provide: a meltable smokeless tobacco composition configured for insertion into the mouth of a user, the smokeless tobacco composition including a tobacco extract and a lipid; and an associated process.SOLUTION: The process includes: melting a lipid to form a molten lipid composition; mixing a tobacco extract with the molten lipid composition to form a molten smokeless tobacco composition; and cooling the molten smokeless tobacco composition to form a solidified smokeless tobacco composition.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to products made from or derived from tobacco, or otherwise containing tobacco, and intended for human consumption. In particular, the present disclosure relates to compositions or formulations containing tobacco and intended for use in smokeless forms. [Background technology]

[0002] Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are popular smoking articles that use tobacco in various forms. Such smoking articles use tobacco by heating or burning it to produce an aerosol (e.g., smoke) that can be inhaled by the smoker. Tobacco may also be available in so-called "smokeless" forms. A particularly common smokeless tobacco product is used by inserting some form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the user's oral cavity. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 1,376,586 to Schwartz, U.S. Patent No. 3,696,917 to Levi, U.S. Patent No. 4,513,756 to Pittman et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,513,756 to Sensabaugh, Jr.U.S. Patent No. 4,528,993 to Story et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,624,269 to Story et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,991,599 to Tibbetts, U.S. Patent No. 4,987,907 to Townsend, U.S. Patent No. 5,092,352 to Sprinkle, III et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,387,416 to White et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,668,839 to Williams, U.S. Patent No. 6,834,654 to Williams, U.S. Patent No. 6,999 to Atchley et al. No. 53,040 to Atchley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,601 to Atchley et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,694,686 to Breslin et al.; U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2004 / 0020503 to Williams, U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2005 / 0115580 to Quinter et al., U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2005 / 0244521 to Strickland et al., U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2006 / 0191548 to Strickland et al., and U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2007 / 018694 to Holton, Jr. et al. No. 1, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007 / 0186942 to Strickland et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0029110 to Dube et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0029116 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0029117 to Mua et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0173317 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0196730 to Engstrom et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0209586 to Neilsen et al., Crawf See the types of smokeless tobacco formulations, ingredients, and processing methods described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0305216 to Ord et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0065013 to Essen et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0293889 to Kumar et al., International Publication No. WO 04 / 095959 to Arnarp et al., and U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 638,394, filed December 15, 2009, to Mua et al. (now published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011 / 0139164 to Mua et al.), each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary smokeless tobacco products include those disclosed in RJThese include CAMEL snus, CAMEL orbs, CAMEL strips, and CAMEL sticks by Reynolds Tabacco Company; REVEL Mint cigarette packs and SKOAL snus by US Smokeless Tobacco Company; and MARLBORO snus and Taboka by Philip Morris USA. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 1,376,586 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 3,696,917 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 4,513,756 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 4,528,993 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 4,624,269 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 4,991,599 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 4,987,907 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 5,092,352 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent No. 5,387,416 [Patent Document 10] U.S. Patent No. 6,668,839 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent No. 6,834,654 [Patent Document 12] U.S. Patent No. 6,953,040 [Patent Document 13] U.S. Patent No. 7,032,601 [Patent Document 14] U.S. Patent No. 7,694,686 [Patent Document 15] US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0020503 [Patent Document 16] US Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0115580 [Patent Document 17] US Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0244521 [Patent Document 18] US Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0191548 [Patent Document 19] US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0186941 [Patent Document 20] US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0186942 [Patent Document 21] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029110 [Patent Document 22] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029116 [Patent Document 23] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029117 [Patent Document 24] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0173317 [Patent Document 25] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0196730 [Patent Document 26] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0209586 [Patent Document 27] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0305216 [Patent Document 28] US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0065013 [Patent Document 29] US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0293889 [Patent Document 30] International Publication No. 2004 / 095959 [Patent Document 31] US Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0139164 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to provide enjoyable forms of tobacco products, such as smokeless tobacco products, and to provide methods for preparing tobacco-containing compositions suitable for use in smokeless tobacco products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into a user's mouth, as well as a process for preparing a smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use in a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product. The smokeless tobacco composition of the present disclosure utilizes a lipid material to provide a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product. In one aspect, the smokeless tobacco product is in the form of a solid material comprising a tobacco material and a lipid material. The smokeless tobacco composition preferably comprises lipids and a tobacco extract, and may include other ingredients such as sweeteners, binders, fillers, flavorants, disintegration aids, and preservatives. In one aspect, the tobacco extract is an aqueous tobacco extract in the form of spray-dried or freeze-dried particles. The dissolvable smokeless tobacco composition of the present disclosure can be packaged as multiple product units in a portable smokeless tobacco container.

[0006] In certain embodiments, it is advantageous to mix an extender with the tobacco extract prior to drying to improve the handling and mixing properties of the dried product. For example, the tobacco extract can be used in the form of a granular mixture of spray-dried or freeze-dried tobacco extract particles and a second spray-dried or freeze-dried granular material, such as any of a variety of fillers or binders (e.g., maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, and natural gums such as gum arabic). The weight ratio of tobacco extract to second granular material in the final dried product can vary, but is typically about 7:1 to about 1:1, e.g., about 5:1 to about 2:1.

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a dissolvable smokeless tobacco composition configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product, the tobacco product comprising a tobacco material and a lipid having a melting point of about 36°C to about 45°C, such as about 38°C to about 41°C. Lipids suitable for providing the melting characteristics of a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product include fats, waxes, and oils of animal or plant origin. An exemplary lipid composition is a plant-derived fat containing multiple saturated or unsaturated fatty acid chains having a carbon length of about 14 to about 20 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, the lipid is a blend of palm kernel oil and palm oil.

[0008] The smokeless tobacco composition may further comprise one or more additional ingredients, such as flavorants, fillers, binders, buffers, colorants, humectants, oral care additives, preservatives, syrups, disintegration aids, antioxidants, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, flow aids, and mixtures thereof. Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a filler (e.g., isomalt or other sugar alcohol), an artificial sweetener (e.g., sucralose), a flavorant (e.g., vanillin, spray-dried menthol), a salt (e.g., sodium chloride), and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition comprises a sugar alcohol, such as isomalt, in an amount of at least about 20% to at least about 40% by dry weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0009] Exemplary compositions of the present invention include compositions comprising, based on the total weight of the composition, at least about 2% by dry weight of tobacco extract, at least about 30% by dry weight of lipid, at least about 0.1% by dry weight of at least one sweetener, at least about 30% by dry weight of at least one filler, and at least about 0.5% by dry weight of at least one flavorant. In another embodiment, compositions include compositions comprising, based on the total weight of the composition, at least 2% by dry weight of tobacco extract, at least about 30% by dry weight of lipid, at least about 0.25% by dry weight of at least one sweetener, at least about 50% by dry weight of at least one filler, and at least about 0.25% by dry weight of salt, and at least about 1.0% by dry weight of at least one flavorant. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a smokeless tobacco composition comprising, based on the total weight of the smokeless tobacco composition, about 2 to about 10 dry weight% of a tobacco composition, about 30 to about 50 dry weight% of lipid, about 0.1 to about 1 dry weight% of an artificial sweetener, about 30 to about 60 dry weight% of a filler, up to about 5 dry weight% of a flavorant, and up to about 10 dry weight% of sodium chloride. For any of the composition embodiments described herein, a second tobacco material can be added, typically in the form of particulate tobacco material (e.g., ground tobacco material), in an amount of about 1 to about 10 dry weight% based on the total weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, any of the compositions described herein can further comprise lecithin, which can act as a binder or emulsifier.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a process for preparing a dissolvable smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a smokeless tobacco product, configured for insertion into a user's mouth. The process includes melting a lipid having a melting point of about 36°C to about 45°C to form a molten lipid composition; mixing the lipid composition with tobacco material and, optionally, additional ingredients (e.g., flavorants, binders, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, and mixtures thereof) to form the molten smokeless tobacco composition; and cooling the molten smokeless tobacco composition to form a solidified smokeless tobacco composition. In certain embodiments, the method includes mixing the molten lipid composition with one or more salts and sugar alcohols. The process may also include depositing the molten smokeless tobacco composition into a mold to form the molten smokeless tobacco composition into a predetermined shape.

[0011] As previously mentioned, the tobacco material can be an aqueous tobacco extract and can be in a spray-dried or freeze-dried particulate form. The spray-dried extract can also include a second particulate material. In such embodiments, the process of the present invention further includes preparing a spray-dried or freeze-dried mixture of the tobacco extract and the second particulate material by mixing the aqueous tobacco extract with a sufficient amount of the second particulate material to provide a mixture having a solids content of at least about 18% by weight, and then subjecting the mixture to spray-drying or freeze-drying to form the dried particulate material.

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure provide advantages as detailed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present disclosure will now be described in detail below. The present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein, but rather as provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used in this specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0014] The present disclosure provides smokeless tobacco compositions suitable for oral use. Smokeless tobacco compositions generally comprise particulate tobacco material and lipids. Such compositions can be used to provide dissolvable smokeless tobacco products for oral use. As used herein, "melt," "melting," and "meltable" refer to the ability of a smokeless tobacco product to change from a solid to a liquid state. That is, melting occurs when a substance (e.g., a smokeless tobacco product) changes from a solid to a liquid, usually by applying heat. Heating for the smokeless tobacco products of the present invention is provided by the internal temperature of the user's mouth. Thus, the term "meltable" refers to a product that can liquefy in the user's mouth, changing from a solid to a liquid, and is intended to distinguish it from a product that disintegrates in the oral cavity simply due to loss of cohesion within the product, which dissolves in the oral cavity as the aqueous-water-soluble components of the product interact with moisture.

[0015] In this regard, the melting properties of the smokeless tobacco composition embodiments described herein can generally be attributed to the lipid components, such as fats, oils, or waxy substances (or combinations thereof), that form part of the smokeless tobacco composition. The lipid components used in the present invention can be derived from animal or plant materials and typically comprise primarily triglycerides, with minor amounts of free fatty acids and mono- or diglycerides. In certain embodiments, the lipids used in the present invention are plant-derived fatty substances that are solid or semi-solid at room temperature (i.e., at about 25°C) and at least partially liquefy when exposed to the temperature of a user's mouth. Such plant-derived fats are primarily composed of saturated or unsaturated fatty acid chains (most of which are bonded in triglyceride structures) having carbon lengths of about 10 to about 26 carbon atoms, more typically about 14 to about 20 carbon atoms, and most often about 14 to about 18 carbon atoms. Exemplary fats that can be used include palm oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, and mixtures thereof. According to some embodiments, the lipid material may be hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, or non-hydrogenated. In some cases, the lipid material may comprise a blend of lipid components. For example, the lipid material may comprise a blend of palm oil and palm kernel oil. The lipid material is typically a separate, individual component that is separate from the particulate tobacco material used to form the smokeless tobacco composition.

[0016] There are various methods for determining the melting point of lipids. However, many naturally occurring lipids are not chemically homogeneous and therefore do not have a single melting point, i.e., the temperature at which they transition from a solid to a liquid state. Therefore, lipids are often characterized by a melting range. One test for determining the melting point of lipids is the Mettler Drop Point Method (ASTM Standard D3954, 2010, "Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Waxes," ASTM International, West Conshohocken PA, 2003, DOI 10.1520 / D3954-94R10, www.astm.org.). Unless otherwise specified, the melting point of a lipid described herein or a smokeless tobacco product containing such lipid refers to the melting temperature point or range determined by the Mettler Drop Point Method.

[0017] The melting point of the lipid component can be selected so that the resulting smokeless tobacco product composition has a melting point within an appropriate range to provide the desired melting characteristics when the smokeless tobacco product is placed in the user's mouth. In some embodiments, it is desirable to use lipids with higher melting points so that the final smokeless tobacco product remains substantially solid in the mouth during use, i.e., the user must chew the product to break it into small pieces. In other embodiments, a lower melting point can be selected so that the final product easily melts in the user's mouth during use. Typically, the melting point of the lipid component is about 29°C to about 49°C, often about 36°C to about 45°C, and most often about 38°C to about 41°C. In certain embodiments, the melting point of the smokeless tobacco component made using the lipid component also has a melting point in the vapor range. The use of lipids with melting points below about 36°C is typically less preferred due to handling concerns. That is, transportation and storage of smokeless tobacco products made using such lipids can subject the product to high temperatures that may result in melting of the product. Furthermore, lipid components (and fusible smokeless tobacco products made therefrom) having melting points above about 41°C are less preferred in certain embodiments due to undesirable mouthfeel characteristics, such as a mouthfeel that can be characterized as waxy.

[0018] Lipid materials that can be used in accordance with the present invention are available from, for example, Loders Croklaan and AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.Exemplary lipid materials are 108-24-B (non-hydrogenated lauric coating fat containing palm kernel oil and a blend of palm oils) from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc; PARAMOUNT X (partially hydrogenated vegetable oil containing a blend of palm kernel oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil) from Loders Croklaan; CENTERNAL 625 (vegetable fat) from Loders Croklaan; PARAMOUNT C (lauric coating fat containing palm kernel oil partially hydrogenated with lecithin) from Loders Croklaan; KAOKOTE 102 (lauric coating fat containing partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil) from Loders Croklaan; SILKO 35-08 (interesterified hydrogenated lauric fat containing palm kernel oil) from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc; CEBES 27-70 (fractionated lauric cocoa butter substitute containing hydrogenated palm kernel oil) from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc; CISAO 82-53 (non-hydrogenated palm oil) from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc; CEBES 29-21 (fractionated cocoa butter substitute containing palm kernel oil and palm oil) from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc; CEBES 27-55 (lauric fat containing partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil and hydrogenated soybean oil) from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc; 108-48-B (non-hydrogenated lauric fat, a blend of palm kernel oil and palm oil) from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc; CEBES 29-07 (fractionated non-hydrogenated cocoa butter substitute) from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc; CEBES 21-20 (fractionated lauric cocoa butter substitute) from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. Inc. (a fractionated lauric cocoa butter substitute); and CISAO 78-33 (a non-hydrogenated structured fat) from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.

[0019] The relative amount of lipid material in a smokeless tobacco composition can vary. Preferably, the amount of lipid material in a smokeless tobacco composition is at least about 10%, at least about 20%, or at least about 30%, by dry weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, the amount of lipid material is less than about 60%, less than about 50%, or less than about 40% by dry weight. Exemplary lipid weight ranges include about 10 to about 60% by dry weight, more typically about 20 to about 40% by dry weight.

[0020] Products of the present disclosure incorporate some form of Nicotiana species, and most preferably, the compositions or products include some form of tobacco. The selection of Nicotiana species can vary, and in particular, the selection of tobacco type can vary. Tobaccos that can be used include flue-cured or Virginia (e.g., K326), burley, sun-cured (e.g., Indian Kurnool and Oriental tobaccos, including Katerini, Prelip, Komotini, Xanthi, and Yambol tobaccos), Maryland, dark, dark-fired, dark air-cured (e.g., Passanda, Cubano, Jatin, and Bezuki tobaccos), light air-cured (e.g., North Wisconsin and Galpao tobaccos), Indian air-cured, Red Russian, and Rustica tobaccos, as well as various other rare or specialty tobaccos. Descriptions of various tobacco varieties, growing practices, and harvesting practices are found in Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology, Davis et al. (Eds.) (1999), which is incorporated herein by reference. Various other representative varieties of plants from the Nicotiana species are fortunately described in 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., and U.S. Patent No. 7,025,066 to Lawson et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0037623 to Lawrence, Jr. et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0245377 to Marshall et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference.Exemplary Nicotiana species include N. tabacum, N. rustica, N. alata, N. arentsii, N. excelsior, N. forgetiana, N. glauca, N. glutinosa, N. gossei, N. kawakamii, N. knightiana, N. langsdorffi, N. otophora, N. setchelli, N. sylvestris, N. tomentosa, N. tomentosiformis, N. undulata, N. x sanderae, N. africana, N. amplexicaulis, N. benavidesii, N. bonariensis, N. debneyi, N. longiflora, N. maritina, N. megalosiphon, N. occidentalis, N. paniculata, N. plumbaginifolia, N. raimondii, N. rosulata, N. simulans, N. stocktonii, N. suaveolens, N. umbratica, N. velutina, N. wigandioides, N. acaulis, N. acuminata, 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. Hersperis, N. pauciflora, N. petunioides, N. quadrivalvis, N. repanda, N. rotundifolia, N. solanifolia, and N. spegazzinii.

[0021] Nicotiana species can be derived using genetic modification or breeding techniques (e.g., tobacco plants can be genetically engineered or bred to increase or decrease the production of a component, characteristic, or attribute). See, for example, the types of genetic modifications of plants described in 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 et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0236434 to Conking et al., and International Publication No. WO 2008 / 103935 to Nielsen et al.

[0022] For the preparation of smokeless and smoking tobacco products, harvested plants of Nicotiana species are typically subjected to a curing process. A description of various types of curing processes for various types of tobacco is found in Tobacco Production, Chemistry and Technology, Davis et al. (Eds.) (1999). Exemplary techniques and conditions for curing flue-cured tobacco are described in Beitrage Tabakforsch. Int., 20, 467-475 (2003) by Nestor et al. and U.S. Patent No. 6,895,974 by 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., Beitrage Tabakforsch. Int., 21, 305-320 (2005) to Roton et al., and Beitrage Tabakforsch. Int., 21, 321-330 (2005) to Staaf et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. Certain types of tobacco can be subjected to alternative types of curing processes, such as flue-curing or sun-curing. Preferably, the cured harvested tobacco is then aged. Thus, the tobacco used in preparing tobacco compositions or products most preferably incorporates components of cured and aged tobacco.

[0023] At least a portion of a plant of the Nicotiana species (e.g., at least a portion of a tobacco portion) can be used in an immature form. That is, the plant or at least a portion of the plant can be harvested before it reaches a stage that is normally considered ripe or mature. Thus, for example, tobacco can be harvested when the tobacco plant is at the bud stage, when it begins to form leaves, when it begins to flower, etc.

[0024] At least a portion of a Nicotiana plant (e.g., at least a portion of a tobacco portion) can be used in a mature form. That is, the plant or at least a portion of the plant can be harvested when the plant (or plant portion) reaches a point at which it is typically considered ripe, overripe, or mature. In this manner, for example, Oriental tobacco plants, Burley tobacco plants, or Virginia tobacco leaves can be harvested or picked at the stem using tobacco harvesting techniques traditionally employed by farmers.

[0025] After harvesting, Nicotiana species plants or parts thereof can be used in their green form (e.g., the tobacco can be used without being subjected to any curing treatment). For example, the green form tobacco can be frozen, subjected to irradiation, yellowed, dried, cooked (e.g., roasted, roasted, or boiled), or otherwise stored or processed for later use. Such tobacco can also be subjected to aging conditions.

[0026] The tobacco material may be encased, dried, and then ground into a desired form. For example, in some cases, the tobacco material formulation may be encased with an aqueous casing containing ingredients such as sugars (e.g., fructose, glucose, and sucrose), humectants (e.g., glycerin and propylene glycol), flavoring ingredients (e.g., cocoa and licorice), and the like. Non-aqueous casing ingredients may be applied to the tobacco in amounts of about 1 percent to about 15 percent, based on the dry weight of the tobacco.

[0027] Tobacco materials are typically used in a form that can be described as particulate (i.e., shredded, crushed, granulated, or powdered). The method by which tobacco material is provided in finely divided or powdered form can vary. Preferably, plant parts or pieces are pulverized, powdered, or crushed into a particulate form using equipment and techniques for grinding, milling, and the like. Most preferably, the plant material is in a relatively dry form during grinding or crushing using equipment such as a hammer mill, cutter head, or air-controlled mill. For example, tobacco parts or pieces can be powdered or crushed when their moisture content is less than about 15% to about 5% by weight. Most preferably, tobacco material is used in the form of parts or pieces having an average particle size of less than about 50 microns. In one embodiment, the average particle size of the tobacco particles can be about 25 microns or less. Optionally, the tobacco particles can be sized to pass through a screen mesh. If desired, an air classifier can be used to ensure collection of small-sized tobacco particles of a desired size or size range. If desired, different sized pieces of granulated tobacco may be mixed together.

[0028] At least a portion of the tobacco material (e.g., tobacco components) used in a tobacco composition or product may be in the form of an extract. Tobacco extracts can be obtained by extracting tobacco with a solvent having aqueous properties, such as distilled water or tap water. Thus, an aqueous tobacco extract can be provided by extracting tobacco with water, such that the water-insoluble pulp material is separated from the aqueous solvent and the water-soluble and dispersible tobacco components are dissolved and dispersed therein. Tobacco extracts can be used in a variety of forms. For example, aqueous tobacco extracts can be isolated in a substantially solvent-free form, such as can be obtained as a result of using a spray-drying or freeze-drying process or other similar types of processing steps. Alternatively, aqueous tobacco extracts can be used in liquid form, and as such, the content of tobacco solubles in the liquid solvent can be controlled by selecting the amount of solvent used for extraction, selecting the concentration of the liquid tobacco extract by removing solvent and adding solvent to dilute the tobacco extract, etc. Exemplary techniques for extracting tobacco components are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,895 to Fiore, U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,677 to Osbirne, 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. 4,605,016 to Poulose ... No. 4,727,889 to Niven, Jr. 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 Crubbs et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,060,669 to White et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,065,775 to Fagg, U.S. Patent No. 5,065,775 to White et al.No. 074,319, U.S. Patent No. 5,099,862 to White et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,121,757 to White et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,131,414 to Fagg, U.S. Patent No. 5,131,415 to Munoz et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,148,819 to Fagg, U.S. Patent No. 5,197,494 to Kramer, U.S. Patent No. 5,230,354 to Smith et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,234,008 to Fagg, U.S. Patent No. 5,234,008 to Smith ... U.S. Patent No. 5,243,999 to ith, U.S. Patent No. 5,301,694 to Raymond et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,318,050 to Goncalez-Parra et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,343,897 to Teague, U.S. Patent No. 5,360,022 to Newton, U.S. Patent No. 5,435,325 to Clapp et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,445,169 to Brinkley et al., U.S. Patent No. 6 to Lauterbach No. 6,131,584 to Turpen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,284,875 to Kierulff et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,859 to Mua et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,767 to Mua et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,970 to Berit et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,906,172 to Bratcher et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,034,128 to Turpen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,211 to Bratcher et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,211 to Thompson et al. No. 6,337,782 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0029110 to Dube et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0173317 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0025738 to Mua et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0139164 to Mua et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0247640 to Besson et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] In some embodiments utilizing tobacco extract in spray-dried or freeze-dried particulate form, it is useful to mix the tobacco extract with an extender co-ingredient (e.g., any filler or binder component described herein as maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, or natural gum such as gum arabic) prior to the drying process to form a particulate dried mixture, which can exhibit improved mixing characteristics and result in a more homogeneous final product. Spray-dried tobacco extracts tend to have low density and poor flowability, making the extract more difficult to handle during the manufacturing process. Therefore, in certain embodiments, an extender component can be added to the aqueous tobacco extract in an amount sufficient to increase the pre-dried solids content of the aqueous composition to about 18 to about 22% by weight (e.g., at least about 18 or at least about 20% by weight). The combined mixture can then be spray-dried or freeze-dried, with the resulting material typically having a weight ratio of extract to extender of about 7:1 to about 1:1, more often about 5:1 to about 2:1 (e.g., about 3:1).

[0030] The relative amount of tobacco material (e.g., ground tobacco material or aqueous tobacco extract) within a smokeless tobacco composition can vary, but tobacco material is typically the predominant component. Preferably, the amount of tobacco material blend within a smokeless tobacco composition is at least about 25% or at least about 30% by dry weight of the composition. In certain instances, the amount of other components within a smokeless tobacco composition can exceed about 40% by dry weight. Typical ranges for the tobacco material blend within a smokeless tobacco composition are about 25 to about 60% by dry weight, more typically about 30 to about 40% by dry weight.

[0031] However, lesser amounts of tobacco material can be used, particularly when the tobacco is used in the form of concentrated tobacco extract. For example, some embodiments of the present invention include at least about 1%, at least about 2%, or at least about 3% by dry weight of tobacco extract (e.g., about 1% to about 10% by dry weight of tobacco extract).

[0032] The moisture content of the tobacco material prior to mixing with the lipid material to form the smokeless tobacco composition can vary. Most preferably, the moisture content of the tobacco material formulation is less than about 10% by weight, can be less than about 6% by weight, and often is less than about 3% by weight. Methods for controlling the moisture content of the tobacco material formulation can vary. For example, the tobacco material formulation can be subjected to thermal or convection heating. As a specific example, the tobacco material formulation can be oven-dried in heated air at a temperature of about 40°C to about 95°C for an appropriate time to achieve the desired moisture content. For example, the tobacco material formulation can be dried at about 54°C to about 60°C for about 12 hours to about 24 hours.

[0033] In some cases, tobacco portions or pieces can be irradiated, or the portions or pieces can be pasteurized, or otherwise subjected to a controlled heat treatment, prior to preparation of the tobacco material formulation. Furthermore, if desired, the component materials can be irradiated, or pasteurized, or otherwise subjected to a controlled heat treatment, after preparation of all or a portion of the tobacco material formulation. For example, a tobacco material formulation can be prepared, irradiated, or pasteurized, and then flavor ingredients can be applied to the formulation. Exemplary processes are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0025738 to Mua et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0025739 to Brinkley et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0247640 to Beeson et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] In one embodiment, after mixing the tobacco material with one or more additives selected from the group consisting of a composition comprising lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, 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 (e.g., cysteine), oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, natural plant extracts (e.g., rosemary extract), and combinations thereof, the moist tobacco material is subjected to a heat treatment (e.g., heating the moist tobacco material to a temperature of at least about 100° C.). Such a heat treatment process is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0300463 by Chen et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the tobacco extract used in the present invention is a heat-treated tobacco extract that has been treated prior to inclusion in a smokeless tobacco product by heating the tobacco extract in an aqueous solution containing lysine, cysteine, asparaginase, or hydrogen peroxide. The aqueous solution can include a watermelon additive; for example, in some embodiments, the aqueous solution further includes NaOH. In one exemplary embodiment, a smokeless tobacco product is provided, wherein the tobacco extract is a heat-treated tobacco extract that has been treated prior to inclusion in a smokeless tobacco product by heating the tobacco extract in an aqueous solution containing L-lysine and NaOH.

[0036] Tobacco material compositions used in the manufacture of smokeless tobacco products can also be processed, blended, compounded, combined, and mixed with other materials or ingredients, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2007 / 0062549 to Holton et al. and 2007 / 0186941 to Holton et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference, for example, whose representative components, component combinations, relative amounts of these components to tobacco, and recipes and methods for utilizing these components.

[0037] Excipients can be artificial or can be obtained from herbal or biological sources. Exemplary types of excipients include salts (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, etc.), natural sweeteners (e.g., fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, mannose, galactose, lactose, etc.), artificial sweeteners (e.g., sucralose, saccharin, aspartame, acerulfame K, neotame, etc.), organic and inorganic fillers (e.g., cereals, modified cereals, puffed particles, maltodextrin, dextrin, dextrose, potassium carbonate, calcium phosphate, corn starch, lactose, sugar alcohols such as isomalt, mannitol, erythritol, xylitol, or sorbitol, finely divided cellulose, etc.), binders (e.g., povidone, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and other modified cellulose-based binders, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, etc.), and the like. gum, starch-based binders, gum arabic, lecithin, etc.), pH adjusters or buffers (e.g., metal hydroxides, e.g., sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, and other alkali metal buffers such as metal carbonates, e.g., metal carbonates, preferably potassium carbonate or sodium carbonate, or metal bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate), colorants (including, e.g., dyes and pigments, caramel color, titanium dioxide, etc.), humectants (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), oral care additives (e.g., thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, and zinc), preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate, etc.), syrups (e.g., honey, high fructose corn syrup, etc.), disintegration or compression aids (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate, pregelatinized corn starch, etc.), flavors and flavor blends, antioxidants, and mixtures thereof.

[0038] Such additives can be provided, preferably in powder or granular form, for mixing with the tobacco material prior to mixing with the lipid material. Most preferably, the additives are used in the form of pieces or pieces having an average particle size of less than about 50 microns. In some embodiments, the average particle size of the additive can be about 25 microns or less. The moisture content of the additive can vary. Most preferably, the moisture content of the additive is less than about 10% by weight, and can be less than about 6% by weight, and often less than about 3% by weight. For example, the additive can be mixed with the particulate tobacco material using a Hobart mixer equipped with paddles prior to mixing with the lipid material. The relative amounts of various additive components in the smokeless tobacco composition can vary.

[0039] The above types of additives can be used together (e.g., as an additive blend) or separately (e.g., individual additive components can be added at various stages involved in the preparation of the final tobacco product). The relative amounts of the various components within a smokeless tobacco formulation can vary and are typically selected to provide the tobacco product with desired sensory and performance characteristics.

[0040] As used herein, "flavoring" or "flavorant" refers to any flavor or aroma substance capable of altering the sensory characteristics associated with a smokeless tobacco composition. Exemplary sensory characteristics that can be modified by flavorings include taste, mouthfeel, moistness, coolness / heat, and / or aroma / fragrance. Flavorings can be natural or synthetic, and their flavor characteristics can be described as, but are not limited to, fresh, sweet, herbal, confectionery, floral, or spicy. Specific types of flavors include, but are not limited to, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, mint, spearmint, menthol, peppermint, wintergreen, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, jasmine, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, and strawberry. Flavorings utilized in the present invention can also include ingredients considered to be humidifying, cooling, or smoothing agents, such as eucalyptus. These flavors can be provided pure (i.e., alone) or in combination (e.g., spearmint and menthol or orange and cinnamon). In some cases, the flavors can be provided in spray-dried form. In other instances, the flavors can be provided in liquid form. The flavors are typically present in an amount of about 0.5 to about 10% by dry weight, often about 1 to about 6% by dry weight, and most often about 2 to about 5% by dry weight.

[0041] Sweeteners can be used in natural or artificial forms, or a combination of artificial and natural sweeteners. In one embodiment, sucralose is the primary sweetener. When present, the amount of a typical sweetener, whether an artificial sweetener and / or a natural sugar, can comprise at least about 1% to at least about 5% of the total dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the amount of sweetener in the composition does not exceed about 40%, often does not exceed about 35%, and often does not exceed about 30% of the total dry weight of the composition.

[0042] Non-sweetening flavorants are preferably used in amounts sufficient to provide the desired sensory attributes to the smokeless tobacco composition. When present, the amount of a typical flavorant (e.g., vanillin) may comprise less than about 1% of the total dry weight of the composition.

[0043] Smokeless tobacco compositions of the present invention typically include at least one filler component. Components in such compositions often serve multiple functions, such as enhancing certain sensory characteristics, such as texture and mouthfeel, and improving product cohesiveness or compressibility. Certain aspects of the present disclosure utilize a sugar alcohol component, such as isomaltol. When present, the amount of a typical filler, whether organic and / or inorganic, may comprise at least about 20% to at least about 40% of the total dry weight of the composition. Preferably, the amount of filler in the composition does not exceed about 60%, and often does not exceed about 40%, of the total dry weight of the composition. In one embodiment, a sugar alcohol, such as isomaltol, is used as a filler.

[0044] Salt (e.g., sodium chloride) can be used in an amount sufficient to provide the desired sensory characteristics to the smokeless tobacco composition. When present, representative amounts of salt are typically up to about 10%, more typically up to about 5% to about 2%, of the total dry weight of the composition.

[0045] Any of the above-described classes of components for the smokeless tobacco compositions of the present disclosure can be derived from tobacco material by a separation process that typically involves multiple sequential extraction steps to separate the desired components of the tobacco material from at least a portion of the tobacco plant (e.g., leaves, seeds, flowers, stems, roots, or stem). Exemplary separation processes include chromatography, distillation, filtration, recrystallization, solvent-solvent partitioning, cold pressing, solvent extraction (e.g., with water, alcohol, or solvents such as heptane or hexane), or a combination thereof. The resulting separated tobacco components can be chemically transformed prior to use in the compositions of the present disclosure. Exemplary chemical transformations include hydrogenation, esterification, transesterification, isomerization, acetal formation, acetal decomposition, acid / base reaction, hydrolysis, heat treatment, enzymatic treatment, and combinations of such processes. Techniques for preparing tobacco isolates for use in the compositions of the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0174323 to Coleman, III et al. and 2011 / 0259353 to Coleman, III et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Exemplary types of compounds that may be present in tobacco isolates include hydrocarbons, cellulose, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amino acids, esters, lactones, anhydrides, carbohydrates (e.g., reducing sugars), phenols, quinones, ethers, nitriles, amines, amides, imides, color pigments, proteins, coenzyme Q, pectins, starches, lignins, and lipids. Additional examples are described as natural tar diluents in International Publication No. WO 2007 / 012980 to Lipowicz. The type or function of smokeless tobacco organisms prepared from tobacco isolates varies depending on the composition of the isolate and may vary in part based on the extraction process used, the part of the tobacco plant involved, the type of chemical transformation utilized, and the like. Certain tobacco isolates can provide sugars, fillers, binders, disintegration or compression aids, or flavorings for the smokeless tobacco compositions of the present disclosure.

[0046] A typical smokeless tobacco composition may incorporate, based on the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco composition, about 25 to about 45% tobacco, about 10 to about 50% liquid ingredients, about 0 to about 1% artificial sweetener, about 20 to about 40% filler, flavorant in an amount up to about 10%, and salt in an amount up to about 10%. The specific percentages and selection of ingredients will vary depending on the desired flavor, texture, and other characteristics.

[0047] Methods for combining the various components of the smokeless tobacco composition can vary. The various components of the smokeless tobacco composition can be contacted, combined, or mixed together using a conical blender, such as a Hobart mixer, a mixing drum, a ribbon blender, or the like. In this manner, the overall mixture of the various components and powdered tobacco components can be relatively homogeneous in nature. See also, for example, the types of 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, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] The method for combining the various components of the fusible smokeless tobacco composition can vary. In one embodiment, the particulate tobacco material and any additives to be mixed therewith are provided in dry form. That is, the particulate tobacco material and any additives preferably have a moisture content of less than about 10%, preferably less than about 6%. The dry particulate tobacco material, as well as all dry ingredients in powder form, are added together and thoroughly mixed.

[0049] To form a molten lipid composition, the lipid is typically melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat, the mixed dry blend is added to the mixing vessel containing the molten lipid composition under vigorous mixing, thereby forming a molten smokeless tobacco composition slurry having a moisture content of less than about 10%, preferably less than about 5%. The slurry can be deposited into a mold (plastic, metal, etc.) to achieve a desired product size, such as about 0.5 to about 1 gram weight per smokeless tobacco product piece. In some cases, Racine precipitators and piston-type jacketed precipitators can be used for this type of application. Depending on the lipid material used, the slurry can be deposited at various temperatures. Typically, for untempered lipid materials, the deposition temperature can be about 0.5 to about 1°C above the melting point of the lipid material. In some preferred embodiments, the deposition temperature of the slurry can be about 38°C to about 41°C. According to some embodiments, the mold tray can be placed in a cooling tunnel at about 10°C to about 15°C for about 5 to 10 minutes. The slurry can then be allowed to harden by ambient air drying, after which individual pieces of the smokeless tobacco product can be removed from the mold. According to some embodiments, refrigeration temperatures, such as about 4°C, can be used to cool the slurry to increase the hardening rate of the smokeless tobacco composition.

[0050] In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition can be coated with a coating material. For example, a glazing or anti-stick coating material, such as CAPOL 410 (available from Centerchem Inc.), can be applied to the smokeless tobacco composition to provide free-flowing properties. The outer coating can also improve the packaging process by reducing friability and dusting, as well as improving the storage stability of the smokeless tobacco product of the present disclosure. Devices for applying the outer coating layer to the products of the present disclosure include pan coaters and spray coaters, including, in part, available application devices such as the CompuLab 24, CompuLab 36, Accela-Cota 48, and Accela-Cota 60 from Thomas Engineering.

[0051] Exemplary outer coatings include a film-forming polymer such as a cellulosic polymer, optionally a plasticizer, and optionally a flavorant, salt, sweetener, or other additive. The coating composition is typically aqueous in nature and can be applied using any pellet or tablet coating technique well known in the art, such as pan coating. Exemplary film-forming polymers include cellulosic polymers such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose. Exemplary plasticizers include aqueous solutions or emulsions of glyceryl monostearate and triethyl citrate. Exemplary coating compositions and application methods are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 876,785, filed September 7, 2010, by Hunt et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] While the preceding discussion has focused on compositions that are uniform throughout each product unit, products can also be formed that contain multiple different formulations with different properties within the same product unit. For example, two different compositions can be coextruded to form members with different properties across their cross-sections. Such a process can be used to provide a product containing two different compositions with different melting rates, such that a first portion of the product melts at a first rate (e.g., a faster rate) and a second portion melts at a second, slower rate.

[0053] In some embodiments, the tobacco component of the smokeless tobacco composition can be replaced or supplemented with other suitable botanical ingredients, such as, for example, tea particles, coffee particles, herb particles, spice particles, and / or combinations thereof. Typically, the particles can be used in powder form and can be extracted from a suitable botanical source.

[0054] The smokeless tobacco composition can be provided in any suitable predetermined shape or form, most preferably as a shaped body (e.g., pill, pellet, tablet, sheet, coin, bead, oval, obloid, cylinder, bean, stick, rod, cube, etc.). The mouthfeel of certain embodiments of the smokeless tobacco product can be characterized by a smooth and creamy texture. According to one aspect, the smokeless tobacco product can be sustained in a user's mouth without chewing for about 2 to 3 minutes, and is formulated to be enjoyed by the user of the product in the oral cavity for about 2 to 3 minutes before swallowing.

[0055] Certain smokeless tobacco compositions can include tobacco as a primary component. In certain embodiments, these compositions do not leave any residue in the user's mouth to a substantial extent. Furthermore, certain embodiments of these compositions do not impart a smooth, waxy, or slimy sensation to the user's mouth, but instead impart a smooth, creamy sensation to the user's mouth.

[0056] The products of the present invention can be packaged and stored in any suitable packaging, for example, U.S. Patent No. 7,014,039 to Henson et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,537,110 to Kutsch et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,584,843 to Kutsch et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,946,450 to Gelardi et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,033,425 to Gelardi, U.S. Patent No. 8,066,123 to Gelardi, D592,956 to Thiellier, D594,154 to Petel et al., D625,178 to Bailey et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 2008 / 0173317 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 2009 / 0014343 to Clark et al., See U.S. Patent Application No. 2009 / 0250360 to Bjorkholm, U.S. Patent Application No. 2009 / 0250360 to Bellanah et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 2009 / 0230003 to Thiellier, U.S. Patent Application No. 2010 / 0084424 to Gelardi, U.S. Patent Application No. 2010 / 0133140 to Bailey et al., U.S. Patent No. 2010 / 0264157 to Bailey et al., U.S. Patent No. 2011 / 0168712 to Gelardi et al., and U.S. Patent Application No. 2011 / 0204074 to Bailey et al., for various types of containers for smokeless products.

[0057] The following examples are provided to illustrate further aspects related to the present disclosure, but should not be construed as limiting its scope. Unless otherwise specified, all parts and percentages are by dry weight. [Example]

[0058] Example 1 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0059] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried in an open atmosphere at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), salt (sodium chloride), a sweetener (sucralose), and flavors (vanillin, spray-dried peppermint, spray-dried menthol). All dry ingredients, as well as the dried tobacco material, in powder form, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0060] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 38° C. to about 42° C. (available as 108-24-B from Aarhus Karlchamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a non-hydrogenated lauric coating fat containing a blend of palm kernel oil and palm oil.

[0061] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34 parts lipid material, 25.5 parts filler, 36 parts tobacco material, 0.5 parts salt, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 3.55 parts flavorant.

[0062] Example 2 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0063] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried in an open atmosphere at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), salt (sodium chloride), a sweetener (sucralose), and flavors (vanillin, spray-dried peppermint, spray-dried menthol). All dry ingredients, as well as the dried tobacco material, in powder form, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0064] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 38° C. to about 42° C. (available as 108-24-B from Aarhus Karlchamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a non-hydrogenated lauric coating fat containing a blend of palm kernel oil and palm oil.

[0065] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34 parts lipid material, 24.5 parts filler, 36 parts tobacco material, 0.5 parts salt, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 4.55 parts flavorant.

[0066] Example 3 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0067] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried in an open atmosphere at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), salt (sodium chloride), a sweetener (sucralose), and flavors (vanillin, spray-dried peppermint, spray-dried menthol). All dry ingredients, as well as the dried tobacco material, in powder form, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0068] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 38° C. to about 42° C. (available as 108-24-B from Aarhus Karlchamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a non-hydrogenated lauric coating fat containing a blend of palm kernel oil and palm oil.

[0069] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34 parts lipid material, 23.5 parts filler, 36 parts tobacco material, 0.5 parts salt, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 5.55 parts flavorant.

[0070] Example 4 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0071] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried in an open atmosphere at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucrose powder), and a flavorant (mint oil). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer with a paddle attachment at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0072] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 43° C. to about 47° C. (available from Loders Crpklaan as PARAMOUNT X). The lipid material is a partially hydrogenated vegetable oil containing a blend of palm kernel oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil.

[0073] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 40 parts lipid material, 29.15 parts filler, 30 parts tobacco material, 0.5 parts sweetener, and 0.35 parts flavorant.

[0074] Example 5 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0075] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried in an open atmosphere at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucrose powder), and a flavorant (mint oil). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer with a paddle attachment at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0076] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 31° C. to about 33° C. (available as CENTERNAL 625 from Loders Crpklaan). The lipid material is a vegetable fat.

[0077] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 40 parts lipid material, 29.15 parts filler, 30 parts tobacco material, 0.5 parts sweetener, and 0.35 parts flavorant.

[0078] Example 6 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0079] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried in an open atmosphere at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), additives (sodium chloride, wheat flour), a sweetener (sucralose), an emulsifier (polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR)), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, as well as the dried tobacco material, in powder form, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0080] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 37° C. to about 40° C. (available from Loders Crpklaan as PARAMOUNT C). The lipid material is a lauric coating fat comprising palm kernel oil partially hydrogenated with lecithin.

[0081] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition having a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The smokeless tobacco composition mixture is about 32.6 parts lipid material (0.4 parts lecithin), 33.2 parts filler, 31.9 parts tobacco material, 1.72 parts additive, 0.43 parts sweetener, 0.08 parts emulsifier, and 0.04 parts flavoring.

[0082] Example 7 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0083] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried in an open atmosphere at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), additives (sodium chloride, wheat flour), a sweetener (sucralose), an emulsifier (polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR)), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, as well as the dried tobacco material, in powder form, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0084] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 37° C. to about 40° C. (available from Loders Crpklaan as PARAMOUNT C). The lipid material is a lauric coating fat comprising palm kernel oil partially hydrogenated with lecithin.

[0085] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition having a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The smokeless tobacco composition mixture is about 41.5 parts lipid material (0.4 parts lecithin), 24.5 parts filler, 31.5 parts tobacco material, 1.8 parts additive, 0.45 parts sweetener, 0.08 parts emulsifier, and 0.05 parts flavoring.

[0086] Example 8 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0087] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 60°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 6.5%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), additives (sodium chloride, wheat flour), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, as well as the dried tobacco material, in powder form, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0088] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 37° C. to about 40° C. (available as PARAMOUNT C from Loders Crpklaan). The lipid material is a lauric coating fat comprising partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil.

[0089] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 33.78 parts lipid material, 24.48 parts filler, 40 parts tobacco material, 1.25 parts additive, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0090] Example 9 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0091] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), additives (sodium chloride, wheat flour), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, as well as the dried tobacco material, in powder form, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0092] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 37° C. to about 40° C. (available from Loders Crpklaan as PARAMOUNT C). The lipid material is a lauric coating fat comprising palm kernel oil partially hydrogenated with lecithin.

[0093] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition having a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The smokeless tobacco composition mixture is about 36.58 parts lipid material (0.45 parts lecithin), 24.56 parts filler, 36.56 parts tobacco material, 1.81 parts additive, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0094] Example 10 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0095] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 60°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 6.5%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0096] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 39° C. to about 40° C. (available as KAOKOTE 102 from Loders Crpklaan). The lipid material is a non-lauric fat comprising partially hydrogenated soybean or cottonseed oil.

[0097] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34.21 parts lipid material, 24.79 parts filler, 40.51 parts tobacco material, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0098] Example 11 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0099] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 60°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 6.5%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0100] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 39° C. to about 40° C. (available as KAOKOTE 102 from Loders Crpklaan). The lipid material is a non-lauric fat comprising partially hydrogenated soybean or cottonseed oil.

[0101] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34.21 parts lipid material, 24.49 parts filler, 40.51 parts tobacco material, 0.75 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0102] Example 12 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0103] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 60°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 6.5%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0104] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 39° C. to about 40° C. (available as KAOKOTE 102 from Loders Crpklaan). The lipid material is a non-lauric fat comprising partially hydrogenated soybean or cottonseed oil.

[0105] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34.21 parts lipid material, 24.24 parts filler, 40.51 parts tobacco material, 1 part sweetener, and 0.04 part flavorant.

[0106] Example 13 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0107] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 60°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 3.4%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0108] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 38° C. to about 40° C. (available as SILKO35-08 from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a lauric cocoa butter substitute that includes hydrogenated palm kernel oil.

[0109] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34.21 parts lipid material, 24.79 parts filler, 40.51 parts tobacco material, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0110] Example 14 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0111] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 60°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 6.5%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0112] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 36° C. to about 40° C. (available as CEBES27-70 from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a fractionated lauric cocoa butter substitute that includes hydrogenated palm kernel oil.

[0113] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34.21 parts lipid material, 24.79 parts filler, 40.51 parts tobacco material, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0114] Example 15 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0115] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 60°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 6.5%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0116] A lipid material blend is provided. A first lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 36°C to about 40°C (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CEBES27-70). The first lipid material is a fractionated lauric cocoa butter substitute containing hydrogenated palm kernel oil. A second lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 53°C to about 57°C (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CISAO82-53). The second lipid material is non-hydrogenated palm oil.

[0117] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel containing the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition having a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 32.71 parts of the first lipid material, 1.5 parts of the second lipid material, 29.79 parts of filler, 35.51 parts of tobacco material, 0.45 parts of sweetener, and 0.04 parts of flavorant.

[0118] Example 16 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0119] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 60°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 6.5%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0120] A lipid material blend is provided. A first lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 36°C to about 40°C (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CEBES27-70). The first lipid material is a fractionated lauric cocoa butter substitute containing hydrogenated palm kernel oil. A second lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 53°C to about 57°C (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CISAO82-53). The second lipid material is non-hydrogenated palm oil.

[0121] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel containing the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition having a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 31.21 parts of the first lipid material, 3 parts of the second lipid material, 29.79 parts of filler, 35.51 parts of tobacco material, 0.45 parts of sweetener, and 0.04 parts of flavorant.

[0122] Example 17 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0123] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 60°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 6.5%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0124] A lipid material blend is provided. A first lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 36°C to about 40°C (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CEBES27-70). The first lipid material is a fractionated lauric cocoa butter substitute containing hydrogenated palm kernel oil. A second lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 53°C to about 57°C (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CISAO82-53). The second lipid material is non-hydrogenated palm oil.

[0125] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 30.21 parts of the first lipid material, 4 parts of the second lipid material, 29.79 parts of filler, 35.51 parts of tobacco material, 0.45 parts of sweetener, and 0.04 parts of flavorant.

[0126] Example 18 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0127] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 60°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 6.5%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0128] A lipid material blend is provided. A first lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 36°C to about 40°C (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CEBES27-70). The first lipid material is a fractionated lauric cocoa butter substitute containing hydrogenated palm kernel oil. A second lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 53°C to about 57°C (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CISAO82-53). The second lipid material is non-hydrogenated palm oil.

[0129] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 29.21 parts of the first lipid material, 5 parts of the second lipid material, 29.79 parts of filler, 35.51 parts of tobacco material, 0.45 parts of sweetener, and 0.04 parts of flavorant.

[0130] Example 19 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0131] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 60°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 6.5%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0132] A lipid material blend is provided. A first lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 36°C to about 40°C (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CEBES27-70). The first lipid material is a fractionated lauric cocoa butter substitute containing hydrogenated palm kernel oil. A second lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 53°C to about 57°C (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CISAO82-53). The second lipid material is non-hydrogenated palm oil.

[0133] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel containing the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition having a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 24.21 parts of the first lipid material, 10 parts of the second lipid material, 29.79 parts of filler, 35.51 parts of tobacco material, 0.45 parts of sweetener, and 0.04 parts of flavorant.

[0134] Example 20 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0135] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 60°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 6.5%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0136] A lipid material blend is provided. A first lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 36°C to about 40°C (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CEBES27-70). The first lipid material is a fractionated lauric cocoa butter substitute containing hydrogenated palm kernel oil. A second lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 53°C to about 57°C (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CISAO82-53). The second lipid material is non-hydrogenated palm oil.

[0137] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 14.21 parts of the first lipid material, 20 parts of the second lipid material, 29.79 parts of filler, 35.51 parts of tobacco material, 0.45 parts of sweetener, and 0.04 parts of flavorant.

[0138] Example 21 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0139] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C for 24 hours to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 3%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0140] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 40° C. to about 44° C. (available as CEBES29-21 from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a fractionated cocoa butter substitute that includes palm kernel oil and palm oil.

[0141] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34.21 parts lipid material, 24.79 parts filler, 40.51 parts tobacco material, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0142] Example 22 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0143] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C for 24 hours to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 3%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0144] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 34° C. to about 37° C. (available as CEBES27-55 from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil and soybean oil.

[0145] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34.21 parts lipid material, 24.79 parts filler, 40.51 parts tobacco material, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0146] Example 23 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0147] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C for 24 hours to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 3%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0148] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 40° C. to about 44° C. (available as CEBES29-21 from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a fractionated cocoa butter substitute that includes palm kernel oil and palm oil.

[0149] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34.21 parts lipid material, 29.79 parts filler, 35.51 parts tobacco material, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0150] Example 24 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0151] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C for 24 hours to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 3%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0152] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 34° C. to about 37° C. (available as CEBES27-55 from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is partially hydrogenated palm kernel oil and soybean oil.

[0153] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34.21 parts lipid material, 29.79 parts filler, 35.51 parts tobacco material, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0154] Example 25 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0155] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C for 24 hours to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 3%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0156] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 40° C. to about 44° C. (available as CEBES29-21 from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a fractionated cocoa butter substitute that includes palm kernel oil and palm oil.

[0157] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 36.68 parts lipid material, 23.86 parts filler, 38.99 parts tobacco material, 0.43 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0158] Example 26 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0159] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C for 24 hours to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 3%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0160] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 38° C. to about 42° C. (available as 108-24-B from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a non-hydrogenated lauric coating fat comprising palm kernel oil and palm oil.

[0161] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34.21 parts lipid material, 24.79 parts filler, 40.51 parts tobacco material, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0162] Example 27 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0163] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C for 24 hours to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 3%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0164] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 38° C. to about 42° C. (available as 108-24-B from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a non-hydrogenated lauric coating fat comprising palm kernel oil and palm oil.

[0165] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34.21 parts lipid material, 29.79 parts filler, 35.51 parts tobacco material, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.04 parts flavorant.

[0166] Example 28 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0167] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), additives (sodium chloride, wheat flour), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, as well as the dried tobacco material, in powder form, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0168] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 38° C. to about 42° C. (available as 108-24-B from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a non-hydrogenated lauric coating fat comprising palm kernel oil and palm oil.

[0169] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34 parts lipid material, 29 parts filler, 36 parts tobacco material, 0.5 parts additive, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.05 parts flavorant.

[0170] Example 29 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0171] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), additives (sodium chloride, wheat flour), a sweetener (sucralose), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, as well as the dried tobacco material, in powder form, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0172] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 38° C. to about 42° C. (available as 108-24-B from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a non-hydrogenated lauric coating fat comprising palm kernel oil and palm oil.

[0173] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 34 parts lipid material, 29 parts filler, 36 parts tobacco material, 0.5 parts additive, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 0.05 parts flavorant.

[0174] Example 30 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0175] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a sweetener (sucrose), salt (sodium chloride), a filler (erythritol), and a flavoring (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer with a paddle attachment at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0176] A lipid material is provided (available as cocoa butter from Barry Callebaut CB302) having a melting point of about 27° C. to about 34° C. The lipid material is deodorized natural cocoa butter.

[0177] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 45 parts lipid material, 9 parts filler, 30 parts tobacco material, 2 parts salt, 14 parts sweetener, and 0.01 part flavorant.

[0178] Example 31 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0179] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content to about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including sweeteners / fillers (xylitol, erythritol, isomalt), salt (sodium chloride), sweeteners (sucralose), and flavors (vanillin). All dry ingredients, as well as the dried tobacco material, in powder form, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0180] A lipid material is provided (available as cocoa butter from Barry Callebaut CB302) having a melting point of about 27° C. to about 34° C. The lipid material is deodorized natural cocoa butter.

[0181] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel with the molten lipid material, the mixed dry blend is added while mixing, thereby creating a flowable slurry of smokeless tobacco composition with a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of smokeless tobacco composition is about 45 parts lipid material, 22.83 parts filler, 30 parts tobacco material, 2 parts salt, 0.16 parts sweetener, and 0.01 part flavorant.

[0182] Example 32 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0183] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content from about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (erythritol), salt (sodium chloride), a sweetener (sucrose), and a flavorant (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0184] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 27° C. to about 34° C. (available as cocoa butter from Barry Callebaut CB302), and a second lipid has a melting point of about 33° C. to 37° C. (available as CEBES21-25 from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material CB302 is deodorized natural cocoa butter, and CEBES21-25 is a mixture of palm kernel oil and hydrogenated palm oil.

[0185] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel containing the molten lipid material, a small amount of glycerin is added as a processing aid. During mixing, the mixed dry blend is added after the glycerin, thereby creating a flowable slurry of the smokeless tobacco composition having a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of the smokeless tobacco composition is about 29 parts lipid material, 9.97 parts filler, 33 parts tobacco material, 2 parts glycerin, 1 part salt, 25 parts sweetener, and 0.03 parts flavorant.

[0186] Example 33 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0187] A tobacco material having tobacco particles with an average particle size of about 30 microns is provided. The tobacco material is dried at about 54°C to reduce the moisture content from about 50% to less than about 10%. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (erythritol), salt (sodium chloride), a sweetener (sucrose), and a flavorant (vanillin). All dry ingredients, in powder form, as well as the dried tobacco material, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at about 120 rpm for about 3 minutes.

[0188] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 27° C. to about 34° C. (available from Barry Callebaut CB302), and a second lipid has a melting point of about 36° C. to 39° C. (available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc. as CEBES27-70). The lipid material CB302 is deodorized natural cocoa butter, and CEBES27-70 is hydrogenated palm kernel oil.

[0189] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel containing the molten lipid material, a small amount of glycerin is added as a processing aid. During mixing, the mixed dry blend is added after the glycerin, thereby creating a flowable slurry of the smokeless tobacco composition having a moisture content of less than about 10%. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of about 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for about 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of the smokeless tobacco composition is about 29 parts lipid material, 9.97 parts filler, 33 parts tobacco material, 2 parts glycerin, 1 part salt, 25 parts sweetener, and 0.03 parts flavorant.

[0190] Example 34 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided in the following manner.

[0191] Tobacco material in the form of an aqueous tobacco extract (extract of a tobacco blend containing 75% by weight flue-cured tobacco and 25% by weight burley tobacco) is heat-treated in the presence of lysine and spray-dried. Various dry ingredients are provided, including a filler (isomalt), salt (sodium chloride), a sweetener (sucralose), and two flavors (vanillin and mint). All dry ingredients, as well as the dried tobacco material, in powder form, are added together and thoroughly mixed in a Hobart mixer equipped with a paddle at approximately 120 rpm for approximately 3 minutes.

[0192] A lipid material is provided having a melting point of about 38° C. to about 42° C. (available as 108-24-B from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.) The lipid material is a non-hydrogenated lauric coating fat comprising palm kernel oil and palm oil.

[0193] The lipid material is melted in a mixing vessel. While stirring, the molten lipid is slowly added to the dry blend. While maintaining heat to the mixing vessel containing the molten lipid material, a small amount of glycerin is added as a processing aid. While mixing, the entire melted lipid component is added, creating a flowable slurry of the smokeless tobacco composition. The slurry is deposited into a mold to achieve a weight of approximately 1 gram per piece of smokeless tobacco product. The slurry is allowed to harden by ambient air drying for approximately 45 minutes, after which the individual pieces of smokeless tobacco product are removed from the mold. The mixture of the smokeless tobacco composition is approximately 40 parts lipid material, 56 parts filler, 2 parts tobacco extract, 0.5 parts salt, 0.45 parts sweetener, and 1.05 parts flavorant.

[0194] Example 35 A smokeless tobacco composition suitable for use as a dissolvable smokeless tobacco product for oral use is provided by the following method. The composition is prepared as described in Example 34, except that the heat-treated tobacco extract is first mixed with an extender component selected from maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, and gum arabic prior to spray drying. The amount of extender added to the liquid extract is sufficient to increase the solids content of the liquid extract to about 20% by weight. The resulting mixture is spray-dried to form a particulate composition with greater density and improved flowability, enhancing the mixing properties of the powder material. The final spray-dried powder has a weight ratio of tobacco extract to extender component of about 3:1. The spray-dried powder is used in place of the tobacco extract component as described in Example 34, but the amount of spray-dried material is increased and the lipid component is reduced to 39.5 parts by weight so that the spray-dried tobacco extract composition is present at about 2.5 parts by weight in the final smokeless tobacco composition.

Claims

1. a meltable composition configured for insertion into a user's mouth and capable of liquefying in the mouth, the meltable composition being in the form of a uniform solid throughout; a botanical ingredient selected from the group consisting of tea particles, coffee particles, herb particles, spice particles, and combinations thereof, based on the total weight of the composition; Lipids in an amount of 10-35% by dry weight having a melting point of 29°C to 49°C; Flavoring in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by dry weight; Sugar alcohol in an amount of at least 40% by dry weight; A meltable composition comprising:

2. 10. The meltable composition of claim 1, wherein the lipid has a melting point of 36°C to 45°C.

3. 10. The meltable composition of claim 1, wherein the lipid has a melting point of 38°C to 41°C.

4. 10. The meltable composition of claim 1, wherein the lipid comprises a blend of palm kernel oil and palm oil.

5. 2. The meltable composition of claim 1, wherein the sugar alcohol is isomalt.

6. The meltable composition of claim 1 further comprising lecithin.

7. Melting lipids having a melting point between 29°C and 49°C to form a molten lipid composition; mixing botanical ingredients and sugar alcohols with the molten lipid composition to form a molten composition; cooling the molten composition to form a solidified meltable composition; Including, A method for preparing a meltable composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 adapted for insertion into the mouth of a user.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising depositing the molten meltable composition in a mold to form the molten meltable composition into a predetermined shape.

9. The meltable composition of claim 1, wherein the botanical component comprises tea particles.

10. The meltable composition of claim 1, wherein the botanical component comprises coffee particles.