Chewing gum base composition, a method for preparing the same and a chewing gum

Abstract

The present invention relates to a chewing gum base composition, to a method for preparing the chewing gum base composition and to a chewing gum comprising said chewing gum base composition. In particular, the present invention relates to a chewing gum base composition comprising a pine rosin component, a fat component and at least one softener, wherein the pine rosin component is present in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the gum base composition.

Description

CHEWING GUM BASE COMPOSITION, A METHOD FOR PREPARING THE SAMEAND A CHEWING GUM

[0001] The present invention relates to a chewing gum base composition, to a method for preparing the chewing gum base composition and to a chewing gum comprising said chewing gum base composition. In particular, the present invention relates to a chewing gum base composition comprising a pine rosin component, a fat component and at least one softener, wherein the pine rosin component is present in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the gum base composition.BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditionally, commercial chewing gums are produced based on synthetic gum bases, which are non-biodegradable and may remain in the environment for a long time. Such synthetic gum bases comprise for example butadiene-styrene rubber, butyl rubber, paraffin, petroleum-based waxes, polyethylene, polyisobutylene, and polyvinyl acetate. Chewing gum base compositions comprising petroleum-based ingredients are disclosed for example in patent publications US 2013 / 0052299 Al, EP 0494902 Bl and US 2007 / 042079 Al.

[0003] Some attempts to prepare chewing gum base compositions comprising natural gums have been made. Typically, plant-based chewing gum bases contain for example chicle (gum made from sap obtained from sapotilla trees in the genus Manilkard) or saqez (oleo-gum resin obtained from wild pistachio trees). Recently, also chewing gums comprising other natural gums, such as resins obtained from coniferous trees, have been developed.

[0004] For example, GB 2448158 A relates to a chewing gum base made from beeswax and pine rosin. The amount of beeswax is very high, the ratio of beeswax to pine rosin being 2:1, and the chewing gum base is not suitable for vegan users. The chewing gum disclosed in DE 202021105327 U1 contains silver in the form of agglomerates and at least one natural gum base, such as tree resin, for example pine resin or spruce resin, or chicle and / or gutta-percha. WO 2017204755 Al relates to a gum base composition, which comprises glycerol esters of natural tree resin, hydrogenated vegetable oils, natural waxes and Gundelia Tournefortii gum. The glycerol esters of natural tree resin are present in a range of 2.5-40% by weight of the gum base composition. The chewing gum basedisclosed in EP 3344058 Al comprises a natural elastomer having a low glass transition temperature (i.e. below 35°C), such as caoutchouc, caspi, natural rubber, gutta, chicle or mastic gum.

[0005] However, there is still a need for chewing gum base compositions and chewing gums, which are biodegradable, plant-based, free from synthetic ingredients and suitable for vegan users. The chewing gums should also provide a pleasant taste and mouthfeel.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0007] The present invention provides a plant-based, biodegradable chewing gum and a plant-based, biodegradable chewing gum base composition. The invention is based on the concept of using a biodegradable pine rosin component in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the chewing gum base composition. The gum base composition also comprises a fat component and at least one softener, which are biodegradable and / or plantbased. More particularly, the fat component comprises at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil. The method for preparing the chewing gum base composition according to the invention comprises a step of mixing the pine rosin component, the fat component and at least one softener while heating, thus providing a soft and chewable structure. The chewing gum of the invention comprises the chewing gum base composition, together with optional additional biodegradable ingredients, for example those accepted for use in chewing gums by the FDA and / or the EFSA. However, the chewing gum base composition and the chewing gum according to the invention are free of petroleum-based ingredients.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is thus provided a chewing gum base composition comprising:- a pine rosin component in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the chewing gum base composition, wherein the pine rosin component comprises glycerol esters of pine rosin;- a fat component comprising at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and optionally at least one hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax; and- at least one softener.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of preparing a chewing gum base composition comprising glycerol esters of pine rosin and at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, the method comprising: a) heating a pine rosin component comprising glycerol esters of pine rosin at least to the melting point of the pine rosin component, typically to 70-90 °C; b) adding a fat component comprising at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and optionally at least one hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax to the melted pine rosin component with mixing and heating; c) adding at least one softener to the mixture obtained in step b) with mixing and heating; d) optionally adding other ingredients accepted for use as additives in chewing gum base compositions, such as fillers, emulsifiers, stabilizing agents and antioxidants; and e) recovering the obtained chewing gum base composition or forwarding it to chewing gum production.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a chewing gum, which comprises 20- 45% of the chewing gum base composition of the invention, based on the weight of the chewing gum.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of preparing a chewing gum comprising glycerol esters of pine rosin and at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, the method comprising a) providing a chewing gum base composition disclosed above or preparing a chewing gum base composition according to the above disclosed method; b) admixing the chewing gum base composition, optionally after curing, with additional chewing gum ingredients selected from xylitol and / or other polyols, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, vegetable extracts, vitamins and minerals to obtain a chewing gum mass; c) forming the chewing gum mass to obtain chewing gum centers; and d) coating / panning the chewing gum centers to obtain the chewing gum.

[0012] In a still further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of glycerol esters of pine rosin together with at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil in the manufacture of a chewing gum base composition and a chewing gum, wherein the chewing gum base composition comprises glycerol esters of pine rosin in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the chewing gum base composition.

[0013] Considerable advantages are obtained by the invention. First, the present invention provides a chewing gum base composition, which is biodegradable and thus environmentally friendly. The chewing gum of the invention is a good alternative to synthetic chewing gums due to natural ingredients used in its production. In particular, the present invention provides a chewing gum base composition and a chewing gum where petroleum-based chemical ingredients are replaced with natural biomass-based chemical ingredients. Further, in addition to a good biodegradability, the present chewing gum also has a pleasant texture and overall acceptability.

[0014] Moreover, since the chewing gum base composition and the chewing gum of the invention comprise only renewable ingredients, i.e. organic compounds derived from renewable sources but not from any fossil or petroleum-based sources, they are environmentally sustainable and also suitable for vegan users. Still further, the present invention provides structurally acceptable chewing gum bases, wherein the fat component comprises liquid vegetable oils.

[0015] Further features and advantages of the present technology will appear from the following description of some embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIGURE 1 illustrates a process of preparing a chewing gum in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. In the process of Fig. 1, the chewing gum base is first prepared in a mixer and the production of chewing gum is continued in the same mixer, followed by rolling and scoring and then panning (coating) directly after rolling and scoring.EMBODIMENTS

[0017] DEFINITIONS

[0018] In the present context, the term “a chewing gum base composition” refers to a non-nutritive masticatory substance comprising the ingredients defined herein.

[0019] As used herein, the term “pine rosin component” comprises glycerol esters of pine rosin, e.g. glycerol esters of resin / rosin acids of pine gum rosin, typically obtained by esterifying rosin with glycerol at high temperature. “Gum rosin” may be produced for example by tapping living pine trees. The exudate, comprising oleoresins, is collected, filtered and distilled to remove turpentine, leaving gum rosin as the product. Glycerol esters of pine gum rosin may be produced by the reaction of glycerine with pine gum rosin at high temperatures, typically 260-280 °C. In some embodiments glycerol esters of pine rosin may be obtained from wood waste.

[0020] Typically, glycerol esters of pine rosin for use in the present invention have an acid number of 2-12, preferably 6-8, a softening point (ring and ball) of 80-88 °C, and a Gardner color of 6-8 or paler. The ester is typically purified by steam stripping. The pine rosin component may comprise commercially available glycerol esters of pine resin / rosin acids, for example those identified by CAS numbers CAS 8050-31-5 and CAS 65997-13-9. Preferably, the pine rosin component consists of or consists essentially of glycerol esters of pine rosin. As used herein, “glycerol esters of pine rosin” comprise also glycerol esters of partially hydrogenated rosin.

[0021] According to the present invention, the chewing gum base composition and the chewing gum are preferably free or essentially free of petroleum-based ingredients or petroleum-based polymers. “Essentially free” means that some deminimis amount of petroleum-based ingredients may be present, which does not affect the properties of the chewing gum or chewing gum base composition, for example, 0-2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the chewing gum base composition. In preferred embodiments, the chewing gum base composition and the chewing gum are completely free of petroleum-based ingredients, i.e., the chewing gum contains no (0 wt.%) of petroleum-based ingredients or polymers. In particular, the chewing gum base composition and the chewing gum are free of petroleum-based polymers such as butadiene-styrene, isobutylene -isoprene copolymer(butyl rubber), polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, polyisobutylene, and petroleum waxes like paraffin and microcrystalline waxes.

[0022] As used herein and in the claims, “biodegradable” means that the referred substance or object is capable of being decomposed by bacteria, microorganisms or other living organisms and thereby avoids pollution. With regard to biodegradability of pine rosin, according to OECD 301B, 28 day ready biodegradation screening studies, the maximum percent of biodegradation across 7 reliable studies was 50.7% already after 28 days. Therefore, it is expected that the pine rosin component fulfils also the criteria of biodegradability according to for example ISO 17556 and / or ISO 14855. Other ingredients of the chewing gum base composition and / or the chewing gum include common food ingredients and are readily biodegradable.

[0023] As state above, it has been found that a chewing gum base composition according to the invention which comprises the pine rosin component in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the chewing gum base composition enables to prepare a plantbased chewing gum having a pleasant taste and structure, when the gum base composition comprises at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil. Surprisingly, it was possible to obtain a chewing gum base composition by using non-hydrogenated vegetable oil (z.e. liquid vegetable oil) in place of or in addition to commonly used hydrogenated fats, when the chewing gum base composition contained the pine rosin component in an amount of at least of 50% by weight of the chewing gum base composition. Moreover, the pleasant taste and structure could be achieved in the absence of petroleum-based polymers or other petroleum-based ingredients.

[0024] In some embodiments, the chewing gum base composition comprises the pine rosin component in an amount of 50-80 %, such as 50-75%, typically 50-68%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition. Typically, the pine component comprises or consists essentially of glycerol esters of pine rosin. A high amount of the pine rosin component (at least 50% by weight of the chewing gum base composition), together with non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, provides an acceptable structure to the chewing gum base composition. If the amount of pine rosin component is below 50% by weight of the chewing gum base, the texture is brittle and less chewy.

[0025] Rosins derived from different pine species may vary with respect to composition and physical properties, such as softening point. In some embodiments, thepine rosin and glycerol esters of pine rosin are derived from pine species selected from Pinus sylvestris, Pinus pinea, Pinus pinaster, Pinus banksiana, Pinus elliottii, Pinus palustris, Pinus taeda, Pinus strobus, Pinus virginiana, Pinus taeda, Pinus edulis and Pinus ponderosa. The pine rosin component may also comprise a mixture of glycerol esters of rosin from different pine species. In some embodiments, the pine rosin component is derived from Pinus sylvestris.

[0026] Glycerol esters of pine rosin usually have a yellowish colour and a hard but brittle structure, which softens when heated. Typically, glycerol esters of pine rosin have a melting point or softening point at about 80-88 °C.

[0027] The fat component is typically present in the chewing gum base composition in an amount of 3-30%, typically 5-25%, such as 5-20%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition. The fat component comprises at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil. Optionally, the fat component comprises also at least one hydrogenated fat or wax, in particular a hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax.

[0028] The fat component softens the structure of the chewing gum base composition and reduces possible adhesiveness or stickiness to teeth. However, a too high amount of fat or oil makes the structure too soft and stretchy and thus impossible to chew. Therefore, in some embodiments the total amount of the fat component, which includes non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and optional vegetable fat or wax, does not exceed 20% by weight of the chewing gum base composition and is typically 5-20% by weight.

[0029] In some embodiments, the chewing gum base composition comprises an amount of the non-hydrogenated vegetable oil(s), which is at least 1%, such as 1-15%, preferably at least 2%, such as 2-15%, typically 5-15%, such as about 10%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition.

[0030] The at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil may be selected for example from rapeseed oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, grape seed oil, rice bran oil, vegetable oils produced by precision fermentation, vegetable oils produced by cell culture technology, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments the at least one non- hydrogenated vegetable oil is selected from rapeseed oil, canola oil, sunflower oil,sunflower seed oil, vegetable oils produced by precision fermentation, and combinations thereof.

[0031] Within the present context, vegetable oils produced by precision fermentation mean vegetable oils produced by microbial hosts, which have been tailored to produce desired vegetable oils or fats. In general, precision fermentation uses generally modified microorganisms to produce specific proteins, enzymes, fats and other compounds.

[0032] Vegetable oils produced by plant cell culture technology may be produced by isolating seed tissue, using it for callus induction to obtain friable callus, followed by establishing cell suspension culture and selecting the most promising cell line to produce vegetable oil under in vitro conditions.

[0033] The chewing gum base composition according to the invention comprises at least one softener. In some embodiments, the chewing gum base composition comprises an amount of softener(s), which is 0.5-20%, for example 5-20%, such as about 10%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition. Softeners for use in chewing gums and in chewing gum base compositions are known to persons skilled in the art. Typical examples of suitable softeners include but are not limited to glycerin, sorbitol, lecithin and combinations thereof.

[0034] Optionally, the fat component of the chewing gum base composition may comprise at least one hydrogenated or saturated fat or wax in addition to the at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil. If present, the amount of the hydrogenated fat or wax is typically 2-15 %, such as 3-10%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition.

[0035] If present, the hydrogenated or saturated fat or wax is selected from hydrogenated vegetable fats or waxes. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated vegetable fats or waxes are selected from hydrogenated vegetable oils, including hydrogenated vegetable oils produced by precision fermentation, cell culture technology and / or through electrical photosynthesis, such as hydrogenated rapeseed oil, natural vegetable waxes or fats, such as coconut fat, cacao butter, shea butter, candelilla wax, vegetable waxes or fats produced by precision fermentation, cell culture technology and / or through electrical photosynthesis, berry waxes obtained from side streams of berry industry, needle waxes obtained from side streams of wood industry, conifer needles obtained from forestry or from side streams of wood industry and combinations thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments, the hydrogenated or saturated vegetable fat or wax, if present, is selected from candelilla wax, hydrogenated rapeseed oil, shea butter, berry waxes and combinations thereof

[0037] Needle waxes typically comprise needle waxes extracted from conifer needles such as spruce or pine needles, wherein said needles are obtained from side streams of wood industry or from forestry. Conifer needles are typically obtained from spruce (e.g. Picea abies subsp. abies, Picea abiers Karst.) or from pine (e.g. Pinus sylvestris).

[0038] In one embodiment, the chewing gum base composition comprises a) 50-80%, such as 50-75%, typically 50-68%, of glycerol esters of pine rosin, based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition; b) 1-15%, typically 2-15%, preferably about 10% of at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition; and c) optionally 2-15%, such as 3-10%, preferably about 10% of at least one hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax, based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition; d) 0.5-20%, such as 5-20%, preferably about 10% of softener(s), based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition; and e) optionally other ingredients accepted for use as additives in chewing gum base compositions to make up 100% by weight.

[0039] The chewing gum base composition according to the invention may also comprises additives accepted for us in chewing gum base compositions. Typically said additives comprise edible additives selected from fillers, emulsifiers, stabilizing agents and antioxidants, preferably biodegradable and / or plant-based fillers, emulsifiers, stabilizing agents and antioxidants.

[0040] In some embodiments, the chewing gum base composition comprises at least one filler, preferably in an amount of 1-30% based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition. In some embodiments the at least one filler is selected from talc and calcium carbonate, preferably talc.

[0041] The chewing gum base composition may comprise at least one stabilizingagent. When used, the stabilizing agent is preferably present in an amount of 0.1-20% based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition. In some embodiments, the at least one stabilizing agent comprises Arabic gum or hemicellulose from spruce, preferably Arabic gum.

[0042] The chewing gum base composition may comprise antioxidants. If present, the antioxidants are preferably selected from vitamin C, tocopherols, butyl hydroxyl toluene and combinations thereof.

[0043] In some embodiments, the chewing gum base composition may comprise 1- 30 % fillers, 0.1-1% emulsifiers, 0.1-20% stabilizing agents and 0.01-0.03 % antioxidants, based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition, in addition to the pine rosin component, the fat component and the at least one softener.

[0044] The chewing gum base composition contains as much natural or plant-based ingredients as possible or consists essentially of natural or plant-based ingredients. In embodiments, the chewing gum base composition is essentially plant-based and / or biodegradable or both. The chewing gum base composition may be manufactured without synthetic and / or petroleum-based ingredients and is thus essentially free of synthetic and / or petroleum-based ingredients.

[0045] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a chewing gum base composition comprising glycerol ester of pine rosin and at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil. The method comprises the steps of a) heating a pine rosin component comprising glycerol esters of pine rosin at least to the melting point of the pine resin component, typically to 70-90 °C; b) adding a fat component comprising at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and optionally at least one hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax to the melted pine rosin component with mixing and heating; c) adding at least one softener to the mixture obtained in step b) with mixing and heating; d) optionally adding other ingredients accepted for use as additives in chewing gum base compositions, such as fillers, emulsifiers, stabilizing agents and antioxidants; and e) recovering the obtained chewing gum base composition or forwarding it to chewinggum production.

[0046] In some embodiments, the fat component may comprise at least one hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax. When present, the hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax may be added before, subsequently or after the non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, preferably before or at the same time as the non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, more preferably before the non-hydrogenated vegetable oil.

[0047] It is also possible to mix all the components of the chewing gum base composition together while heating until the pine rosin component and the optional hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax component melt.

[0048] In some embodiments, the pine rosin component is first melted by heating, alone or together with of a softener, such as glycerine. Then, the optional hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax may be added, followed by non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and optional other ingredients of the chewing gum base composition.

[0049] Thus, the present invention also concerns a method of preparing a chewing gum base composition of the invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of a) heating the pine rosin component comprising glycerol esters of pine rosin at least to the melting point of the pine resin component, typically to 70-90 °C; b) adding at least one softener to the pine rosin component; c) optionally adding the hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax; d) adding the at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil; e) optionally adding other ingredients accepted for use as additives in chewing gum base compositions, such as fillers, emulsifiers, stabilizing agents and antioxidants; f) recovering the obtained chewing gum base composition or forwarding it to chewing gum production.

[0050] In the method according to the preceding paragraph, steps a) and b) may also be performed simultaneously.

[0051] Preferably, in the above methods the mixture comprising the pine rosin, the softener(s), the non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and the optional vegetable fat or wax comprises 60-95% of the pine rosin component, 3-35% of the fat component and 1-25 % of the softener(s), based on the weight of the heated mixture.

[0052] The heating step comprises also mixing, typically in a mixer, which is provided with means for heating. The obtained chewing gum base may be recovered, for example by pouring the obtained chewing gum base from the mixer to a conveyor cloth, rolling and cutting the chewing gum base into pieces or pellets of suitable size. If desired, the chewing gum base may be cured for several days before it is forwarded to chewing gum production.

[0053] Alternatively, the obtained chewing gum base may be directly used in the manufacture of chewing gum. The chewing gum base is cooled or allowed to cool from the temperature of 70-90 °C, for example to a temperature of 40-60 °C with mixing, to avoid congealing of the chewing gum base during cooling. After cooling, other ingredients of the chewing gum are added with mixing. This may take place in the same mixer, which was used for preparing the chewing gum base composition, or the chewing gum base composition may be forwarded to a separate mixer for chewing gum production.

[0054] An embodiment of the invention wherein the chewing gum base composition is first prepared in a mixer, followed by production of chewing gum in the same mixer is illustrated in Fig. 1. In the method of Fig. 1, the ingredients of the chewing gum base, such as softener, pine rosin component and liquid vegetable oil(s), are added into the mixer and heated until the pine rosin component melts, followed by cooling and adding optional other ingredients of the chewing gum base (e.g. fillers). However, conventionally the final mixing and adding other ingredients of the chewing gum composition takes place in a separate mixer.

[0055] Chewing gum and a method for its manufacture

[0056] The present invention also relates to a chewing gum, which comprises the chewing gum base composition according to the invention. Typically, the chewing gum comprises the chewing gum base composition in an amount, which is 20-45%, based on the weight of the chewing gum.

[0057] The chewing gum may also comprise other ingredients in addition to the chewing gum base composition. Typically said other ingredients are selected from xylitol and / or other polyols, rare sugars such as allulose and tagatose, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, vegetable extracts, vegetable powders, fruit extracts and powders, proteins, vitamins, minerals, caffeine, intensive sweeteners, stevia, proteins giving sweet taste, and combinations thereof.

[0058] The invention also relates to a method of preparing a chewing gum comprising glycerol ester of pine rosin and at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil. The chewing gum base composition according to the invention is admixed, optionally after curing, with other chewing gum ingredients selected from xylitol and / or other polyols, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, vegetable extracts, vitamins and minerals to obtain a chewing gum mass. The obtained chewing gum mass is formed to obtain chewing gum centers and then coating / panning the chewing gum centers to obtain the chewing gum.

[0059] In an embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, other ingredients of the chewing gum (e.g. polyol, lecithin) are added to the chewing gum base while mixing, followed by rolling and scoring. In the method illustrated in Fig. 1, panning (coating) takes place directly after rolling, scoring and cutting the mass into centers, although typically the chewing gum centers are allowed to temper or mature at a certain temperature and humidity before coating. Thus, the method of Figure 1 illustrates an accelerated method of chewing gum production.

[0060] Finally, the invention also relates to the use of pine rosin or glycerol ester of pine rosin together with at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil in the manufacture of a chewing gum base composition and a chewing gum, wherein the chewing gum base composition comprises glycerol ester of pine rosin in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the chewing gum base composition.

[0061] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0062] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Where reference is made to a numerical value using a term such as, for example, about or substantially, the exact numerical value is also disclosed.

[0063] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and / or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

[0064] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.EXPERIMENTAL

[0065] The following examples illustrate chewing gum base compositions and chewing gums according to the present invention. Unless otherwise stated herein or clear from the context, any percentages referred to herein are expressed as percent by weight based on a total weight of the respective composition. Unless otherwise stated, properties that have been experimentally measured or determined herein have been measured or determined at room temperature. Unless otherwise indicated, room temperature is 25 °C.

[0066] In the following examples, “pine rosin” refers to glycerol esters of pine rosin having an acid number of 2-12, a softening point of 80-88 °C (measured by Ring and Ball apparatus and method), and a Gardner color of 6-8 or paler (Gardner colour, 50 resin / 50 toluene).Example 1. Chewing gum base compositionA chewing gum base composition was prepared by heating a mixture comprising the pine rosin, coconut fat, rapeseed oil and glycerine to a temperature of 90 °C while stirring. When the pine rosin and the fat component had melted, the mixture was allowed to cool and talc was added with mixing.Example 2. Chewing gum base compositionA chewing gum base composition was prepared as described in Example 1, i.e. the pine rosin component, the fat component and glycerine were heated until the rosin and the fat component were melted, followed by adding the excipient (talc).Example 3. Chewing gum base compositionA chewing gum base composition was prepared by heating a mixture comprising pine rosin, hemicellulose from spruce, rapeseed oil, candelilla wax and sorbitol to a temperature of 90 °C while stirring. When the mixture had melted, it was allowed to cool and talc was added as an excipient.Example 4. Chewing gum base compositionA chewing gum base composition was prepared by heating a mixture comprising pine rosin, rapeseed oil, hydrogenated rapeseed oil and glycerine to a temperature of 90 °C while stirring. When the mixture had melted, it was allowed to cool and an excipient (talc) and a stabilizing agent (Arabid gum) were added while stirring.Example 5. Chewing gum base compositionA chewing gum base composition was prepared as described in Example 1, i.e. the pine rosin component, the fat component and glycerine were heated until the rosin and the fat component were melted, followed by adding the excipient (talc).Example 6. Chewing gum base compositionA chewing gum base composition was prepared by first heating pine rosin to 85-90 °C. Glycerine was added and mixed well with the melted pine rosin. Then, hydrogenated rapeseed oil was added. Fat melted and at the same time it cooled down the mixture. After that rapeseed oil and Arabic gum were added. The mixture was mixed well and cooled down until 70°C. After that talc was added. In this way, the mixture was easy to handle in the bigger scale-up.Example 7. Chewing gum base compositionFirst, pine rosin and glycerine were heated until all the rosin had melted. After that the fat (made by precision fermentation) was added. When the fat had melted, the rapeseed oil was added. Finally, the mixture was allowed to cool a bit before gum arabic and immediately after that talc were added.Example 8. Chewing gumA chewing gum comprising 20-45% of the chewing gum base composition according to Example 5 was prepared.Lecithin and xylitol (24-54% of the final chewing gum) are added to the gum base and mixed.After shaping, coating layer is added in a coating drum by stepwise adding a small amount of a coating solution and then drying the surface. This is continued until a nice and even surface is achieved. The coating solution contains polyol (about 70-75% of the solution), gum arabic (about 3-6% of the solution), flavour and optionally colour. The amount of coating layer in the final chewing gum may be about 15-30%, based on the weight of the chewing gum. The amount of the coating layer needed to obtain an acceptable visual appearance depends on the size and shape of the chewing gum.

[0067] Surprisingly, it was found that it is possible to produce chewing gums with an excellent structure, chewability and taste, when the chewing gum comprises a chewing gum base composition comprising or essentially consisting of a pine rosin component, a liquid (non-hydrogenated) vegetable oil as a fat component, at least one softener and optionally a filler. Prior to the present invention it has not been possible to provide structurally acceptable chewing gum bases, wherein the fat component comprises liquid vegetable oil(s). However, in the present invention, a combination of liquid vegetable oil(s)and a relatively high amount of the pine rosin component, in particular glycerol esters of pine rosin, in an amount of at least 50 wt% of the chewing gum base, together with at least one softener resulted in a good structure, which provided the final chewing gum with excellent chewability and taste.

[0068] As will be understood from the preceding description of the present invention and the illustrative experimental examples, the present invention can be described by reference to the following embodiments:1. A chewing gum base composition comprising:- a pine rosin component in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the chewing gum base composition, wherein the pine rosin component comprises pine rosin, glycerol esters of pine rosin or combinations thereof;- a fat component comprising at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and optionally at least one hydrogenated fat or wax; and- at least one softener.2. The chewing gum base composition according to embodiment 1, comprising the pine rosin component in an amount of 50-80%, such as 50-75%, typically 50-68%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition.3. The chewing gum base composition according to embodiment 1 or 2, comprising an amount of the non-hydrogenated vegetable oil(s), which is at least 1%, preferably at least 2%, typically 5-15%, such as about 10%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition.4. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising an amount of the fat component, which is 3-30%, typically 5- 25%, such as 5-20%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition.5. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil is selected from rapeseed oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, grape seed oil, rice bran oil, vegetable oils produced by precision fermentation, vegetable oils produced by cell culture technology, and combinations thereof, preferably from rapeseed oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, sunflower seed oil, vegetable oils produced by precision fermentation, and combinations thereof.6. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising an amount of softener(s), which is 0.5-20%, for example 5-20%, typically about 10%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition.7. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the softener is selected from glycerin, sorbitol, lecithin and combinations thereof.8. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising hydrogenated fat or wax, wherein the amount of the hydrogenated fat or wax is preferably 2-15 %, such as 3-10%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition.9. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the hydrogenated fat or wax is selected from hydrogenated vegetable oils, including hydrogenated vegetable oils produced by precision fermentation, cell culturing and / or through electrical photosynthesis, such as hydrogenated rapeseed oil; natural vegetable waxes or fats, such as coconut fat, cacao butter, shea butter, candelilla wax; vegetable waxes or fats produced by precision fermentation, cell culturing and / or through electrical photosynthesis; berry waxes obtained from side streams of berry industry; needle waxes obtained from side streams of wood industry; conifer needles obtained from forestry or from side streams of wood industry; and combinations thereof.10. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments comprising: a) 50-80%, such as 50-75%, typically 50-68%, of pine rosin, glycerol esters of pine rosin or combinations thereof, based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition; b) 1-15%, typically 2-15% preferably about 10% of at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition; and c) optionally 2-15%, such as 3-10%, of at least one hydrogenated fat or wax, based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition; d) 0.5-20%, such as 5-20%, preferably about 10% of softener(s), based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition; and e) optionally other ingredients accepted for use as additives in chewing gum base compositions to make up 100% by weight.11. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, which comprises edible additives selected from fillers, emulsifiers, stabilizing agents and antioxidants.12. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising at least one filler, preferably in an amount of 1-30% based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition, wherein the at least one filler is preferably selected from talc and calcium carbonate.13. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising at least one stabilizing agent, preferably in an amount of 0.1- 20% based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition.14. The chewing gum base composition according to embodiment 13, wherein the at least one stabilizing agent comprises Arabic gum or hemicellulose from spruce, preferably Arabic gum.15. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising 1-30 % fillers, 0.1-1% emulsifiers, 0.1-20% stabilizing agents and 0.01-0.03 % antioxidants, based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition.16. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments comprising antioxidants, preferably selected from vitamin C, tocopherols, butyl hydroxyl toluene and combinations thereof.17. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the chewing gum base composition is essentially plant-based and biodegradable.18. A method of preparing a chewing gum base composition comprising pine rosin and / or glycerol ester of pine rosin and at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, the method comprising: a) heating a pine rosin component comprising pine rosin, glycerol esters of pine rosin or combinations thereof at least to the melting point of the pine resin component, typically to 70-90 °C; b) adding a fat component comprising at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and optionally at least one hydrogenated fat or wax to the melted pine rosin component with mixing and heating; c) adding at least one softener to the mixture obtained in step b) with mixing and heating;d) optionally adding other ingredients accepted for use as additives in chewing gum base compositions, such as fillers, emulsifiers, stabilizing agents and antioxidants; and e) recovering the obtained chewing gum base composition or forwarding it to chewing gum production.19. The method according to embodiment 18, wherein the fat component comprises at least one hydrogenated fat or wax.20. The method according to embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the mixture obtained in step c) comprises 60-95% of the pine rosin component, 3-35% of the fat component and 1-25 % of the softener(s), based on the weight of the heated mixture.21. A chewing gum, comprising an amount of the chewing gum base composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, which is 20-45%, based on the weight of the chewing gum.22. The chewing gum according to embodiment 21, which comprises additional ingredients selected from xylitol and / or other polyols, rare sugars such as allulose and tagatose, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, vegetable extracts, vegetable powders, fruit extracts and powders, proteins, vitamins, minerals, caffeine, intensive sweeteners, stevia, proteins giving sweet taste, and combinations thereof.23. A method of preparing a chewing gum comprising pine rosin and / or glycerol ester of pine rosin and at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, the method comprising: a) providing a chewing gum base composition according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17 or preparing a chewing gum base composition according to any one of embodiments 18-20; b) admixing the chewing gum base composition, optionally after curing, with additional chewing gum ingredients selected from xylitol and / or other polyols, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, vegetable extracts, vitamins and minerals to obtain a chewing gum mass; c) forming the chewing gum mass to obtain chewing gum centers; and d) coating / panning the chewing gum centers to obtain the chewing gum.24. Use of pine rosin or glycerol esters of pine rosin in the manufacture of a chewing gum together with at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil.While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", that is, a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITYAt least some embodiments of the present invention find industrial application in food industry, in particular in confectionery industry.CITATION LISTPatent LiteratureDE 202021105327 U1EP 0494902 BlEP 3344058 AlGB 2448158 AUS 2007 / 042079 AlUS 2013 / 0052299 AlWO 2017204755 Al

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A chewing gum base composition comprising:- a pine rosin component in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the chewing gum base composition, wherein the pine rosin component comprises glycerol esters of pine rosin;- a fat component comprising at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and optionally at least one hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax; and- at least one softener.

2. The chewing gum base composition according to claim 1, comprising the pine rosin component in an amount of 50-80%, such as 50-75%, typically 50-68%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition.

3. The chewing gum base composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an amount of the non-hydrogenated vegetable oil(s), which is at least 1%, preferably at least 2%, typically 5-15%, such as about 10%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition.

4. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an amount of the fat component, which is 3-30%, typically 5-25%, such as 5- 20%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition.

5. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil is selected from rapeseed oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, grape seed oil, rice bran oil, vegetable oils produced by precision fermentation, vegetable oils produced by cell culture technology, and combinations thereof, preferably from rapeseed oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, sunflower seed oil, vegetable oils produced by precision fermentation, and combinations thereof.

6. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an amount of softener(s), which is 0.5-20%, for example 5-20%, typically about 10%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition.

7. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the softener is selected from glycerin, sorbitol, lecithin and combinations thereof.

8. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax, wherein the amount of the hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax is preferably 2-15 %, such as 3-10%, by weight of the chewing gum base composition.

9. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax is selected from hydrogenated vegetable oils, including hydrogenated vegetable oils produced by precision fermentation, cell culturing and / or through electrical photosynthesis, such as hydrogenated rapeseed oil; natural vegetable waxes or fats, such as coconut fat, cacao butter, shea butter, candelilla wax; vegetable waxes or fats produced by precision fermentation, cell culturing and / or through electrical photosynthesis; berry waxes obtained from side streams of berry industry; needle waxes obtained from side streams of wood industry; conifer needles obtained from forestry or from side streams of wood industry; and combinations thereof.

10. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims comprising: a) 50-80%, such as 50-75%, typically 50-68%, of pine rosin, glycerol esters of pine rosin or combinations thereof, based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition; b) 1-15%, typically 2-15% preferably about 10% of at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition; and c) optionally 2-15%, such as 3-10%, of at least one hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax, based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition; d) 0.5-20%, such as 5-20%, preferably about 10% of softener(s), based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition; and e) optionally other ingredients accepted for use as additives in chewing gum base compositions to make up 100% by weight.

11. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises edible additives selected from fillers, emulsifiers, stabilizing agents and antioxidants.

12. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one filler, preferably in an amount of 1-30% based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition, wherein the at least one filler is preferably selected from talc and calcium carbonate.

13. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one stabilizing agent, preferably in an amount of 0.1-20% based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition.

14. The chewing gum base composition according to claim 13, wherein the at least one stabilizing agent comprises Arabic gum or hemicellulose from spruce, preferably Arabic gum.

15. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising 1-30 % fillers, 0.1-1% emulsifiers, 0.1-20% stabilizing agents and 0.01-0.03 % antioxidants, based on the weight of the chewing gum base composition.

16. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims comprising antioxidants, preferably selected from vitamin C, tocopherols, butyl hydroxyl toluene and combinations thereof.

17. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chewing gum base composition is essentially plant-based and biodegradable.

18. The chewing gum base composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chewing gum base composition is free of petroleum-based ingredients.

19. A method of preparing a chewing gum base composition comprising glycerol ester of pine rosin and at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, the method comprising:a) heating a pine rosin component comprising glycerol esters of pine rosin at least to the melting point of the pine resin component, typically to 70-90 °C; b) adding a fat component comprising at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and optionally at least one hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax to the melted pine rosin component with mixing and heating; c) adding at least one softener to the mixture obtained in step b) with mixing and heating; d) optionally adding other ingredients accepted for use as additives in chewing gum base compositions, such as fillers, emulsifiers, stabilizing agents and antioxidants; and e) recovering the obtained chewing gum base composition or forwarding it to chewing gum production.

20. A method of preparing a chewing gum base composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising the steps of a) heating the pine rosin component comprising glycerol esters of pine rosin at least to the melting point of the pine resin component, typically to 70-90 °C; b) adding at least one softener to the pine rosin component; c) optionally adding the hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax; d) adding the at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil; e) optionally adding other ingredients accepted for use as additives in chewing gum base compositions, such as fillers, emulsifiers, stabilizing agents and antioxidants; f) recovering the obtained chewing gum base composition or forwarding it to chewing gum production.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein steps a) and b) are performed simultaneously.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein at least one hydrogenated vegetable fat or wax is included in the chewing gum base composition.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the mixture comprising the pine rosin, the softener(s), the non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and the optionalvegetable fat or wax comprises 60-95% of the pine rosin component, 3-35% of the fat component and 1-25 % of the softener(s), based on the weight of the heated mixture.

24. A chewing gum, comprising an amount of the chewing gum base composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18, which is 20-45%, based on the weight of the chewing gum.

25. The chewing gum according to claim 24, which comprises additional ingredients selected from xylitol and / or other polyols, rare sugars such as allulose and tagatose, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, vegetable extracts, vegetable powders, fruit extracts and powders, proteins, vitamins, minerals, caffeine, intensive sweeteners, stevia, proteins giving sweet taste, and combinations thereof.

26. A method of preparing a chewing gum comprising glycerol ester of pine rosin and at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, the method comprising: a) providing a chewing gum base composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or preparing a chewing gum base composition according to any one of claims 19-23; b) admixing the chewing gum base composition, optionally after curing, with additional chewing gum ingredients selected from xylitol and / or other polyols, emulsifiers, colorants, flavors, vegetable extracts, vitamins and minerals to obtain a chewing gum mass; c) forming the chewing gum mass to obtain chewing gum centers; and d) coating / panning the chewing gum centers to obtain the chewing gum.

27. Use of glycerol esters of pine rosin and at least one non-hydrogenated vegetable oil in the manufacture of a chewing gum base composition and a chewing gum, wherein the chewing gum base composition comprises glycerol esters of pine rosin in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the chewing gum base composition.

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