Chewing gum base compositions and methods of use and making the same

Abstract

The present disclosure includes chewing gum base compositions and related methods of use and making the same. For example, the present disclosure includes a chewing gum base composition comprising about 25% to about 50% by weight of a natural rubber composition, about 20% to about 35% by weight of a resin, about 15% to about 25% by weight of a filler, about 15% to about 20% by weight of a softener, about 15% to about 20% by weight of a plasticizer, and about 2% to about 10% by weight of an emulsifier. The natural rubber composition may comprise at least 99% by weight of an edible deproteinized natural rubber and an edible stabilizer comprises an antioxidant chosen from the group of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tocopherol, or combinations thereof.

Description

CHEWING GUM BASE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE AND MAKING THE SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 582,999, filed on September 15, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to chewing gum base compositions including an elastomer derived from a natural source, such as a plantbased source, like Hevea brasiliensis. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to chewing gum base compositions including edible deproteinized natural rubber. The chewing gum base compositions may be suitable for use in food products, such as chewing gum compositions.BACKGROUND

[0003] Traditionally, gum bases included natural gum base elastomers combined with other natural gums such as chicle, jelutong, and guttas. Over time, however, a shift to synthetic elastomers displaced these natural options, primarily due to the presence of allergens in the latex of the natural elastomers and undesirable sensory qualities and characteristics imparted by natural elastomers. Due to the growing consumer demand for plant-based products, there is a desire for gum bases including natural elastomers being significantly free of allergens and / or having sensory parity to gum bases including synthetic elastomers.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure includes chewing gum base compositions and related methods of use and making the same. For example, the present disclosure includes a chewing gum base composition comprising about 25% to about 50% by weight of a natural rubber composition, about 20% to about 35% by weight of a resin, about 15% to about 25% by weight of a filler, about 15% to about 20% by weight of a softener, about 15% to about 20% by weight of a plasticizer, and about 2% to about 10% by weight of an emulsifier. The natural rubber composition may comprise at least 99% by weight of an edible deproteinized natural rubber and an edible stabilizer comprises an antioxidant chosen from the group of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tocopherol, or combinations thereof. According to aspects ofthe present disclosure, the edible deproteinized natural rubber may have a protein content of less than 0.05% by weight. In at least one example, the edible deproteinized natural rubber may have a total resin content of less than 7% by weight. In some examples, the natural rubber composition may include 1 % or less by weight of the edible stabilizer. For example, the natural rubber composition may include from about 0.5% to about 1 % by weight of the edible stabilizer. In at least one example, the antioxidant may be tocopherol. In some examples, the weight ratio of the natural rubber composition to the resin may be from about 2:1 to about 1 :5.

[0005] The chewing gum base composition may be used in a chewing gum composition, which may include a water-insoluble gum base portion, a water-soluble bulk portion, and / or one or more flavoring agents. For example, a chewing gum of the present disclosure may include from about 5% by weight to about 95% by weight of the chewing gum base composition. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a chewing gum composition may include a gum base comprising an elastomer. The elastomer may include edible deproteinized natural rubber having a protein content of less than 0.05% by weight. In some examples, the edible deproteinized natural rubber may be the sole elastomer in the gum base. In some aspects, the edible deproteinized natural rubber may be a component of a natural rubber composition. The natural rubber composition may include at least 99% by weight of the edible deproteinized natural rubber. In at least one example, the natural rubber composition may further include an edible stabilizer. In some examples, the gum base may include from about 30% to about 45% by weight of the natural rubber composition. In at least one example, the gum base may further include a resin, a filler, and a softener and the weight ratio of the natural rubber composition to the resin may be from about 2:1 to about 1 :5. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the gum base may be essentially free of natural rubber derived from Guayule and / or natural rubber derived from Russian Dandelion. Further, in some examples, the chewing gum composition may further include a bulking agent and at least one of a binder, high intensity sweetener, flavoring agent, and an emulsifier.

[0006] The present disclosure also includes a method of making a chewing gum base composition. The method may comprise mixing a natural rubber composition comprising an edible deproteinized natural rubber, a first portion of a resin, and a first portion of a filler for a first time period to form a first mixture; andmixing the first mixture with a plurality of ingredients to form the chewing gum base composition. The plurality of ingredients may comprise a second portion of the resin, a third portion of the resin, a second portion of the filler, a softener, a plasticizer, and an emulsifier, and each of the plurality of ingredients may be individually and sequentially added to the first mixture. In some examples, the method may be performed at a temperature ranging from about 80°C to about 130°C. In at least one example, the first time period may be from about 30 seconds to about 10 minutes. In at least one example, the natural rubber composition may be prepared by removing non-food grade additives from a deproteinized natural rubber to produce the edible deproteinized natural rubber and a food grade stabilizer may be optionally added prior to mixing with the first portion of the resin and the first portion of the filler.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a graph of the extensional viscosity of gum cuds according to certain embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method 100 for making a chewing gum base composition, according to one or more embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Particular aspects of the present disclosure are described in greater detail below. The terms and definitions provided herein control, if in conflict with terms and / or definitions incorporated by reference.

[0011] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, composition, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, composition, article, or apparatus. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.”

[0012] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context dictates otherwise. Relative terms such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately” refer to being nearly the same as a referenced number or value, and should be understood to encompass a variation of ±5% of aspecified amount or value. All ranges are understood to include endpoints, e.g., 20% by weight to 35% by weight includes 20% by weight, 35% by weight, and all values between. Unless otherwise designated, all percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the chewing gum base composition.

[0013] The present disclosure includes chewing gum base compositions and methods of making the compositions.

[0014] Chewing Gum Base Compositions

[0015] The chewing gum base compositions herein may comprise a natural rubber composition, a resin, a filler, a softener, a plasticizer, or emulsifier. In some examples, the chewing gum base compositions herein may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a natural rubber composition, a resin, a filler, a softener, a plasticizer, and emulsifier. Each component / ingredient (including amounts and / or ratios thereof) of the chewing gum base compositions may be selected based on several factors, including the desired properties of the composition (e.g., physical (mouthfeel), taste, odor, and the like). In some embodiments, the components (alone or combined) may modify the chewing properties and / or aid in the processing of the chewing gum base compositions.

[0016] The chewing gum base compositions herein may comprise a natural rubber composition. Exemplary natural rubber compositions useful for the present disclosure may comprise an edible elastomer and an edible stabilizer. As used herein, the term “edible” refers to a substance material that is suitable for human consumption and / or meets food safety standards or stability standards as determined by ASTM International or by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

[0017] Exemplary edible elastomers useful for the present disclosure may be derived from a natural source, such as a plant-based source, like Hevea brasiliensis. The edible elastomer may have an average molecular weight ranging from about 100 Kilodaltons (kDa) to about 2,500 kDa, such as about 250 kDa to about 2,250 kDa, about 500 kDa to about 1 ,750 kDa, about 750 kDa to about 1 ,500 kDa, or about 950 kDa to about 1 ,250 kDa. In some examples, the edible elastomer (derived from a natural source) may be a chemically and / or physically treated edible natural rubber, such as an edible deproteinized natural rubber. Without being bound to any particular theory, due to the chemical and / or physical treatment(s), the edibledeproteinized natural rubber may be essentially free of protein, such as Hev b1 protein and / or Hev b3 protein. That is, in some examples, the edible deproteinized natural rubber may have a total protein content of 0% by weight to about 0.05% by weight, such as from about 0.0001 % by weight to about 0.005% by weight, or from about 0.0015% by weight to about 0.0025% by weight, wherein the weight % percentages are based upon the total dry weight of the edible deproteinized natural rubber taken as 100% by weight. In other examples, the edible deproteinized natural rubber may have a protein content of less than 0.05% by weight, less than 0.005% by weight, less than 0.0025% by weight, less than 0.0015% by weight, less than 0.0001 % by weight, or 0% by weight, wherein the % by weight percentages are based upon the total weight of the edible deproteinized natural rubber taken as 100% by weight. The edible deproteinized natural rubber may have a total resin content of less than 7% by weight, less than 6% by weight, less than 5% by weight, less than 4% by weight, or less than 3% by weight, wherein the % by weight percentages are based upon the total weight of the edible deproteinized natural rubber taken as 100% by weight. The natural rubber composition may comprise from about 99% by weight to about 100% by weight of edible deproteinized natural rubber and / or may comprise at least 99% by weight, at least 99.5% by weight, at least 99.7% by weight, at least 99.8% by weight, at least 99.9% by weight of edible deproteinized natural rubber, wherein the % by weight percentages are based upon the total weight of the natural rubber composition taken as 100% by weight.

[0018] Exemplary edible stabilizers useful for the present disclosure may comprise an antioxidant. In some examples, the antioxidant may be chosen from the group consisting of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tocopherol (e.g., Vitamin E), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), propyl gallate, and combinations thereof. In cases where tocopherol is used, tocopherol may be any suitable type of tocopherol including, e.g., alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, and combinations thereof. The natural rubber composition may comprise from 0% (e.g., 0 ppm) by weight to about 1% by weight (e.g., 10,000 ppm) of edible stabilizer and / or may comprise less than 1 % by weight, less than 0.6% by weight (e.g., less than 6,000 ppm), less than 0.5% by weight (e.g., less than 5,000 ppm), less than 0.2% by weight (e.g., less than 2,000 ppm), less than 0.1 % by weight (e.g., less than 1 ,000ppm), or 0% of edible stabilizer, wherein the % by weight percentages are based upon the total weight of the natural rubber composition taken as 100% by weight.

[0019] In some embodiments, the chewing gum base composition may comprise about 25% by weight to about 50% by weight, such as about 27.5% by weight to about 47.5% by weight, for example about 30% by weight to about 45% by weight, e.g., about 32.5% by weight to about 42.5% by weight, or about 35% by weight to about 40% by weight of the natural rubber composition.

[0020] The chewing gum base compositions herein may comprise a resin. Exemplary resins useful for the present disclosure may be natural rosin esters or synthetic resins. Natural rosin esters, often called ester gums, may include, but are not limited to, glycerol esters of partially hydrogenated rosin, glycerol esters of polymerized rosin, glycerol esters of partially or fully dimerized rosin, glycerol esters of rosin, pentaerythritol esters of partially hydrogenated rosin, methyl and partially hydrogenated methyl esters of rosin, pentaerythritol esters of rosin, glycerol esters of wood rosin, glycerol esters of gum rosin, or combinations thereof. Synthetic resins may include, but are not limited to, terpene resins, such as terpene resins derived from alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and / or d-limonene. For example, the resin may be hydrogenated ester gum, glycerol ester of gum rosin, a terpene resin, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the chewing gum base composition may comprise about 20% by weight to about 35% by weight, such as about 22.5% by weight to about 32.5% by weight, for example about 25% by weight to about 30% by weight, or about 27% by weight to about 27.5% by weight of the resin.

[0021] The chewing gum base compositions herein may comprise a filler (e.g., texturizer). Exemplary fillers useful for the present disclosure may be, but are not limited to, inorganic, water-insoluble powders, silicates, insoluble organic fillers, or combinations thereof. Inorganic, water-insoluble powders may include, but are not limited to, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, ground limestone, or combinations thereof. Silicates may include, but are not limited to, magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate, clay, alumina, talc, titanium oxide, mono-calcium phosphate, di-calcium phosphate, multi-calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, or combinations thereof. Insoluble organic fillers may include, but are not limited to, cellulose polymers such as wood. For example, the filler may be calcium carbonate. In some embodiments, the chewing gum base composition may comprise about 15%by weight to about 25% by weight, such as about 16.5% by weight to about 23.5% by weight, for example about 18% by weight to about 22% by weight, or about 19.5% by weight to about 20.5% by weight of the filler.

[0022] The chewing gum base compositions herein may comprise a softener. Exemplary softeners useful for the present disclosure may be, but are not limited to, fats, waxes, or combinations thereof. Fats may include, but are not limited to, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (e.g., hydrogenated soybean oil), palm oil, cocoa butter, mono- and di-glycerides, such as glycerol monostearate, glycerol triacetate, lecithin, or combinations thereof. Waxes may include, but are not limited to, paraffin wax, candelilla wax, microcrystalline wax, beeswax, other natural waxes, or combinations thereof. For example, the softener may be palm oil, candelilla wax, hydrogenated soybean oil, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the chewing gum base composition may comprise about 12.5% by weight to about 22.5% by weight, such as about 15% by weight to about 20% by weight, or about 17% by weight to about 18% by weight of the softener.

[0023] The chewing gum base compositions herein may comprise a plasticizer. Exemplary plasticizers useful for the present disclosure may be chemically compatible with the elastomer of the chewing gum base composition. The plasticizer may be, but is not limited to, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl laurate, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the chewing gum base composition may comprise 0% by weight to about 10% by weight, such as about 6% by weight to about 8% by weight, or 4% by weight to about 5% by weight of the plasticizer.

[0024] The chewing gum base compositions herein may comprise an emulsifier. Exemplary emulsifiers useful for the present disclosure may be, but are not limited to, mono- and di-glycerides, acetylated mono- and di-glycerides, lecithin, other edible emulsifiers suitable for improving compatibility of the chewing gum base composition components and / or reduce separation of chewing gum base composition components after mixing, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the chewing gum base composition may comprise 0% by weight to 8% by weight, such as 2% by weight to 7% by weight, or 4% by weight to 6% by weight of the emulsifier.

[0025] In some examples, the weight ratio of the natural rubber composition to the resin may be about 2: 1 to about 1 :5, such as about 1 .5:2.5 to about 1 :1 , and inother examples, the weight ratio of the edible elastomer to the resin may be about 2: 1 to about 1 :5, such as about 1 .5:2.5 to about 1 :1. In some examples, the weight ratio of the natural rubber composition to the plasticizer may be about 2:1 to about 1 :5, such as about 1 .5:2.5 to about 1 :1 , and in other examples, the weight ratio of the edible elastomer to the plasticizer may be about 2:1 to about 1 :5, such as about 1 .5:2.5 to about 1 :1.

[0026] In some embodiments, the chewing gum base composition may comprise only one elastomer, such as the edible elastomer described herein. For example, the edible deproteinized natural rubber may be the sole elastomer in the chewing gum base composition. In other embodiments, the chewing gum base composition may be essentially free of natural rubber derived from Guayule (Parthenium argentatum) or Russian Dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz). For example, the chewing gum base composition may comprise 0% by weight to about 10% by weight, such as about 3% by weight to about 7% by weight, or about 4% by weight to about 6% by weight of natural rubber derived from Guayule and / or natural rubber derived from Russian Dandelion. In another example, the chewing gum base composition may comprise less than 10% by weight, less than 9% by weight, less than 8% by weight, less than 7% by weight, less than 6% by weight, less than 5% by weight, less than 4% by weight, less than 3% by weight, less than 2% by weight, less than 1 % by weight, or 0% by weight of natural rubber derived from Guayule and / or natural rubber derived from Russian Dandelion.

[0027] It will be appreciated that the chewing gum base compositions herein may exhibit desirable mechanical properties and / or distinct nonlinear viscoelastic characteristics (such as yield stress, strain hardening, or elongation-at-break), as shown in FIG. 1 . Without being bound to any theory, the presence of these particular properties and / or characteristics may impart desirable sensory qualities, such as firmness, elasticity, bubble-blowing capabilities, etc.

[0028] Methods

[0029] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary method 100 for making the chewing gum base compositions herein, according to one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the method 100 may be performed at a temperature (or various temperatures) in a range of about 80°C (353.15 K) to about 130°C (403.15K), such as about 85°C (358.15 K) to about 125°C (398.15 K), or about 90°C (363.15 K) toabout 120°C (393.15 K). In certain embodiments, the method 100 may be performed for a time period of about 10 minutes to about 80 minutes, such as about 20 minutes to about 70 minutes, or about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes.

[0030] In step 102 the natural rubber composition herein comprising an edible deproteinized natural rubber may be mixed with a first portion of the resin herein and a first portion of the filler herein for a first time period to form a first mixture. The first mixture may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the natural rubber composition, the first portion of the resin, and the first portion of the filler. The first time period may be a duration in a range of about 30 seconds to about 10 minutes, such about 2 minutes to about 8 minutes, or about 4 minutes to about 6 minutes.

[0031] In some embodiments, in step 104, the first mixture obtained from step 102 may be mixed with a plurality of ingredients to form the chewing gum base composition herein, which may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the first mixture and the plurality of ingredients. The plurality of ingredients may include a second portion of the resin, a third portion of the resin, a second portion of the filler, the softener herein, the plasticizer herein, and / or the emulsifier herein.

[0032] Each of the plurality of ingredients may be individually and sequentially added to the first mixture. Once added, each of the plurality of ingredients may be mixed in the first mixture (or resulting mixture) for a predetermined duration. The predetermined duration may be in a range of about 30 seconds to about 40 minutes, such as about 1 minute to about 35 minutes, or about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes.

[0033] After method 100 is performed, the chewing gum base composition may include each of the natural rubber composition, the resin, the filler, the softener, the plasticizer, and / or the emulsifier at the % by weight percentages described herein.

[0034] Uses

[0035] The chewing gum base compositions may be suitable for use in food products, such as chewing gum compositions. For example, the chewing gum composition may include a water-insoluble gum base portion and a water-soluble bulk portion or may also further include one or more flavoring agents.

[0036] In these examples, the water-insoluble gum base portion may include the chewing gum base composition herein. In some embodiments, the chewing gum composition may comprise from about 5% by weight to about 95% by weight, such as about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight, or about 20% by weight to about 35% by weight of the water-insoluble gum base portion, wherein the % by weight percentages are based upon the total weight of the chewing gum composition taken as 100% by weight. In certain embodiments, the chewing gum composition may comprise from about 5% by weight to about 95% by weight, such as about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight, or about 20% by weight to about 35% by weight of the chewing gum base composition, wherein the % by weight percentages are based upon the total weight of the chewing gum composition taken as 100% by weight.

[0037] Further, the water-soluble bulk portion may include, but is not limited to, water-soluble softeners, bulking agents, binders, high intensity sweeteners, flavoring agents (which may be water insoluble), gum emulsifiers, colorants, acidulants, fillers, antioxidants, other components that provide desired attributes, or combinations thereof.

[0038] Exemplary water-soluble softeners (also known as water-soluble plasticizers and plasticizing agents) useful for the chewing gum composition may be aqueous sweetener solutions (such as those containing sorbitol), hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH), com syrup, glycerin, or combinations thereof. Any of the water-soluble softeners may also be used as binding agents in the chewing gum composition. In some examples, the chewing gum composition may comprise from about 0.5% by weight to about 15% by weight of the water-soluble softener, wherein the % by weight percentages are based upon the total weight of the chewing gum composition taken as 100% by weight.

[0039] In some embodiments, a bulking agent or bulk sweetener may provide sweetness, bulk, and texture to the chewing gum composition. Exemplary bulking agents useful for the chewing gum composition may include, but are not limited to, sugars, sugar alcohols, or combinations thereof. Exemplary bulking agents including sugar may include saccharide containing components commonly known in the chewing gum art and may be, but are not limited to, sucrose, dextrose, maltose, dextrin, dried invert sugar, fructose, levulose, galactose, corn syrup solids, the like, or combinations thereof. Exemplary bulking agents including sugar alcohol may be,but are not limited to, sorbitol, maltitol, erythritol, isomalt, mannitol, xylitol, or combinations thereof. Any of the bulking agents including sugar alcohol may be substituted for any of bulking agents including sugar. Additionally, combinations of bulking agents including sugar and bulking agents including sugar alcohol may also be used in the chewing gum composition. In some embodiments, the chewing gum composition may comprise from about 5% by weight to about 95% by weight, such as about 20% by weight to about 80% by weight, or about 30% by weight to about 70% by weight of the bulking agent, wherein the % by weight percentages are based upon the total weight of the chewing gum composition taken as 100% by weight.

[0040] Exemplary binders useful for the chewing gum composition may be in the form of a syrup or high-solids solution of sugars and / or sugar alcohols. In some embodiments, such as for sugar gums, com syrups and other dextrose syrups (which contain dextrose and significant amounts of higher saccharides) may be used as binders. These may include syrups having various DE levels, such as high- maltose syrups and high fructose syrups. In other embodiments, such as for sugarless products, solutions of sugar alcohols including sorbitol solutions and hydrogenated starch hydrolysate syrups may be used a binders. Other syrups useful for the chewing gum composition may include those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,651 ,936 and U.S. Patent Application No. 2004 / 0234648, which are each incorporated herein by reference.

[0041] Without being bound to a particular theory, binders in the form of a syrup may soften the initial chew of the chewing gum composition, reduce crumbliness and brittleness, and increase flexibility in stick and tab products. They may also control moisture gain or loss and provide a degree of sweetness depending on the particular syrup used. In some embodiments, such as for syrups and other aqueous solutions, it may be desirable to use the minimum practical level of water in the syrup or solution to the minimum necessary to keep the solution free-flowing at acceptable handling temperatures. The usage level of such syrups and solutions may be adjusted to limit total moisture in the chewing gum composition to less than 3% by weight, less than 2% by weight, or less than 1 % by weight, wherein the % by weight percentages are based upon the total weight of the chewing gum composition taken as 100% by weight.

[0042] Exemplary high intensity artificial sweeteners useful for the chewing gum composition may also be used in combination with the above-described sweeteners (e.g., bulking agents and / or binders). Exemplary sweeteners may include, but are not limited to, sucralose, aspartame, salts of acesulfame, alitame, neotame, saccharin and its salts, cyclamic acid and its salts, glycyrrhizin, stevia and stevia compounds, such as rebaudioside A, dihydrochalcones, thaumatin, monellin, Io han guo, the like, or combinations thereof. In some cases, to provide longer lasting sweetness and flavor perception, it may be desirable to encapsulate or otherwise control the release of at least a portion of the artificial sweetener. Such techniques, including wet granulation, wax granulation, spray drying, spray chilling, fluid bed coating, coacervation, and fiber extrusion, may be used to achieve the desired release characteristics.

[0043] In some examples, the usage level of the artificial sweetener may vary greatly and may depend on factors, such as potency of the sweetener, rate of release, desired sweetness of the product, level and type of flavor used, and / or cost considerations. Thus, in some embodiments, the chewing gum composition may comprise from about 0.02% to about 8% by weight of an active level of artificial sweetener, wherein the % by weight percentages are based upon the total weight of the chewing gum composition taken as 100% by weight. If carriers used for encapsulation are included, the usage level of the encapsulated sweetener may be higher.

[0044] As discussed above, combinations of sugar and / or sugarless sweeteners may be used in the chewing gum composition. Additionally, the softener may also provide additional sweetness, such as with aqueous sugar or alditol solutions.EXAMPLES

[0045] The following examples are intended to illustrate the present disclosure without, however, being limiting in nature. It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses additional aspects and embodiments consistent with the foregoing description and following examples.EXAMPLES 1 -4DPNR Formulation

[0046] In Examples 1-4, different deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) formulations were prepared. The manufacturing process of industrial grade DPNR was modified to meet food safety and stability requirements, and the allergen contents were kept under the detection limits per ASTM D6499 (Standard Test Method for Immunological Measurement of Antigenic Protein in Hevea Natural Rubber and its Products). The total nitrogen was kept under 0.50%, particularly under 0.15% in accordance with ISO 1656 (Rubber, raw natural, and rubber latex, natural - Determination of nitrogen content). The industrial grade DPNR had an average molecular weight of approximately 1x10A6 g / mol, with polydispersity index between 3-4.

[0047] The non-food grade additive diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAHP) was removed from industrial grade DPNR. In Examples 2-4, the industrial grade stabilizer, Winstay L, was replaced by food grade antioxidants, BHT or Tocopherol. The composition of each DPNR formulation is summarized in Table 1 .Table 1 .

[0048] The stability of Ex. 2, 3, and 4 was evaluated and quantified using RapidOxy®, a stressed oxidation test. During the evaluation, Ex. 2, 3, and 4 were placed in an airtight chamber with high temperature (120°C) and oxygen pressure applied (700 kPa), and upon completion of testing, an oxidation rate was produced for each DPNR formulation. Then, the oxidation rates of Ex. 2, 3, and 4 were compared with the oxidation rates of standard synthetic rubbers, i.e. , butyl rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber to determine whether any of the DPNR formulations met the stability requirement for gum base application. Though Ex. 2, 3, and 4 all met the stability requirement, Ex. 3 was selected for the gum base formulation in the examples below.EXAMPLES 5-43Gum Base Formulation

[0049] The following tables provide exemplary gum base formulations comprising Example 3 (as described above) at different weight percent ranges.

[0050] In Examples 5-7, gum base formulations comprising a filler and a resin were prepared with the DPNR formulation obtained in Example 3. The gum base formulations are summarized in Table 2.Table 2.

[0051] In Examples 8-34, gum base formulations comprising a filler, a resin, and a softener were prepared with the DPNR formulation obtained in Example 3. The gum base formulations are summarized in Table 3.Table 3.

[0052] In Examples 35-37, gum base formulations comprising a filler, a resin, a softener, and an emulsifier were prepared with the DPNR formulation obtained in Example 3. The gum base formulations are summarized in Table 4.Table 4.

[0053] In Examples 38-40, gum base formulations comprising a filler, a resin, a softener, and a plasticizer were prepared with the DPNR formulation obtained in Example 3. The gum base formulations are summarized in Table 5.Table 5.

[0054] In Examples 41-43, gum base formulations comprising a filler, a resin, a softener, a plasticizer, and an emulsifier were prepared with the DPNR formulation obtained in Example 3. The gum base formulations are summarized in Table 6.Table 6.EXAMPLE 44Gum Base Formulation Properties

[0055] The act of chewing involves nonlinear large, complex, and unsteady deformations. In US 2014 / 0154353 A1 to Wm Wrigley Jr Co., a non-linear rheology method was developed for chewing gum and gum base and some rheological parameters such as yield stress, strain hardening or elongation-at-break are well correlated to different sensory attributes like firmness, elasticity, bubble blowing, etc. This method was used to generate the data provided in FIG. 1 , which includes the rheological properties of the gum base formulations prepared in Examples 17-19 and 29-34. The two black curves in the graph represent two different commercial gums (i.e., Commercial control 1 and Commercial control 2) on the market. As shown in FIG. 1 , Ex. 33 and 34 possess comparable rheological properties to that of Commercial control 1 .EXAMPLES 45-56Gum Base Formulation Preparation Method - Processing Condition Study

[0056] Natural rubber (polyisoprene) is known to be more prone to break down than butyl rubber under heat and shear forces due to the unsaturated C=C bonds on the polymer backbone. A study was conducted to understand the processing conditions that ensure gum base homogeneity and minimize polymer degradation.

[0057] Using Thermo Scientific HAAKE PolyLab OS system, the mixing sequences and conditions for an 80 gram batch of gum base formulation were as follows:Table 7.Table 8.Table 9.Table 10.Table 11 .Table 12.Table 13.Table 14.Table 15.Table 16.Table 17.Table 18.

[0058] While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed compositions and methods might be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A chewing gum base composition, the composition comprising: about 25% to about 50% by weight of a natural rubber composition, the natural rubber composition comprising at least 99% by weight of an edible deproteinized natural rubber and an edible stabilizer comprising an antioxidant chosen from a group of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tocopherol, or combinations thereof; about 20% to about 35% by weight of a resin; about 15% to about 25% by weight of a filler; about 15% to about 20% by weight of a softener; about 15% to about 20% by weight of a plasticizer; and about 2% to about 10% by weight of an emulsifier.

2. The chewing gum base composition of claim 1 , wherein the edible deproteinized natural rubber has a protein content of less than 0.05% by weight.

3. The chewing gum base composition of claim 1 , wherein the edible deproteinized natural rubber has a total resin content of less than 7% by weight.

4. The chewing gum base composition of claim 1 , wherein the natural rubber composition comprises 1% or less by weight of the edible stabilizer.

5. The chewing gum base composition of claim 1 , wherein the natural rubber composition comprises from about 0.5% to about 1 % by weight of the edible stabilizer.

6. The chewing gum base composition of claim 1 , wherein the antioxidant is tocopherol.

7. The chewing gum base composition of claim 1 , wherein a weight ratio of the natural rubber composition to the resin is from about 2:1 to about 1 :5.

8. A chewing gum comprising from about 5% by weight to about 95% by weight of the chewing gum base composition of claim 1 .

9. A chewing gum composition, the chewing gum composition comprising: a gum base comprising an elastomer, the elastomer including edible deproteinized natural rubber having a protein content of less than 0.05% by weight.

10. The chewing gum composition of claim 9, wherein the edible deproteinized natural rubber is a sole elastomer in the gum base.11 . The chewing gum composition of claim 9, wherein the edible deproteinized natural rubber is a component of a natural rubber composition, the natural rubber composition comprising at least 99% by weight of the edible deproteinized natural rubber.

12. The chewing gum composition of claim 11 , wherein the natural rubber composition further comprises an edible stabilizer.

13. The chewing gum composition of claim 11 , wherein the gum base includes from about 30% to about 45% by weight of the natural rubber composition.

14. The chewing gum composition of claim 13, wherein the gum base further comprises a resin, a filler, and a softener, wherein a weight ratio of the natural rubber composition to the resin is from about 2:1 to about 1 :5.

15. The chewing gum composition of claim 9, wherein the gum base is essentially free of natural rubber derived from Guayule and / or natural rubber derived from Russian Dandelion.

16. The chewing gum composition of claim 9, further comprising a bulking agent and at least one of a binder, high intensity sweetener, flavoring agent, and an emulsifier.

17. A method of making a chewing gum base composition, the method comprising: mixing a natural rubber composition comprising an edible deproteinized natural rubber, a first portion of a resin, and a first portion of a filler for a first time period to form a first mixture; and mixing the first mixture with a plurality of ingredients to form the chewing gum base composition, wherein the plurality of ingredients comprises a second portion of the resin, a third portion of the resin, a second portion of the filler, a softener, a plasticizer, and an emulsifier, and wherein each of the plurality of ingredients are individually and sequentially added to the first mixture.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the method is performed at a temperature ranging from about 80°C to about 130°C.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first time period is from about 30 seconds to about 10 minutes.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the natural rubber composition is prepared by removing non-food grade additives from a deproteinized natural rubber to produce the edible deproteinized natural rubber and optionally adding a food grade stabilizer prior to mixing with the first portion of the resin and the first portion of the filler.

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