Caffeinated Gummy Composition with Fruit Extract Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caffeinated energy drinks provide inconsistent caffeine absorption, leading to energy highs and lows, and are high in sugar and artificial sweeteners, making them unhealthy and impractical for individual caffeine needs.
Innovation Solution
A gummy composition containing 0.15-2 wt% caffeine, fruit juice or extract, and optional vitamins, formulated to provide a higher caffeine content per piece without using artificial sweeteners or high sugar levels, using gelating agents like gelatin or pectin to create a chewable, portable product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If higher caffeine content is added to mask bitterness, then organoleptic properties deteriorate, but if artificial sweeteners are used to mask bitterness, then healthfulness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses natural fruit extracts as intermediary substances to mask the bitter taste of caffeine. These fruit extracts serve as a healthy mediator that provides sweetness and flavor without requiring artificial sweeteners or excessive sugar, thus resolving the contradiction between masking bitterness and maintaining healthfulness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the caffeine content parameter within a specific range (0.15-2 wt%) to achieve the desired effect without excessive bitterness. By carefully controlling this parameter and combining it with fruit extracts, the formulation masks bitterness while avoiding the need for harmful additives
2Speed
If caffeine is provided in liquid form, then absorption speed improves, but caffeine intake control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the caffeine delivery into discrete solid gummy units, each containing a controlled amount of caffeine. This segmentation allows consumers to control their intake by selecting specific numbers of gummies, while the solid form enables rapid absorption through the oral mucosa similar to liquid forms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the liquid delivery system with a solid gummy system that achieves similar absorption characteristics. The solid gummy form factor allows for rapid dissolution and absorption in the oral cavity, substituting the mechanical advantage of liquid forms while gaining the dosing control benefits of solid forms
3Ease of operation
If standard size energy drinks are consumed, then convenience improves, but individual caffeine needs are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total caffeine content into multiple individual gummy units, allowing consumers to easily adjust their intake by consuming different numbers of gummies. This maintains the convenience of a ready-to-use product while providing adaptability to individual needs, unlike fixed-size energy drinks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic dosing system where the number of gummies consumed can be flexibly adjusted based on individual requirements. This dynamic approach allows the same product format to serve different caffeine needs, whereas standard energy drinks offer only a fixed dose
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The gummy composition offers a rapid and sustained caffeine absorption, reducing energy fluctuations and sugar intake, while being portable and healthier than traditional energy drinks, with a lower calorie-to-caffeine ratio and absence of artificial additives.
Implementation Method 1
as it is chewed the caffeine is absorbed through the lining of the cheeks and the tissues in the mouth more rapidly and efficiently than through the GI tract
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are gummy compositions and products. In one aspect the gummy compositions include:(I) one or more gelating agents;(II) at least one fruit juice and/or fruit extract; and(III) 0.15-2 wt % caffeine.In a further aspect the invention provides a gummy composition comprising:(I) one or more gelating agents;(II) at least one fruit juice and/or fruit extract;(III) at least one vitamin; and(IV) 0.15-2 wt % caffeine.Also described herein are gummy products composed of the gummy compositions as well as methods of making and using the gummy compositions.